An issue of bad taste
06-04-26 | 07:08 PM
#1
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An issue of bad taste
I know my bike looks ridiculous, it's a cheap beater single speed turned into a fixie using stuff from the parts bin and from ripping parts off a vintage bike that's seen better days. I clearly don't have an eye for style but at this point I feel like the only way forward is making it so stupid it looks cool. Any.thoughts on what to add/change? My only stipulation is any modifications must be cheap. The only plan at the moment is giving it a spray paint job either doing individual components separate bold colors or going the Jackson Pollock route.
06-05-26 | 12:30 PM
#2
Veteran Racer
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 11,866
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From: Ciudad de Vacas, Tejas
Bikes: 34 frames + 82 wheels
Other than that frame being way too small for you and the quill stem not being inserted enough, it doesn’t look at all ridiculous to me. In fact, it looks very sensible and practical. If it were me, I’d just sticker bomb it and call it a day.
06-05-26 | 12:36 PM
#3
^^^ Pay attention about the stem being too high. My instant thought seeing your picture: I remember all the times I made casual decisions that I lived to regret bitterly. This looks like one of those.
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You are always the same age inside.---Gertrude Stein
My aluminum bikes: Light, strong, cheap, and comfy.
You are always the same age inside.---Gertrude Stein
My aluminum bikes: Light, strong, cheap, and comfy.
06-05-26 | 02:01 PM
#4
Bike Sorceress
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,244
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From: MPLS
Bikes: Yes
Yeah, that stem at that height is not safe. If you want your bars that high, a stem that angles upward will do it safely, and also could give it a bit more of that "so stupid it looks cool" vibe.
06-05-26 | 05:21 PM
#5
It's the little things
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 989
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From: Chicagoland
Bikes: Too many, yet not enough
As others have said, that stem is not safe.
Move your saddle forward in the rails (it's all the way back) to help this a little. It will help to even out your fit.
I personally wouldn't invest too much in a frame that doesn't fit. Look for a replacement that fits better and swap over the parts to the better fitting frame.
My $0.02
Move your saddle forward in the rails (it's all the way back) to help this a little. It will help to even out your fit.
I personally wouldn't invest too much in a frame that doesn't fit. Look for a replacement that fits better and swap over the parts to the better fitting frame.
My $0.02
06-05-26 | 08:33 PM
#6
Clark W. Griswold
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 18,447
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From: ,location, location
Bikes: Foundry Chilkoot Ti W/Ultegra Di2, Salsa Timberjack Ti, Cinelli Mash Work RandoCross Fun Time Machine, 1x9 XT Parts Hybrid, Co-Motion Cascadia, Specialized Langster, Phil Wood Apple VeloXS Frame (w/DA 7400), R+M Supercharger2 Rohloff, Habanero Ti 26
+5 on the stem being dangerous. I would also agree the bike is the wrong size for you if you need to ride it like you currently have it. The bike would be fine (properly adjusted) as is. The lights are in the wrong spots and could be a safety issue but in the end the height of that stem is more concerning.
06-05-26 | 09:20 PM
#7
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+5 on the stem being dangerous. I would also agree the bike is the wrong size for you if you need to ride it like you currently have it. The bike would be fine (properly adjusted) as is. The lights are in the wrong spots and could be a safety issue but in the end the height of that stem is more concerning.
06-06-26 | 05:24 AM
#8
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 2,052
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From: "Driftless" WI
Bikes: 1972 Motobecane Grand Record, 2023 Specialized Tarmac SL7,'26 Spesh Diverge, '22 Kona Dew+
I'd prolly stickerbomb it as TT's suggested, after finding and fitting a safer, proper stem.
__________________
"I understood and accepted that I would never be happy, and that instead of pursuing happiness I would try to see what was holy in things, and that this would take great effort and it would be daunting, as holiness is a window that gives out into what lies beyond all destinations."
Mark Helprin Elegy in Blue (p. 148)
"I understood and accepted that I would never be happy, and that instead of pursuing happiness I would try to see what was holy in things, and that this would take great effort and it would be daunting, as holiness is a window that gives out into what lies beyond all destinations."
Mark Helprin Elegy in Blue (p. 148)
