I got this VolksCycle frame and cleaned it up but I think it is made very cheaply...the lugs look so bad (close ups near bottom) I love the color of the bike and the chrome cleaned up VERY well and I painted silver around the lugs...I'd need a new bb too since these are cottered cranks...although this bike is made in japan so everything I hear is pretty standard.opinions?

Amateur lug work!!! or just terrible job!
http://img71.imageshack.us/img71/1112/ul6ik.jpg
http://img71.imageshack.us/img71/5472/ul29oh.jpg
http://img39.imageshack.us/img39/4050/ul36yd.jpg

no. junk

go for it, if you want just a cheap, around the town, dont give a **** bike. It would make a good beater/commuter, I think. Worst case scenario, if the frame doesnt work out, you can always move parts over to another one.

I say do it if it fits you. Anybody realize how many people choose a frame based on brand or what they have heard without a clue why?

can anyone tell me why the lugs are like this?? The bike has a serial number of 807411 and came with shimano parts...I don't get it.

i wouldn't put much money into it. if you already have a decent set of wheels around, it would make a decent around town bike. build projects have a tendency to get more expensive than you budget quickly, though.

Why would you bother? Your Motobecane is nicer than the Volks will ever be.

I would hold out for something better. At the very least, don't put much money into it, unless it's for parts that can be moved to a nicer frame.

That looks almost exactly like my ride. It rides nicely, built up to be around 25lbs w/ fenders and pedals. Its an Azuki, but I wouldn't be surprised if it came from the same factory as the Volks.

If you already have most/all the parts necessary to make the transformation, then fix it up. If not, I'd wait for a better frame to come along...

man from far back its a reallllllllly nice looking frame, but yeah up close, not so much

The lugs look bad because it is a cheap, bottom end bike.

The presence of shimano parts does not indicate quality.

Shimano makes a very wide spectrum of parts, from the stamped derailleurs you see on walmart bikes to the durace 10 stuff you see lance riding...

Do it. Even if it's cheap, it's got an old-style coolness to it. You've got most of what you need right there already-- just get some cheap / used wheels, cog, lockring, etc. Hell, make it a bumbike for the bars...

funny thing is that this bike came with dura ace parts

Heres mine for some inspiration.

and umm...cottered cranks?

can you do a close up of the lugs?

Not sure if all were...cranks definately not.

If this thing really came built out with DA, it might be worth asking about over in classic & vintage - the people there are more likely to know what they're talking about when it comes to old road frames.

can you take pictures of the old parts? i'm curious.

paint can be changed, lugs can't.... you don't seem to like it. so don't use it. you don't need us to tell you.

I can't see what is so "wrong" with the lug work. I mean, it isn't lug shot of the day matterial, but...so what

that's a steel frame, and I would judge (based on my inexperience, but common sense) that there is nothing wrong with it and that you should ride it to see how you feel about it

of course it is 'worth' turning into a fixie

I'd build it as my "If it gets stolen who cares bike"

Perfect opportunity to experiment with your loc-tite application technique.

There is no bike that I could build that I wouldn't care if it got stolen.