starting my conversion: basics
#1
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starting my conversion: basics
like the title says, im planning on starting my conversion soon (SS). what are some things to look out for. what products do you recommend. i want to paint my frame, should i do that before or after i get parts? what should i look for in a saddle/wheels...info like this would be great...thnx
#2
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fixed / ss road bikes: what to look for
- bikes that use standard, easily-scrounged parts are best-- as opposed to odd bottom bracket or post sizes
- the higher the bottom bracket shell, the better.
- long "horizontal" dropouts.
- avoid stamped dropouts when possible. solid, forged = good.
- "three piece" aluminum cranks, preferably 170mm or less, with removable chainrings (some 70s designs have the large ring integrated)
- functional headset (though a rough one might just need grease and new bearings)
- aluminum road bars: ripe for flip-n-chop bullhorns!
- at least one salvagable brake and lever.
- don't underestimate the importance of choosing the right SIZE frame.
wheels:
- 700c clinchers = more tire options
- aluminum beats steel
- sealed bearings "r" awesome
- solid / bolt-on axles are ideal, but usually not essential
- get a mechanic to redish the rear wheel for a good chainline
- remove freewheel w/ chainwhip
- loctite fixed cog and bottom bracket lockring OR
- simply thread on a BMX freewheel....
- bikes that use standard, easily-scrounged parts are best-- as opposed to odd bottom bracket or post sizes
- the higher the bottom bracket shell, the better.
- long "horizontal" dropouts.
- avoid stamped dropouts when possible. solid, forged = good.
- "three piece" aluminum cranks, preferably 170mm or less, with removable chainrings (some 70s designs have the large ring integrated)
- functional headset (though a rough one might just need grease and new bearings)
- aluminum road bars: ripe for flip-n-chop bullhorns!
- at least one salvagable brake and lever.
- don't underestimate the importance of choosing the right SIZE frame.
wheels:
- 700c clinchers = more tire options
- aluminum beats steel
- sealed bearings "r" awesome
- solid / bolt-on axles are ideal, but usually not essential
- get a mechanic to redish the rear wheel for a good chainline
- remove freewheel w/ chainwhip
- loctite fixed cog and bottom bracket lockring OR
- simply thread on a BMX freewheel....
#3
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You forgot the most important one:
https://www.sheldonbrown.com
https://www.sheldonbrown.com
__________________
I'd rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy.
Sintesi Conversion Serotta Track
I'd rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy.
Sintesi Conversion Serotta Track
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Here's my first. love it, ride it to and from work every day in ny.
And here's a link to a way to long description of how it went (perfect for workplace internet diversion):
https://www.jaycokingpin.com/singlefix.pdf
And here's a link to a way to long description of how it went (perfect for workplace internet diversion):
https://www.jaycokingpin.com/singlefix.pdf
#5
jack of one or two trades
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Also: cottered cranks suck to deal with unless it is a super-beater. Then just leave them on.
#6
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Avoidnot impossible, but just easier and better options)
27" if you want to go upgrade to 700C's
ANYTHING FRENCH, DUTCH, or Belgium
Vertical dropouts
knackered headsets and/or bottom brackets
One piece cranks
cotter cranks
stuck seat posts
stuck stems
other notes:
Just because it is Italian named
1. doesn't mean it was made in Italy
2. even if it were made in Italy, that it is not a POS
read the sticky on this subject
27" if you want to go upgrade to 700C's
ANYTHING FRENCH, DUTCH, or Belgium
Vertical dropouts
knackered headsets and/or bottom brackets
One piece cranks
cotter cranks
stuck seat posts
stuck stems
other notes:
Just because it is Italian named
1. doesn't mean it was made in Italy
2. even if it were made in Italy, that it is not a POS
read the sticky on this subject
#7
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Spend your money wisely:
dropping $ on a paint job
vs.
buying a better frame to start with
better drive train
wheels
????
dropping $ on a paint job
vs.
buying a better frame to start with
better drive train
wheels
????
#9
jack of one or two trades
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Originally Posted by trashalicious
n00b question, but how do i tell if my cranks are ... integrated?
That hole that runs perpendicular to the spindle hole is the giveaway. It is plugged with a metal peg called a cotter. Hence the name.
one-piece (ashtabula) crank:
If it doesn't look like you can remove the crank from the BB without a saw, it's a one-piece. Easy to deal with, but generally crappy.
#10
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Originally Posted by trashalicious
n00b question, but how do i tell if my cranks are 3 piece or integrated?