The problem with free frames.
#1
The problem with free frames.
So this roadie who lives near my friend threw out a frame the other day.
Rather than let it sit out on the curb I decided to take it home and do something with it.
So after biking home with the damn thing hanging on my shoulders, I come to find it has vertical dropouts.
Needless to say I was peaved.
However it has a super nice Campagnolo bottom bracket.
So, sell it and get a suitable frame for conversion?
Rather than let it sit out on the curb I decided to take it home and do something with it.
So after biking home with the damn thing hanging on my shoulders, I come to find it has vertical dropouts.
Needless to say I was peaved.
However it has a super nice Campagnolo bottom bracket.
So, sell it and get a suitable frame for conversion?
#2
Banned.
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,021
Likes: 1
From: on the moon
Bikes: Cinelli Mash
try putting a wheel and chain on it. you might get lucky and it'll work. or if its close, file teh dropouts a bit. that's what i did with my old MTB frame when i converted it to single speed
#14
jack of one or two trades
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 5,640
Likes: 0
From: Suburbia, CT
Bikes: Old-ass gearie hardtail MTB, fix-converted Centurion LeMans commuter, SS hardtail monster MTB
#16
foo? bar!
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Helsinki, Finland
vertical dropout "conversion"
I modified my MTB's vertical dropout slightly to allow for tensioning the chain. I would not recommend this for fixed gear, but I've tested this on single speed.
Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomm...7604897079471/
cheers,
J
Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomm...7604897079471/
cheers,
J
#18
I modified my MTB's vertical dropout slightly to allow for tensioning the chain. I would not recommend this for fixed gear, but I've tested this on single speed.
Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomm...7604897079471/
cheers,
J
Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomm...7604897079471/
cheers,
J
#21
Yup

Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,083
Likes: 6
From: where the sunbeams end and the starlight begins
Bikes: Kona Unit, planet X cx bike, khs fixed gear
I did that. Frame=free, wheel=$200 + 6 Moosehead.
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And then tomorrow's dreams
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#22
sneeuwpret
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 198
Likes: 0
From: South of Madison
Bikes: lots
Yeah... make sure you give it a good look over. There are exceptions, but you usually get what you pay for, and it could have been on the curb for good reason.
If it is good, ENOs are golden. I see nothing wrong with putting $$ into a good wheelset. You got the frame for free! My backup road bike is a $35 thrift store Sekai with $250 Mavic Ksyriums, and I love it. I don't think people realize what a difference wheels make. Occasionally I would have customers try the same road bike with Alex/Formula, then Mavic Ksyriums, then Rolfs, then Shimano 550s, and maybe some handbuilts if we had any around. In each case, it is like riding a completely different bike. If they are looking to spend the $$, then pull out carbon wheels and start having some real fun...
If it is good, ENOs are golden. I see nothing wrong with putting $$ into a good wheelset. You got the frame for free! My backup road bike is a $35 thrift store Sekai with $250 Mavic Ksyriums, and I love it. I don't think people realize what a difference wheels make. Occasionally I would have customers try the same road bike with Alex/Formula, then Mavic Ksyriums, then Rolfs, then Shimano 550s, and maybe some handbuilts if we had any around. In each case, it is like riding a completely different bike. If they are looking to spend the $$, then pull out carbon wheels and start having some real fun...
#23
I have a single speed and an old Schwinn ten-speed.
I really want do a fixed build though, so this frame is no good for me.
As for brand it's a Decathlon. Never heard of it before, but then I'm not some bike company trivia nut.
It looks to be in pretty good shape, not even a scratch on it, much less any signs of major damage.
I'm thinking I'll just get rid of it and find a better frame, I might even be able to come out of it ahead if I can get someone to buy it.
I really want do a fixed build though, so this frame is no good for me.
As for brand it's a Decathlon. Never heard of it before, but then I'm not some bike company trivia nut.
It looks to be in pretty good shape, not even a scratch on it, much less any signs of major damage.
I'm thinking I'll just get rid of it and find a better frame, I might even be able to come out of it ahead if I can get someone to buy it.
#24
#25
foo? bar!
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Helsinki, Finland
decathlon bikes
Decathlon is a French sports goods supermarket - they do a lot of own brand stuff. I've got a pair of their own brand SPD pedals that are decent enough for the price (half compared to Shimano stuff).
Their UK site: https://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/
Never actually ridden a Decathlon bike, but they do a whole range - from full carbon beauties to supermarket quality carbon steel heavyasf*ck tanks. Soo... I'd say if the brand doesn't put you off and if its a nice frame I'd go for it.
J
Their UK site: https://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/
Never actually ridden a Decathlon bike, but they do a whole range - from full carbon beauties to supermarket quality carbon steel heavyasf*ck tanks. Soo... I'd say if the brand doesn't put you off and if its a nice frame I'd go for it.
J




It's probably still a blast to ride.
