First Bike Build, Single Speed
 

So, I saw this Raleigh frame for sale, it was in my size so I figured it might make an ok bike to ride to school. So I started shopping and deciding what to do to it, I decided on a flip flop, and that my main focus was going to be single speed to start and then try out fixed gear. My LBS sourced me a crank and cogs as well as a lock ring and a bottom bracket. I picked up some track wheels online:

http://flybikeshop.com/merchant/1517...arge/71511.jpg

and some other parts from a forum member 55/Rad-
Dia Compe Brake Levers, Ritchey Pro bullhorns and a 3t quill that has a gorgeous smokey tint

(Pic courtesy of 55/Rad)

http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/4476/g3eu8.jpg

It does not have the elk hide bar wrap as pictured ill be doing something a little different.

I Picked up some Tektro Long Reach brakes as well.

http://harriscyclery.net/merchant/37...rge/brc383.jpg

and a 105 Headset

http://harriscyclery.net/merchant/37...rge/HD8456.jpg

and some MKS Flat Pedals with toe clips

http://harriscyclery.net/merchant/37...s-syl-road.jpg

I still have to figure out what saddle and post to go with, i believe my post diameter is 26mm but i cant really find much so any input would help.

Here are pictures of the frame, I'm not sure on the year, but I believe its a Raliegh Marathon, I got new decals on the way, I'm trying to decide if I should sand it down and respray and then sticker it, then clear coat it. Any input will help, thanks for looking!

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w...u/DSC_0633.jpg
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w...u/DSC_0636.jpg
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w...u/DSC_0634.jpg

That frame is beautiful. If the paint is somewhat decent with only a few minor chips and scratches, I would keep it. Rattle-can spray paint is a messy job and will most likely result in something entirely dissatisfying. Perhaps you can buff out some of the nicks and then have a shop spray a fresh (professional-grade) clear coat on it.

Great picture thread, by the way, and I can't wait to see the building process!

Thanks a lot, ill keep this thread updated!

woot! in for more. looks like the start of an awesome build

finally another build thread that has photos! stoked!

haha thanks guys, as for more photos, here are some of the stickers that i got, havent really decided if i wanna put them on, and if so which ones, but i figured it would look cool with some.

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w...cru/f5f9_1.jpg

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w...cru/f61a_1.jpg

when i got the frame, the stickers were already removed, but you can see that the clear coat was so old that they just peeled it away from the clear

I doubt it was clear coated. My understanding is that clear coat is mostly a new process that came in to being as a way to have a good finish with environmentally freindly (low VOC) paints.

None the less - that looks like one of the top or near top of the line Raleigh frames - Likely 531 DB. I look forward to seeing the final product!

Rick

where did you find your decal sets? i was thinking about getting some fuji decals, but havent really found any yet.

Oh thanks for the info rick, and hockdub, i found those decals on ebay, of course, haha.

for sure, i figured thats what you might say. hah. might have to do something with my friends vinyl cutter. did you get your wheelset from flybikes?

yeah i did, they actually called me today and said a new set of wheels was gonna be coming in, the set they had in had a scratch in the brake surface, so they should be shipping soon, i figured it was a pretty good price, and i liked the black wheels, ill let everyone know how they ride

i went through them because they are in denver, close to where i live. took me a while to get them from them, lets just say they are kind of crappy to deal with. you may have a better experience than i, but hey, ive heard that they provide crappy service from time to time. wheels look good, flybikes does have good prices though.

yeah, we shall see, but i think im going to get a honey colored brooks saddle and do gold bar tape to play with the frame sticker color, and it looks like just about everything for this conversions on the way! Ill post more pictures as the parts actually show up.

woot beautiful frame, u sure u wanna decal it?

I'm still not sure if I am or not, I guess ill decide when the decals get here and im able to see how they look

The wheels look great, what brand are they? Are they from an online store?

Yeah they are from an online store,

The Price was $165 here is a link
http://flybikeshop.com/itemdetails.cfm?id=433

they have an ebay store with tons of other wheels too. some that are not listed on their site.

eBay and BF member jrestore can help you.

Its gonna be killer! More pics pleez! :)

those bullhorns are sweet!

Thanks for all the positive feedback, I'm used to car forums so posting pictures of everything is a must haha. I might just throw on my ksyriums and see how the frame works as a rolling bike haha. If i do, ill post pictures

I was just gonna say. That dark matte grey is ultra sex. :love:

Ok so i stepped outside and threw these wheels on and make it look as good as i could with a 9 speed cassette on the other side lol, but I'm excited after just seeing a wheelset on it.

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w...u/DSC_0641.jpg
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w...u/DSC_0640.jpg

Oh, and I need help choosing a saddle, i have an old black San Marco that I might just put on there for now, but I was considering a Honey colored brooks but idk how it would look.