Townie build on the cheap
#1
Thread Starter
モㄥ工匕モ 爪モ爪乃モ尺
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,135
Likes: 0
From: LA San Gabriel, California
Bikes: Custom frame
Townie build on the cheap
Hey guys, im trying to convert my Kilo tt to a townie bike,

I've already set up the gear ratio for comfortable commuting, and im going single speed with two brakes this week. My question is, what are some good townie bars and a basket that will be good for this bike.
I have neard good things of the nitto bars, but those are quiet expensive, at my local bike shop they have velo orange bars, but they are 26.0 i believe, my current stem is 25.4
Also, i have heard about WALD baskets being able to do the job for light stuff. but! my question is clearnce issues, my 1st basket didnt fit because my clearance between tire and basket was all off. im thinking of getting a new stem that will help aid this issue.
any one know what wald basket i should try? i will be going to the LBS sunday to see what he says too

I've already set up the gear ratio for comfortable commuting, and im going single speed with two brakes this week. My question is, what are some good townie bars and a basket that will be good for this bike.
I have neard good things of the nitto bars, but those are quiet expensive, at my local bike shop they have velo orange bars, but they are 26.0 i believe, my current stem is 25.4
Also, i have heard about WALD baskets being able to do the job for light stuff. but! my question is clearnce issues, my 1st basket didnt fit because my clearance between tire and basket was all off. im thinking of getting a new stem that will help aid this issue.
any one know what wald basket i should try? i will be going to the LBS sunday to see what he says too
#3
Thread Starter
モㄥ工匕モ 爪モ爪乃モ尺
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,135
Likes: 0
From: LA San Gabriel, California
Bikes: Custom frame
I was definitely thinking of doing that, I have alot of bullhorns i dont use, i was considering cutting the ends off and flipping it, and making my own basket out of something i have at home- just gotta make a hook for the mounts.
#4
derpin'
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 401
Likes: 0
From: Cincinnati, OH
Bikes: 2014 Stainless Steel Firefly
What about an cheap older steel bike (trek, schwinn, etc)? you could get one and fix it how you want...
gears and a piece of mind locking it up would probably be nice on a townie commuter too, since you didnt spend a small fortune on it trying to get it to "look" a certain way.
you've already got a reasonably solid bike, why change it so drastically?
gears and a piece of mind locking it up would probably be nice on a townie commuter too, since you didnt spend a small fortune on it trying to get it to "look" a certain way.
you've already got a reasonably solid bike, why change it so drastically?
#6
Veteran Racer


Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 11,854
Likes: 913
From: Ciudad de Vacas, Tejas
Bikes: 34 frames + 80 wheels
#8
derpin'
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 401
Likes: 0
From: Cincinnati, OH
Bikes: 2014 Stainless Steel Firefly
#9
Couple of issues: that's a super tiny frame (47cm?) so the short head tube means you're going to need to either raise the stem to max height, and if that doesn't work, get a Nitto tallux stem from Rivendell bikes so you can get some space to fit a basket in there. I wouldn't recommend a handlebar that sweeps back because the handling will get super twitchy, especially with weight loaded on the front in a basket. You should go with a riser bar or maybe something like a VO Milano bar. For a WALD basket, I like the model # 139
...or you could slap one of these bad boys on your bike without changing a thing, and be done with it:
https://www.ridepdw.com/goods/cargo/takeout-basket
...or you could slap one of these bad boys on your bike without changing a thing, and be done with it:
https://www.ridepdw.com/goods/cargo/takeout-basket
#10
Industrial Designer
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 149
Likes: 1
From: Philadelphia, PA
Bikes: Panasonic '88 Dx3000, Specialized Hardrock ('06?)
only this will keep the build looking as clean as it does.
https://copenhagenparts.com/products/bike-porter
https://copenhagenparts.com/products/bike-porter
#12
THE STUFFED


Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12,671
Likes: 21
From: San Francisco, CA
Bikes: R. Sachs Simplicity; EAI Bareknuckle; Madone SLR9 Gen 8
only this will keep the build looking as clean as it does.
https://copenhagenparts.com/products/bike-porter
https://copenhagenparts.com/products/bike-porter






