AristoNYC

How to make this thing nice:
Premium Brew

like an idiot I left the F'er out in the rain/snow this season so its in need of a overhaul. I'm going to have the frame soda/sand-blasted & clearcoat over the raw frame.

Things I want to re-use: Frame, BB/Crank. Everything else is replaceable. I don't really have a budget but I'd prefer to keep it under $400 not including wheels [I'll be using the Wabi's]. I think the headset or fork got messed up from a couple of crashes I had.

Thinking a Nashbar carbon fork if the rake is right (which I don't know). Nashbar says its 43, how Do I tell what the PB needs (no info on Bikesdirect).
also, how do I tell what length I need the steerer to be without measuring the original fork? [nashbar has 160, 175, 200, 220, or 240mm lengths]

I'll need a new headset
I assume a crown race for the fork
1" quill [are they made with 31.8 diameter for the handlebars?]
27.2 seatpost

I painted the frame so it looks like this currently + rust:

TejanoTrackie 

1) Fork rake on PB is 43mm.
2) Quill stem is either 25.4mm or 26.0mm bar diameter.
3) Measure the fork from the top of the crown to the top of the headset to determine the fork steerer tube length that is required. Get the shortest steerer tube that is still longer than required and cut it to fit.

AristoNYC

Thanks.
So the Nashbar will work.
Are the threaded to threadless adapters any good or should I stay away?
I measured roughly 7 3/4" so the 200mm should do the trick.

TejanoTrackie 

I've never used one of those threadless adapters, so I can't say, but it seems like they would work ok.

Scrodzilla

Why not just buy a 1" threadless fork?

AristoNYC

Because im stupid and didn't realize that was an option. I guess I just need to get a proper threadless headset then.

steve-in-kville 

I am also looking for a 1" threadless fork but there don't seem to be many steel ones out there. What options are there?


And on the threadless adapter: I use one and no complaints so far. Can't remember the brand, though.

AristoNYC

for 1" threadless so far I've found two for $90. A black or chrome Kilo fork from Bikeisland or the carbon one from Nashbar.

steve-in-kville 

Just found the Surly Steamroller for about $95....

JamesCraps

straight-blade lugged fork | Retrogression

AristoNYC

So I think I'll get the 1" nashbar carbon and this headset: IRD Techno Glide headset | Retrogression

europa

I've got one on the Hillbrick - I wound up with this because I specified threaded when she was being built, then fell in love with oversized, compact handlebars. They work fine. Not a problem, creak or shift. However, they are only a way of getting away with not using the correct bits (in this case, a threadless fork and headset) so if you can get it right at the start, you're probably better off.

AristoNYC

just got a price on the soda-blasting, $100.
Ordered the fork and seat post. Just waiting to hear back from Scrod about getting the headset I want in Black.

carleton

At the end of the day, you will have an upgraded Premium Brew...which isn't much.

Why not sell the bike as is and buy what you want? Or keep this bike as a "rain bike".

AristoNYC

Valid point.

I like the frame and I'm not too sure what I want. I really want just want a good steel frame with the ability to run a rear brake.

bmontgomery87

Raleigh Bicycles - Rush Hour

Kicking myself in the nuts for selling mine last week. It was a solid bike, especially for the price tag.

carleton

If you aren't sure what you want, then don't do anything till you are.