I'm in a conundrum...
04-14-05 | 08:49 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Go fast, turn left...
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: Medford, MA
I'm in a conundrum...
Hi all -
A little background...
I've been running a SS mountain bike conversion for over a year, but I really wasn't happy with it for my commuting needs (sorry old friend, it's not you, it's me...). I really wanted a faster, less upright ride. But my road bike was a) too likely to get stolen by school, b) a little too wussy/harsh to handle the Boston roads and c) had too many gears, since I really liked single-speed for commuting. So I started looking for bikes that fit the bill. Just a few days ago, I had narrowed it down to two IRO's, the Mark V and the Rob Roy (whenever it finally comes out!); I figured I'd run them fixed/free to get into fixed riding too.
Then I went on eBay, and noticed a used Bianchi Veloce framset for sale, Chorus BB, headset, stem, seatpost, 105 brakes & levers for $350. I've always drooled over the celeste Bianchi's, this one is in my area so I wouldn't even have to have it shipped, and I could STILL buy my wheelset from Tony at IRO to support a good small business.
Should I do it? Is it fate? The only thing I'm slightly nervous about is getting the chainline right with a 102mm BB...
A little background...
I've been running a SS mountain bike conversion for over a year, but I really wasn't happy with it for my commuting needs (sorry old friend, it's not you, it's me...). I really wanted a faster, less upright ride. But my road bike was a) too likely to get stolen by school, b) a little too wussy/harsh to handle the Boston roads and c) had too many gears, since I really liked single-speed for commuting. So I started looking for bikes that fit the bill. Just a few days ago, I had narrowed it down to two IRO's, the Mark V and the Rob Roy (whenever it finally comes out!); I figured I'd run them fixed/free to get into fixed riding too.
Then I went on eBay, and noticed a used Bianchi Veloce framset for sale, Chorus BB, headset, stem, seatpost, 105 brakes & levers for $350. I've always drooled over the celeste Bianchi's, this one is in my area so I wouldn't even have to have it shipped, and I could STILL buy my wheelset from Tony at IRO to support a good small business.
Should I do it? Is it fate? The only thing I'm slightly nervous about is getting the chainline right with a 102mm BB...
04-14-05 | 08:53 AM
#2
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 6,357
Likes: 167
From: Sacramento CA
Bikes: Too Many
Does the bianchi have horiz dropouts? Watch out, that green is also noticed by bike thieves.
__________________
I'm not one for fawning over bicycles, but I do believe that our bikes communicate with us, and what this bike is saying is, "You're an idiot." BikeSnobNYC
I'm not one for fawning over bicycles, but I do believe that our bikes communicate with us, and what this bike is saying is, "You're an idiot." BikeSnobNYC
04-14-05 | 08:57 AM
#3
Thread Starter
Go fast, turn left...
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: Medford, MA
Originally Posted by Cynikal
Does the bianchi have horiz dropouts? Watch out, that green is also noticed by bike thieves.
It doesn't, but I was planning on working with the gear ratios to find one that allows me to run without needing extra tension. I used a site online to determine equivalent gear ratios when I set up my SS so that I didn't need a tensioner....
04-14-05 | 08:59 AM
#4
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 6,357
Likes: 167
From: Sacramento CA
Bikes: Too Many
Just wanted to make sure you knew what you are getting into...sounds like you are on the right path.
__________________
I'm not one for fawning over bicycles, but I do believe that our bikes communicate with us, and what this bike is saying is, "You're an idiot." BikeSnobNYC
I'm not one for fawning over bicycles, but I do believe that our bikes communicate with us, and what this bike is saying is, "You're an idiot." BikeSnobNYC
04-14-05 | 12:35 PM
#5
Banned.
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 4,416
Likes: 1
Originally Posted by Essy
It doesn't, but I was planning on working with the gear ratios to find one that allows me to run without needing extra tension. I used a site online to determine equivalent gear ratios when I set up my SS so that I didn't need a tensioner....
04-14-05 | 01:20 PM
#6
dead mileage
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 480
Likes: 0
From: London U.K.
Bikes: GT Mtnbike, PaulMilnes Trackbike
Any of the newer sub-chorus double cranks from campy get a very decent chainline using the 102mm BB.
Im using the cheapest campy xenon cranks with a record BB and the chainline is off by just a millimeter.
As for the magic gear-combo, once your chain wears a bit (stretches) then youll have a sloppy, sagging chain with no way of tightening it, without dropout/axle alterations. Sheldon Brown suggests a few decent options.
Or go for an ENO hub and all will be good.
Im using the cheapest campy xenon cranks with a record BB and the chainline is off by just a millimeter.
As for the magic gear-combo, once your chain wears a bit (stretches) then youll have a sloppy, sagging chain with no way of tightening it, without dropout/axle alterations. Sheldon Brown suggests a few decent options.
Or go for an ENO hub and all will be good.
04-14-05 | 03:56 PM
#7
Spoked to Death
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,335
Likes: 1
From: Boulder, CO
Bikes: Salsa La Cruz w/ Alfine 8, Specialized Fuse Pro 27.5+, Surly 1x1
The ENO eccentric hub seems like the most elegant solution, and since you are planning on buying a wheelset anyway, it wouldn't add much to the cost. If you already had wheels ready to go, then the ENO wouldn't make as much sense... Look into it, since it will make your chain life much easier.
peace,
sam
peace,
sam
