building a touring bike, going for that "classic" look
06-13-11, 05:50 AM
#26
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Yeah A719 is my first choice, but a free A319 (36h) came along from an old roommate and the 105's came along for free from another friend. I still need to buy another rim, so maybe I'll go with an A719 rim for the rear wheel.
In terms of components, I have a touring crankset that came off a friends Aurora, and I still need to make a decision on deraillers, brakes, shifters, and rear drivetrain. Honestly I haven't researched it very much yet (which I'm sure is apparent to you all) because I just brought the frame home and I currently barely have enough money to put wheels and handlebars/stem/headset on it.
As I said before, I want to build a bike that will last the rest of my life. I understand the time and research necessary to put a bike together that can live up to those standards, so I'm willing to let it sit on the stand for 8 months while I figure this stuff out and gather the funds.
Since money isn't easy to come by right now, I would like to put a headset, stem, and post on it so that it at least looks like a bike. And then maybe I'll get around to building the wheelset by the end of the month.
The advice on the silver components is great. I can see how the multi-color look can look cheap on a touring bike. I appreciate all the images contributed by other posters too.
If anyone else has photos of their bike, please post them to give me more ideas! Especially if you have a black frame!
Beers
In terms of components, I have a touring crankset that came off a friends Aurora, and I still need to make a decision on deraillers, brakes, shifters, and rear drivetrain. Honestly I haven't researched it very much yet (which I'm sure is apparent to you all) because I just brought the frame home and I currently barely have enough money to put wheels and handlebars/stem/headset on it.
As I said before, I want to build a bike that will last the rest of my life. I understand the time and research necessary to put a bike together that can live up to those standards, so I'm willing to let it sit on the stand for 8 months while I figure this stuff out and gather the funds.
Since money isn't easy to come by right now, I would like to put a headset, stem, and post on it so that it at least looks like a bike. And then maybe I'll get around to building the wheelset by the end of the month.
The advice on the silver components is great. I can see how the multi-color look can look cheap on a touring bike. I appreciate all the images contributed by other posters too.
If anyone else has photos of their bike, please post them to give me more ideas! Especially if you have a black frame!
Beers
When it comes to components I prefere used 7 or 8 speed NOS or secondhand Shimano or Campagnolo MTB parts. Durable Wipperman Conex or Sram chain with a quick release link for easy access. No need for modern anorectic 9-11 speed road parts if you plan on doing some serious touring.
For the best racks get the Nitto Big Front & Rear Racks:
https://www.rivbike.com/products/show...k-nitto/20-075
https://www.rivbike.com/products/show...k-nitto/20-022
Hand brazed by loving and caring Japanese mothers i Tokyo. Lighter, stronger and with better attention to detail than both the welded Surly and Tubus Chinese made racks. Has a thicker gauge tubing that won't dent so easily when (not if!) falling over and nickel plated satin silver shine that, unlike powder coat, won't peal of. No gas holes either so less risk of internal corrosion. The rack most likely to last a "life time"!
Folks over att Rivendell made some nice "how to" videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcNlT8iPjuU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRvh2...eature=related
Mine fitted to a converted old mtb during a three week wet, cold, windy and wonderful trip to Nordkapp in Norway last summer
:
06-13-11, 06:54 AM
#27
Senior Member
Beers,
My Hunq has 11-34 9spd with 48-36-26 up front. I just rode the Michigan Mountain Mayhem last weekend and handled the most difficult climbs they had
https://simplecycle-marc.blogspot.com...-recovery.html
I like the setup a lot.
Marc
My Hunq has 11-34 9spd with 48-36-26 up front. I just rode the Michigan Mountain Mayhem last weekend and handled the most difficult climbs they had
https://simplecycle-marc.blogspot.com...-recovery.html
I like the setup a lot.
Marc
06-13-11, 07:01 AM
#28
Senior Member
06-13-11, 07:49 AM
#29
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A "classic" appearance for a black bike, to me, would be mostly silver components with tan (natural cork or leather) bar tape, skin wall or black tires, honey colored saddle, black or tan seat bag with natural leather straps. Here are some photos of my "classic" build Bob Jackson World Tour.
06-14-11, 09:42 AM
#30
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Nice bikes, but not tourers IMHO! Great for randonnering though. ; )
06-14-11, 03:53 PM
#32
Occasional poster
Wow!
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TroyM - bike riding, guitar playing, retired high school agriculture teacher and regular guy.
TroyM - bike riding, guitar playing, retired high school agriculture teacher and regular guy.
06-14-11, 06:47 PM
#33
Senior Member
Long story short, I'm now the owner of a brand new Surly Long Haul Trucker frame with 700c wheels. It's "midnight black" and has white lettering. I'm setting it up with Mavic a319 rims and 105 hubs. I'm going to try to put all dura-ace components on it as well.
I also have already purchased a black ritchey drop bar set and a Brooks B17 honey saddle.
Here's my question: I'm currently in the process of picking out a stem, headset, and seatpost. I want to do something cool with the colors and give the bike a "classic touring" feel/look. Do you guys have any ideas on what I should do with the colors for the stem, headset, and seat post?
I also have already purchased a black ritchey drop bar set and a Brooks B17 honey saddle.
Here's my question: I'm currently in the process of picking out a stem, headset, and seatpost. I want to do something cool with the colors and give the bike a "classic touring" feel/look. Do you guys have any ideas on what I should do with the colors for the stem, headset, and seat post?
I'm thinking about going for the cane creek 110 headset, which comes in black, red, silver, and blue. Ritchey makes headsets and seatposts in black, red, and white, and maybe some other colors.
06-14-11, 07:13 PM
#34
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Longest lasting and best looking fenders is the stainless Giles Berthoud.
When it comes to components I prefere used 7 or 8 speed NOS or secondhand Shimano or Campagnolo MTB parts. Durable Wipperman Conex or Sram chain with a quick release link for easy access. No need for modern anorectic 9-11 speed road parts if you plan on doing some serious touring.
For the best racks get the Nitto Big Front & Rear Racks:
https://www.rivbike.com/products/show...k-nitto/20-075
https://www.rivbike.com/products/show...k-nitto/20-022
Hand brazed by loving and caring Japanese mothers i Tokyo. Lighter, stronger and with better attention to detail than both the welded Surly and Tubus Chinese made racks. Has a thicker gauge tubing that won't dent so easily when (not if!) falling over and nickel plated satin silver shine that, unlike powder coat, won't peal of. No gas holes either so less risk of internal corrosion. The rack most likely to last a "life time"!
Folks over att Rivendell made some nice "how to" videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcNlT8iPjuU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRvh2...eature=related
Mine fitted to a converted old mtb during a three week wet, cold, windy and wonderful trip to Nordkapp in Norway last summer :
When it comes to components I prefere used 7 or 8 speed NOS or secondhand Shimano or Campagnolo MTB parts. Durable Wipperman Conex or Sram chain with a quick release link for easy access. No need for modern anorectic 9-11 speed road parts if you plan on doing some serious touring.
For the best racks get the Nitto Big Front & Rear Racks:
https://www.rivbike.com/products/show...k-nitto/20-075
https://www.rivbike.com/products/show...k-nitto/20-022
Hand brazed by loving and caring Japanese mothers i Tokyo. Lighter, stronger and with better attention to detail than both the welded Surly and Tubus Chinese made racks. Has a thicker gauge tubing that won't dent so easily when (not if!) falling over and nickel plated satin silver shine that, unlike powder coat, won't peal of. No gas holes either so less risk of internal corrosion. The rack most likely to last a "life time"!
Folks over att Rivendell made some nice "how to" videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcNlT8iPjuU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRvh2...eature=related
Mine fitted to a converted old mtb during a three week wet, cold, windy and wonderful trip to Nordkapp in Norway last summer
:
06-15-11, 05:42 AM
#35
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Thanks Charlie! The stunning scenery and friendly northmen made it all worth while!
06-15-11, 10:12 AM
#36
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Whaaaaat?
While I'm impressed with the OP's enthusiasm, I'm a bit disconcerted about the thought of a touring bike achieving a "classic look". A touring bike is a pack mule, not a show pony.
Component choice should be based on: durability, functionality, cost, repairability.
Before long, the bike will be sweated on, grimed up, clanked against, rain-soaked, tar spattered, and well loved. How it looked once will be a non-memory.
My advice to the OP is to read the suggestions you've received carefully. They were good:
- mountain components
- durable wheels
- low gearing (~20 gear inches up to ~95 or so)
- comfortable cockpit, saddle
- maintainable/repairable
Don't overlook brakes, either. Stopping a loaded bike on a descent takes excellent brakes, so make certain that you've done your research. I'm not familiar with your frame, so whether it has cantilever posts or recessed center-mount holes, you'll have to decide what gives you the safest stopping power.
Don't worry about how it looks now.
My two cents. PG
Component choice should be based on: durability, functionality, cost, repairability.
Before long, the bike will be sweated on, grimed up, clanked against, rain-soaked, tar spattered, and well loved. How it looked once will be a non-memory.
My advice to the OP is to read the suggestions you've received carefully. They were good:
- mountain components
- durable wheels
- low gearing (~20 gear inches up to ~95 or so)
- comfortable cockpit, saddle
- maintainable/repairable
Don't overlook brakes, either. Stopping a loaded bike on a descent takes excellent brakes, so make certain that you've done your research. I'm not familiar with your frame, so whether it has cantilever posts or recessed center-mount holes, you'll have to decide what gives you the safest stopping power.
Don't worry about how it looks now.
My two cents. PG
06-15-11, 05:57 PM
#37
Senior Member
Why not worry about how it looks? You're going to be spending a lot of time with your bike, so I'd rather have something I like to look at during that time (when not checking out scenery, etc)
06-15-11, 06:08 PM
#38
Senior Member
Man, suddenly I find myself searching Craigslist for an old MTB to convert to a tourer like this. I'm all about 29ers these days, but this looks great!
06-15-11, 07:52 PM
#40
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Those who can't fathom why one would want a touring bike to look good: Cyclists who want their bike to look good and have the money to spend on it will make their bikes look good because it makes them happy to do so. To paraphrase pexio, other reasons are neither required nor desired.
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06-15-11, 09:19 PM
#41
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Whaaaaat?
While I'm impressed with the OP's enthusiasm, I'm a bit disconcerted about the thought of a touring bike achieving a "classic look". A touring bike is a pack mule, not a show pony.
Component choice should be based on: durability, functionality, cost, repairability.
Before long, the bike will be sweated on, grimed up, clanked against, rain-soaked, tar spattered, and well loved. How it looked once will be a non-memory.
My advice to the OP is to read the suggestions you've received carefully. They were good:
- mountain components
- durable wheels
- low gearing (~20 gear inches up to ~95 or so)
- comfortable cockpit, saddle
- maintainable/repairable
Don't overlook brakes, either. Stopping a loaded bike on a descent takes excellent brakes, so make certain that you've done your research. I'm not familiar with your frame, so whether it has cantilever posts or recessed center-mount holes, you'll have to decide what gives you the safest stopping power.
Don't worry about how it looks now.
My two cents. PG
While I'm impressed with the OP's enthusiasm, I'm a bit disconcerted about the thought of a touring bike achieving a "classic look". A touring bike is a pack mule, not a show pony.
Component choice should be based on: durability, functionality, cost, repairability.
Before long, the bike will be sweated on, grimed up, clanked against, rain-soaked, tar spattered, and well loved. How it looked once will be a non-memory.
My advice to the OP is to read the suggestions you've received carefully. They were good:
- mountain components
- durable wheels
- low gearing (~20 gear inches up to ~95 or so)
- comfortable cockpit, saddle
- maintainable/repairable
Don't overlook brakes, either. Stopping a loaded bike on a descent takes excellent brakes, so make certain that you've done your research. I'm not familiar with your frame, so whether it has cantilever posts or recessed center-mount holes, you'll have to decide what gives you the safest stopping power.
Don't worry about how it looks now.
My two cents. PG
This thread has given me some great info, and I appreciate all of the input from everyone. I think I'm going to go with silver metal parts and honey saddle/tape/saddlebag.
I understand its going to get beat up. It's going to get lots of miles. Its going to fall over. I just figured that I may as well like the way it looks now, because I'll be looking at it for the rest of my life.
06-16-11, 06:07 AM
#42
Senior Member
"I understand its going to get beat up. It's going to get lots of miles. Its going to fall over. I just figured that I may as well like the way it looks now, because I'll be looking at it for the rest of my life." --koosk
Way back when I built my first road bike I took it to my LBS' mechanic for a critique. He taught me one (I think) important lesson... the devil is in the details. In my case I had to properly dress the cable housings. I later removed the Ultegra/600 8S group following a knee injury and installed a 105 8S triple group simply because it's color more closely matched the bike's color. Anal I know, but a dozen or so years later I'm still happy with it's appearance.
Brad
Way back when I built my first road bike I took it to my LBS' mechanic for a critique. He taught me one (I think) important lesson... the devil is in the details. In my case I had to properly dress the cable housings. I later removed the Ultegra/600 8S group following a knee injury and installed a 105 8S triple group simply because it's color more closely matched the bike's color. Anal I know, but a dozen or so years later I'm still happy with it's appearance.
Brad
Last edited by bradtx; 06-16-11 at 07:28 AM. Reason: spelling
06-16-11, 08:14 AM
#44
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There often seems to be a presumption on this forum that everyone who bike tours is into loaded, heavy-duty touring with fat tires, front and rear racks, panniers, etc. I go on several supported bike tours each year from 3-7 days long and I travel light. Does that make me any less of a bike tourer? Does that mean my Bob Jackson World Tour is not a touring bike? Sure, I could rig my Jackson with front and rear panniers loaded to the brim, but is not how I choose to tour. Lugging 60 lbs of gear up hills is not my idea of fun.
06-16-11, 10:29 AM
#45
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There often seems to be a presumption on this forum that everyone who bike tours is into loaded, heavy-duty touring with fat tires, front and rear racks, panniers, etc. I go on several supported bike tours each year from 3-7 days long and I travel light. Does that make me any less of a bike tourer? Does that mean my Bob Jackson World Tour is not a touring bike? Sure, I could rig my Jackson with front and rear panniers loaded to the brim, but is not how I choose to tour. Lugging 60 lbs of gear up hills is not my idea of fun.
06-16-11, 11:07 AM
#46
Senior Member
I know people who pack their anorectic Trek Mundane, fly down to Dolomites, stick their wife in a rental behind, sleep in overpriced alpvillas, eating fresh Fettuccine with truffle and then tell everyone back at work their ordeal while touring Italy. But it doesn't automatically turn that plastic wonder into a touring-bike! So please save us your distorted views of what constitute a "touringbike" because it is quite clear to the rest of us.
Touring on a bike means something different to everyone.
If one wants to load up his LHT, Bruce Gordon or whatever frame, and go around the world. Good for him.
If one wants to pack light and go overnight. Good for him.
If one wants to sleep in "overpriced alpvillas eating fresh fettuccine with truffle. Then good on him as well.
There is no right way to do this. No wrong way either.
Some ways are less trouble, some more.
Isn't it about the trip? The ride?
I'll not tell somebody that only goes overnight, that is not a tour.
So maybe it is NOT quite so clear!
06-16-11, 11:33 AM
#47
Senior Member
Reality check.
Since the OP's question was more centered around making an attractive black bicycle that happened to be a touring frame it doesn't matter what type black bicycle was used as an example. I could've used my black Santana tandem (sold) rather than a road bike, but didn't in case the OP wanted a picture... they're locked away in a dead PC. BTW it was black with white lettering and all bright sub parts with black, grey and white marbled handlebar tape, so, similar to a couple of other examples of a black bike on this thread.
In my short time on this forum I've noticed that while there is some rigidity of some members WRT the equipment used, the higher percentage view the bike ride, whether a day trip or an around the world saga the main focus.
Brad
Since the OP's question was more centered around making an attractive black bicycle that happened to be a touring frame it doesn't matter what type black bicycle was used as an example. I could've used my black Santana tandem (sold) rather than a road bike, but didn't in case the OP wanted a picture... they're locked away in a dead PC. BTW it was black with white lettering and all bright sub parts with black, grey and white marbled handlebar tape, so, similar to a couple of other examples of a black bike on this thread.
In my short time on this forum I've noticed that while there is some rigidity of some members WRT the equipment used, the higher percentage view the bike ride, whether a day trip or an around the world saga the main focus.
Brad
06-16-11, 03:36 PM
#48
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Please save us all from you short sighted views.
Touring on a bike means something different to everyone.
If one wants to load up his LHT, Bruce Gordon or whatever frame, and go around the world. Good for him.
If one wants to pack light and go overnight. Good for him.
If one wants to sleep in "overpriced alpvillas eating fresh fettuccine with truffle. Then good on him as well.
There is no right way to do this. No wrong way either.
Some ways are less trouble, some more.
Isn't it about the trip? The ride?
I'll not tell somebody that only goes overnight, that is not a tour.
So maybe it is NOT quite so clear!
Touring on a bike means something different to everyone.
If one wants to load up his LHT, Bruce Gordon or whatever frame, and go around the world. Good for him.
If one wants to pack light and go overnight. Good for him.
If one wants to sleep in "overpriced alpvillas eating fresh fettuccine with truffle. Then good on him as well.
There is no right way to do this. No wrong way either.
Some ways are less trouble, some more.
Isn't it about the trip? The ride?
I'll not tell somebody that only goes overnight, that is not a tour.
So maybe it is NOT quite so clear!
Last edited by fenderbender; 06-16-11 at 03:43 PM.
06-16-11, 04:26 PM
#49
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Fenderbender's judgmental attitude is why I spend less time on forums these days.
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My bands:
- Uke On! - ukulele duo - Videos
- Ukulele Abyss - ukulele cover videos - Videos
- Baroque and Hungry's (Celtic fusion) full-length studio album Mended.
- Artistic Differences - 8-track EP Dreams of Bile and Blood.
06-16-11, 04:45 PM
#50
Senior Member
I'll just move along and leave this alone.
I use to think that this forum got along with one another. Brothers of the road and all that kind of stuff.
I'm glad someone pointed out the fact that this is not so.