UKBouldering.com
the shizzle => shootin' the shit => two wheel spiel => Topic started by: Falling Down on July 13, 2012, 05:38:06 pm
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So I'm living in London now most of the time and want a bike for commuting and getting around. I don't want to use my road bike and my singlespeed MTB is a dirt/jump bike with a BMX crankset so useless for anything but thrashing around.
Anyone got any suggestions for a good off the peg fixie? Don't worry I'm not in Hoxton or Shoreditch and too big for skinny jeans.
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This Londonesque enough?
http://www.condorcycles.com/2011-Range/10504-Paris-Frameset-by-Condor-Cycles/flypage.tpl.html (http://www.condorcycles.com/2011-Range/10504-Paris-Frameset-by-Condor-Cycles/flypage.tpl.html)
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http://www.evanscycles.com/products/charge/plug-2012-single-speed-road-bike-ec029988 (http://www.evanscycles.com/products/charge/plug-2012-single-speed-road-bike-ec029988)
I have an older version of this! Its pretty nice. I would get super narrow flats (bars) so you can fit through traffic! Defo helps in busy city's!
Have fun.
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This Londonesque enough?
http://www.condorcycles.com/2011-Range/10504-Paris-Frameset-by-Condor-Cycles/flypage.tpl.html (http://www.condorcycles.com/2011-Range/10504-Paris-Frameset-by-Condor-Cycles/flypage.tpl.html)
Bit pricey like but a very nice bike.
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http://www.evanscycles.com/products/charge/plug-2012-single-speed-road-bike-ec029988 (http://www.evanscycles.com/products/charge/plug-2012-single-speed-road-bike-ec029988)
I have an older version of this! Its pretty nice. I would get super narrow flats (bars) so you can fit through traffic! Defo helps in busy city's!
Have fun.
These do look good and I'd wondered what the narrow bar thing was all about. I've seen some that look like the trackers we built at school in the 80's.
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Don't listen to anyone who says you need narrow bars, especially people who have only lived in the Lake district and W Yorkshire ;)
Classics are Specialized Langster
https://www.google.co.uk/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ie=UTF-8#q=specialized+langster&hl=en&sa=X&prmd=imvns&source=univ&tbm=shop&tbo=u&ei=nnsAUMPFIKqd0AWx-LXDBw&ved=0CIwBEK0E&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.r_qf.,cf.osb&fp=b0dbfe72ca11c208&biw=1280&bih=685 (https://www.google.co.uk/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ie=UTF-8#q=specialized+langster&hl=en&sa=X&prmd=imvns&source=univ&tbm=shop&tbo=u&ei=nnsAUMPFIKqd0AWx-LXDBw&ved=0CIwBEK0E&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.r_qf.,cf.osb&fp=b0dbfe72ca11c208&biw=1280&bih=685)
Bianchi Pista
https://www.google.co.uk/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ie=UTF-8#hl=en&gs_nf=1&ds=sh&pq=pista%20bike&cp=8&gs_id=2b&xhr=t&q=Bianchi%20pista&pf=p&tbm=shop&sclient=psy-ab&oq=Bianchi+&gs_l=&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.r_qf.,cf.osb&fp=b0dbfe72ca11c208&biw=1280&bih=685 (https://www.google.co.uk/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ie=UTF-8#hl=en&gs_nf=1&ds=sh&pq=pista%20bike&cp=8&gs_id=2b&xhr=t&q=Bianchi%20pista&pf=p&tbm=shop&sclient=psy-ab&oq=Bianchi+&gs_l=&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.r_qf.,cf.osb&fp=b0dbfe72ca11c208&biw=1280&bih=685)
I like the look of the Genesis Flyer and they're a British company http://www.genesisbikes.co.uk/bikes/road/flyer/flyer (http://www.genesisbikes.co.uk/bikes/road/flyer/flyer)
There are plenty of cheaper options, but as usual you pays your money...
Another option would be to look at second hand bikes on one of the forums; London FIxed gear sees a lot of bikes come and go, some great deals.
http://www.lfgss.com/forum6.html (http://www.lfgss.com/forum6.html)
You should probably get something like this
(http://fixie-king.dk/wordpress/wp-content/gallery/sold-bikes/dsc00828.jpg)
(http://www.75grad.de/wp-content/gallery/benny_bikes/textima-low-pro-pursuit-1176_15.jpg)
;)
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Dolan Precursa is pretty good value.
LFGSS / eBay - maybe look for a Condor Pista? Always loads of other cool things on the former.
I built quite a nice one with an old Gios frame with horizontal dropouts, but thinking of building that back up with my old Chorus group set and doing a proper track frame job.
And I have a 4-spoke Corima back wheel waiting, like those ones above!
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How about this? It'll fit in well down there.
I'm sure this is the bike for the bankers.
http://www.bikeradar.com/road/news/article/aston-martin-one-77-superbike-unveiled-in-london-34595/ (http://www.bikeradar.com/road/news/article/aston-martin-one-77-superbike-unveiled-in-london-34595/)
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I used to commute on a pompino, solid bike and responsive ride, until it was nicked >:(
Sadly it seems on one don't do complete bikes on that frame anymore. frame's only £99 tho:
http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/FROOPV2/on_one_pompino_frame_2011 (http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/FROOPV2/on_one_pompino_frame_2011)
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When your back you could get the lads at the bike factory to knock you up a cheapo singlespeed. I know he does track frames, plus no-one else down there will have a biaggi.
Keepin it high peak style.
My only concern is your knees, your well past 40 mate and I'm not sure they will take the strain.
:smirk:
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Is 72" still about typical?
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I think so.
http://sheldonbrown.com/singlespeed.html (http://sheldonbrown.com/singlespeed.html)
There is loads of info on the web. I was going to try riding fixed a while back, but as I'm unfit and pretty much every road from our house goes uphill I didn't bother. There's a bloke at work who is well keen and does loads of track stuff who says its brilliant for getting fit and improving your pedalling style so I might have a go. If it ever stops raining
FD should be ok as he's riding flat lands of London village, and he's about ten times as fit as I am.
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Cheers guys and good thinking Mr C. I'm sadly rather out of condition at the moment...
I'll let you know what transpires.
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Don't listen to anyone who says you need narrow bars, especially people who have only lived in the Lake district and W Yorkshire ;)
Oi, add North Yorkshire to that list. It's prettty busy out here in Malham I let you now!!
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I love my Charge Plug.
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/charge-plug-2012/ (http://www.wiggle.co.uk/charge-plug-2012/)
bit heavy for a fixie/SS but it's been pretty bombproof and it rolls very nicely.
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Thanks for the recommendations. After months of prevarication and shite weather I coughed up for a new bike today. A handbuilt 'Classic' from Brick Lane Bikes.
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8144/7616539694_1b039f2c6e.jpg)
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8011/7616551382_6e39e3f3f3.jpg)
Ive not ridden a fixed wheel since building a Tracker at school but the technique came back quickly. I didn't think I would go for a drop bar but it was by far the most comfortable riding position out of all the ones I've tried. Really happy to get back on a bike and have a sense of freedom.
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hey up ben,when me and rach went to london a couple of years ago.i saw lots of single speeds knocking around
ever since then ive had a thing for them,think they look really good,nothing to take away from the shape of the bike.
living in leek it would kill me up all the bloody hills
good luck finding something
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Looks cool!
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i scrolled down too quick,didnt realise you had got one.what are they like to ride?
never riden one but id be worried of locking it up
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Very Nice FD. Very nice. :thumbsup:
But get some fu**ing eggbeaters on it asap. Those pedals ruin the lines.
http://crankbrothers.com/pedals_eggbeater3.php (http://crankbrothers.com/pedals_eggbeater3.php)
You are sticking to http://www.velominati.com/the-rules/ (http://www.velominati.com/the-rules/) with the tape/ seat/tyres/rims combo, which is excellent work. See rule 8
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Mark - got myself a decent D and thread lock combination. Luckily work has an internal garage so it's safe there. I don't plan to leave it around in public apart from the climbing walls and stuff. Just have to keep my fingers crossed.
Andy - I'll keep the pedals on for now, I don't want to have change shoes all the time. I might have to put a pair of these (http://bricklanebikes.co.uk/posts/470)on the Christmas list though.
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Lots of childhood memories in this thread.
I'm thinking a lot, as of late, about converting my old Cinelli Rampichino. I'd like to make it singlespeed, but unfortunately just outside my front door there's a very steep ramp around 30 meters long. I know it's very short, but how will it feel at 6,30 in the morning, and maybe in winter and with rain?
So the other idea is to have a simple four speed hub, if they still exist.
Then strip everything off, with just a front brake.
I'd also like two aerospoke wheels, just for the sake of it.
I really didn't need my bike fetish to come back though.
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Yeah I would really like to convert my whip as well but living in Sheffield it would be like tying your shoe laces together
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So the Cinelli Rampichino frame is now completely stripped down, shame I had to cut the saddle pole and bash it down because it was completely stuck after many years of rust.
Then, at my parents' house there should be my very old roadbike, an Aquila.
I'll go to the shop one of these days and I'll ask which one could be converted best. I hope it's the Rampichino for its deep sentimental value.
I finally decided I'll go singlespeed, I did a few tests in these mornings on the short ramp outside of home, and it's fine with 44x21, could probably do also with 44x20.
Quite psyched now.
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http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2012/aug/22/bike-polo-cycling-london-open (http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2012/aug/22/bike-polo-cycling-london-open)
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I know nothing about push bikes, but I thought this (http://www.gizmodo.co.uk/2012/08/where-has-this-glow-in-the-dark-bike-been-all-my-life/) was cool
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Of course I managed to transform a simple idea into a proper OCD constant thought.
So, after stripping down the Rampichino frame, I went to my parents' house and got my old Aquila roadbike.
Will first convert that into singlespeed to test things out, then it will be the Rampichino turn, maybe into fixed gear.
The Aquila should be fine without too much work and money, shame due to rust and lack of specific tools I didn't manage to take the pedals off and will have to take it to the shop tomorrow.
Hope to post pics soon.
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The Velominati rules linked above are truly great, and I was very happy to find out that many of those were well present in my mind when I used to ride, esp. the positioning of the quick release levers, socks length and so on.
By the way, firs night of sleep lost over obsessive compulsive thinking about the bike, yesterday. I couldn't stop thinking about the following crucial questions, regarding: a coloured chain with matching pedals, wire cover and bar tape; or leaving the bar without tape; which kind of bar: normal, flat crono, lowered crono; other bar options, like cutting the original curved bar to make it a crono bar and the likes.
Tic tac tic tac.
Hope my psychiatrist comes back soon from the holidays.
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Sock length is probably one of the most flouted rules and the hardest to get absolutely right. I go for the slightly longer than the type you wear when you want to appear to be not wearing socks and slightly shorter than a full length, normal sock. About mid ankle bone or slightly higher is perfect. Wiggins is useless at this.
Bar tape to match decals or black.
Cable covers same, or black. No questions.
Chain? Difficult one, I go standard but I'm afraid of change :unsure:
As for bars, thats desperate. Depends on the bike etc etc etc etc . Your on your own there I'm afraid.
Keep obsessing these vitally important questions, many of which can only be answered after years of just feeling your way through the minefield. I always feel there is room for improvement, always.
Keep us posted, will be looking forward to the final outcome.
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Thanks for the support, I do feel alone!!!
This online shop is the culprit for my sleepless night of yesterday (together with mental illness) http://www.lastazionedellebiciclette.com/site/vendita/categoria/componenti (http://www.lastazionedellebiciclette.com/site/vendita/categoria/componenti)
I definitely would like to use as much as possible the original parts, maybe customized or modified.
So I think that I'll cut the old bar to make it like a crono bar, and then will fit the old brake with the lever cut as well to have the necessary range of motion. Everything is aluminium, old style, and I like it.
Let's see, probably that online shop needs my money.
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That shop is amazing.
You need to spend that cash.
However, after cutting the bars to a crono, what do you use to plug the ends of the bars? Or do they remain unplugged?
Now I'm beginning to worry for you.
Shit.
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I don't have the original plugs anymore, and that's another concern. I think I can find a replacement, or I'll file the ends to make them rounded.
Opinions?
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(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8322/7888121558_78145f1cb8.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/70381658@N00/7888121558/)
manubrio (http://www.flickr.com/photos/70381658@N00/7888121558/#) by Nibile (http://www.flickr.com/people/70381658@N00/), on Flickr
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Classic curve. Nice look in the Aluminum.
Cant you leave them alone? Seems such a shame to chop.
Or if you have to, these may work. (http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://www.charliethebikemonger.com/ekmps/shops/bikemonger/images/brooks-bar-end-plugs-corks-2620-p.png&imgrefurl=http://www.charliethebikemonger.com/brooks-bar-end-plugs--corks-2620-p.asp&usg=__19F1L4vc5pPITqFRO6IpRDSzd_Q=&h=500&w=700&sz=152&hl=en&start=17&zoom=1&tbnid=pheE6JxKDrKxBM:&tbnh=100&tbnw=140&ei=pUw-UKTOGvCZ0QXywoD4Ag&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dbar%2Bend%2Bplugs%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26safe%3Doff%26client%3Dsafari%26rls%3Den%26tbm%3Disch&um=1&itbs=1) as end plugs or as it says simply use a cork.
Bit naff? I'm not sure but if its a classic looker might be a nice touch.
Shit, this is an addictive thing.
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Yes, I'm not entirely sure about chopping it, but the fact is that I like the look of the crono more, and the ones I've found are either really too expensive, or have a bigger diameter - 31,8 mm vs 26 mm - and don't fit my bike.
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The line...
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8311/7894268484_1a88d581c5.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/70381658@N00/7894268484/)
manubrio2 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/70381658@N00/7894268484/#) by Nibile (http://www.flickr.com/people/70381658@N00/), on Flickr
Bright and shiny after polishing!
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8435/7894270470_396e00cc39.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/70381658@N00/7894270470/)
manubrio3 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/70381658@N00/7894270470/#) by Nibile (http://www.flickr.com/people/70381658@N00/), on Flickr
Very happy.
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Have a look here at my friends recent conversion to fixie:
http://jadelittlewood.tumblr.com/post/28544418293/fixie-finished (http://jadelittlewood.tumblr.com/post/28544418293/fixie-finished)
Hope that might be of help,
Cheers
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That is one fine bike.
Almost perfect, for my likes.
Mine will be much rougher!!!
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Ahah! She chopped her bar as well!
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Ongoing work.
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8320/7913276686_e74dab725e.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/70381658@N00/7913276686/)
shiny (http://www.flickr.com/photos/70381658@N00/7913276686/#) by Nibile (http://www.flickr.com/people/70381658@N00/), on Flickr
Will finish the taping after mounting the bar. Not perfect, but the best I could do for the moment.
If I'm getting boring with this, just tell me.
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Nice job.
Good choice of tape as well.
Whats the next phase?
Keep us posted.
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Hey thanks!
Next phase is:
- get the bike back with new cranks, big ring and sprocket (hopefully right terms)
- strip everything again
- cart the frame and repaint it
- mount everything back on
- buy new pedals (with matching cages), saddle pole and saddle
- keep searching for new wheels (nearly got a couple of carbon Spinergy for 300 Euros today, but came late)
That should keep me busy for a while...
I really hope to do a nice job, would like to have a beautiful one.
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So, I'm stressing a bit over this issue: I want to buy for my bike the most beautiful saddle ever manufactured
(http://www.lastazionedellebiciclette.com/site/content/images/san%20marco_regal-liscia-nera-01.jpg)
that I wanted to team with this saddle pole, in black
(http://www.lastazionedellebiciclette.com/site/content/images/point_reggisella-deluxe.jpg)
Unfortunately, the saddle frame is unpainted aluminium, not black.
So, what should I do?
Go with black saddle and black pole not caring about the frame?
Buy an unpainted aluminium pole?
Buy the black pole with another saddle with a black frame, althoug a less beautiful one like this?
(http://www.lastazionedellebiciclette.com/site/content/images/selle%20italia_filante.jpg)
Help much appreciated.
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I vote 'not caring about the frame' - in practice aren't the rails going to get scratched up anyway? Better have aluminium rails that don't have chips of paint flaking off them IMO
Besides that Regal saddle looks very nice.... you must have it regardless ;D
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Besides that Regal saddle looks very nice.... you must have it regardless ;D
We all know I have to have it, don't we?
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How about the Brooks Colt?
(http://cdn0.media.cyclingnews.futurecdn.net/2010/03/09/1/brooks_colt_600.jpg)
I think it has black rails. My Wife has a black brooks standard saddle with black rails and they hav'ent chipped.
So many choices. Good luck with it all, I'm still looking forward to the final product.
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Hey thanks for the advice!
It's a beautiful saddle, but I like something a bit slimmer. The Regal will be fine even with aluminium rails, I'm sure.
For the moment, I have bought a very cheap, slim saddle, for the winter months. I don't want to let my precious Regal sit there all day under the rain... will surely buy a saddle cover, but still humidity will be high. Or hopefully not and I'll be crushing big numbers. But I digress...
I am searching for a carbon front wheel, just to waste some money, and I have found a few candidates, but unfortunately it seems that modern hubs are wider that old ones, so probably no modern wheel will fit my narrow fork...
We will see.
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New crankset arrived yesterday! This one, aluminium.
http://sardicicli.com/it/prodotti/?idp=410&idc=15&ids=1 (http://sardicicli.com/it/prodotti/?idp=410&idc=15&ids=1)
Getting the bick back today, stripping it, sanding and painting. Very excited. Also, today will order the other spare parts, carbon wheel included!!!!!!
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SO, got the bike back yesterday, with the new crankset. Started stripping it off and cleaning various bits and bobs, with the main work of removing the paint starting today.
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8321/7987576172_46bce4eb11.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/70381658@N00/7987576172/)
bike3 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/70381658@N00/7987576172/#) by Nibile (http://www.flickr.com/people/70381658@N00/), on Flickr
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8454/7987575994_95aea1ff5b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/70381658@N00/7987575994/)
bike2 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/70381658@N00/7987575994/#) by Nibile (http://www.flickr.com/people/70381658@N00/), on Flickr
I cut off the rear derailer, so that the line is clean.
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8451/7987575576_061ed34ca5.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/70381658@N00/7987575576/)
bike (http://www.flickr.com/photos/70381658@N00/7987575576/#) by Nibile (http://www.flickr.com/people/70381658@N00/), on Flickr
Very excited!
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I cut off the rear derailer
*rear derailer hanger
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Phew!
After more than five hours I've removed the paint, cleaned everything and repainted the bike, that is now drying up in the garage.
I've used a chemical paint remover that you lay with a paintbrush, but then you have to manually scrape the paint off, and that took me hours.
Very happy now. I hope I did a good job.
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8030/7988188342_2eda1c2b89.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/70381658@N00/7988188342/)
bike6 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/70381658@N00/7988188342/#) by Nibile (http://www.flickr.com/people/70381658@N00/), on Flickr
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Last pics of a long day.
After repainting:
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8453/7988884372_00fdfbe24d.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/70381658@N00/7988884372/)
bike8 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/70381658@N00/7988884372/#) by Nibile (http://www.flickr.com/people/70381658@N00/), on Flickr
It will look like this:
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8438/7988883848_516c144ec6.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/70381658@N00/7988883848/)
bike7 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/70381658@N00/7988883848/#) by Nibile (http://www.flickr.com/people/70381658@N00/), on Flickr
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Gloss black with the chrome features looks awesome! Can't wait to see the finished bike
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Hey thanks everyone for the support!
We're nearly there!
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8460/7992638405_ea06187c2e.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/70381658@N00/7992638405/)
bike9 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/70381658@N00/7992638405/#) by Nibile (http://www.flickr.com/people/70381658@N00/), on Flickr
Hopefully the new parts I've ordered will arrive during this week: pedals, cages, new bar taps, saddle pole and front wheel. I don't know if the shop have the wheel in stock or if they have to order it... Fingers crossed!
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The business.
Excellent job.
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Cheers beast!
Unfortunately the OCD behaviour is unstoppable. I would like to drop the stem more, but it's already at its lowest, so I'm stuck because I don't want to buy a new one and can't cut it. Then, I don't know if it would look better with the bar pointing slightly down, istead of being in line with the stem.
But I'm satisfied.
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Who said I could not cut the stem?
Cut it this morning, now it's almost completely slammed down to the front tube.
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Any more pics of the finished product? Would love to see it.
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Any more pics of the finished product? Would love to see it.
So would I!!!
Three weeks now since I ordered the parts... They are waiting for the pedals and cages to arrive... Hopefully next week?
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Any more pics of the finished product? Would love to see it.
So would I!!!
Three weeks now since I ordered the parts... They are waiting for the pedals and cages to arrive... Hopefully next week?
Did you call the shop mr? Just got an email telling they sent everything this morning!
Cheers beast!
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I'm afraid i didn't take as much care as you with my fixie but i was still pretty pleased with it. Here is a nearly finished shot.
(http://www.flickr.com/photos/16205085@N06/8056990654/in/photostream)
It has since been destroyed by my younger brother, but i'm thinking of building up a track bike if i get the chance.
Looking forward to seeing yours finished!
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Thanks beast, hopefully it won't disappoint!
But where's your pic?
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http://www.flickr.com/photos/16205085@N06/8056990654/# (http://www.flickr.com/photos/16205085@N06/8056990654/#)
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That was nice!!!
Shame it got destroyed!!!
Get the track bike, they can be some of the coolest bikes around even for just going around town. Expensive though.
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FINALLY!!!
So fucking proud, isn't it a nice little beast?
I really really hope you like it!!!
Thanks for the support everyone!!!
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8315/8067420868_7ac0657841.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/70381658@N00/8067420868/)
beasty bike3 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/70381658@N00/8067420868/#) by Nibile (http://www.flickr.com/people/70381658@N00/), on Flickr
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8181/8067420004_f660ba75af.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/70381658@N00/8067420004/)
beasty bike2 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/70381658@N00/8067420004/#) by Nibile (http://www.flickr.com/people/70381658@N00/), on Flickr
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8177/8067419522_f03ba62a13.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/70381658@N00/8067419522/)
beasty bike1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/70381658@N00/8067419522/#) by Nibile (http://www.flickr.com/people/70381658@N00/), on Flickr
Better pics soon.
It's been fantastic.
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Thats one smart bike you've got there Nibs. :bow:
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Nice!
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In the end, if you enjoy it, that's all that counts, and ignore the haters (me)
However... the aerospoke on that frame is horrible, please go back to the other front wheel; the bars will be pretty unridable at that angle, and would look and feel nicer if lined up with the angle of the stem.
Sorry for the negativity, sounds like a fun project.
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Hey Duma, no problem mate! I don't feel any hate, just an opinion!
I've pondered a while over the bar angle, I like the drop, it's fairly uncomfortable, but it as it puts a lot of effort onto the arms, it's good training! ;)
The original wheel is still there, ready to be mounted at any moment. The carbon spoke is very stiff, so probably not the best for my town cobblestones. I like how it looks though, a heavy line in the front, reminds me about a bull frame.
Anyway yesterday I rode it to my friends' osteria, where I baptized it with some drops of Chianti Classico! It rides well and smooth, so different from my everyday's mountain bike commute. In the end the 46/18 is not too heavy even uphill. It's fun!
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Hi guys, I'm a new to bicycles... I recently got myself a three speed 1963 Coventry Eagle Hawk Tourist Deluxe to convert to fixie. To get the rear hub out would be a bit of a hassle and as the wheels are a bit of a state I decided to buy new ones. The first issue I'm having is that my rear frame internal spacing is 110mm and the front is 90mm. It seems this is not standard anymore... so could I squeeze in 120mm and 100 mm O.L.D. wheels?
The bike:
(http://i45.tinypic.com/t0iz48.jpg)