Pre Cursa Coronavirus Project

After lurking on the forums for while on placement last summer I decided to finally upgrade from my Mango fixed gear (the heaviest steel frame in existence). I've had this bike for 5 years and the only real upgrade on it has been a new wheelset I bought last year which made a huge difference in performance.

Due to having all my other hobbies either cancelled or limited I thought what better time to learn how to build a bike. I'm hoping to end up with a Pre Cursa for commuting and generally having a good time as well as making the Ratbike a slightly nicer machine.

Hopefully I'll be able to keep the thread updated with some photos and part lists as I get through the process.

Update:

Still awaiting one delivery from Dolan for the Pre Cursa (wheels stuck in Italy). I've managed to strip the Mango frame of everything I'd be changing out with slight difficultly with stubborn bottom brackets.

The current plan is to run the Pre Cursa with some SRAM omniums and clipless pedals for more serious riding and then to build the Mango frame into a shopping bike with a front rack. I've seen a handle bar mounted front rack from BLB for less than changing out the bars to risers and adding a fork mounted rack. Has anybody got any experience with this rack or would the fork mounted options be better?

Hopefully the final pieces will arrive this week and I can build both frames up and start experimenting with different set-ups.

So after 6 weeks, a house move, and many emails to Dolan the Pre Cursa finally arrived. At the wrong address. Jumped in the car to go and collect from outside my University digs (and collect some other bikes). Managed to fit everything in the boot and drive back without being clonked round the head by a rogue fork. It's been pissing with rain so haven't had a chance to ride the Dolan yet.

In terms of upgrades from stock I've fitted my SRAM Omnium cranks with some DMR V6 pedals with Restrap horizontal straps. Need to find time to fit some emergency brake levers (mostly so I can ride on the hoods).

I'm a big fan of the Miche decals on the wheels but they might have to go in the name of stealth and actually being able to stop if somebody pulls out in front of me.

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If you are planning on running a front brake (I assume the delightful pink one) might be worth confirming whether the Miche wheels have a brake track - from the photos it doesn't look like it so I would be wary using a brake on them.

I've got a H+Son Archetype for front brake duty on rides where I think I'll need one. Was just wondering if taking the decals off would mean I could just leave the brakes on for worst case situations or is that just idiotic and I should find a long term front wheel?

Took the pre cursa out for a quick spin without brakes last night. Very nice to ride even slowly. Brakeless riding might be okay for quick shop trips but I think I definitely need to sort the front brakes out so that is top of the list for the weekend. Might also be looking for a second cockpit for brakeless duties to save hassle.

Pics then. And yeah, sort a brake!

The decals shouldn't make any difference. From what I understand, you can use a front brake on a rim without a brake track, you just probably shouldn't because you'll knacker the rim and it won't perform as well as one designed for a brake.
If I was you I'd sell that front wheel whilst it's still in good condition and go for something that's more appropriate to your needs!

I've got a front wheel with a brake track I can take off an older bike so apart from a mismatched wheelset there's no drama. Might be a good opportunity to learn how to wheelbuild a nice new front wheel. Was thinking H+Son Archetype in black to match the frame. Any recommendations on decent front hubs?

Spend my lunch break fitting brakes and shouty new bar tape. Front wheel is a H+Son archetype to miche hub which lived on my old uni commuter. Also covered top and down tube decals with tape for paint protection and stealth. Stickers for forum support and because I had a matte black sticker. Probably going to add clipless pedals for road riding as well.

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Like the pink.