ALBINI - Self-Obsessed and CX-y (The SSCX / Tracklocross bike I DON’T need)

So it begins. All that is left to do is install bottom bracket, adjust bars and levers, attach bell, cable it up, put chain on and swap the tyres out. I’m hoping to finish it tomorrow, while my daughter naps. Then I just need the saddle.

I also got these weird “clear” Odyssey brake pads. No idea what they’re going to be like, but they were cheap-ish. Can’t be worse than the stock Tektro pads.

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Yes, yes it does.

nice to see that you've dressed appropriately for the occasion

Ahaha. I didn’t even realise!

They're gonna squeak real bad!

We used to used them when riding bmx back in the day. They were really grippy but made a good old squeak!

Damn. The guy said they were quiet! Oh well. I’ll see how I go.

If you toe them in properly that should vastly reduce the squeak. If it doesn't... at least you won't need a bell. :)

Cranks on.

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Think I've been more invested in this build than any other for long time...keep the photos coming!

Oooof, those are very pretty.

Can those scratches and scuffs be polished out?

The scuffs maybe, the scratches are gouges from a dropped chain and are pretty deep.

Have ran into two issues. Firstly the matching bottom bracket to the Ofmega cranks was too narrow and the inside of the cranks hit the chainstay. Probably wouldn’t be an issue with 110bcd cranks, but these are 144bcd. I found a different bottom bracket, but it’s maybe a touch too wide. I have the Sugino cranks that came with it that I can alway use if I get stuck as well.

Second issue is the rear wheel I am using, the rim is a touch wider (only by a few mm) than the one I tested with and is also out of true, so unfortunately the rear tyre rubs every so slightly. I will take the wheel in and get it trued this week, so that’s fine. If worse comes to worse I can always use the other wheel as a stop gap, however it’s not actually mine (long story), so I’d feel weird using it all the time. I also have some smaller tyres (700x38 Gravelkings) I can use without any issues, but I was so sold on the massive 29x2.0’s.

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Lovely cranks. I'm becoming weirdly obsessive about crank beauty.

Well here’s where I am at the moment. Still haven’t cabled the rear brake or adjusted the levers properly and brake pads. I’m also not sure if I do put a front rack and basket on this. I know it will probably last one ride before I miss having one.

I do like the black and silver throughout though.

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Thanks. I’ve had them for so long. They came on a track bike I bought years ago and I’ve always thought, maybe I’ll sell them… but I knew I’d never get any decent money and I’d regret it. Plus they look cool.

Rear wheel trued, saddle has been collected and I have another bottom bracket to try, just need to find the time to finish it!

Sick. Now no one can criticise you for posting non drive side photos.

nice build. i prefer the white side.

Definitely a new forum favourite of mine, I love how detailed this build is.

I know it will probably last one ride before I miss having one.

Once you have known basket life and dry backs you can never go back it seems

Managed to have some spare time between washing clothes and doing other chores today. How do two little kids have so many clothes?!?? Anyway, here’s some shitty photos.

Rear wheel trued and it fits in just, but it works. If the tyre was a touch smaller I’d be happy. Even 700x45. I guess I’ll see how I go. Hi oh can see where the wheel is sitting in the first photo. Narrower bottom bracket installed as well, so that’s good. Chain fitted and I swapped the freewheel from a 16t to 17t. I cabled it up (the rear brake cable needs to be shortened a tough), and started working on the brakes. Holy shit those pads honk like an angry goose. Even with the wheel just spinning in the stand. Will be swapping them out asap for some Koolstop salmon pads. Lots of fiddling to get a decent pull on the brake levers as well. Still not 100% sure these levers will work with the brakes either.

I also stripped a bolt on the cheap Ritchey stem, so the bar angle is wrong. I’ll have to use a stop gap for the time being. The stem I spray painted chipped quite easily. Oh well.

I also installed the saddle. The height and angle is nowhere near correct.

So close.

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Truth. Every bike I have has a basket on it.

This is looking so good, and well done for keeping the photos and updates coming!

Found this on ebay and immediately thought of your bike, the back and white halves are even the right side! Could either be perfect or a step too far...

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/165679421591

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Oh shit! That would be cool.

love this

Could either be perfect or a step too far...

The perfect step too far. Love it.