Pimp my Flyer!

Hi all,

I have a stock Genesis Flyer and am largely very happy with it. However, I want to customise it a bit without breaking the bank.

Here's what I'm thinking of:

• converting to fixed (16T cog, maybe switching chainset over to 1/8 - is it worth it?)

• getting a Brooks saddle (not sure which one). Don't find the stock one comfy, think it's too narrow for my sit bones.

• replacing the bars and tape (Brooks to match seat?). Never use the drops! Can someone recommend alternatives?

• getting clipless pedals and shoes (not sure which, I'm new to all this!)

• Removing the decals - is this possible?

Thanks!

John

removing the decals .. ive tried it on a ridgeback, it's a huge effort. You need to remove the lacquer.

hi.. I think if you have a 3/32 chainset, just keep it that way.. but a 3/32 cog and chain and it'll be fine!

Can't help you with the brooks stuff, I'm not a fan of leather.

As for bars, just get some cheap flats/risers to see what kind you prefer, I guess.. I don't think flat bars are something worth spending much money on, but someone will surely prove me wrong somehow :D

clipless pedals - I got the time atac's and I really like pedalling with them.. It's great that they feel so "solid" and secure, I'm never worried about them unclipping. On the other hand, I've made a fool of myself a couple times on central london traffic lights :D I did manage to put a smile on a couple cabbie's faces though, which can only be a good thing! I might've saved a life or two! Yeah, I think they're a bit too secure for someone who has never used clipless pedals, but it's nothing that you don't get used to fairly quickly. For now, I just unclip a good 20 yards from wherever I have to stop..

Removing decals - ah, good luck! :)

• converting to fixed (16T cog, maybe switching chainset over to 1/8 - is it worth it?)
  
  

Keep it 3/32. On-One have cheap cogs to suit £10. I've got a 3/32 15T on the Soma and will likely swap it for a 16T I bought at the same time.

• getting a Brooks saddle (not sure which one). Don't find the stock one comfy, think it's too narrow for my sit bones.
  
  

If you don't find it comfy, why buy one?

• replacing the bars and tape (Brooks to match seat?). Never use the drops! Can someone recommend alternatives?
  
  

Drops rock. There are loads of bullhorn, riser alternatives but drops are where it's at.

• getting clipless pedals and shoes (not sure which, I'm new to all this!)
  
  

Get shoes that fit and SPD or the Time ATAC pedal system. Buy cheapest ones you can find.

• Removing the decals - is this possible?
  
  

Too much time and effort for me but I've seen good results from people that've razor-bladed their decals off from under the clearcoat.

you can get white PVC tape to tape the mother up if removing decals are a pain.

agree with hippy about the pedals.

depends on how pimp you want it, most of the coloured chains come in 1/8th. can get a gold KMC Z510 for bling. doesn't hurt at all to use a 1/8 chain on 3/32 chainring + cogs

• converting to fixed (16T cog, maybe switching chainset over to 1/8 - is it worth it?)
  

3/32" should be fine - but get a good quality cog, and maybe put on a new chain at the same time

• getting a Brooks saddle (not sure which one). Don't find the stock one comfy, think it's too narrow for my sit bones.
  

Brooks all the way - B17 is your standard route to nirvana

• replacing the bars and tape (Brooks to match seat?). Never use the drops! Can someone recommend alternatives?
  

You could try moustache bars if the width doesn't bother you

• getting clipless pedals and shoes (not sure which, I'm new to all this!)
  

Can't help you here - I'm running with clips

• Removing the decals - is this possible?
  

Sounds like a faff and could end up fugly - get it resprayed if it bothers you that much

hippy - why'd you recommended buying the cheapest shoes available?

Hippy -The stock Genesis saddle is too narrow. I'd like to know if the Brooks Swift or Swallow would also be too narrow? The standard B17 seems to be the popular one - anyone have a B17 narrow?

Thanks,

John

"Get shoes that fit and SPD or the Time ATAC pedal system. Buy cheapest ones you can find."

i disagree i would get mtb 'race' style shoes that have a stiff sole and a snug fit (with straps or ratchets on the top) as they offer the most support and you can still walk around in them. I wouldn't use the trainer type spd shoes as they just don't offer the same amount of support, i had one ride with my mtb 'trainer' spd shoes and went and brought a cheap pair of 'race' shoes the next day. you don't have to pay loads 661, nike, specialized, northwave, diadora all do £40-50 shoes but try them on before buying as fit is very important. if a more expensive pair fits your foot better then pay the extra (imho)

eeehhhh hippy - why'd you recommended buying the cheapest shoes available?

Cheapest pedals not shoes. That might not have been clear. Shoes that fit, any cost.
Cheapest pedal system. If you don't like it you haven't shelled out loads of dosh on your pedals.

MrSmith "Get shoes that fit and SPD or the Time ATAC pedal system. Buy cheapest ones you can find."
i disagree i would get mtb 'race' style shoes that have a stiff sole and a snug fit (with straps or ratchets on the top) as they offer the most support and you can still walk around in them. I wouldn't use the trainer type spd shoes as they just don't offer the same amount of support, i had one ride with my mtb 'trainer' spd shoes and went and brought a cheap pair of 'race' shoes the next day. you don't have to pay loads 661, nike, specialized, northwave, diadora all do £40-50 shoes but try them on before buying as fit is very important. if a more expensive pair fits your foot better then pay the extra (imho)

I meant pedals not shoes, that's why I started with "get shoes that fit". I wasn't my usual crystal clear self and my AI code has been altered to prevent this happening again.

If your knees don't like SPD for example, you don't want to have shelled out £100 for the superduper ones.

I just got these to replace my 100 year old Nikes:

is that actual size?

Well, given that I'm 48 eu... :)

They're the only shoe my LBS stocks. They\re quite nice :) How much did you pay? They were selling 'em for £79.

look at wiggle, they are under 60 sheets.

Yeah I know, was wondering how much Hippy got them for.

I'm avoiding looking at shoes/pedals, since I want them but can't really afford them at the moment :)

I think they were £54 from cycle surgery spitalfields. They were the only ones that had a 48 left and i wasn't fscking about with online coz i wanted to try them on first.

yeah, gotta try 'em on innit

ive got the '05 version of these. price for spesh shoes gets you these and spds and some change. does the job...had them for 3yrs and counting

a narrow fit though. ive got the spesh mtb...they're bit wide for my liking.

oh. if you want a wider leather saddle check out the brooks ladies b17. wider, but slightly shorter

if you want leather look for a flat or riser bar. check these out.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/LEATHER-BICYCLE-HANDLEBAR-GRIPS-MOUNTAIN-BIKE-BAR-NEW_W0QQitemZ120154856847QQihZ002QQcategoryZ56194QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD2VQQcmdZViewItem

• replacing the bars and tape (Brooks to match seat?). Never use the drops! Can someone recommend alternatives?
  
  

Yeah get some black riser bars with white oury grips and fit up a white tioga spyder saddle

get on ebay..;)

fatboyralph8

ive got the '05 version of these. price for spesh shoes gets you these and spds and some change. does the job...had them for 3yrs and counting

a narrow fit though. ive got the spesh mtb...they're bit wide for my liking.

what shoes are they?

i...i think i may actually like them

as for pimping flyers, i've just replaced my saddle with a specialized avatar 130, cheap and not too shabby looking - doesnt have the vintage brooks look ofcourse, but neither does the rest of the bike... taped over the decals with white insulation tape, already banged up a bit, but looks much better... using m520's with shimano shoes (same price range as the specialized mtb's and they're good). using a 16t dura ace sprocket - the whole shabang cost me in the region of 120 quid, not too bad and it looks good in my opinion...

SMEEAR [quote]fatboyralph8

ive got the '05 version of these. price for spesh shoes gets you these and spds and some change. does the job...had them for 3yrs and counting

a narrow fit though. ive got the spesh mtb...they're bit wide for my liking.

what shoes are they?

i...i think i may actually like them[/quote]

sixsixone expert from chainreaction.