My first project

Afternoon all, after bazzing about town on an off the shelf s/s and doing little bits and pieces to it along the way I thought I would do my own first build conversion.

I picked this Raleigh Sprint bike with a 501 frame off fleabay and so I was going to stick pictures/updates/ask for suggestions and help here.

Unless there are any objections and that won't be a suitable use for the forum?

So far the things I would like to do to it (in an ideal world where I have money) in no particular order:

New aero wheel set with Flip Flop wheel and hub with 15t fixed/16t free
42t Chain ring (black body and silver teeth)
New cranks
Powder coating - some sort of shiny/sparkly black

Soooo..... any thoughts, comments or ideas all welcome

I would check the drop out widths first of all prior to choosing hubs. Next problem would be to know what width BB you need, as this has to be chosen with the cranks. Then decide whether you want to keep the braze ons for brakes and gears prior to painting. Check seat post and fork diameters, also decide what components you wish to keep, and what you wish to swap. When you've made a list then it's time to search.

It's most likely that the rear dropouts on the bike above are 126mm - Track hubs are 120mm. This is not a problem, all you'll need is 6mm worth of spacers to stick onto the axle.

Once you have the hub and sprocket, then you'll need to go about finding what size BB you need for a good chainline.

Fortunatley we have a thread which lists a lot of different types of setup - http://www.londonfgss.com/thread3372-4.html#post557616

I had my first ride on it yesterday on the way home from work where i got it delivered. Didn't see a pot hole and double blow out as the inners are so old.Luckily I was in Grays Inn Road so £10 spent quickly in Condor sorted it.

I'll check measurements later, and if anyone can recommend someone/where I can get a rear flip flop wheel that would be amazing.

I've decided I don't like the handle bar/brakes on the bike, it didn't feel right to me. If anyone is interested in the handlebars and brake levers let me know, I'm going back to bull horn, i'll stick a picture up tomorrow if anyone is interested.

Off out for a bite to eat, in case anyone reads this who went on the ride today, brilliant seeing you all, a magnificent sight, despite the odd arsey taxi driver

P.S If anyone wants some gears they'll also be coming off

PQR - I'd recommend 16t fixed, 15t free. You'll appreciate the higher of the 2 gears when you can coast. Fixed on roads, in my experience, is more pleasant with an easier gearing. Especially if you're new to it.

If the freewheel is a helicomatic, I am interested.