Unipack BB replacement

Kyle, what happened to your rear wheel disguised as a front?

He's done something to the bearings
14 said they can fix it though

yea its fine, the bearings are loose not the end of the world? lol

Yeah probably just replacement bearings, there was no other obvious damage.

you know the saying, it like enjoying decaf for the rest of your life until you had the real thing? same concept, the bike isn't bad, until you have a proper bike (that actually been designed properly) is when you realise how bad the unipack is.

Heh, I know exactly what you mean, maybe it's just self-deceipt, since I don't have the dough to buy a proper one now... So the plan is, gradual replacement of parts and eventually the frame, which might in the long run actually end up as a blessing, since I probably won't learn as much about bikes if I had bought a 'proper' OTP.

Since I don't have the tools yet, a bike shop installed the new BB, and it seems there's a stiff spot with each turn of the crank (both directions), is this normal or have they messed up the installation?

you know the saying, it like enjoying decaf for the rest of your life until you had the real thing? same concept, the bike isn't bad, until you have a proper bike (that actually been designed properly) is when you realise how bad the unipack is.

Yeah, if he thinks a unipack is OK, imagine when he jumps on a decent bike he'll be blown away, probably the only thing a unipack is good for.

http://www.cyclebasket.com/products.php?plid=m9b24s300p1702&rs=gb

I would go for one of these as the you can adjust the chainline

what do you mean by that ¬ How does this BB allow for chainline adjustment?
(seems like a good un - might order it)

There's no stops on the ends, using a bb lockring to set it so far left or so far right you can adjust your chainline, not bad for a tenner (plus P&P)

Heh, I know exactly what you mean, maybe it's just self-deceipt, since I don't have the dough to buy a proper one now...

actually not necessary so, hell, it's entirely possible to get a great bike for less than an unipack, all it take is a decent frame, take the decent part you brought for the unipack (open pro wheelset for instance), and you'll end up loving the ride more.

there's no need to spend a handful of cash, just keep checking the classified section for decent (usually 531 tubing) frame for a song, and bingo, you got it sorted.

Since I don't have the tools yet, a bike shop installed the new BB, and it seems there's a stiff spot with each turn of the crank (both directions), is this normal or have they messed up the installation?

It's not normal.

Go back to the shop. Did the bottom bracket turn sweetly before it went in the bike?

actually not necessary so, hell, it's entirely possible to get a great bike for less than an unipack, all it take is a decent frame, take the decent part you brought for the unipack (open pro wheelset for instance), and you'll end up loving the ride more.

there's no need to spend a handful of cash, just keep checking the classified section for decent (usually 531 tubing) frame for a song, and bingo, you got it sorted.

Wrong guy Ed. This one's just bought a used Unipack. He doesn't own any Open Pros.

:-)

Out of interest, how many of the people having these "Unipacks are shit" revelations go to Camberwell?

Heh, I know exactly what you mean, maybe it's just self-deceipt, since I don't have the dough to buy a proper one now... So the plan is, gradual replacement of parts and eventually the frame, which might in the long run actually end up as a blessing, since I probably won't learn as much about bikes if I had bought a 'proper' OTP.

Since I don't have the tools yet, a bike shop installed the new BB, and it seems there's a stiff spot with each turn of the crank (both directions), is this normal or have they messed up the installation?

Your chainline may be to tight and your chain binding, try and slacken it off a little bit and see how it runs.

I daresay you mean chain tension, not chainline, Bernhard!

Set the chain tension at it's tightest point. Half an inch of play should do it.

**Be very careful not to get yer pinkies dragged between chain and chainring whilst checking/setting tension!

**Edit: if it's singlespeed this will just be painful, fixed you'll prob need medical attention!

Like this:

actually not necessary so, hell, it's entirely possible to get a great bike for less than an unipack, all it take is a decent frame, take the decent part you brought for the unipack (open pro wheelset for instance), and you'll end up loving the ride more.

there's no need to spend a handful of cash, just keep checking the classified section for decent (usually 531 tubing) frame for a song, and bingo, you got it sorted.

Yep that's the intention, and learn some diy while doing it... :)

Thx for the advice!

dude - you are me 6 months ago! I gradually replaced just about all the parts (except the BB) which held up ok on mine, guess i was lucky. Actually turned out to be not a bad ride if a tad heavy and most people didn't even realise what it was (tip: ironic Holdworth badge helps). Don't think they're really ripping people off tho i mean what do you expect for the money, mine supplied plenty of parts for polo etc and i think its a good starter bike for people who want to try fixed gear out without having to splash out a fortune - a good way to learn about building and finding out what you really want and how it all works. Finally got round to replacing the last part yesterday. Anyone want to by a Unipack frame?

before / after

2 Attachments

dude - you are me 6 months ago! I gradually replaced just about all the parts (except the BB) which held up ok on mine, guess i was lucky. Actually turned out to be not a bad ride if a tad heavy and most people didn't even realise what it was (tip: ironic Holdworth badge helps). Don't think they're really ripping people off tho i mean what do you expect for the money, mine supplied plenty of parts for polo etc and i think its a good starter bike for people who want to try fixed gear out without having to splash out a fortune - a good way to learn about building and finding out what you really want and how it all works. Finally got round to replacing the last part yesterday. Anyone want to by a Unipack frame?

before / after

Good to hear! :)

Bloody nice looking end-result! What wheels you using?

I daresay you mean chain tension, not chainline, Bernhard!

Set the chain tension at it's tightest point. Half an inch of play should do it.

Be very careful not to get yer pinkies dragged between chain and chainring whilst checking/setting tension!

Edit: if it's singlespeed this will just be painful, fixed you'll prob need medical attention!

Like this:

i'm just eating my lunch and had a little bit of sick in my moiuth..........eeeew

oh and Ouch, must have stung like fuck

thats a deep v on the back and the front is off a Langster

I agree with dante, the ubiquitous unipack isn't a bad start for any noobie. I have one myself (present from girlfriend) and am gradually replacing the bits as I go along, I am on a student budget so a 'decent' bike is way out of my price range. Moreover, its a good way of learning about fixed gear riding and what you want in a bike. Some day I'll buy a new frame but in the mean time its saving time for a new back wheel. Ill get some photos of my work in progress up soon