Current Projects chat and miscellany

hey,

Just purchased this bike on egay. Want to make it singlespeed but don't know where the hell to start + i'm an epic Luddite when it comes to making stuff. Anyone got recommendations of bike shops (my lbs are pirates) that take on refurb/conversion jobbies? And also what sort of cost would I be looking at? I'm happy keeping it rough and ready so no need for a paint job.

Really mate, don't bother taking it to a shop. It'll cost you loads (I went into Brick Lane Bikes to see about a new BB and they said it'd be £35 just to fit it) and if you do it yourself you'll know a lot more about how stuff works and how to fix/adjust it when it goes wrong.

A shop should be your last resort. Bikes are piss to work on. I used to service my own motorbike, and apart from the valve clearances, it was just as easy to maintain and upgrade. Just a little bit more going on.. Don't be intimidated by bolts and screws, it really is a piece of piss, plus theres an absolute mountain of information and helpful people on the internet and in shops