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@Jimbonic
OK, it's been a while!
Lack of funds and time have mostly caused this hiatus. That and having lots of, erm, fun removing the seatpost!
So, progress since last time...
I finally managed to drill out the cotter pin. I tried everything else, but going medieval was the only option that worked. This process resulted in a trashed crank - well, it'll be difficult to use anyway. So, I am trying the build-a-BB route. I had an axle and bearings in my bits drawer, which was a bonus. Although, either my build technique or the parts are not quite right. There is a small amount of end float, which is annoying. It could be that I've not managed to tighten the cups up fully. At least, that's what I hope. The axle came from an old Falcon I had once. I replaced the BB on that with a cartridge type - much easier. I've got to get the headset replaced by my LBS (I don't have the tools). So, I might see if they can lose the float.
Which brings me onto the front end. I quickly discovered that the old Raleigh/BSAs have narrower hubs (90 mm?) than pretty much everything else. Or, certainly, anything I could find. So, I splashed out on a pair of Coppi forks. Their purple shininess is somewhat in contrast to the rest of the frame. But, hey. At least I've been able to find plenty of wheels and hubs that fit.
And, indeed, I've procured what seem to be a nice pair of Ambrosio Elite rims on Quattro and Maillard hubs (front & rear). They fit - nearly. The rear needs 6 mm of spacers either side to fit in between the chainstays without bending them too much. The rear came with a 17T gear, which may have to go. Though, I might wait until I've ridden it a bit before changing the gearing.
A decent KMC 1/8" chain is lying in wait in my bits drawer, ready for the day I feel brave enough to actually ride the bike! It'll connect the 17T rear gear to a 44T chainring. I've gone all aluminium-y on the front whirly bit, with a System-Ex crank. Not sure what these are like. But, I couldn't afford a Sugino!
Brakes seem to be one of my other conundrums. I'm having trouble landing a pair that fit properly. I think I might have finally found a rear that fits; a Weinemann of unknown vintage. The front is a more modern Shimano Exage. The Shimano Super SLR and Modolo wouldn't fit - screws the wrong length. I have a pair of Dia Compe brakes on their way, courtesy of eBay. And, I'm hoping these will fit. I'm sure I'll work something out with what I've got / will have. At some point, I'll have to make sure I've got cable to let me operate the brakes - always handy!
The brake levers will be attached to an ITM handlebar. Although, this might be a little on the wide side. It'll do for now, especially as it's winter and the extra control of a wide bar will be most welcome as the slipperiness increases its hold on our roads. A 3T stem bridges the gap between handlebar and frame, or at least will do once the headset has been fitted.
To stop me doing myself an injury on the crossbar, I've got a Selle Italia SLR saddle. Bit racy. But, it's cost me nothing. I may have to remove the cover, as it is already coming off. Still, gives me a chance to go all naked carbon. So...
The biggest problem on the whole bike so far has been the seatpost. I tried absolutely everything; used all the tools in my shed, including monkey wrench, vice, every type of "freeing" oi, everything. But, it wouldn't budge. I gave the frame to my LBS for two weeks. They couldn't budge it - not even by stabbing it with a screwdriver! So, in desperation, I gave it (and £50) to De Ver Cycles in Norbury. A week or so later, I was handed my frame back without the offending post, and no discernable heat damage - result!
In its place, I now have a Chinese knock off Truvativ aluminium post (greased, just in case you ask). Hopefully, this one won't get stuck!
So, I have nearly all the parts now to finish the bike. I just need time to find the time to fit them. When I've done so, I'll be back on to bask in the glory of having finished my very own first project. In the meantime, enjoy a couple of piccies of the journey so far.....
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