The Single Speed Shopper of Death™ and other shopping bike tales

This is my missus' Raleigh Twenty that I rebuilt with modern (lighter) components. I bought it from a friend looking like this, a bit tired and manky:

And this is what it looks like now:

The only original parts are the frame, fork, BB, crankset, lamp bracket and the Sturmey hubs, everything else is a modern replacement, although I am planning to fit the rear rack and chain guard when I get a chance. It does what we wanted it to do - a reliable, modern town bike with classic lines.

Couple of hours on train to pick up this today, original '70s folding Hercules Compact in time-warp condition, gold metallic paint is unmarked and barely a speck of rust to be seen. Needs the saddle and bar height sorting out, and the brakes tweaking but good news is that nothing seems to be seized so far. Rode it 2 miles home, super fun. Can't wait to stick a basket on the rear rack and start using it.

Nice job on the RS radar! that looks boss. what rims are those?

I'm in the process of ordering a ti mini-velo frame from Taiwan. I'll just swap the parts over.

It's finished now. Only awaiting rear Spok and Ultegra rear mech.
Right now it's single speed and the handlepost swapped for a one piece.
looking good kris loving the HHSB front wheel! those bars? mosquito?

Nice job on the RS radar! that looks boss. what rims are those?

Cheers, man. The rims are Sun Ringle Assault 451 with Schwalbe Durano 1+1/8th tyres.

This is my missus' Raleigh Twenty that I rebuilt with modern (lighter) components. I bought it from a friend looking like this, a bit tired and manky:

And this is what it looks like now:

The only original parts are the frame, fork, BB, crankset, lamp bracket and the Sturmey hubs, everything else is a modern replacement, although I am planning to fit the rear rack and chain guard when I get a chance. It does what we wanted it to do - a reliable, modern town bike with classic lines.

Could you tell me where u got the rims? Ordered 20 x 1.75 406mm rather than the 1 3/8 451mm that I need. Having trouble finding the 451mm now.

Chainreaction has bunches of 'em.
The descriptions aren't always clear, you may have to dig.

It was Chain Reaction I bought them from. Had a quick look for them just now for you, buggered if I can find them. Sorry!

The export Twenties tended to use 406 rims originally, btw, the 451's were mainly for the UK market, so your 406's should be fine. Easier to get tyres too.

Didn't see the Sun/Ringle offering, but here's a couple options.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=82831
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=82832

Ahh they'll fit.. thanks!

Although now I think about it.. For the cost of two rims, spokes to fit and new tyres, it would be as cheap to get a sturmey 3 speed with coaster brake off of eBay and lace that in. Possibilities!

Also after this build for the mrs I'm definitely doing one for myself. So much fun to ride.

Cheers, found a 28 hole at SJS too.

http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/sun-cr18-20in-(451)-rim-28-hole-prod28300/

Just won this:
http://item.mobileweb.ebay.co.uk/viewitem?itemId=120948239028&index=0&nav=WON&nid=10928395584&trxId=0


Always liked the look of these old school mini bikes and as a result of this thread and a bit of reading around the KingPin I've kinda fallen for them. TBH I prefer the look of the non-folding one, but I thought this would be marginally more practical and the location was near London.... So I pulled the trigger.

I've suddenly had a number of costs come out this month, so I don't really have any plans as yet. But current Thoughts are:

smaller lighter alu wheels
bigger tyres
new brakes
new bars, stem, grips
square taper cranks
general lightening where possible

Awesome thread!

My boss has a early 90's shopper, which he asked me to go on during work hours to get new reflectors fitter (don't ask..). Thought I would stretch it's legs a little.. I can safely say it was the most fun I've had on a bike! Trashing it round corners with my foot down and racing roadies!

I really do fancy getting one, but have it as a 'sleeper' of the biking world. Upgrade the brakes, tyres and just get it quick.

Here's my shopper got it cheap, thought I'd get it running, put on some grips, chain and handlebars I had lying about and bought some new tyres and a bell yesterday... took it out today, doesn't really stop, just slows you down

Depending on the type of coaster brake you might need to replace the brake shoes. You should be able to lock the rear wheel quite easily.

Thanks to Eamesy (who gave me some pedals) I can ride this without falling off. Still doesn't shift but I can't be bothered to fix it right now. I'm not smart enough to use gears anyway.

Oh and Jay75 that looks like a lot of fun, really cool.

Nice.

Really like the front basket and rack on that.

Did it come with the bike?

Also do you know what size the seatpost is?

The rack was there when I bought it, and the basket is just a Wald with the struts removed and zip tied to the rack.

Not sure about the seatpost but it's fairly large, a 27.2 was way too small.

should be 28.6 for a kingpin.

Cheers.

http://www.yoeleo.com/20-bmx-carbon-rims-clincher-50mm.html

crabon 20's

what is that? are you shaving your tires?

Just won this:
http://item.mobileweb.ebay.co.uk/viewitem?itemId=120948239028&index=0&nav=WON&nid=10928395584&trxId=0https://rover.ebay.com/roverimp/1/710-53481-19255-0/1?ff3=2&pub=5574889051&toolid=10001&campid=5336525415&item=120948239028&mpt=8938201

http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/Njc3WDEwMjQ=/$%28KGrHqJ,%21lwE+FKuBNkjBP+,S3l%28SQ%7E%7E60_1.JPG?set_id=8800005007

Bargainous!! you near Oxford then?