Current Projects chat and miscellany

^ +1

Ed how come you're not using the Thorn? Is part of the challenge to do it fixed?

One thing I've learnt; proper touring cyclists tend to be people who doesn't cycle in the first place, merely chosen the bike as it's the cheapest, easiest and quickest way of seeing a country.

The Thorn was a great bike, stable, strong, handle a huge amount of weight, ultimately boring.

I enjoyed cycling, and I also enjoyed touring, it's entirely possible to join those two together*.

The fixed wheel is really is part of the challenge as 50 miles a day is very doable, also would bring more attention to getting people to donate for the charity, *obviously I somewhat doubt it would be as enjoyable as a light geared bicycle, but alas.

my girlfriend loves that Tokyo fixed dream machine, is it as good as the price tag?

I think it's a great frame for the money, it's not everyday you get to see a decent fixed wheel light touring frame (the caliper version is more of an audax with smaller clearance), it was pretty comfortable and nice to have a slightly longer than average headtube.

Having said that, their 2012 model is all horizontal top tube, and due to the type of customers who choose those frame, the headtube is smaller.

^ Come on, pics or it didn't happen!

Pic is there, can you not see it?

^ Wait up.....

^^ No, I can't, and just checked using a different browser and still no luck.

There does seem to be a few posts where there was obviously intended a pic to be there, never sure if its just my PC that won't let me see em!

The fixed wheel is really is part of the challenge as 50 miles a day is very doable, also would bring more attention to getting people to donate for the charity, *obviously I somewhat doubt it would be as enjoyable as a light geared bicycle, but alas.

Suppose it also cuts down on weight carried for any spares and such and is one less possible part to brake.

Quite right, less mechanical part to go wrong.

I find that the lighter you tour, the less you puncture/damaged component, a proper tourer carrying enough to feed an Alabamian family would need very strong component otherwise you'll find yourself replacing component as you go along.

The Cranes proved that with their ultralight 753 Raleigh with 35c tyres, two panniers, a double crankset without a front derailleur and one bottle cage, they encounter very few mechanical issue despite riding through some of the most hostile climate on Earth.

With the setup you've got there it really has been cut down to the absolute minimum moving parts that could go wrong, plus going fixed means a stronger chain.

What BB are you using Ed?

^^ one of my all-time favourite bikes & expeditions!

There is something I really appreciate about builds that are perfectly engineered and thought out for their intended purpose.

I love my current HHSB, buts its still pretty functional for what I want it for.

But when you get something functionally pure, it does make me smile!

^^ No, I can't, and just checked using a different browser and still no luck.

There does seem to be a few posts where there was obviously intended a pic to be there, never sure if its just my PC that won't let me see em!

Here - http://www.flickr.com/photos/33992007@N05/7403688584/in/photostream

The embedded pic is from my forum album, I'll ask Velocio why it won't show.

Nice!
I remember now, you posted it pre-build a few days back.
Does look fun!
Is that the fork you had or a cheap ebay replacement?

Ed, how many bikes have you got now? has that new bike replaced something?

if you can tell me what's the difference is, then I'm all ears.
Otherwise sticking to comfty shoes and clips.
Will be using this for audax too.

So much win. Rep.

What BB are you using Ed?

Cheap Shimano one sadly, but given the circumstance, I wouldn't worry too much about maintenance since the weight will definitely be under 30kg (including luggage), the bike itself weight approx 10kg.

Will replace the cheap KMC chain with a Wipperman one when the time come.

Unlike the Cranes, I'm going to bikepack instead as it made a huge difference in term of ride quality.

Ed, how many bikes have you got now? has that new bike replaced something?

Replaced this;

Which I'm now selling for £150, including full carbon fork, seatpost, headset, stem, crankset (48t with 42mm chainline), chain (length's perfect for 19t), and front brake with koolstop pads, frame is 54cm.

All you have to do is add wheelset, handlebar/brake lever, saddle and pedals, bob your uncle.

Nice!
I remember now, you posted it pre-build a few days back.
Does look fun!
Is that the fork you had or a cheap ebay replacement?

I swapped the green ebay fork for that one with my brother. That fork is 40mm shorter and properly straight. Current plans are to ride it, then chop it if I feel the need.

I'm not sure what sort of coating it has on it but you can still see the braze quite nicely, but it doesn't rust. Feels bare but something tells me that it isn't.

^ Linseed oil?

Oz, needs to be chopped! See you at the UK Champs mate!

^^ Possibly. It's properly brand new despite being 15yrs old. Bought if from that bankrupt sales shop on ebay

Cheap Shimano one sadly, but given the circumstance, I wouldn't worry too much about maintenance since the weight will definitely be under 30kg (including luggage), the bike itself weight approx 10kg.

Shimano will last for that without any worries though, I would have thought.

As you say, keeping the weight down will help bearings last longer anyway.

When are you off?

The Thorn was a great bike, stable, strong, handle a huge amount of weight, ultimately boring.

...

I think it's a great frame for the money...

Having said that, their 2012 model is all horizontal top tube, and due to the type of customers who choose those frame, the headtube is smaller.

I can imagine. I'm not really sure what the difference between the thron and a 90s MTB is anyway.

I do really like those TFg frames. They seem to be really well thought through. I'm a but surprised/disappointed they're dropping the head tube. The only thing I'd also like to see is a ahead option (even if it's 1" ... But 1 1/8" would be better).

...and as usual it's looking good.

I can imagine. I'm not really sure what the difference between the thron and a 90s MTB is anyway.

Higher bottom bracket and flex less under load.

Least that's the difference I've noticed.

Latest on my build, new Nitto post and SLR, that feel and look tons better than Arione and crabon shit, and undecalled and polished front rim.

Still want to play with cockpit a bit, and new rear wheel to come, but pretty much done.

1 Attachment

new grips and a new 41t chainring. 41x18 is pretty nice.

Love this bike but the grips n that paint is toomuch for me. One of them has to go. Also remember seeing a pic of it with a better bar angle.

Lookin nice AngelD, need a silver stem though imo

I get bored way to easy, would love a Nitto jag as the bars feel too high and close with with relativity low rise bars. Any other quill stems with a pretty big drop that don't break the bank?