Nord-France : Project Beater

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If you're going singlespeed, why not get some cheap gears instead? Simplex (like mine) or something similar. I'm guessing that frame would originally have had stem mounted shifters, which could be fun...

Ah a good point Ollie! Unfortunately i just gave my band on front shifter to Rich. Still got an old Huret rear deralieur in my parts bin, hmmmmmm.....

I've got some simplex stuff that Loic gave me which you could use if you wanted. It looks a little knackered but it probably works...

Sounds like a plan mate! I'll pop round at some point and have a looksee. Will i need a screw on freewheel hub?

I haven't a clue. Sorry.

If its friction (and it almost definitely is) you can use any cassette or freewheel so no you don't have to use a screw on. 10 gears might be a bit fiddly on friction though.

You'll probably need to respace the frame for a cassette wheel though.

Also that frame has no hanger so you'll need a rear mech with attached hanger. SS would be easier and as its a pub bike you're unlikely to need a range of gears.

Hub gear could be a possibility - old AW hubs are usually just a couple of quid at jumbles and car boot sales (much more expensive on ebay though) and then you've only gotta source a rim/spokes/shifter, all of which can be had very cheap. You can use a friction shifter with AW hubs if you're careful.

I had an AW hub in a 700c rim and it was great.

Cool cheers guys. I'm well up to speed on fixed/singlespeed but never played with gears really. I'll have a nosey at Ollies stuff but to be honest i've had a think and it will likely end up single speed.

For the record it does have a rear mech hanger you just can't see it in the photo as it's hidden behind the seatstay ;-)

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Build it up and say that it's Tokyo Fixed. Ca. £800 profit.

What wheels? Have you got any already? Does it take 700c or 27"?

I think it was built for 27's but i may be able to get a set of ancient Mavic 700's off a mate at work for nothing but he says the read needs a new hub.

You got something on offer?

No, Matt, you know I've sold out everything. I mean everything :-)

You can stick 700c on and run mudguards to feel the space. You've got the eyelets. Perfect beater.

Yup! I found a brake in the cupboard that's the right drop for a 700c so gonna go with that.

I didn't know you'd sold everything!?!?! You're kidding surely...

I mean "fill up the space" not to touch it up, by the way. This new auto-correct function in Lion gets on my tits!

(I still have Scissor, as it was a bargain, and the ti tourer)

If you need a brake lever, let me know. I've got one of those old school simple DiaCompe.

Ah the one thing i appear to have in abundance is brake levers, cheers for the offer tho! I do need a rear brake if you happen to have one kicking around?

Nope. Sold. Pity - I had NOS long reach Tectros I sold for peanuts.

Oye maaate, is that stupid french bike all french threaded? If so, do treat your BB and HS with love, parts are such a battle to get, trust me!

Ah!! NORD FRANCE!! Sounds like where I was born! As Spybot mentionned, I have old parts at home, some french, depending what you need I might be able to help (could give you a screw on freewheel block to start with if you need one). You are welcome to pop in and we can look thru the boxes of crap...

Oh, and nice lugg lining mate, I was having a go at that recently, you have done a much better job than me!

Szia

L

Haha! Yes I have a feeling it is stupid French threading, hence why I just re-greased and kept the original BB. Headset I assume is the same so will strip and re-grease that at the weekend too.

I have a Huret rear 5 speed (i think) rear mech so could do with a band-on friction shifter if you haz one and the screw on block could be a winner! I may pop round this weekend and have a rummage if you're around?

I must admit, every time i look at this bike it reminds me of your French-ness ;-)

Is there a cable stop at the top of the down tube, on the rhs as you were looking down from riding position?

Just wondering if it was for stem-mounted gears.

Band on friction shifter, I would need to double-check, maybe... I think I have a old shimano one with one lever only, if you only have speeds at the rear but a unique chainring.
A screw on freewheel block, that's almost certain...
You are welcome to come this WE to check...

Szia
L (just PM you my number)

Haha! Yes I have a feeling it is stupid French threading, hence why I just re-greased and kept the original BB. Headset I assume is the same so will strip and re-grease that at the weekend too.

I have a Huret rear 5 speed (i think) rear mech so could do with a band-on friction shifter if you haz one and the screw on block could be a winner! I may pop round this weekend and have a rummage if you're around?

I must admit, every time i look at this bike it reminds me of your French-ness ;-)

Nope, it's got a small plate underneath the downtube that i assume is for butting the band on shifter against to prevent it from slipping down the tube.

Is there a cable stop at the top of the down tube, on the rhs as you were looking down from riding position?

Just wondering if it was for stem-mounted gears.

Cool, just checking as I have a single stem band-on lever which could have been handy.

If I see any spares I have that could be handy then I'll shout.

Cool, cheers mate!