TM's Steel Evolution - Panasonic NJS to Donohue 853 RAD

Fair enough, look like you did save yourself a lots of trouble.

In fact, it mean that you can able to worry about it in the future making it easier to decided exactly what you want from a bicycle.

One day when I'm fitter, lighter, faster and more sensible I might get a custom road bike. But only once I've had plenty of time to consider my options. Even now though I do think 853 will be a strong contender for material choice. Once the Donohue road frame is built (will be done by spring I reckon, Scoble/Dammit/JayBee style long game build thread) I'll have road, fixed and MTB in 853.

Exactly, I thought of getting a custom 5 years ago, but it would have been a fixed wheel bicycle with tight clearance with 23mm tyres and a single brakes, quite glad I didn't as my entire cycling outlook have changed dramatically (especially for touring).

Already decided to put down a deposit for another Oaks with almost identical geometry but for fixed wheel, 700c and 631 tubing with modern componentry (ahead).

just 2 add my 2 cents: i didn't mean that in a negative way. maybe i realize your part changes more than others, but it seems you are changing parts of every bike every 2nd day. but you just doing it the other way round, so everything is fine.

if the donhue is now THE perfect fitting fixed bike you now can sell the other fixed bikes or changing the not fitting parts for the right ones in realtion to the donhue :)

Already decided to put down a deposit for another Oaks with almost identical geometry but for fixed wheel, 700c and 631 tubing with modern componentry (ahead).

Bloody hell ed! I need to work at Evans!

I don't work for Evans anymore, thank fuck.

The (possibly) new frame will be simple and cheap with TIG rather than fillet, powdercoat, 1 1/8 steerer, caliper etc. but with the same ride and handling as the 650B.

Still on part times as usual sadly.

Eingang, it's a great fit, great every day all weather bike for short to mid length rides (<50-60 miles), commuting, errand running, having fun... Will still keep the Condor for sunny day long road rides and occasional trips to track, and Corima for pub bike... Just because one bike is near perfect for it's purpose, doesn't mean I only want to ride the one. The Condor is also perfect for it's purpose. As is my Boardman...

found her a friend...

Nothing! That's why I've stopped thinking about going custom.

Well, aside from the tatty paint, but think I might get this and the road frame painted in opposites... Fixed, pearl white with dark metallic purple logos (much as it is currently just classier), road frame done dark purple with white logos....

We can start a dark purple Donohue gang!

beautifullllllllllll… slack chain?

bars look fun

Sick Donohue!

Cheers fam, chains a little slack yeah, not sure if it's wear or if the wheel has slipped. Rides smooth on that tension though...

It shouldn't wear that quickly, unless you've barely touch the chains in ages...

I don't know really, the wheel is still perfectly straight so not sure if it's slippage. Since changing the tyre I've done maybe 200 miles, including an event and a pretty hilly ride, think it might be "stretch"... Riding the way I do, the weight I am and with brakeless installed I think the chain is under above average stress.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/121201582394?hlpht=true&ops=true&viphx=1&lpid=95&device=c&adtype=pla&crdt=0&ff3=1&ff11=ICEP3.0.0&ff12=67&ff13=80&ff14=95&ff19=0

Pop down to the LBS and ask to borrow the chain wear tool.

Hopefully not worn out enough to require replacing the cog and chainring.

^^better than going to LBS when you have 28 bikes

photoshopped it for you.

1 Attachment

I'm not worried about the chain, all in it's maybe done 1000 miles. Cog and chainring in good condition and chain is oiled weekly.

Cheers Eingang, good work. I couldn't face ps today.

Looks absolutely beautiful TM, any changes in the near future?

any changes in the near future?

Nah, I think this is finished now.

Yeah, aside from putting the regular front wheel back in, only change will be fitting a full Windsor mudguard on the rainy days.

and chain is oiled weekly.

weekly is a bit excessive, too much oil can actually increase the wear and tear due to the oil collecting the dirt into the chain.