Eddie McGrath Track

Hello all.

I bought my first fixed from Jackc in November 2012.

A Jamis Sputnik 2011:

This was too big at 55cm square. However, it was a comfortable ride and a good introduction to riding fixed that allowed me to get my first buckaroo experiences out of the way.

I did the Induction at Herne Hill Velodrome, initially for Track Day VII earlier this season and throughly enjoyed that, so started the Basic Training classes thereafter.

I rode to HHV from east London on the Jamis but I would use the free yet limited hire bikes during the session.

You cannot complain because they offer a great service but the bikes are a mixed bag and the pain of queueing up and hoping they have your size can be tedious so I decided that it was best to sell the Jamis and use the funds to build a smaller bike for everyday use and during training sessions at HHV.

I considered aluminium OTP but I just built the Ron Cooper and wanted this build to be maximum quality at the lowest possible price.

Despite riding brakeless on the track, I still prefer a brake on the road, so I began looking for a 51-52 cm steel track frame (drilled for a brake).

The search was slow, dull and frustrating at times but I eventually found this complete bike on ebay:

It is an Eddie McGrath Track. 52cm Square. Reynolds 531c.

Judging by the amazing/awful fade spray job, I'm guessing that this is from the 90s but I have no idea really...

There is no frame number on the bottom bracket and although the forks are stamped, I'm not 100% sure they are original to the frame.

I collected this from a guy named George in south London, who turns out to be a forumenger but I forgot his handle.

Anyway, my initial assessment was that the front road wheel, Modolo bars & stem, battered Turbo saddle, Look pedals, brake levers, mismatched tyres and Stronglight 42t chainring would need to be swapped out.

I kept the Campagnolo Mirage headset and Miche Primato cranks as they were in excellent condition and more importantly in 165mm, as well as the aero seat post and Tektro front brake.

Furthermore, I needed to remove the rear brake cable guide braze ons (seriously?) and consider a respray, as I was very unsure about the garish/great colour scheme.

The rear is a Miche Primato fixed with a 17 tooth sprocket but my plan is to run a double fixed rear so I can run a higher ratio on the track and 17t on my commute.

Finding a double fixed wheel set with a braking surface was not without its problems but after posting a Wanted ad I managed to find some from Eagle Glenn, who kindly delivered these to me:

Ambrosio Double Fixed Hubs – Mavic 32 Hole Open Pro Rims – Sapim Spokes - Hand built by Dave Hinde

I contacted Oak Cycles regarding removal of the braze ons and although this only costs £10, the frames needs to be blasted for the work the be done correctly (at an additional £30) plus the subsequent respray (via Armourtex) at £70.

So with a total price of £110, I decided to get out the hacksaw and have a go myself.

To be frank, I was worried that I might “F” it up but it was actually quite easy. I'm afraid, I forgot to take any photos but my process was this:

• I masked around the braze ons with three layers of black electrical tape
  
• I sawed as close to the frame as I dared
  
• I filed the remainder down to a smooth finish
  
• Touched up the frame (not an exact colour match but ok) using my nieces garish/great nail polish
  
  
  

I'm happy with the results and saved a load of cash for [add appropriate vice here]

Having decided against a respray, I also made the decision to remove the Eddie McGrath decals...

...a little controversial I know, but I can't stand the bright white font so set about peeling them off:

After:

Here are the parts I acquired, in readiness for the build after the bike had been stripped and the parts I intend to keep, degreased and cleaned up:

Cinelli Milano Stem 110mm
Cinelli Criterium Drop Bars 38cm
Selle Italia Flite
Velosolo 48t 135BCD
Velox Cloth Bar Tape
Cinelli Milano Bar Plugs
Dura Ace Lockrings

Here is the build almost complete:

I fitted a 15t Dura Ace sprocket and as they don't manufacture 17t, I used an old BLB (spits to the floor) 18t that I removed from the Jamis and finally added the ubiquitous Gatorskins.

When I removed the adjustable bottom bracket, the fixed cup snapped so I was forced to purchased a Miche Primato Track bottom bracket.

I have now read that it is not necessary to removed the fixed side during a service but it was too late and ended up being a costly mistake.

To add further misery to this problem, when fitting the new bottom bracket, I stupidly put it on the wrong way round and (ever so slightly) threaded the drive side.

I must admit to touching cloth for a while as I thought I may have killed the frame but I took it into Andrew at Look Mum No Hands and he fitted the bottom bracket with no problems - much to my relief.

And Voilà. The finished build:

I've added MKS Sylvan track pedals with clips and Cadence straps, Tektro RL720 brake lever and an Izumi chain.

It is stiff, rides nice and smooth. I'm very happy with the result. Now, time to get it down to Herne Hill...

Really nice build dude, the colours are amazing

Really like the story and write up mate. Awesome bike too, hope it serves its purpose well.

Surprised you would removed the brake cable routing as fixed with two brakes is hugely underrated.

Still look like you got a great bike for commuting and track, geometry look spot on for both.

Tidy. I think the paint job looks pretty cool, sans decals (sorry Eddie). I'll look out for you at HH.

BTW, where can I find this amazing blue wall? My bike would look fantastic in front of that. :)

brake cable routing

geometry look spot on for commuting and track

Did it always have track ends? McGrath may not be a framebuilder, but the shop that did the respray. I'm not sure though; BB looks too high for it to have been a road frame...

Very likely to be a road fixed frame rather than a track frame.

uh oh Dave Hinde wheels!

Most ironic sticker ever.

Surprised you would removed the brake cable routing as fixed with two brakes is hugely underrated.

I understand your point, but it is certainly not something I would consider at this moment. Aesthetically, I much prefer a track bike without any brakes at all. However, I'm wouldn't rule out running two brakes on another bike in the future.

Tidy. BTW, where can I find this amazing blue wall? My bike would look fantastic in front of that. :)

Thanks. The wall is at a skate park on the Isle of Dogs. I took my nephew and grabbed a couple of quick snaps on the iPhone.

uh oh Dave Hinde wheels!

What am I missing?

Did it always have track ends? BB looks too high for it to have been a road frame...

No idea. The forks look more like "road" in my limited experience. They have Campagnolo fork ends. The track ends however have no discernible markings but the rear cable guide brazes on would make you consider it's track "heritage".

Thanks. The wall is at a skate park on the Isle of Dogs.

[URL="http://s1148.photobucket.com/user/Cauchi8/media/SkatePark_zps144c916e.jpg.html"][/URL]

Oh. I only ride past there twice a day on my commute. Cheers, must drop by.

really great build man, props

McGrath may not be a framebuilder, but the shop that did the respray. I'm not sure though

I forgot that I took a photo of this before the rebuild:

Maybe I should call the number?

Looks legit doesn't it. Might as well call if you've got a frame number

Might as well call

I just called the number and it was suggested that I email some pictures so they can attempt to identify the frame.

I only sent pictures with the Eddie McGrath decals still intact...

such a shame you removed the cable guides and decals...

Looks lovely mate!

such a shame you removed the cable guides and decals...

This.

Pretty sure that's a requirement if he wants to use it for track.

Edit:Well not the decals

That's a requirement for track

Yes, I believe so. They also look shit and I will never run a rear brake.

This is not a restoration or an up keep of a marquee. Just a frame that I plan to ride 365.

I won't have many sleepless nights over EDDIE McGRATH...

Pretty sure that's a requirement if he wants to use it for track.

No it's not, least not in Herne Hill that is.

Herne Hill Velodrome has this to say on the matter:

*To make it track legal it must adhere to certain standards:

If frame has braze-ons or fittings they must be padded and taped over to avoid injury.

It must have no brakes or extraneous parts (this includes the entire brake assembly, bottle cages, lights & brackets etc).*