GT Edge Aero TT --> paint pron tarck conversion attempt

I am going to add a third bolt to each side, as well as a nut on the inside of each possibly (recommendation of @young_gun ?) but I think I will avoid welding - see previous pages for further discussion on this...

I'm sure aluminium's propensity to crack under fatigue and undue stress will have no impact on this. Maybe add some duct tape just to be sure.

Actually I thought Sugru would help fill in any gaps ;)
and windex.

I love this project, its insane, and you are brave to do it. Excited to see how the next stage goes. Good luck.

well done

Yup as much I did give this a slagging initially I think it's actually turning out pretty cool and I applause you having the bravery to do this.

Personally, I may have chosen a lesser frame as my starting point but fuck it mate, it's your bike.

I think the ratbikes, frankenbikes etc thread needs a new, radder little brother...

radbikes?

ModdedBikes? - stick your flyer in there too.

Bikechop?

Looks absolutely pro. Nice job.

Love how the attitude to this build has changed. Hope the flanges go as well.

I was aspiring to something more but is the consensus that this is going to become a rat bike? :(
...Do I smell a rat?

I think it almost definitely will be a rat. You can't ever sell it so I'd say make it the kinda bike only you could love.

As said above, do whatever you wanna do with it (you sounded keen about the paint pron side of things I thought).
You've already done it to a pretty large extent.

Whether that makes it a rat or not?

RAT BIKES ARE THE BEST BIKES... sometimes

Can you convert this frame into a ss fatbike?

Or a dual-sus recumbent?

You should totally convert it to a sweet TT frame. Like a GT edge aero TT frame!

definitely still planning on a V2 with all of the gussets, and ultimately a schweeeet paint job, but realistically that will be some months away... I am hoping I may actually be able to get V1 (same paint, but with the track ends firmly in place) on the road within a week now.
I am wondering whether I can clean up the look from the outside by adding a thinner bit of steel, (like a sandwich) as seems to be on these track ends:

or this (possibly?):

I couldn't find anything like that on ebay or anywhere else for sale - any ideas? Or anyone that has that style of track ends, what is the thickness? I may be able to cut a couple out to suit this if they aren't too thick.

Slow going with the shaping and filing (really need a dremel!) but the first side is looking better, and the second side is coming along... just ordered new bolts (high-tensile strength, flanged dome) as the ones I had before are not going to be long enough to take a nut as well (should I get a special kind of locknut?).

You should totally convert it to a sweet TT frame. Like a GT edge aero TT frame!

@HHC - I will still be able to put the derailleur hanger on it, so I can actually use it for both in theory ;)

Or anyone that has that style of track ends

Yeah, I've gottem, thought without the bolt looking thing in the middle. Seem to be only a mill thicker than the rest of the ends.

Would have thought they were already on the track ends before and not put on after.

Plus how would it go all the way around. Doesn't the old dropout get in the way?

Ok, I was thinking on the example of the white one which looks like 3 separate layers. I was hoping I could sandwich the old dropouts between the new thick ones on the inside, which would be bearing the weight /stress and then a thinner layer on the outside which would be more for aesthetic purposes. Here is the end as it is, and then with a paper cut out of where a new layer would be (top of the sandwich if you will):

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thats not gonna work, what you are trying to recreate are alu dropouts with steel inserts. seems like you would get a better result by cleaning up the cuts(removing more of the excess material) and maybe some body filler and file work to clean it all up.

Also with the dropouts as they are at the moment... where are you going to put the nut?

Do you mean auto body filler? Any recommendations on brands or where to buy?
Thanks for suggestions!

I think good sir , you find yourself out of your depth.

I have been out of my depth from the beginning... That doesn't mean it won't work though.
@Murphys_Law Obviously the nut will need a bit more space to fit in there if I don't manage to put on any more steel on the bottom to level it out. I am still considering different options but I obviously won't be able to just chuck a wheel in as is.

Bold project, good luck with it. What wheels are you thinking about putting on this?

Eventually it would be nice to have something bling, maybe a rear disc, but in the mean time for V1, I am thinking I will go with a red brev.m wheelset I have (pending replacement of bearings in rear hub).

Any offers for a cheap aerospoke or trispoke are also welcome, but I don't think the bike merits it yet ;)