My first SS/FG build

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  • I long thought I must have a go at this FG or SS thing but never really got going on it till I found a frame on here a couple of weeks back. It's Kona Paddy Wagon which came with a stuck seatpost and bottom bracket, which I knew about in advance. I bought it in this state mainly as I like tinkering but more becuase I'm tight. The headset is also kapout but again I knew about this.

    I had quite a bit of stuff in the shed as I'm a hoarder so it's a "bitsa" and this is it almost ready to ride. There's still stuff to do obviously incl mudguards (i dont liek a wet arse), I need to learn how to wrap bars, probably fit bearings in the headset (without cages) as it's "notchey" or maybe a new headset. Sort out my oversized bar issue (26mm bars in a 25.4mm stem). Sort out the off-centre chainring (is that the correct term) for when the chain is tight in certain crank positions? Also sort out gearing ratio, I think it's something like 40/18 at present.

    Do folks think the eyes on the rear end are up to taking a rack?
    I ask as I assume they're for mudguards.

    Quite stoked actually ow much progress I've made so far and I'm really keen to get out on it properly.

    I was concerned about the braking ability of DP brakes as I've been riding with hydraulic discs for years but on my maiden trip around the block I was pleasantly surprised.


    1 Attachment

    • PaddyWagone_Partial2_small.jpg
  • 26mm bars in a 25.4mm stem

    Are you sure they aren't 25.4mm bars in a 26.0mm stem?

    There are loads of tutorials on how best to tape your bars. Example. But firstly you should trim those brake cables to make them sorta look like this. Especially your front brake cable is too long.

    Good luck!

  • Ta for your input I appreciate it. I'm fairly sure the bars are 26 and stem is 25.4, why do you ask is it unusual ?
    I'll have a crack at the cables I was a bit reluctant to trim too short.
    Ta

  • Trying bullhorns instead of drops and got myself a new 46T chainring (thanks DNA). Not sorted cabling as I need to settle on bars still.
    Commuting on it tomorrow for first time!!!
    Normally I ride an Alfine 8 and in prep for going single speed I've been restricting myself to 2 or 3 gears. It's amazing how quickly you adapt.
    Also hacked rear rack.


    1 Attachment

    • 3mb_Kona_bullhorns.jpg
  • Hears the rack hack.
    I'll tidy it up a bit with the grinder/linisher when I have more time.

    It's actually quite strong as I doubled the brackets up, one goes inside a slot on the rack and one on the outside and then both are bolted to the rack and frame.

    I'm after mudguards now as I reckon I'll like SSing.


    1 Attachment

    • Kona_rack_hack.jpg
  • Advice/comments more than welcome.
    I'm currently running the tyres (23mm luganos) on 70 at the front and 80 at the back. Is that OK? I normally run 32mm M+'s about 55/65.

    Ta

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My first SS/FG build

Posted by Avatar for TheShipwright @TheShipwright

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