Kuwahara klunker

3x7 would be rad, I like that all parts are a bit ratty too

Bit of digging at the local bike co-op unearthed this cool Simplex front derailleur. Not sure if it’s 2x or 3x, but a double will be fine on this bike anyway.

It’s missing the bolt, but I have another derailleur I can steal it from.

EDIT: Research suggests it’s mid-eighties, which is perfect for this build. It’s also a double, but that’s fine.

https://velobase.com/ViewComponent.aspx?ID=3475ee29-c9b1-4a25-bc95-9bf6b7434423

EDIT: One sold on eBay in April for $70AUD. I paid $15 for this and the donor one, which I just looked up and they’re selling for ~$30

1 Attachment

So I’ve come across a Slingshot stem in Australia, which is something I’ve been considering instead of a BMX stem. It also has the cable guide for the front brake. It’s 22.2mm clamp, so will work with the bars I want to use.

The problem is its 21.1mm quill diameter, whereas the frame is standard 22.2mm diameter.

Shims exist for this. I was thinking of a shim + 22.2mm wedge from another old stem to get it to fit.

Will I lose my teeth?

1 Attachment

I think it will work better if you use the original wedge and make sure that sits in the shim too

Nah you will be fine. Have a search for an old Raleigh bomber stem as well. Similar design and a bit easier to come by.

The reason I was thinking of using 22.2mm wedge is that’s the part that holds the stem in. The shim would be to stop the quill moving in the headtube.

So nice, will be watching this one! Love the patina, hope it's all structurally sound underneath.

So do I!

I might put some frame saver in it.

So after some research, it’s going to cost me over $100AUD to run a stem with a shim, when I’d rather spend less than that on a stem that will actually work.

Following!
Love the forks!

Finally, finally got some wheels.

The guy listed them on Facebook market place as 21”. I asked if he was sure and he said yep, definitely 21”, so I left it. I messaged him a week later and asked him the tyre size of what was on there…
Back: 51-559(26x1.90)
Front: 35-559 (26x1.4)

They’re not amazing, Alex rims, Shimano rear hub, Quando front. Need to replace a spoke and get them trued, but they’ll do.

I mocked it up with Maxxis 2.4 tyres and I’ll be fine for clearance.

I also got these MX bars in the post. Nice and wide, nice sweep. Similar to the Surly Sunrise bars.

Edit: The Cinelli stem was a placeholder to make sure it’s standard 1” threaded. I have a slingshot stem on its way.

5 Attachments

This is the stem that’s on its way to me. I like how it’s drilled for canti’s as well.

1 Attachment

this is shaping up very nicely

Looks excellent with those tyres. I’m surprised it clears 2.4s!

Do you have a link for the bars, looking for some myself

Here you go.

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/163765352985?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=705-154756-20017-0&ssspo=qVjZnNYeSga&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=ZiE3eAy7SGO&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

I have a couple of pairs of these. One pair has been painted brown but should be chrome underneath. Would do them cheap if interested.

Sounds good, will pm

how big is the chainring you're intending to use

I’m not 100% sure yet. I’m running a double crankset with an 8 speed on the back.

go on

1 Attachment

EDIT: I get the joke now. Whoops. I lightly clamped the derailleur there to make sure it fit the seat tube and so I didn’t misplace it.

Stem arrived! Its 21.1mm quill and standard 1” threaded quill is 22.2mm. Looks like I’m buying / making a shim. Wald make one, but postage is so expensive for something so cheap and simple.

3 Attachments

That is a really nice looking stem.

Feeling this.

4 Attachments