Bonzer

Most recent activity

• Vertical Dropouts

  in Mechanics & Fixin' • 13 years, 7 months

  

  Thanks for all the advice guys. In the end I geared down by 1 at the back, removed the half-link and then filed the dropouts deeper and slightly forward (by about 3mm). Worked a treat, though perhaps it's a little too tight now (there's a slight noise on the drivetrain now and it doesn't coast as well as before). Still, it seems that too tight isn't such a bad thing, and if needs be then I can always get the file out again!

• Vertical Dropouts

  in Mechanics & Fixin' • 13 years, 7 months

  

  Any reason you don't want to use a chain tensioner? Looks?

  I thought chain tensioners were only an option for single-speed; am I wrong? Definitely want to keep it fixed...

• Vertical Dropouts

  in Mechanics & Fixin' • 13 years, 7 months

  

  Huh, definitely hadn't thought of that. It's a Diamondback frame from about 10 years ago - good condition, but cosmetically in a bad state (hence the hope it won't get stolen...) so I can't determine any details as to the exact model. I believe it was originally intended as some sort of standard hybrid type frame but may be wrong. Any idea on compatibility issues with the hangers listed? And wouldn't replacing the hanger just give more room on one side of the axle?

• Vertical Dropouts

  in Mechanics & Fixin' • 13 years, 7 months

  

  First, I know there are a few threads on this theme around the forum - I have read them, and hope that this post doesn't upset too many people by going over covered ground.

  Right, to the issue... I've just finished doing a fixed conversion with the aim of creating a city runaround that won't look too desirable for someone to steal, but is secretly a lovely bike. However, the frame has vertical dropouts with almost no wiggle-room whatsoever, so I've had a really tough time getting the right chain tension.

  Using a half-link I've managed to get it to a rideable tension, but any indecision or sudden change in cadence and the chain has a tendency to fall off - so I need to do more work to tighten it up.

  I don't want to buy an ENO hub unless I really have to, and want a solution that's a little more flexible than finding a magic gear ratio - so the only other option I've been considering is filing the dropouts a bit. However, I'm really nervous about doing this, so thought I'd post this thread with a picture of the dropouts just to check with you guys that it would be OK to go ahead with this plan.

  Taking the extra half-link I've used out again makes the chain too short, and with it in then it's slightly too long - so I'm assuming that I only have to move the axle back maybe 8 or 9mm to fix the problem. There should be just enough room for this (see attached picture), but I'm really concerned that this will cause the dropouts to fracture in the near future. What do you think? Is there anything I've overlooked that could be problematic in filing these back?

  Also, is there anything else I could do instead that would be less destructive?

  Thanks in advance for any comments - I've been viewing this site for a while, but this is my first time asking a question.

• For Sale: Fausto Coppi Campagnolo Mirage Oria

  in Components and clothing • 13 years, 7 months

  

  Thanks Sash - I'm still a new member though so apparently have to wait a little while until I can access PMs. (I thought it was meant to be 24 hours, but seems not as I've been a member for 2 days now...)

• For Sale: 62cm Surly Steamroller Powder Coated Red

  in Components and clothing • 13 years, 7 months

  

  Would you consider posting, or are you looking for pick-up only? I'm definitely interested...

• For Sale: Fausto Coppi Campagnolo Mirage Oria

  in Components and clothing • 13 years, 7 months

  

  I'd be interested in just the frame, forks and BB: any chance?

• For Sale: Koga Miyata 59cm Frame + Forks

  in Complete bikes and frame & forks • 13 years, 7 months

  

  8th dibs for me - massively keen for it in the unlikely event that no-one else steps up.