Most recent activity
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It's going to be goofy and kinda ugly but was always a fun frame so should be good if I ever make it over to the pump track too.
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For the sake of repeating and expanding on what I just put in CP:
We've given our almost 4 yr old his first pedal bike, albeit using it as a balance bike for a little longer while he gets used to gears. This got me thinking about something more cruise for going out on rides with him. Hopefully something I'll not be too attached to too so it can live outside, but we'll see how that goes. It deffo can't live in the flat.
I started out thinking of a retro 26" MTB but worried that would become a money pit. Then I remembered I still have my old Norco hardtail that I could barely give away last time i tried. I also have a steel Genesis Fortitude fork from the GT Peace (which I absolutely regret selling). I'm pretty sure everything else I need to get it built up single speed except for wheels and maybe a long seat post.
The frame can take 26x2.35 if memory serves and I just chucked in 700x35 which fit so I recon there's room for 27.5x2.1-ish. I've got hubs and wtb 650b rims so first this I need to decide on is wheel size and tyres/rims. Leaning towards a pair of cheap 26" rims so I can max out the tyres but any input on cruise urban tyres appreciated. The only booze lights in existence seem to be green or brown and this frame is already a murky green so not sure I can go there.
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Still have ridden anything other than the commute but the bars did stay. Added a second stay to the front guard, flaps are next and maybe even a wash. Really enjoying this although I've lost the chain guide so it's started dropping the chain again...
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Was thinking of building a retro 26" MTB then remembered I still have my old Norco hardtail that I could barely give away last time i tried. I also have a steel fork and I'm pretty sure everything else I need to get it built up single speed except for wheels.
It can take 26x2.35 if memory serves and I just chucked in 700x35 which fit so I recon there's room for 27.5x2.1-ish. I've got hubs and wtb 650b rims so need to decide on wheel size and tyres/rims.
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In a shocking turn of events both the stem and now bars have been installed within days of receipt 🤯
Will see how the bars feel on tomorrow's commute, the tops look like ape hangers in comparison to the Nitto.
They'll need re-wrapped if they're staying. I don't like the bulge where it transitions to 31.8.
I've also optimistically put a Garmin mount on in case I actually go for a ride of more than 20mins.
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Latest guise... -17 120mm stem instead of the -6 130mm. Didn't realise how bad the bar angle is until taking this photo - I'm sure I'll sort it in a week or two.
-10 120mm Pro stem en-route from eBay and about to order some Fizik for Snake 400mm bars. No idea how long it will take me to get around to fitting them as it will mean re-cabling too.
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Could do with painting the braking surface of those rims too...
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After that ^ I discovered I needed a 13mm spacer and preload adjuster which added another week to the build...
But it's pretty much there now. Hastily adjusted brakes and gears on Thursday morning before it's inaugural ride.
So far loving it, feels like the best bits of the last few bikes while being lighter and stiffer. Running really quietly too which is always a bonus.
Couple of the cables are a touch short, shifters & bars need a tweak and bars properly wrapped. Just chucked on old tape until I've dialled in the cockpit.
Not 100% sold on the bars, they're narrower (on the tops) than anything I've used before so it's taking some getting used to.
I've a couple of different angle 120mm stems in the parts box I'll try out to compare with the 130mm that's on there. Steerer will get a chop once I'm happy with the rest of the front end.
Need a chain guide, it's dropping a little too regularly. Will see if I can add a bit of tension to the rear mech spring too.
So far, the waxed chain is a dream. Quiet and clean.
Need to adjust the mudguards so I'll order a new stay and probably add a forward one to the front and maybe a gopro mount for a light at the same time.
Want to try a stubby nose saddle, probably the selle Italia model X.
Last thing will be to strip &/or paint it but we'll see if I ever get around to that. For now I just want to get back out and try to get fit/fast again.
Had a spark of inspiration and remembered I have a pair of Smart Sam 26x2.4 which I never sold, so hopefully they aren't too wide for the frame. Saying that, I always assumed the fork will be ok but best measure that too.
Was about to order a pair of rims when I remembered I might have a pair of white Stans in the cupboard too. They won't help the aesthetic - might have to rattle can them before they get built - and are very off-trend narrow but will help with the minimal spend on this build. Will have a dig in the cupboard again tomorrow when the boy is awake - the problem with all my bike bits being in his bedroom cupboard...