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Yeah, first thing I did was go to a store that tints spray paints and bought a can with quite a decent match. Those white details around the dropouts are a real turnoff for me too. Just looks so much better this way.
The rack is custom, made by me once again. Just a quick platform for the basket as I don't like the Wald hardware. More stable bracket for the front light too.
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Thanks for the kind words.
@nogk: The stem is a Zoom steel stem.
@Josh: Can't take all the credit as the Pelago 45mm fenders are quite a good starting place. Good radius for the 35mm Paselas. Yes, they did require drilling and some faffing but good quality aluminium fenders.
@MisterMikkel: The toe overlap came as a surprise but I hope it won't be as bad with size 4 shoes as it was when I nearly crashed clipping the front mudguard with size 10 hiking boots :D
The new owner seemed very pleased she won't have to commute on her mountain bike this coming winter, not to mention retiring her nackered old Miyata.
She says 40mm studs is borderline during the winter, anything bigger just slows her down B-) -
Here's my partners new do-it-all-bike. Mostly parts bin but decided to complement the build with a few new shiny bits as well.
You can find some detailed snaps on my Flickr
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Fake news! Cranks are Deore XT M730. Had to grind them down quite a bit, I guess snakestays are too expensive in this price class. And before your knickers get in the proverbial twist I've since switched out the 118mm bb for one with a 123mm axle. Slightly better lebensraum and doesn't hit the chainstays under power.
The transition from ramps to hoods feels quite alright now but I must admit I haven't had time to ride anything longer than a day with the Sutra this year so not enough time for any misplacement to properly annoy me. The Butanos are otherwise great handlebars but suffer from the same problem all modern compact bars do, that short reach. Cannot fathom a reach of ~70mm, hands are so cramped on the ramps. I feel that your suggestion of bdhu would only shorten the reach but I promise I'll give it a go.
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I would cold set the rear to 130mm so I could fit a regular road hub. Probably something like a Shimano RS400 so I could swap out the narrow qr-axle for a wider track axle and use track nuts. Wouldn't want that rear axle to slip because of a quick release.
I'd also braze on a derailleur hanger and some cable guides/stops. Maybe even a tiny piece of steel or brass tube to act as a brake cable guide at the seattube instead of the Kona clamp guide. -
Paint was actually just ground off when the chainstays were repaired. The welder said they looked like lace, full of small holes. Good thing they were still salvageable.
Guess I can post my Pompino now that I've popped in for a visit. Dual brakes, fixed gear. Using this as my main commuter right now. Thinking about adding some surplus 1x10 gears to it and retiring the Cannondale all together from active use.
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Don't think I've posted my tandem on here. I made this last year when it was quite clear my first DIY-tandem I made with my friend was a very fun proof of concept but severely lacking in the performance sector.
I got my hands on a Kona Sutra frame that had cracks in the welds were the seatstays joined the seattube. Decided it was the perfect base for a new tandem so I chopped off the rear triangle.
I also got my hands on a DialledBikes ssmtb-frame which wasn't interesting in any way but it had an EBB. Was also pleasantly surprised when the EBB itself was a Phil Wood unit. This frame was cracked in the driveside dropout.
I only used the seattube and bb-shell off of the DialledBikes frame and proceeded to order some tubes. Decided on a Rodriguez style "double diamond double miter" and got to work.
Still a work in progress as I haven't had the time to paint the frameset but looks quite good built up. Bothers me a bit that I didn't just make a properly long stoker toptube but I chose 72cm in the heat of the moment. 76cm would've been better suited for when two 182cm long riders want to go smash a brevet or overnighter camping. It's a better fit for my 167cm tall girlfriend with a longer stem.Yes, the EBB is unconventionally in the rear but couldn't be bothered to move the bb-shells around. Works fine like this. Just bought a tandem crankset so the stokers driveside crank won't be as crowded with a 46-46-34 ring setup.
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The only tyres I have to compare the Mezcals to in similar size are Nobby Nics (can't remember what compound) and Rangers (Tough Fast Rolling). The NN's are too mtb for what I'm looking for but the Rangers rolled much better on tarmac and hardpack. Also felt more supple but still stout enough to not deform like crazy on trails. The Mezcals just feel too rigid and slow on everything dry/hard. They also slip all over the place when wet and have lacking traction on trails. But these are just my observations and I know Mezcals are a very popular choice for similar builds and riding.
Might try some Taipan Kolosses or just plain old Cross Kings. Wish they made Spotted Cats or Black Mambas in 27.5x2.6-2.8". A big but fast lightweight XC tyre. -
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I thought I did but my bank account says otherwise... Some small bits are old like rear der, chain, pedals, stem and saddle. Rack is modified and yeah the framebag that fits somewhat. Rest is pretty much new or partsbin.
Guess I have a strong theme for my bikes ;)Edit. Mezcals are from the Stavanger too but looking to replace them. Still not impressed by them.
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@mind_maze @D_Mars
Stop tearing down my illusion that this is still a forum for enthusiasts!
And I don't see what's wrong with cantilever brakes?
I just have a thing for these framesets, the understated look and functionality. Geometry is also praised according to the few owners I've heard from but none are willing to sell despite my best efforts.
So let me have my hobby and make me an offer if you own one of these! -
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I'm looking for a Merlin made Rock Lobster cyclocross frame and would be pleased if the original fork comes with. These usually appear in blue and are hard to find outside the UK. Sizewise I'm not going to be too picky (yes I'm desperate), shoot me an offer with anything medium sized to extra large (54-60cm). Shipping to Finland is a must but I can arrange a courier.
Picture for reference, credits to user dglshrn.
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Nope, just something to strap my lunchbox on :)
But I actually dug out my old Carradice Handlebar Bag and it fits perfect. I've removed the Klickfix stuff and made a bungee cord attachment so it fits a rack like so. -
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Something specific you're interested in? I've been using a Oxy/MAPP-gas setup for five years now, mostly brazing brass but also silver when I can get my hands on some. Good flux will always make brazing easier and acetone is good for keeping things clean. I use cheap steel tubing, gas pipe or whatever you want to call it, 10x1 or 8x1mm. Got a cheap Bahco tube bender and the rest is pretty much filing and sanding. A proper vice is a must and is one of the best tools you can have.
Best tip is to watch some videos to get some basic technique and then just get going. The learning curve is very steep and it just gets easier with every rack. It's not like you're making a frame so you can't mess things up too bad.
I'm not very good at documenting my work any more but I have some random pics in a separate Flickr-album.