new bike! (well, not quite there yet...)

[juliet]

So, I have regretfully concluded that the Trek doesn't really fit my riding style any more (the position on the Cheviot is too comfortable & I like it too much; can't ride the Trek like that).

So I have acquired (or am about to) an aging fixie frame from a friend, & now have to turn that into an Actual Bike for the minimum possible cash. Hurrah!


It's a steel tourer frame, currently grey with bright green rear stays (?! I am thinking of painting over the green, don't mind the grey. I have some car touch-up paint that should do the job.). It does however still require:
front wheel
front & rear brakes
LH brake lever for drops
1/8 pitch track chain
mudguards
rack
P-clips to attach above

I think I have rack, P-clips, front brake, LH lever; still hunting the rest. If anyone knows of cheap online suppliers (other than ebay :-) ) do shout!

I'd really *like* to get it built up over Easter, but it partly depends on whether I buy or build the front wheel, I think...

ION: It is Friday. Hurrah.

Comments

[mrs-leroy-brown.livejournal.com]

yay bikes!!!! :)

[mr-tom.livejournal.com]

I think I have an unused Miche 1/8" chain with hotlink, which you're welcome to for a couple of pints.

I also have the relevant tools for wheel-building, and instructions. Which I can lend to you. Building a wheel will be more expensive, but it's a good experience.

Condor and Brixton Cycles are good for fixed-gear stuff. But you will pay!

Also: http://www.hubjub.co.uk for online things. (Not the absolute cheapest, but everything they carry is top-quality and their service is exemplary)

Might also be worth poking your head in at http://www.londonfgss.com, to see if anyone has any spares knocking about.

[juliet]

The chain sounds promising, thanks!

Wheel-building: if I do go for this the friend that I'm getting the bike off has promised me an aging hub she has somewhere, & wheel-building lessons. I do think it'll be an interesting skill to learn, but what I might do is buy a cheap front wheel for now (to get up & running faster), & then in the autumn buy a dynamo hub (since I have a spare dynamo front light) & build that into a wheel. cheers for the loan offer!

I have heard about Condor... :-) I'm hoping to source some stuff from acf (already have promise of rack etc), will try LondonFGSS after that, thanks!

[htfb.livejournal.com]

I've a spare 700c Mavic rim 36 spoke front wheel lying around in Oxford. Built by Walton St Cycles for robustness. About a year's use; good for many thousand miles yet if I hadn't upgraded to a Nub Dynamo.

I'll be riding at least down to Henley on Sunday, and could go further into town: do you want to arrange a transfer?

[juliet]

Ooh. Yes please! (er, I assume this is a wheel that would take 28mm tyres OK?). How much do you want for it?

Only trouble is I am out-of-town on Sunday afternoon; what time were you likely to be finding yourself in Henley? Alternatively I guess post...

[(Anonymous)]

Aim is to be around Henley at 1.30-2.45ish, out of boatiness. Rest of the schedule is to be sketched in.

It's probably worth a tenner tops, isn't it? Would that really justify the postage?

[juliet]

If you're coming into town anyway later on in the day, I might be able to get Pete to do a retrieval mission (she says hopefully...). But do not wish to put you out of your way! Don't think I can manage Henley & back to my pickup at Gipsy Hill at 2, sadly.

Justifying postage: well, the last time I bought a wheel it was a fairly rub one & it was £25 from the very L LBS. So... Might not be worth the hassle to you, though!

[juliet]

hmmm or I could see if I can convince P to meet you somewhere Henley/town.

[juliet]

P says he *may* be able to do pickup on Sunday - let me know if you're going to be further into town than Henley?