NACF
Cycling + => About The Bike => Topic started by: Blue on June 01, 2021
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Not entirely sure you're warranted, Mr Exclamation Point, but I'm looking forward to making this rideable as my new break-in-case-of-emergency bike, the Langster having been promoted:
(https://i.imgur.com/dScbRKN.jpg)
How do you solve a problem like Blue
– Needs new bottom bracket.
– Chainline was off thanks to badly fitted freewheel. Am having a new wheel built with a BMX hub like so, (https://www.notanothercyclingforum.net/index.php?topic=1256.msg10961#msg10961) to allow for simple cogs.
– Platform pedals weren't going to get me up these hills, buddy.
– Bar tape wouldn't go amiss.
– 1/8 chain? I'll stick with 3/32, thank you. That means a new chainring. Preferably new cranks while I'm at it.
Here's a closeup of that BB:
(https://i.imgur.com/npRT379.jpg)
WTF is that, Bakelite (https://www.notanothercyclingforum.net/acf/index.php?topic=48816.msg697850#msg697850) or something? I broke the bloody thing trying to get it out. As I knew I would.
Yes, it's a little beat up, as befits a beater.* And about an inch larger than is ideal. But it's light, and was about the same price as the headset on my non-beater.**
***Not sure I'm cabable of owning a true 'beater', which is impervious to rain and all care.
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While it may not be deserving of a rhapsody,
this is OK with the transplants. Here it is on its first proper ride, posing in a bike graveyard.
(https://i.imgur.com/kTijk5d.jpg)
Those wheels have also since been replaced. The one in back was clunky loose. As for the front, bolts have never inspired my absolute loyalty, and a mixed marriage with Q/R does not disturb.
I considered a new stem cap because gouged isn't my favourite look, but was won over by this particular shade of blue.
(https://i.imgur.com/UXcyZBQ.jpg)
The headset probably isn't a lateral move from Chris King. As long as it does its job it can stay.
(https://i.imgur.com/nls73We.jpg)
One has had to make peace with certain cosmetic deficiencies. Still, I prefer scuff marks to decals/free advertising (says the man going on about Chris King).
(https://i.imgur.com/0vIAvO4.jpg)
Some things are easier to upgrade than others. Currently slumming it with a sprinkling of rust.
(https://i.imgur.com/U2wov1u.jpg)
Bolts don't grow on trees you know!
(https://i.imgur.com/4DK6bq3.jpg)
Top of the forks looks bubblelicious – has that been heat treated too?
This is so pretty I was tempted to put it on despite the fact that it's a fixed gear cog and isn't coming anywhere near a bike of mine.
(https://i.imgur.com/dW2IWbg.jpg)
It came with the new wheel, an immediate replacement for the one I just had built around an apparently defective hub <sigh>.
Btw, as far as I'm concerned aluminium is the new titanium: except when it comes to chainring bolts, where steel is real. (https://www.hubjub.co.uk/stainless-steel-single-chainring-bolts-3213-p.asp) Or at least less likely to turn into a roundhead.