Bike porn thread

[lowtech]

Remember to show us some pics when you fix them up! Or will you take them apart for parts?

I am thinking about doing little upgrades to the load bike I got for work... Seems we can´t stop tinkering.
Will a new rear derailleur improve on shifting? I have a basic Shimano 7 Speed with a Grip Shift and downshifting is a bit poor. If I slacken the cable, upshift is poor.
Then I´m thinking about replacing teh big Grandma saddle for something fitting my anatomy better - Any tips on a good saddle shape for a bike whwere you sit upright?
The most expensive Idea I have is modifying a Magura Hymec hydraulic Clutch conversion for cable operated Motorcycle clutches to actuate the front drum brake. Most of the force at the break lever is eaten up in teh long cable with multiple bends. I´d like to improve stopping power. 

[Zed]

Sounds like you got some great bikes tyere higgins 

thomas im not a fan of gripshifts,had a few back in the late 90's and they never always worked well,I prefer shimanos rapid fire,always seem too work well,

[hiraethus]

I am thinking about doing little upgrades to the load bike I got for work... Seems we can´t stop tinkering.
Will a new rear derailleur improve on shifting? I have a basic Shimano 7 Speed with a Grip Shift and downshifting is a bit poor. If I slacken the cable, upshift is poor.
Then I´m thinking about replacing teh big Grandma saddle for something fitting my anatomy better - Any tips on a good saddle shape for a bike whwere you sit upright?
The most expensive Idea I have is modifying a Magura Hymec hydraulic Clutch conversion for cable operated Motorcycle clutches to actuate the front drum brake. Most of the force at the break lever is eaten up in teh long cable with multiple bends. I´d like to improve stopping power. 

Good quality PTFE lined housing and new inner cables should fix the shifting problems but if not then, as Zed says, Shimano STI levers would probably be better.  Gripshift always felt a bit woolly and imprecise to me.

Try to find some compressionless housing for the front brake, should help with power and lever feel.  Though a cable operated drum is never going to be as good as a hydraulic disc, for example.

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Wow you really did score massively there mate

Sent from my K013 using Tapatalk

[lowtech]

I am thinking about doing little upgrades to the load bike I got for work... Seems we can´t stop tinkering.
Will a new rear derailleur improve on shifting? I have a basic Shimano 7 Speed with a Grip Shift and downshifting is a bit poor. If I slacken the cable, upshift is poor.
Then I´m thinking about replacing teh big Grandma saddle for something fitting my anatomy better - Any tips on a good saddle shape for a bike whwere you sit upright?
The most expensive Idea I have is modifying a Magura Hymec hydraulic Clutch conversion for cable operated Motorcycle clutches to actuate the front drum brake. Most of the force at the break lever is eaten up in teh long cable with multiple bends. I´d like to improve stopping power. 

Good quality PTFE lined housing and new inner cables should fix the shifting problems but if not then, as Zed says, Shimano STI levers would probably be better.  Gripshift always felt a bit woolly and imprecise to me.

Try to find some compressionless housing for the front brake, should help with power and lever feel.  Though a cable operated drum is never going to be as good as a hydraulic disc, for example.

The cables are - like the whole bike - quite new, in fact it was just in it´s initial inspection. I thought maybe a better derailleur would work more exactly and with less play? I know about the limitations of a front drum, but I feel it is not performing as good as it can because of teh long and curved cable. Upgrading is not an option at the moment, the bike belongs to the company and I don´t want to spend that much money on a new fork, hub with generator and brake when maybe just the hydro conversion could do (I hope to be able to source most parts used).
But it´ll be some time anyways until I find time to tinker with the bike.

[Zed]

Good quality cables can make a huge difference, what rear derailleur is it thomas only 7spd? I use shiman deore rear mechs on both my mtb's and they work a treat  cannondale jekyll has a 9spd cassette and my othe mtb has a 8spd works well on both,

[hiraethus]

Could it just be a bit of cable stretch and bedding in then?  A tune-up and a bit of lube may cure it.  In my experience, the cheaper Shimano stuff (including the 7/8 speed kit), while not as precise as the higher end groups works just as well.

[ToolJoe]

My previous bike had 7 speed stuff on it and I had no issues with it.

[Zed]

Oddly i had less issues with 7spd than i did with 8-9spds

[Higgins617]

Another one today, 86? Schwinn Tempo with Columbus Tenax frame and full Shimano 105 kit. All for 25 bucks. I'd gladly share pics, which ones are you guys interested in checking out? But I second the replacement of the grip shift. They're just too sloppy to ever really shift correctly.

[Zed]

We want too see them all mate  shimano 105? Possibly later than 86 

[hiraethus]

Fettling fail.

You know those ideas that seem great at the time and even though you realise that it's going to take a while (like two or three evenings in the shed) you get on with it anyway?  But then it turns out that this part isn't compatible with that, and when you fit the other bit it rubs something else and it takes you an hour to feed the cable through the frame because you've had to re-do it four times because you keep forgetting something then you need to make a spacer to move some parts further over because the people who designed the fourth bit didn't think anyone would be stupid enough to try to fit it to that other bit and then you need to go and buy some Sugru and some other parts and remove some bits that should be useful and it turns into a job that will take two weeks to finish properly.  That.

[lowtech]

Fettling fail.

You know those ideas that seem great at the time and even though you realise that it's going to take a while (like two or three evenings in the shed) you get on with it anyway?  But then it turns out that this part isn't compatible with that, and when you fit the other bit it rubs something else and it takes you an hour to feed the cable through the frame because you've had to re-do it four times because you keep forgetting something then you need to make a spacer to move some parts further over because the people who designed the fourth bit didn't think anyone would be stupid enough to try to fit it to that other bit and then you need to go and buy some Sugru and some other parts and remove some bits that should be useful and it turns into a job that will take two weeks to finish properly.  That.

Been there. Done that. Revisited often...

[Higgins617]

Fettling fail.

You know those ideas that seem great at the time and even though you realise that it's going to take a while (like two or three evenings in the shed) you get on with it anyway?  But then it turns out that this part isn't compatible with that, and when you fit the other bit it rubs something else and it takes you an hour to feed the cable through the frame because you've had to re-do it four times because you keep forgetting something then you need to make a spacer to move some parts further over because the people who designed the fourth bit didn't think anyone would be stupid enough to try to fit it to that other bit and then you need to go and buy some Sugru and some other parts and remove some bits that should be useful and it turns into a job that will take two weeks to finish properly.  That.

Yep, happens to me all too often. May I ask what happened?

[Zed]

My best bad combo was combining shimano linier type brake levers with canterlever brakes  not a good combo 

[hiraethus]

Yep, happens to me all too often. May I ask what happened?

Ha, I've fixed it now so I'm not feeling so sore about it.

Wanted to convert my Cannondale Synapse from 2x11 into a fixed gear, as I find it much nicer to ride than my current fix, with an eccentric bottom bracket to go in the BB30 shell.  So I took the rear wheel from my steel fixed gear (Surly 135mm Ultra New fixed/disc hub, 53mm chainline), a Deore HTII MTB crank (170mm long, 53mm chainline to the outer ring with a 44T big ring, just right for the gear size I want) and a Wheels Manufacturing eccentric BB30 for Hollowtech II axles.

Took the FSA/BB30 cranks and bearings out of the Synapse, removed the gears and internal cabling, noting that the internal cable guide for the derailleurs and rear brake protruded into the BB shell.  Fitted the eccentric, fitted the cranks (loosely, the axle was too long for the eccentric BB which is why I had to make a new spacer), fitted the rear wheel and loosely fitted the new chain.  Rotated the eccentric in the frame and CRUNCH, broke the cable guide and pushed it out of position so the rear brake stopped working.

smurf.

Tried a bunch of different sized cogs and the chain with and without a half-link to see if I could get the BB in a position that would allow me to tension the chain and still use the internal cable routing for the rear brake.  No joy.  Ordered a replacement cable guide for the BB, some stick-on hose guides and some Sugru so I could put it all back together if I needed, and plug the cable holes in the frame.

Mulled it over for a day, and decided that the best fix for now would be to run with just a front brake.  Not perfect, but it'll do for now, until I can come up with a tidy way of routing the rear brake cable.  Finished it up last night - removed the rear brake, slopped loads of anti-seize paste onto the BB and the eccentric actually works really well and I can tension the chain nicely - it almost looks like it was meant to be like that. Going for a test ride this afternoon, hopefully.

My best bad combo was combining shimano linier type brake levers with canterlever brakes  not a good combo 

Been there too.   

[Higgins617]

My best bad combo was combining shimano linier type brake levers with canterlever brakes  not a good combo 

If by linear you mean the new V brake style, I've done it too. Soooooo much leverage. Lived with it for a while on a bike I threw together with spare parts, not a bad thing if you like locking up your wheel lol.

But here are some of the steeds that have passed through my hands, and one that's still here, pic heavy sorry.

Nicest first, though a terrible pic. 1978ish Trek TX700 touring frameset made of Ismurfawa 022 tubing and Suntour Vx everything, save for the Zues calipers and levers. Too small for me though


Scott Windriver, Tange Infinity frameset, junk parts


Haro V-series, nice entry level ride. I was a bit fond of it


Univega Alpina 550 with Shimano STX derailleurs, bike that got me started with flipping


Fuji Sandblaster, entry level bike that someone put a full vintage Deore group on. Wish I kept the components.


Univega Supra Sport with Suntour ARX derailleurs


"Specialized Crossroads". This one was interesting. Pulled frame from trash, built up with parts off a 70s Gitane with a bad frame and a roadmaster, rode and shifted way too well given the hackery that went into making it, sold it for much less than it's sentimental value to me lol


Giant RS920, impossible to find information on the RS bikes. Nice lower-mid range bike with Suntour indexed accu-shift stuff


Giant Boulder, every single thing on it was Shimano Deore LX. I have to assume one of the first rapidfire set ups. Shifted unbelievably crisp.


Cannondale CAAD5 frame with Campy headset that was being given away on craigslist....


Lotus Pro-Series 3000M, cool vintage Suntour mountain components and one of the first Rock Shox(frozen of course)


Schwinn Tempo with Columbus Tenax frameset and full Shimano 105 group, if it was less crusty I probably would have kept it for myself



2005 Specialized S-Works Epic frameset with full XTR drivetrain intact, included for free with the Cannondale frame. Being built up for my dad. WHY WAS THIS FREE!?!?





1991 Trek 2300 Pro Composite. Used to have full Shimano 600 Tri-color group, which would have been really cool. Now it doesn't.

[Higgins617]

Question for you guys, I just picked up this 1988 Specialized Hardrock Comp that I expected to sell. But the more I have it sitting here the more I want to keep it. Even rode it to class today instead of my usual commuter.....

So here's the question, do I wash her up and send her on her way.... Orrrrr do I delve into the deep dark hole that is bike restoration and blow the whole thing apart polishing and repacking everything from square one and keep it for myself.

It looks to lean more towards a touring type bike instead of what I've come to think of a mountain bike as. We're original mountain bikes more for heavier/off road touring rather than just trail riding? Thankfully, its a Hardrock from before they became the lowest of the low in Specialized's lineup and it sports very functional Suntour XCE components, it even predates 7 speeds.

What do you think?

[Zed]

Hey Higgins this is what trail bikes looked like before suspension and disk brakes,I would clean it up and get it off road 

[Higgins617]

Hey Higgins this is what trail bikes looked like before suspension and disk brakes,I would clean it up and get it off road 

I know that, sorry didn't mean to sound totally ignorant. I learned on a full rigid Mongoose Iboc(back when they were good), the geometry of this one just seems to sit differently since it's towards the beginning of the sport in general. Plus the plethora of braze-ons reminds me of more of a touring frameset.

It's interesting, I really dig old gear and seeing how the sport has evolved. People spend too much time complaining saying you can't ride a certain thing unless you have some ridiculous bike. You can easily have just as much, if not more fun on an older or cheaper ride. The elitism that too many cyclists have makes me sad:/

Frankly I want to keep it, strip it to the frame and restore it as a winter project. Just didn't know if you thought maybe it wasn't worth the extra effort.

Sorry I'm rambling, I love talking bikes

[captain spaulding]

Higgins, I wish you lived close so I could get you to fix up my old Miyata-610.   

[Higgins617]

Higgins, I wish you lived close so I could get you to fix up my old Miyata-610.   

 

Is there pictures?!

[Zed]

I oddly prefer older bikes,I remember those hardrocks when they came out,mtb's back then was used for racing and touring so plenty of braze ons,I miss my 94 kona Kilauea I sold a few years ago, it was a comfy ride and the tange prestige frame was so responsive ,one day I'll actually get my GT zaskar back together  I've boxes of old parts including old biopace,although I was never a fan,look forward too pics of your bikes done 

[Higgins617]

I oddly prefer older bikes,I remember those hardrocks when they came out,mtb's back then was used for racing and touring so plenty of braze ons,I miss my 94 kona Kilauea I sold a few years ago, it was a comfy ride and the tange prestige frame was so responsive ,one day I'll actually get my GT zaskar back together  I've boxes of old parts including old biopace,although I was never a fan,look forward too pics of your bikes done 

The Hardrock has the Suntour equivalent of biopace, Bionic. I could take it or leave it, honestly I can't feel a huge difference. Do you still have everything for the Zaskar?

[captain spaulding]

Higgins, I wish you lived close so I could get you to fix up my old Miyata-610.   

 

Is there pictures?!

Only have a crappy picture of it.

Got it for free. Its a little rough and I would love to get done or do a complete overhaul on it eventually. I would love to do the frame a very dark green and do the seat and grips in a light colored leather.  Obviously I would want to take it completely apart and remove rust, clean, new chain, new cables, blah, blah, blah..... I have the pedal straps, but removed them. I knwo the seat is slammed all the way down, but its the only way I can ride the bike and just barely.

[Higgins617]

That would look sweet! I'm thinking of going with a laquered cork for the grips on the Specialized and probably a similar colored (leather) saddle. Though it might have to be pretend leather as Brooks and the like are well out of my price range.

[Zed]

I oddly prefer older bikes,I remember those hardrocks when they came out,mtb's back then was used for racing and touring so plenty of braze ons,I miss my 94 kona Kilauea I sold a few years ago, it was a comfy ride and the tange prestige frame was so responsive ,one day I'll actually get my GT zaskar back together  I've boxes of old parts including old biopace,although I was never a fan,look forward too pics of your bikes done 

The Hardrock has the Suntour equivalent of biopace, Bionic. I could take it or leave it, honestly I can't feel a huge difference. Do you still have everything for the Zaskar?

biopace works as it looks,ie egg shaped,the idea was for a better cadence but i never liked it myself,i got the zaskar as just a frame,ive got some early  aluminium forks,a syncros stem and bars,onza bar ends,a ti flite saddle and ti seat post,got some xt hubbed mavic rimmed wheels,tan walled continental tyres,xt rear and front mech,plus xt chainset and xt canterlever brakes,so pretty much everything,but sadly no time too get it together,it will come together one day just like my 2 fixies  i use to love building bikes but prefer to just ride them now,hopefully in the near future ill have more time 

[captain spaulding]

Alright guys. I'm thinking of getting a rear rack and would love some opinions. I want a rack, but also love the idea of those fold up baskets. Are the baskets and racks usually universal in working together or do I need to make sure they are compatible if I go that route? The reason I ask is I will probably get a rack and see if I need/want the baskets or bags down the road. Also what are rack suggestions? It must be available on Amazon. I was looking at the Ibera's. Not super cheap, but not real expensive either. Reviews are very favorable for the three Ibera racks I was looking at. I was also looking at PDW rack with bamboo deck.  A bit expensive, but damn it looks good.

[Zed]

There are loads of rack options capt,4 point ones,adjustable  ones,i would take your bike into a good bike shop too see what they have,that bike screams mudguards and rack and panniers 

[captain spaulding]

Racks I am considering.


Three Iberas:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IEF6D90?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_sfl_title_2&smid=A30U5R8UY24S21
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DWKUAZK?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_sfl_title_3&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002T5H8MW?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_sfl_title_4&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER


PDW:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004YIC5ZM?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_sfl_title_10&smid=AI815W1WMD729


Diamondback ATB:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MJYQDMY?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_sfl_title_1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER