southpier

next year i will be either building a frame up bike or rebuilding a vintage. i would prefer the latter, but most of what i come across is deemed over-priced by anyone not wanting to buy same. (i have a turbo-thrust for a mixte Peugeot / otherwise SOMA frame)

some stuff i know, some i can dope out with computer/ youtube help. but i don't know what i don't know. Sheldon took an untimely vacation, so he's of no current consequence.

given i expect a certain amount of glib retorts,

Q: is it fair to ask the inmates for unlimited advice, or are there polite parameters which i am unaware ?

thanks

smd4

I say ask away. Some answers you'll like; some you won't.

albrt 

The only limit I've seen is that people tend to tune out when the OP asks the same question multiple times and ignores the answers. It's OK to ask more questions because you don't understand the answers. Answers on here can be pretty cryptic sometimes. But if you keep saying over and over "why can't I use a mountain bike tire on this old Schwinn Breeze? They are both 26 inches," then you are going to lose people.

delbiker1 

My comment is to help those that are helping you. When posing a question, give as much accurate description as you are able to, pictures are almost always a help. If you do not understand, or disagree, with an answer, don't take it personal, and please, do not fall into the ongoing argument trap within a thread. It is a public forum, you will get both good and bad advice, and comments that really have nothing to do with your ask. Members Bike Forums and The Paceline have been a big help to me countless times. Also, videos, like on Parktool.com and Youtube,

roadcrankr

Thread searching often gives me answers to oddball questions.
Spreading dropouts, french threading, rust, sourcing components, etc.
And when you do ask and get a curt response, don't take it personally.

Mr. 66

I am not a number, I am a free man... lol, The Prisoner

squirtdad

southpier i read correctly your are looking to do a mixte.... these may of interest

https://www.bikeforums.net/general-c...l#post22987512

https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...-throughs.html

gugie 

Ask away! Especially if you're wondering how to spend your money on bike stuff. We love to spend OPM.

Piff 

Bit of an odd way to pay respects to someone, but we all deal with it differently, I suppose...


In general, as long as the frame is C&V in form, function, or homage, you're good to ask away. Build threads where the OP learns as it progresses are one of the more fun ones around!

merziac

Ask away, with proper navigation here, you will find us to be some of the best enablers around, the depth of knowledge can be amazing.

nlerner

Free advice on the internet is always worth what you pay for it. And also consider that opinions about bicycles are like a$$holes. Everyone has one!

rccardr 

You might also find it worthwhile to PM specific members with specific questions based on their knowledge base. Especially if it’s a question you might find embarassing to ask.
Hey, you’ve been here since 2011, more or less. You know who the helpful players are.

southpier

years ago i used "Stack Exchange" and there's definitely knowledge given there, but it's too sterile. i like a little vitriol with my vintage.

southpier

no disrespect meant; SB is a god to the cycling whirl. but it's a rabbit hole i cannot go down when i need feedback & to actually make progress. it's my winter reading go-to website.

southpier

good links for tonight's reading; thanks. off to my daily ride now.

thanks to everyone for their inputs. one more arrow in my quiver!

Piff 

It is easy to get lost on his site, but I've found these two webpages from Sheldon to be indispensible The number of times I've opened them up over the years...

https://www.sheldonbrown.com/k7.html

https://www.sheldonbrown.com/cribsheets.html

obrentharris 

Start a build thread. Ask questions as they come up. Provide good quality photos that illustrate your questions.
Brent

Classtime 

Odd question from someone with 500 posts🤔

abdon 

I don't know, Sheldon helped me immensely the other day when I needed to find out the spindle size for an old crank on a 68mm bottom bracket. They didn't bury the hard drives of his web site with him.

I can't imagine a single question related to building up an old bike that Mr Google could not answer in five minutes flat.

smontanaro 

It's probably better to use your favorite search engine instead off the one built into the forum software. For instance:

roadcrankr

I prefer the BF search engine, because you can perform an advance search to pinpoint topics.
For instance, Miyata, rust removal, Nuovo Record, Raleigh Competition.
Doing a broad search renders results that cover many thread narratives.
I rarely want to see post #145 about rust removal, within an original post showing off an '02 Dura Ace group.

juvela

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Thank you Number 6!

Rover is watching...

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shelbyfv

I agree with keeping it all in one build thread. Having all the info about what has been done and what is planned in one spot will get you better quality help and you won't have to keep repeating stuff..

3alarmer

...I have some reservations about the various guesses you get here on prices for classic frames in good to excellent cosmetic/mechanical condition.
I've done some restoration work myself, and a lot of the estimates you get here are from guys who are spitballing, absent experience with cosmetic restoration.

Localities differ as to pricing as well. Add in that there are a lot of guys in the C+V who are tight with a buck, and you get the stories about how, "I paid $150 for that same bike."

If you find something you like, it's the right size, and the paint and graphics are good, I would suggest you approach it by making a list of what needs changed/updated/replaced, pricing those out, adding it all up, and seeing if that makes you happy with your finished project price. At a minimum, I replace tires, brake shoes, bar tape, chain, and cables/ housing on everything I rework. Some of the places you tend to overlook are wheels/rims, pedals, stem/bars, and saddle. All of those often need significant investment of time and money to get a finished product you enjoy riding.

If you go back far enough, the rims will have no or substandard bead hooks. This leads to not being able to take full advantage of modern higher pressure tire technology, which makes a noticeable difference. Likewise, if you pick something French, and old enough, the stem and bars might justify replacement, because they were lesser quality to begin with.

IME, few people advising on value look at the bicycle you're asking about as a whole. Perhaps you already realize this. Also, did I mention that a lot of people here are tight with a buck ?

southpier

i appreciate the reality check. something lacking in areas of my life!

Q: is it copasetic to reposte a CL ad with the hopes of getting honest feedback?

thanks