da_foles

So I bought this today. It seems to be in great condition for its age. The wheels are a little buckled. I could have them repaired or buy a new wheel set?
I would like to spend a little bit of money and turn it into a single speed freewheel.

I don't really know much about any of this as I'm new to bike conversions etc.
Can anyone offer me help on what would be a good wheelset, flat bar and brake setup. I would probably eventually spray respray the frame.

Cheers

seau grateau

Wheelset- www.velomine.com
Flat bar- Anything. Nitto if you wanna ball out
Brakes- Tektro or Shimano

da_foles

Thanks for the info. The wheels would be 700c on this thing yeah?
Also the brake calipers are good and in good working order I would just need some new levers for a flat bar conversion? or I could tun the existing bars upside down and turn them into bull horns but cutting the ends off?

seau grateau

You could do all of those things.

Wheels are probably 700c, but check the tires for indications to make sure. Those calipers will probably work fine, but it's something that I personally would upgrade to modern equipment. If you're going to run flat bars, look for a cross lever that matches the diameter of the bar you choose. If you plan on flop n' chopping your drops or running bullhorns, then you'll want to look into TT bar-end levers.

highonpez

I wouldn't worry about changing the brake calipers. One, because the ones on there are probably decent, and two because you'd have to drill out one side of the fork hole to accept modern brakes.

By buckled do you mean untrue? Either way, if you want to single speed it, go ahead. Velomine is great for wheels. 700c is what you want. You CAN change the bars now, but honestly, I would just get the new wheelset and ride it for a bit and figure out what kind you want then. It's hard to know what you will like before you ride a bike (as far as reach and height go).

Don't. Nishikis are noble, beautiful creatures.

da_foles

Yeah I think I will keep the frame as is after some further thought. Couple of small chips but other than that it is still in very good condition. The wheels are untrue. I would have them straightened. I think I will look into this option from a local mechanic.
Single speed is probably going to happen. I find the levers on the frame very dangerous.

Agree with keeping the brakes, they are in great condition and pull the bike up very quickly.

seau grateau

Cool. Yeah if you can get the wheels trued, you could just take off the multispeed freewheel and replace it with a single. Remove derailleurs, shorten chain, and you're pretty much good to go.

da_foles

After riding it today I might keep the gears for now. I took it to a bike shop and they said the wheels are not worth the time because he thinks the spokes will be seized. This was a bikes hop in the CBD so I will take it to a local bike shop tomorrow and get a second opinion.

I definitely would like to get some different handle bars and relocate the brake levers.