Kindaslow

I bought this bike primarily for riding around on the hilltop I live on. Then, realized a SS riding is very fun. So, modding away. Now, I am not so sure about a couple of the mods. The red tires, and they are red in person, not so sure. The red brake lines, also not so sure. And, I decided on the WI crank (they are on the way). No, T13, I will not make my decisions based off the input, but I am looking for input regarding past, present and future mods.

Noli Timere

As far as I'm concerned, your "get rid of the red" instincts are spot on.

neamatoad

yeah, lose the red. get some gumwall tires, as that seems to be all the rage on black bikes these days

Leukybear 

a big +1

Kindaslow

The red I want to keep is the little stuff, brake levers, seatpost clamp.... The tires I am going to at least put a couple hundred more miles, so as not to waste them. Come winter I will ditch the red brake lines, though.

TenSpeedV2

Ditch the red, ditch the riser bars and get some drops or bullhorns, flip it to fixed and pedal.

#langster

Kindaslow

Riser bars are due to a broken and fused neck, so the riser bars are here to stay. But, in time, most of the red will disappear. The new cranks will not have red bolts, since there are no bolts.

TenSpeedV2

Are you only riding SS? Also, how old are you?

prooftheory

Get rid of all the red parts and get it painted professionally with something you like, like metallic candy apple red or more than one color or find a motorcycle shop that will put pinstripes on it or something like that. Messing with colored components always looks tacky.

Kindaslow

I do just ride this bike SS (I have 3 other various bikes in case you meant the question differently). I am 50, and curious how that relates...

Kindaslow

i have been thinking about a paint job, or a totally different frame. I had no idea I would like riding a SS this much, or I might have started this process much differently.

SquidPuppet

Brutal honesty since requested...

1. The red chain has got to go. It's way too jack ass teenybopper for guys our age.
2. The colored anodized bits need to go as well. Too 1980s tacky BMX.
3. Cables and tires obviously.
4. Do NOT instal the WI crank set. Bite the bullet, pay the return postage and send it back. The "Iron Cross" flared, drilled, faux spider fingers on the chain ring closely resemble what is commonly used on "Stretched" or "Choppered" beach cruisers. Rat Rod Bikes. Nothing could be more aesthetically mismatched for your frame and wheels. Hideous. If you decide to keep it, get some skulls and crossbones or dice valve stem caps to really pull the theme together.

You're welcome.

Kindaslow

Most of the red will go with time, but as of now I will likely keep a few of the small parts, like the seatpost clamp. I decided on the WI cranks given the riser bars (which are a need for me). That is, the Sugino 75s, to me, look very traditional and this bike is not traditional. And, thanks for the honesty. I have been thinking many of the same thoughts as time has passed, and I am struggling getting rid of stuff that works perfectly fine and I just do not like. So, I will get a little more use out of it, then replace it.

TenSpeedV2

^ I agree. Get something that will match the bike a bit more, like way more. Omniums, FSA track, etc. Something along those lines so that the bike is not a mish mash of parts and styles. Bike doesn't need a paint job, just needs to be toned down, and color can be used tastefully. If you had more red on the actual frame, sure go with red bits. Red tires and chain is too much.

I asked about your age since you mentioned your back issues.

SquidPuppet

The risers are perfect IMO. It gives the bike a rugged Trail Buster look. The bike screams, "Wheelie!!!" Which I strongly approve.

As far as the cranks go, there are some pretty trick MTB and BMX cranks that would look right at home on that bike, especially since you are running risers. Would pull it all together IMO.

Night_shift

Shouldn't be surprised there's alot of 40+ 50+ fixed riders on this forum.

Kindaslow

Thanks guys. For now, I will be reducing the red, given I was leaning that way and the "experts" agree. I am going with the WI set-up, I really like it. Worst case is that I change it later. One funny thing to me, is that every time I mention having a broken and fused neck people talk about back problems...Luckily, at the moment, my back is holding up just fine to the riding.

T13

I agree with all of this.