Frankenbikes
02-08-21, 04:28 PM
#1
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Bikes: Konas: Jake the Snake-Fire Mountain-Zing Supreme, Dew Deluxe,Zone Ltd. (frame, needs parts), Surly Long Haul Trucker, Santana Arriva tandem, Montagues: Paratrooper-Fit, Trek 1200, Bianchi Ocelot, Fantom Cross Uno, Bridgestone 200
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Frankenbikes
So, during da Covids, I've overhauled a couple bikes, built a couple, and been tinkering around (and riding) a lot more than previously. Now that my 'main' fleet is mostly roadworthy, my hands are starting to twitch in the direction of a couple 'back-burner' and parts bikes I had laying around.
The back burner bike is my ol' '80s Cannondale road bike. It looks as if it's never been ridden (bought as a frameset) and though it's a size or two too small for me, by the numbers, it actually feels pretty good while straddling with the wheels on. With a couple 3mm axle spacers, I'm able to secure a 120mm single speed wheel in the back, clearing a 700x28 tire. While looking at singling out a crank, I had a brain fart, and decided to leave the double intact, and the frame already had a front mech and downtube shifter installed anyway. An old derailleur mounted in the rear is acting purely as a tensioner. I may still simplify it as a 1x1, but I want to give this a go first, just out of curiosity. The purple cable housings I bought for the tandem didn't look good with the Santana's purple, so it was in the parts box. I think it looks pretty swell on this frame.
The parts bike, an old Giant ATX, I picked up at a thrift store for $25 a few years ago, so I could use the LX components on another bike. I don't have any solid ideas right now for it, but simmering in my hindbrain is an idea to mount a banana seat (it'd have to support my 250 lbs) and a riser bar, sort of an adult Schwinn Stingray. The crank, I think, would be single, and I'd have whatever gear range in the rear I have parts for. I'd call it the Candy Nanner.
I wasn't sure about which forum to post this, I'd probably get some laughs out of the classic crowd, though.
The back burner bike is my ol' '80s Cannondale road bike. It looks as if it's never been ridden (bought as a frameset) and though it's a size or two too small for me, by the numbers, it actually feels pretty good while straddling with the wheels on. With a couple 3mm axle spacers, I'm able to secure a 120mm single speed wheel in the back, clearing a 700x28 tire. While looking at singling out a crank, I had a brain fart, and decided to leave the double intact, and the frame already had a front mech and downtube shifter installed anyway. An old derailleur mounted in the rear is acting purely as a tensioner. I may still simplify it as a 1x1, but I want to give this a go first, just out of curiosity. The purple cable housings I bought for the tandem didn't look good with the Santana's purple, so it was in the parts box. I think it looks pretty swell on this frame.
The parts bike, an old Giant ATX, I picked up at a thrift store for $25 a few years ago, so I could use the LX components on another bike. I don't have any solid ideas right now for it, but simmering in my hindbrain is an idea to mount a banana seat (it'd have to support my 250 lbs) and a riser bar, sort of an adult Schwinn Stingray. The crank, I think, would be single, and I'd have whatever gear range in the rear I have parts for. I'd call it the Candy Nanner.
I wasn't sure about which forum to post this, I'd probably get some laughs out of the classic crowd, though.
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02-08-21, 05:51 PM
#2
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That Cannondale build is awesome! Post the ATX when finished please.
Tim
Tim
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02-08-21, 09:03 PM
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I love a good Frankenstein but the bars on that road bike look very extended. Can you really ride in the brake position comfortably?
02-09-21, 08:47 AM
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Bikes: Road bike is a Carbon Bianchi C2C & Grandis (1980's), Gary Fisher Mt Bike, Trek Tandem & Mongoose SS MTB circa 1992.
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So, during da Covids, I've overhauled a couple bikes, built a couple, and been tinkering around (and riding) a lot more than previously. Now that my 'main' fleet is mostly roadworthy, my hands are starting to twitch in the direction of a couple 'back-burner' and parts bikes I had laying around.
The back burner bike is my ol' '80s Cannondale road bike. It looks as if it's never been ridden (bought as a frameset) and though it's a size or two too small for me, by the numbers, it actually feels pretty good while straddling with the wheels on. With a couple 3mm axle spacers, I'm able to secure a 120mm single speed wheel in the back, clearing a 700x28 tire. While looking at singling out a crank, I had a brain fart, and decided to leave the double intact, and the frame already had a front mech and downtube shifter installed anyway. An old derailleur mounted in the rear is acting purely as a tensioner. I may still simplify it as a 1x1, but I want to give this a go first, just out of curiosity. The purple cable housings I bought for the tandem didn't look good with the Santana's purple, so it was in the parts box. I think it looks pretty swell on this frame.
The parts bike, an old Giant ATX, I picked up at a thrift store for $25 a few years ago, so I could use the LX components on another bike. I don't have any solid ideas right now for it, but simmering in my hindbrain is an idea to mount a banana seat (it'd have to support my 250 lbs) and a riser bar, sort of an adult Schwinn Stingray. The crank, I think, would be single, and I'd have whatever gear range in the rear I have parts for. I'd call it the Candy Nanner.
I wasn't sure about which forum to post this, I'd probably get some laughs out of the classic crowd, though.
The back burner bike is my ol' '80s Cannondale road bike. It looks as if it's never been ridden (bought as a frameset) and though it's a size or two too small for me, by the numbers, it actually feels pretty good while straddling with the wheels on. With a couple 3mm axle spacers, I'm able to secure a 120mm single speed wheel in the back, clearing a 700x28 tire. While looking at singling out a crank, I had a brain fart, and decided to leave the double intact, and the frame already had a front mech and downtube shifter installed anyway. An old derailleur mounted in the rear is acting purely as a tensioner. I may still simplify it as a 1x1, but I want to give this a go first, just out of curiosity. The purple cable housings I bought for the tandem didn't look good with the Santana's purple, so it was in the parts box. I think it looks pretty swell on this frame.
The parts bike, an old Giant ATX, I picked up at a thrift store for $25 a few years ago, so I could use the LX components on another bike. I don't have any solid ideas right now for it, but simmering in my hindbrain is an idea to mount a banana seat (it'd have to support my 250 lbs) and a riser bar, sort of an adult Schwinn Stingray. The crank, I think, would be single, and I'd have whatever gear range in the rear I have parts for. I'd call it the Candy Nanner.
I wasn't sure about which forum to post this, I'd probably get some laughs out of the classic crowd, though.
02-10-21, 08:39 PM
#7
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Bikes: Konas: Jake the Snake-Fire Mountain-Zing Supreme, Dew Deluxe,Zone Ltd. (frame, needs parts), Surly Long Haul Trucker, Santana Arriva tandem, Montagues: Paratrooper-Fit, Trek 1200, Bianchi Ocelot, Fantom Cross Uno, Bridgestone 200
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Not fully assembled yet. I'll post when I get it all together and try it out.
Of course, since this is recreational tinkering, I'm not married to the arrangement, and might set it up with a more conventional drop bar. Just wanted to try this.
Of course, since this is recreational tinkering, I'm not married to the arrangement, and might set it up with a more conventional drop bar. Just wanted to try this.
02-11-21, 08:40 AM
#8
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02-16-21, 09:55 AM
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Here's the deal: That bicycle has only one job - to absolutely delight just one of the 7 1/2 billion people on earth. Nobody else's opinion matters.
The worst thing that can happen is that you'll hate it. In that case, you can always change it into some other configuration.
The worst thing that can happen is that you'll hate it. In that case, you can always change it into some other configuration.
__________________
My greatest fear is all of my kids standing around my coffin and talking about "how sensible" dad was.
My greatest fear is all of my kids standing around my coffin and talking about "how sensible" dad was.
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08-18-21, 11:19 AM
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Bikes: Konas: Jake the Snake-Fire Mountain-Zing Supreme, Dew Deluxe,Zone Ltd. (frame, needs parts), Surly Long Haul Trucker, Santana Arriva tandem, Montagues: Paratrooper-Fit, Trek 1200, Bianchi Ocelot, Fantom Cross Uno, Bridgestone 200
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So, while the bars looked a bit 'out there', that's not surprising, as they weren't taped and with a silver stem just kinda shoots on out there, visually. Also, the frame is on the smaller side for me.
I've taken it back down to a frameset, and am thinking about building it back up to be period-correct...at least mostly, but if I can find a classic frame in my size I wouldn't mind a swap. I've been toying with the idea of a classic randonneuring bike, which would also serve for l'eroica and tweed rides if and when they happen where I can attend. I've noticed many rando riders have a preference for the older tech, evidently for the simplicity and reliability if built and maintained properly. Also, I like old stuff.
I've taken it back down to a frameset, and am thinking about building it back up to be period-correct...at least mostly, but if I can find a classic frame in my size I wouldn't mind a swap. I've been toying with the idea of a classic randonneuring bike, which would also serve for l'eroica and tweed rides if and when they happen where I can attend. I've noticed many rando riders have a preference for the older tech, evidently for the simplicity and reliability if built and maintained properly. Also, I like old stuff.
