fusilierdan

I'm looking to buy a new commuter. Currently I'm riding a '87 Giant Sedona. I'ld like a single speed but with coaster brakes. I'm thinking of getting a frame and building up the bike. Eventally adding a rear derailleur and brakes but keeping the option of removing them for winter commuting. Any thoughts on bikes to use? I'll need fenders and a rear rack. I have a road bike for the longer rides so this bike will be mostly for commuting, winter traing and bike path/city rides.

Titmawz

I would say to look into touring bikes or cyclocross ones. People have them on the forum =D

pdlamb

Unless you're handy and have a stock of parts to put on the frame, it's going to be cheaper to buy the bike complete. Plus, I don't know enough to tell you how to switch between single speed and derailers. :/

Is the Icebike web site still active? They had a lot of good tips on how to survive winters on a bicycle. Fortunately for me, I only have to worry about that about a week every year.

SlimRider

Hey there Fusilierdan!

It would appear that you already have a nice Steel frame. That's good!

If I were you, I would completely dissasemble the Sedona. I would then hand sand it where ever paint stripper could not remove the paint. Then, I would either buy a new fork, or recondition my existing fork. I would have the frame powder-coated some beautiful color, like glossy black or perhaps silver (your choice in colors of course). Next, I would then replace the crankset, the cassette, the brakes, all cables, the shifters (get brifters), the handlebars, and the stem. Of course, both the front and rear derailleurs will have to be replaced, as well.

If your wheels are still good, keep them. However, if you do get new wheels, your entire bike will look brand new after you put new tires on it.

That's it!

There's the bike frame you wanted to build upon...your own!

Good Luck!

- Slim

PS.

That's the one beautiful feature about steel-framed bikes. If you keep them dry, your grandchildred can refurbish that same identical frame and keep it in the family for many decades to come.

SlimRider

Alternatively, you could start with a completely new chromoly steel frame from Giant such as the following:

The Cypress

www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/cypress.st/9019/48871/

- OR -

The Sedona

www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/sedona.st/9025/48885/


Once you get one of these, you could upgrade each part as they wear out.

OTOH - You could also immediately upgrade the derailleurs, the shifters, the pedals, the seat, and the handlebars.

- Slim

PS.

In the end, you'll still have a chromoly steel frame bike that has been "customized". Good for the next two decades...What an investment!!!

fusilierdan

Here's what it looks like now

I did overhaul it. I'm thinking of a single speed for winter for ease a maintenance.

SlimRider

Wow!

That's gorgeous! Nice Job!

Just go to bikesdirect.com...Their single speeds are very inexpensive and a come with chromoly steel frames too!

- Slim

PS.

Of course, you must know that the Raleigh Rush Hour is simply peerless!

no1mad 

You got a Torker dealer in your area? If so, check out the KB2- https://www.torkerusa.com/bikes/commuter-life/2011-kb2- or for a bit more sporty ride (and price to go with) would be the Marin Hamilton 29er 2spd https://www.torkerusa.com/bikes/commuter-life/2011-kb2-, which has the same rear hub as the Torker.

cyclokitty 

I can't offer any advice but I love your bike's colour scheme!

no1mad 

Another option (depending on budget) would be to get either a Troll or Ogre frame and go from there.

SlimRider

Yes! Perhaps even a Steamroller!

- Slim

fusilierdan

Thanks for the compliments on the overhauled Sedona. Also for the links to the troll and ogre. I've been on surly's site but never looked at those two. This changes the whole game.

SlimRider

Looks like you've got another satisfied customer, No1Mad!



- Slim