timmythology

Hello

My name is Tim, and I have a goal of assembling my own bike this year. Since I am not a mechanic I do plan on using a local co-op for a work station, and support. Since this is my first attempt at assembling a bike I have decided to use the available parts that have been replaced from other bikes. In addition I have also budgeted 150 dollars for additional parts like wire housing.

First consideration

I am using a Townie 21d for the frame, and would like to replace the suspension fork with a rigid fork. I have a surly 1x1 suspension corrected fork which was used on a previous MTB bike that is no longer in use. What I am wondering is, if I can take the cups from the old frame, and just repress them into the townie frame so that I can reuse the headset?

The other place I have questions is with the drive train. The frame came with a triple, and I would like to convert it to a double. Are there any concerns with this change?

Thanks in advance for any information.

Tim

cny-bikeman

Not enough info to provide much help. Specs can vary on forks quite a bit - it's not just a matter of the cups. If you replace the entire crankset (spindle) included with one compatible with your frame (again, several specs to consider) then should not be a problem. Other parts from different bikes need to also be compatible. If you have a local bike co-op available I see no reason to depend on remote assistance, as most things are much easier for someone to show in-person than to explain in print.

dabac

There is a difference between what'll go together mechanically and what will enjoyable to ride.
But if both the donor bike and the receiving bike has the same diameter headtube, then the headset will transfer. For the fork to transfer the steerer tube has to be long enough.
For the bike to ride nicely - if it did with the old fork - the new fork has to have a similar axle-to-crown measurement and about the same amount of rake.

Depending on what type of BB it is, changing from a triple to a double will often require replacing the bottom bracket to get a sensible chainline, and/or chainstay clearance.
For a Frankenbike type of ride I wouldn't bother replacing a functioning crank.
If you don't need the granny, just don't use it. The drawback to leaving it in place is minimal.

timmythology

Thanks for the assistance.

I'll measure the steerer tube when I get home from work. The townie head tube seems really long, but does measure at 1 1/8" which is the same as the old frame. Will take pictures and post them.

Understand the reasoning behind the crank, so will leave it alone.

Thanks again
Tim

Retro Grouch 

That's probably going to be a deal killer.

Honestly, I'm thinking that Townie frame is just enough out of the mainstream to make it a bit more challenging for your first assembly attempt.

timmythology

Thanks, and the townie frame has always been there to haunt me. My thought is to not plan past the fork, and if that does not fit I'll replace the frame.

Will know it about 3 hours when I get off work.

timmythology

Thank you for saving me some time Mr. Grouch. Now I just have to take the townie to the coop so I can choose a diffrent frame.

Thanks Tim

fietsbob

they should be able to answer all your questions ..


Does anyone here Not Write from the Bosse's Computer and Internet Link?

dabac

If you have a slightly relaxed attitude to your own safety it is possible to use a quill-type steerer tube extender, which might allow stuff to come together.

As long as you're aware that it is use outside the intended application.

timmythology

Will pass on the extender. Have just started to look for a diffrent step through with 26" wheels.

Thanks

Tim

JanMM

A Townie is not just a step through frame but is a crank forward type of step through frame. If you want to ride a crank forward bike, might be worth the trouble. If not, then a more conventional frame makes sense.