jdawginsc 

Thought I would try something different. After disassembling the Fuji, I came across a single speed bike (charge) that had a few interesting tidbits. So my goal is to combine elements to make an interesting hybrid, especially the bullhorn bars and brakes.

Charge $35

USAZorro

Bumblebee managed 13.41 miles today. The upwind leg was a challenge and the downwind (return) was glorious, though it was disconcerting to hear clicking whenever there was a lateral force applied to the front wheel. I had fears that the looseness of one or two of the unadjustable spokes was going to dictate that I retire from my efforts after 100k rather than 100 miles. Turned out the cone on the front hub just needed to be snugged up, so the show will go on. Once again, was hoping to do the route twice, but this time tiny cramps in my foot persuaded me that I would almost certainly have serious regrets were I to attempt it.

Today: 13.41 miles
Total: 60.06 miles

zukahn1

As a follow up of the clunker bikes I built up this year the lowly Motive stone grinder is still going strong and will likely be the one that I will keep and ride. A bit of sleeper but the 4130 cro-mo frame with tange 1000 tempered fork rides really nice.

jdawginsc 

JDawg needs advice for the silliness that is the Fuji DelRay...can I do something with a 52 cm when my usual size is 56.

Firstly, not a Fuji fan at all, but the workmanship on this lower end bike is pretty darn good.

Secondly, I thought the paint was metallic olive. Now it looks closer to anthracite with a touch of moss

Thirdly, I could have sworn the bike measured at 54 cm (which is where I was hoping it would be since it is smaller than my usual to make a straight bar job out of it).

Might need to factor in the cost of a longer seatpost at 26.8 than the Sugino that came with it. And a stem extension.



Polished up really nicely.

How to extend the seat tube...BB brazing is excellent.

Andy_K 

Any bike fits if you're determined enough.



You probably don't have room in the budget for a Technomic stem unless you get very lucky. Maybe Wald makes something you could find cheap. I have a 28.6x350 Ultracycle seatpost that I used as a hole filler when I painted my clunker. I'd offer it to you for the cost of shipping, but that might still blow your budget.

Basically, I think you're going to have to ride a non-fitting bike to make that work.

Andy_K 

I installed some bottle cages on the Centurion on Saturday in anticipation of a longer ride, but after I got them on there an unexpected rain blew in and stayed all afternoon. Here it is today in the sunshine.



Sadly, after riding McKenzie Pass yesterday I wasn't feeling up to much of a ride today. I had to take my daughter's car in for new tires, so I used the Centurion to get back home, another 2.8 miles, bringing me to 13.7 total. How long do I have to finish this challenge?

jdawginsc 

i think I might have a solution for a stem, which will be bullhorns I think, or straight bar.

The seatpost stash might turn up something.

i am definitely going to have to be strategic and creative here.

I have a pair of 27x1.25 tires I got for 15, so that means the rest has to be done under $43.

USAZorro

Yet another day of underachievement. Rode the usual out and back, tolerating a constant small noise from the front hub on the outbound leg. Stopped to adjust the cone and it got worse. Stopped a couple more times to do the same and finally thought I had it back to how it was on the outbound leg. Alas, it just constantly grew worse and for the final three miles it sounded like there was a pitched battle between squirrels and chipmunks inside the front hub. Was prepared to do the double until this development, so a paltry 13.31 miles... overall 73.37 miles. Getting there.

Good news is that, with just a modest additional investment to replace the rear rim, do a front wheel, put on chunkier grips, use a proper 3-speed trigger and go with actual made-to-purpose fender mounting attachments, this will be a really sweet and enjoyable rider for more sedate journeys. I could picture myself taking it to Lake Pepin (a bucket list event that's prioritized after Cino and RAGBRAI). In 27 more miles (one or two more outings), I'll be able to start the upgrade wheel rolling.

RustyJames 

I have freakish Technomic - super tall with short reach. I can’t imagine the proportions of the person it was designed for.

I’ll see if I can get a pic…

jdawginsc 

ironically, I had one up until 2 months ago when I told myself I would never
have a head tube long enough for it to be useful...





Good news is all components cleaned up nicely and the wheels are actually really nice. Just some trying and a cleaner freewheel. Probably Sanshin or Sunshine make.

Just an EV bath needed. One of my favorite cheap friction drivetrains in SunTour ARX. My nemesis designed Sugino RT (hate the wedge shaped chainrings).

DiaCompe 500 Gs should work well with a straight bar hand lever. If not, I doubt I will be going too fast...I live in the low country.

Shame I cannot use the too short Sugino post...I was going to bling up the flutes...

jdawginsc 

Luck would have it, in the stash...



No clue how to valuate it since it came in a big box of junk. $5...$7... What say you all?

RustyJames 

jdawginsc ~230mm!! Reach is around 80mm. Let me know if it will do you any favors. It’s no doing any for me.

philpeugeot 

Did 13 miles today, commuting to community college for summer courses. I was worried about the lack of a granny gear since my commute involves quite a bit of climbing but it really wasn't too bad when I kept the load light. 69 miles in and I have no major maladies to report on the TX700. I have noticed a bit of play in the front hub, but I plan on replacing the bearings once the Trek rolls 100 miles. Handling is really nice; despite loading up the handlebar bag the steering doesn't deteriorate. I'm beginning to understand why these sport-touring Treks are popular for 650b rando conversions.

Andy_K 

Today I made a most significant ride on my Centurion Clunker. I rode it to work! That may not sound especially significant, but this was the first time I've biked in to the office since March 5, 2020. I used to bike to work all the time. I also used to come in to the office all the time, but even coming into the office hasn't happened much over the past two years, I've only been allowed in the building for about six months. Something always seems to come up whenever I think I'm going to do it, and as usual things came up this morning but I finally decided enough is enough and I rode in anyway.

Here's the Centurion parked in the combination bike parking/smoking area. There are a couple of guys just off camera to the left taking a smoke break and wondering why I'm taking a picture of my bike.



I rode it back to the tire store yesterday to pick up the car I had previously reported dropping off. That brought me to 16.5 miles. Now switching to kilometers, which is how I've intended to measure my goal all along, I can add the 16.8 km from this morning's commute, bringing my total to 43.4 km. Depending on the route I choose to get home, I should finish the day just over 60 kilometers.

jdawginsc 

Thank you sir. I will let you know if I can use it under the budget. I am experimenting with a few other items, so it might be I circle back around.

Anything YOU need right now?

nlerner

fify.

RustyJames 

Funny you mention that…pm on the way

Reynolds 531 

zero point zero mile test ride today.

Fortunately, it wasn't that far of hike a bike back up the driveway.


Lets try a different tyre from up in the rafters

ollo_ollo

Oh yeah! Had that a few times myself. Better in the driveway than miles from home. Don

USAZorro

I finally made the double (and a little bit more because I thought I had one less mile in than I actually did). The riding is DONE!

28.16 today 101.53 overall. I'll be back one more time to do a thorough and formal wrap-up after I add one zero-cost finishing touch that has no bearing on the bicycle's performance - aka purely ornamental.

For visualists, here's a photo on the second loop - on the 5th of 6 river crossings on the outbound leg.

J-Shooter

Gentlemen, gonna try to knock this one out expeditiously. I purchased this lovely Jamis Boss cruiser for the not-so-exceptional price of $50, I have always liked them, the loop tail frames, the BMX parts, the goofy name. This one is equipped with futuristic 1x technology.

Boss labels all over the place.

Rebuilt the front hub with Phil grease because that's all I have at the moment.

Wheel truing options were limited as some spokes are equipped with integrated nipples.

Moving on to the BB and rear wheel.

However, I realized these fixed wheels fit. I took them off a bike I refurbished several years ago and likely will never use them on anything else. The rims are deep enough for the 26er brakes to miraculously engage. Any thoughts on the 700c fixed cruiser opportunity?

wrk101

My entrant. Picked up two Raleigh MTBs, the one in the background is a Raleigh Crest, $8. The one in front is a Raleigh Heat. Donated the Crest to the local co-op.

I added a take off saddle ($2), used trekking bars ($5), two used tires ($4), new chain ($7) and replaced four cables ($2). Donated the wheels, picked up a set of take offs for $10, So I am $40 into it so far. Tossed the rusty pedal cages and ripped seat.

Original fluorescent orange paint is heavily faded, but I like patina, so no problem!




Looks better from a distance!

Chain, tires, and cables are toast.

uncle uncle

Was this in this thread already? I did a quick scan, and I couldn't place it... I'll place this right here.

Dan Chase

You found my video - was about to post it as I`ve been away for a couple of days, all good - I appreciate you don`t have to do the target 100 in one hit, but... well, sometimes I just get a bit carried away...

Hope you enjoy the video, would never have looked at/bought/ridden the bike without the challenge, Dan.

jdawginsc 

So, here is the re-imagined clunker Fuji del Ray. I have never owned a Fuji, nor do I think I have ever ridden one.

As is, it comes in at a relatively svelte 22 pounds.

Had to discard a few items due to sizing (I had thought it was a 54cm. Oops.

So, original sale at $50. Bars levers had the glued shut treatment, and stem was too short which gave me the idea for bullhorns.

The bullhorns stem and levers were off another single speed I paid $35 total for. I estimate the parts as a prorated $15

Seatpost, pedals and adapter for stem were from long ago lot purchases. I assumed $6.00 per item based on the coop thread though I paid much less as a lot item.

Derailleur cable is new, Brake cables repurposed. Yellow casings from the scrap pile. I got the cables for $7.96 for 10; figuring .50 per foot of housing.

So, with fuzzy math.
Initial purchase...$50.00
Seatpost, pedals and adapter $18.00
Bars, stem, levers $15.00
Tires $14.25
Derailleur cables plus housing $1.60 + .50
Brake cable housings $2.00 (.50/ft)
Yellow electrical tape $0.13

$101.48 giving me a little room for tubes.



Interesting looking little guy

Shiny solid power train.

The test for me...whether the bullhorns will be a winner...and whether the darn Dia Compe 500Gs will actually stop the bike.

Original Fuji butt rock!