Recommends on a "backwards" vintage build.
07-07-09, 03:59 PM
#1
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Recommends on a "backwards" vintage build.
Most bikes I've seen built start with a frame, and the builder hunts for parts that match the vintage of the frame.
Well, I'm doing things a little different (perhaps backwards!): I'm starting with the freewheel!
I found this old Atom 5-speed straightblock (14-15-16-18-20) and rebuilt it. It is such an unusual, cute little thing I thought maybe I could build a vintage ride around it. Hunt for some Huret or Campy components, maybe some Weinmann/Normandy wheels. Only then will I look for a frame that complements them - probably a 120mm rear spacing.
What do you classic/vintage gurus think? What problems might I run into?
Well, I'm doing things a little different (perhaps backwards!): I'm starting with the freewheel!
I found this old Atom 5-speed straightblock (14-15-16-18-20) and rebuilt it. It is such an unusual, cute little thing I thought maybe I could build a vintage ride around it. Hunt for some Huret or Campy components, maybe some Weinmann/Normandy wheels. Only then will I look for a frame that complements them - probably a 120mm rear spacing.
What do you classic/vintage gurus think? What problems might I run into?
07-07-09, 04:42 PM
#2
aka Tom Reingold
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Reminds me of the Woody Allen movie "Sleeper" where he was charged with creating a human being from a salvaged nose.
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Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
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“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
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07-07-09, 04:46 PM
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I'm no guru, but I play one on the internets. But not a bike guru. So what.
I think that's an excellent plan. The thing I wouldn't do is buy any frame specific components until you know what you're going to be bolting it all onto. Things like wheelgoods, and cranks are all pretty well interchangeable. But you don't know what bottom bracket you'll need yet.
I think that's an excellent plan. The thing I wouldn't do is buy any frame specific components until you know what you're going to be bolting it all onto. Things like wheelgoods, and cranks are all pretty well interchangeable. But you don't know what bottom bracket you'll need yet.
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Still stupid and seriously neglected..
Still stupid and seriously neglected..
07-07-09, 05:36 PM
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An unusual plan, but why not? The difficulty might be knowing which parts to buy and which to pass over, until you've got a good picture in your mind of what you want to end up with and making sure they will fit the frame you finally choose. However, when I've upgraded a few bikes in my collection I often find I have a pile of perfectly good displaced parts, say a pair of wheels, a chainset, brakes, gears and saddle and then start looking for a frame in my size to hang them on. It rarely works out that neatly and I usually finish by replacing some of the "original" collection of parts to match the "new" frame - then start again with a new collection of parts looking for another frame!
Last edited by Oldpeddaller; 07-07-09 at 05:39 PM. Reason: repetitions corrected
07-07-09, 05:44 PM
#7
Vintage French Bike Fan
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Hmmm, starting with a freewheel. I don't know about the logic of that, but hey, go for it! I'd recommend a nice French frame to go with it. 
Karl
Karl
07-07-09, 05:44 PM
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Kinda like making a marriage out of a used condom you found on the bike path. If it was Regina Oro, maybe, but a sacked out Atom? I still have my Phil Wood remover for that sucker!
07-07-09, 08:31 PM
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I have mine, and I used it last week!
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“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
07-07-09, 09:21 PM
#10
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I don't know, I started one of my builds with a pair of Fiamme yellow label clincher rims and a set of high-flange Nuovo Tipo hubs. Then again, I knew what kind of frame they would be going on one day when I finally found it.
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1959 Bottecchia Milano-Sanremo(frame), 1966 Bottecchia Professional (frame), 1971 Bottecchia Professional (frame),
1973 Bottecchia Gran Turismo, 1974 Bottecchia Special, 1977 Bottecchia Special (frame),
1974 Peugeot UO-8, 1988 Panasonic PT-3500, 2002 Bianchi Veloce, 2004 Bianchi Pista
1959 Bottecchia Milano-Sanremo(frame), 1966 Bottecchia Professional (frame), 1971 Bottecchia Professional (frame),
1973 Bottecchia Gran Turismo, 1974 Bottecchia Special, 1977 Bottecchia Special (frame),
1974 Peugeot UO-8, 1988 Panasonic PT-3500, 2002 Bianchi Veloce, 2004 Bianchi Pista
07-07-09, 09:41 PM
#11
Velocommuter Commando
07-07-09, 11:25 PM
#12
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Well, I have a pair of Huret deraillers already. Would really like to snag a Sedis chain and Stronglight crank (although a quality Nervar would do). And it wouldn't be just right without a set of MAFAC Racer centerpulls - but I'm trying not to be TOOOO picky!
Say, if anyone has an old Atom remover tool they like to part with, I'd be willing to bargain???
Say, if anyone has an old Atom remover tool they like to part with, I'd be willing to bargain???
07-07-09, 11:27 PM
#13
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07-08-09, 07:01 AM
#14
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English, by far. You really don't want to build up a French-spec bike these days. You can do it, but I don't think it's worth it, and I love French bikes.
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“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
07-08-09, 07:15 AM
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I can relate. I have a cool set of drilled chainrings and crankset that I'm planning a build around.
