fratello25

I had an Opus Belcanto bike with a Nexus IGH that I used as a daily commuter. Unfortunately, as the photos show, it met its ultimate demise a few days ago. The frame and fork are destroyed, but everything else seems ok.

Now I'm now searching for a replacement. Given that it's parked outside while at work, I'm not looking for anything too expensive (i.e. over $600). I also replaced the IGH on the Belcanto last year. As a result, I wanted as much as possible to re-use it and the wheels to save on costs. Someone at work suggested getting a single speed bike (Kilo TT or Windsor Hour) and transferring over the wheels and the IGH. I realize that I would have to have the drop-outs widened (is that the right term?), but is there anything else? Could I just transfer over the bottom bracket? I don't have much experience working on bikes so I thought I'd ask the experts here.

And more broadly, are there better alternatives to my idea?

Thanks!

Zef

Buy a cheap frame from Nashbar, Performance, or similar...they have frames for about $100...then transfer your parts over. Should workout to be well within your price range.

-j

fietsbob

If it has vertical dropouts, you need to add a spring loaded chain tensioner ..

which is why a horizontal adjustable Rear Dropout has Merit..

fratello25

Thanks. The Nexus IGH I have has the coaster brake, which appears not to work with chain tensioners (although I could be very wrong).

Greenfieldja, I checked a number of online places, including the ones you mentioned, but couldn't find any frames with horizontal dropouts. Are they hiding on me? This is what led me to consider single-speed bikes as a source for a frame.

Wilfred Laurier

You are correct - a coaster brake will not work with a chain tensioner.

fietsbob

Look at Old stuff? . Index shifting the frames did tend to come with vertical dropouts so the wheel was always back in the same spot .

DiegoFrogs

Sorry about your bike. It looks both nice and very practical.

If your bike is like similar bikes found here in Sweden, your dropouts are probably forward-facing. That is, the wheel falls out when it moves forward. If you buy a similar frame with the same dropout width, it'll be straightforward. If you buy a track-style frame, you'll need to buy a new anti-rotation washer from Shimano for the hub that matches it.

I would also be sure to match the style of brakes that you have. Clever dynamo wiring may also be a concern, or you may wish to just zip tie new wires onto the frame and fork. Some single-speed bikes have narrow tire clearances, and no provisions for fenders or racks, or lights... you'll want to keep an eye on stuff like that.

No aluminum frame should ever be re-spaced in the rear to fit a different width hub. With steel, it can be done by an average, drunk, home mechanic like myself.

Little Darwin

I don't know that hub, but I have read how some people convert bikes with horizontal dropouts to ss/fixie by using a half link, or a half link chain... This is supposed to give you a more precisely adjusted chain length.