Brown Jersey - Johnny Appleseed
BJ Fixie Bike Frame Only - 50cm - Green!
I finally have a BJ bike with track dropouts! Well, just the frame but with a chrome fork, headset, bottom bracket and seatpost. Stay tuned!
Fixie Transformation from Repco Traveller to BJ Johnny Appleseed.
Parts To be transferred: Rims, rubber, tubes, stem, handlebar, brake levers, grips, bell, brake calipers & pads, cabling (inners & outers), rear reflector, crankset, chain, pedals, Cell bottle cage.
New & Used Parts (to be installed on new frame): Neco bb, Neco headset, seatpost with binder bolt, chrome fork, Specialized Sonoma gel saddle (black-used), Specialised triathalon under seat single bottle cage mount (black-used), Cell bottle cage with bolts.
Parts left over: Used Neco bb, seatpost, binder bolt, stem adapter, Repco 49cm frame, Prologo Kappa saddle, Tacx under saddle bottle cage mount for up to 3 cages.
New & Used Parts (to be installed on new frame): Neco bb, Neco headset, seatpost with binder bolt, chrome fork, Specialized Sonoma gel saddle (black-used), Specialised triathalon under seat single bottle cage mount (black-used), Cell bottle cage with bolts.
Parts left over: Used Neco bb, seatpost, binder bolt, stem adapter, Repco 49cm frame, Prologo Kappa saddle, Tacx under saddle bottle cage mount for up to 3 cages.
The Transformation - Using My Parts!
Started transferring alot of parts from the Repco to my new frame. The Repco will always be the best bike I've had and the frame was probably lighter, but I am a huge fan of Brown Jersey and this is my way of helping James to promote his business. So I have sacrificed my bike to build this one. The Repco has been handed over to a good mate at work so I know it will be taken car of. I have transferred the handlebars, brakes (front only for now), wheels and crankset with pedals. Also had to take some links out of the chain as the old frames spacing was further apart. I remember James had to add some links to a new chain when the Repco was first put together. I have also added a new 'BROWNJ' tan saddle to the bike. This one is new in the BJ range and has not been put up on the BJ site yet. So I'll be giving it a test run before I write a review. I have some new Kenda Kriterium tyres sourced from James but will leave the Michelin's on for now as they have been going great. Like my Repco this frame has no water bottle bosses so the saddle mounted bottle cage holder has been attached. The angle of the bottle cage, seems to be more accute than before with the biologic saddle, but we'll see how it goes.
Specialized Under Saddle Bottle Cage Mount - Black
I've upgraded the TACX mount to this Specialized single mount. The TACX mount kept tilting downward everytime I hit a bump, no matter how tight I tightened it with the allen wrench. As a result the bottle kept coming out of the cage. Because the rotating clamp which controls the angle was made of plastic it could not be properly tightened. Metal is better. I stumbled across this Specialized unit online and bought it from the U.S. This is a metal part which is secured to the seat rails with two bolts. Does not move at all and is rock solid. This is a hard to find vintage that I got used, so I was glad to pick it up cheap as I have never seen anything else like it around.
BBB Ergonomic Grips
I sourced some BBB ergonomic grips for more comfort when riding. Was going to go for Ergon grips but they were abit pricey and I found this online from a bike shop that went bust. No packaging but was in new condition. The end caps allow for bar ends to be fitted without moving the grips.
Vintage Cateye Rear Reflector
I put my large vintage Cateye rear reflector. It's large and will make the bike legal too. A lot more durable than the cheap plastic stuff you get these days. Has it's own metal bracket which is secured on through the brake caliper bolt.
Woodman Chain Stay Protector
I've put my chain stay protector on too to protect the frame from the chain. Even though I keep the chain pretty tight I still like to have this on.
Brakes - Front Only
I've only installed the front brake so far just to see how it rides. Will get to the rear later. I'll actually be putting compact drop bars as well as brake hoods on this bike soon. Just waiting for the parts to come in. So will leave it as is for now.
BrownJ Tourer Saddle - Tan/Brown
When I was visiting Brown Jersey I noticed these saddles on the mixte bikes. There was a black version and this one. James said the black ones were more popular but I personally prefer something different and went for the brown one. I really like the look of it and I'll be using it on this bike and will give it a review once I have broken it in a bit.
Current State - Johnny Mk. II
So here it is. Am going to ride it in Spring Cycle 2013 once I get it fine tuned and update a few more bits. This will not be the end of this bike build though, there is still more to do. I will be using drop bars as I have found some compact ones and also brake levers & hoods which suit my smaller hands. Will do a full review once I give it a decent ride. I think I'll call it 'Johnny Mk II' as it is the BJ frame with my own touches!
Road Bike Setup with Drop Bars
I've decided to convert this bike to more of a road bike setup with drop bars, brake hoods/levers and bar tape. In the past I did not use this option because my hands are smaller and I did not find it safe to reach for the brake levers etc, plus changing gear was a pain with the Shimano flight deck shifters. However, this bike is a single speed, so lever functions are purely for braking only. I have also located some levers that are better for me and a couple of other items.
Zoom Anatomic Alloy Drop Handlebars - 25.4mm Clamp - Black
I wasn't that fussed about what brand of handlebar I should use. This one is from Cell bikes and it is a compact model. I didn't want anything too big. I do like the flat sections on them though. Bar is a 25.4mm clamp size. Originally bought this for my Reynolds road bike but that is up for sale now.
Pro LT 3D Stem - 80mm length, 25.4mm clamp, 6 degree rise/drop - Black
This is about the same length as the current stem but slightly longer. The bike frame fits me almost perfect when it comes to reach so I didn't really want to mess with that. So stuck with the shorter 80mm length. Too bad my bottle cage mount will cover up the Pro logo on the front.
Tektro RL340 Ergonomic Road Brake Levers - Black
These levers are better suited to the size of my hands. So we'll see how they go. Combined with the compact bar they should work great. Just braking, no shifting. The beauty of single speed. Less to go wrong!
Profile Design Non Adhesive Bar Wrap - Black
Some basic black grip. It's non-adhesive so I can try and try again! Not the permanent solution. I'll eventually get some BJ Leatheresque bar tape to match the saddle. For now this will do.
Cateye Water Bottle Cage
Apparently these are unbreakable. We'll wait and see.
Minoura Bottle Cage Mount - For Handle Bar
The BJ frame does not have bottle cage bosses. I could use the Specialized under seat mount but am finding it at too much of an angle on the BrownJ Touring saddle. So will give this mount a go. The bottle will be easier to get to I guess.
Completed!
So here is the completed bike with all it's parts put back on or replaced. I'll be riding this in the spring cycle this year.
The only trouble I've had so far was lining up my rear brake caliper pads with the rims braking surface. My Tektro R365's are having issues meeting the right spot on the rim. Front was easy but back was abit harder to line up. You'll see from the photo showing the dropouts, I've kept the chain abit longer than required. First I removed links then had to put one link back on after fiting the brake caliper. This allowed the pad on the non-drive side of the bike to just make it when lining up against the rim, but it is still a little out. I may have to play with the chain or perhaps add another spacer behind the caliper mount to get it right before the ride. My preference would be to shorten the chain.
The only trouble I've had so far was lining up my rear brake caliper pads with the rims braking surface. My Tektro R365's are having issues meeting the right spot on the rim. Front was easy but back was abit harder to line up. You'll see from the photo showing the dropouts, I've kept the chain abit longer than required. First I removed links then had to put one link back on after fiting the brake caliper. This allowed the pad on the non-drive side of the bike to just make it when lining up against the rim, but it is still a little out. I may have to play with the chain or perhaps add another spacer behind the caliper mount to get it right before the ride. My preference would be to shorten the chain.
Ride to Work Day - 16/10/2013
Did a proper ride this morning on the official 'Ride to Work Day'. The frame feels good and really stiff. I may have to put on a longer stem as I found I was leaning forward too much and pushing on the brake hoods too much. I have already adjusted the seat height and angle but feel the stem could be longer. My wrists were hurting abit using the hoods so mainly rode with my hands on the tops but still used the hoods for climbing. Then again I might be able to play with the hood angles too. We'll see how it goes after a few minor tweaks. I'll try everything before getting a stem. Gotta sort it out before 20/10/13 which is the Spring Cycle day. Here are a couple of pics of the bike at work. Last few times I rode to work I used the Brompton so my bike was kept under my desk. Haven't parked a bike down in the basement for months! This one has already got quite a few scratches on it. I'm not going to be paranoid about it as it will be a commuter bike so not fussed about a few bumps and scrapes. May even invest in a smaller d-lock for it. The wheels and seatpost are not quick release so I should be alright just locking the frame. For now though, I'm still using my big bastard New York lock and cable.
Installation of Cross Levers
I have a set of Tektro brake levers in my parts box and am going to be installing them on the handlebars. I found I was riding alot with my hands on the tops, closer to the center near the stem. This is my primary commuting bike and stopping is important for me, particularly on main roads with traffic and unpredictable weather too.
Found instructions online on how to do this, so we'll see how I go.
http://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-help/in-line-brake-levers-cross-levers
Found instructions online on how to do this, so we'll see how I go.
http://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-help/in-line-brake-levers-cross-levers
Saddle Upgrade - Brooks B17 - Black
One of the changes I made to the bike was adding a Brooks saddle for comfort through the 2013 Spring Cycle. The saddle was so good that I have decided to keep it on. I bought it awhile back as a second hand one as it was mounted on a display bike but never really used. Just a few scuff marks. With time it will get more comfortable. It is hard leather after all!
Current Status - 16/03/2014
So what's been happening with the Appleseed? Well a lot. I haven't really updated my site for about 6 months now so this is it's current state. The bike has become the daily commuter and has mud guards, a new Cateye large mirrored LED light, the Prologo saddle is back as the Brooks saddle is on the Brompton now (where it belongs). I also have just installed a sunlight rack light. I had an old bracket for a reflector from an older bike which was in my parts box. It has the same mounts as the rack light. So have a permanent light installed onto the bike which is also a reflector. Runs on 2x AAA batteries. A bracket for my Garmin Etrex is also on the handlebars as well as a relocated water bottle holder and mini pump on the frame. The saddle bag holds everything I need in the even of a flat or slight adjustments whilst on the move. I have also updated the seat post with a longer black one. The most obvious addition to the bike is the stand (which most of you know from past history, I am dead against!), however, this one looks good and holds up the bike well and is strong. I got it sent from Canada made by a company called Greenfield. Got sick of leaning the bike on things when arriving to work or getting home. So the bike is more functional now. Yeah I have gotten older!
Time to say goodbye....
Time for my single speed to go. Now that I am back onto a road bike, it is more important for me to get fitter and ride in more groups and events, and a geared road bike will do that for me. I don’t really have the space anymore to store all these bikes and I need to be realistic. I am a bit sad to be getting rid of the green single speed but I am happy that it will be donated to charity. Not selling it this time. Giving it to the men’s shed for someone in need. So this is the last picture of the bike. I have taken off what I need. I replaced the Gatorskin tyres with brand new Kenda Kriterium units that I had never used and also replaced my Prologo seat with a new Scott seat I had. Lights, saddlebag and pump have been removed and the bike has been given a quick clean. After this bike is gone all I will have is my Raceline 18sp road bike, Giant MTB and my Brompton. That will be enough for me. Unless I get the urge to build another bike, which I am going to be doing in a few months!