Single Speed Project #2 - Ervin's Bike!
1980's Europa Road Racing Bike - 49cm
Building a bike for my cousin in Perth. He liked what I did with the Repco so was happy for me to build another for him. Build time will take 6-8 months as this is a busy year for me, but knowing me it will probably be more like 4-6 months as I love building & riding bikes!
The Starting Point
So here it is. An early Europa 49cm Road bike frame. I was originally going to use the Roadmaster MTB frame, but after assessing the damage and also finding out that it required specific components that were odd measurements and not readily available, I decided to go with a road bike frame. This frame cost $90. Yes I didn't think I would have to pay for one, and not that much, but I think it is worth it and it is still well within budget for this build. I am really happy with it as it is almost the same specs as my Repco so it will be a doddle to build. It is also made by Europa who is an Australian manufacturer and are still going strong today with a good history.
The front forks have tange tf ends with a chromed collar which I will probably change the colour of. It has nice looking seat-stays and already comes with the headset and bottom backet assembly. I'll be swapping these over to more modern sealed units. These frames were made by John Abeni of Europa cycles and I would say this is from the 1980's The frame is a smaller size, measurements are seat-post: 49cm and top-tube: 52cm. Older Europa frames are highly regarded and do not come around too often for sale as most people like to keep them original or in some cases, turn them into a fixie / single speed. I was real happy to score this one!
As soon as I get the frame I will take note of the serial numbers and contact Europa to find out the exact details about it's history. If it is old enough it may even be an original made in Adelaide! We'll see. This frame will be coming from Adelaide (possibly it's birth place), will then be re-built as a bike in Sydney and then sent over to Perth to it's new owner! Looks like this bike will be doing alot of km's even before it is complete, crossing the continent!
Here is some history I found on the Europa Company, their business has been trading in Sydney for a long time now:
Europa Cycles and Pulteney St Cycles, Adelaide SA - by Frank Kovacs
Elan was Pulteney Street Cycles own brand from around 1986 until around 1993 when they ceased trading in South Australia. Pulteney St. Cycles were the trading name for Abeni Corp. Australia, previously trading as Europa Cycles, at Morphett Street Adelaide, from around 1978 to 1985. In between the two moves, they were located in a small shop on Pulteney Street, near the south east corner of Rundle Street, for about a year, trading as Pulteney Street Cycles. The Abeni, Europa, & Elan, were quality lightweight steel racing frames built in-house in Australia, by Abeni. These frames usually used Reynolds 531 tubing, and were custom built, generally equipped with quality European parts such as Ofmega, & Campagnolo Gran Sport, Triomph & Victory, with the Elan, being the latest incarnation, more likely to be equipped with Shimano. These components were also equipped to Italian made Technotrat frames with Falk CroMoly tubing, that continued to be marketed as Europa, alongside Elan, when they moved to Pulteney Street. They were the largest retailer of new Colnago frames & Campagnolo equipment, in Adelaide, and always had a large amount of stock on show, which made them a very interesting shop to visit.
Update 8/5/2012 - Frame is being posted from Adelaide today. According to Australia post it should be with me by the end of the week. Fingers crossed! I still haven't decided on a colour!
Update 15/5/2012 - The Europa frame has finally arrived from it's original home in Adelaide. Very well packed and ready to be worked on. Was gonna un-wrap it to have a look but couldn't be bothered. Plus it was around 11pm and I didn't have a spare 3 hours, gotta go to work the next day you know!
The front forks have tange tf ends with a chromed collar which I will probably change the colour of. It has nice looking seat-stays and already comes with the headset and bottom backet assembly. I'll be swapping these over to more modern sealed units. These frames were made by John Abeni of Europa cycles and I would say this is from the 1980's The frame is a smaller size, measurements are seat-post: 49cm and top-tube: 52cm. Older Europa frames are highly regarded and do not come around too often for sale as most people like to keep them original or in some cases, turn them into a fixie / single speed. I was real happy to score this one!
As soon as I get the frame I will take note of the serial numbers and contact Europa to find out the exact details about it's history. If it is old enough it may even be an original made in Adelaide! We'll see. This frame will be coming from Adelaide (possibly it's birth place), will then be re-built as a bike in Sydney and then sent over to Perth to it's new owner! Looks like this bike will be doing alot of km's even before it is complete, crossing the continent!
Here is some history I found on the Europa Company, their business has been trading in Sydney for a long time now:
Europa Cycles and Pulteney St Cycles, Adelaide SA - by Frank Kovacs
Elan was Pulteney Street Cycles own brand from around 1986 until around 1993 when they ceased trading in South Australia. Pulteney St. Cycles were the trading name for Abeni Corp. Australia, previously trading as Europa Cycles, at Morphett Street Adelaide, from around 1978 to 1985. In between the two moves, they were located in a small shop on Pulteney Street, near the south east corner of Rundle Street, for about a year, trading as Pulteney Street Cycles. The Abeni, Europa, & Elan, were quality lightweight steel racing frames built in-house in Australia, by Abeni. These frames usually used Reynolds 531 tubing, and were custom built, generally equipped with quality European parts such as Ofmega, & Campagnolo Gran Sport, Triomph & Victory, with the Elan, being the latest incarnation, more likely to be equipped with Shimano. These components were also equipped to Italian made Technotrat frames with Falk CroMoly tubing, that continued to be marketed as Europa, alongside Elan, when they moved to Pulteney Street. They were the largest retailer of new Colnago frames & Campagnolo equipment, in Adelaide, and always had a large amount of stock on show, which made them a very interesting shop to visit.
Update 8/5/2012 - Frame is being posted from Adelaide today. According to Australia post it should be with me by the end of the week. Fingers crossed! I still haven't decided on a colour!
Update 15/5/2012 - The Europa frame has finally arrived from it's original home in Adelaide. Very well packed and ready to be worked on. Was gonna un-wrap it to have a look but couldn't be bothered. Plus it was around 11pm and I didn't have a spare 3 hours, gotta go to work the next day you know!
Avid FR-5 Brake Levers
Avid brake levers are built tough and are all quality. I have had experience now using these levers and think they are awesome. These are the FR-5 model and are a basic option. One their way to me in the post now.
Update: 2/5/2012
Brake levers arrived!
Update: 2/5/2012
Brake levers arrived!
Tektro R559 Long Reach Brake Calipers
Most stores have these available in silver, but I spotted a black pair online for $56! I paid $70 for mine last year! The seller was going to be away for a while and said that it would be a few weeks before they were posted. Which is why they were discounted, for the inconvenience. I wasn't worried as I have allocated 6-8 months for this build. But hopefully I can get it finished before then.
Update 2/5/2012:
Due to arrive end of May.
Update 2/5/2012:
Due to arrive end of May.
Jagwire Brake Cable Kit
These are from the same supplier in China that I bought the other cables from (for the Repco project). This set does not come with shifter cables as they are missing. Didn't worry me because I didn't need them.
Scott MTB Pilot Pro 1.0 Riser Bars (31.8mm clamp)
I splashed out a a bit for these mountain bike bars. These are different to my bars. They are riser bars which give you a bit more reach and will allow you to sit slightly more upright than flat bars. My cousin is slightly shorter than me, so I thought I would make the ride a little more comfortable for him. Road bike frames in our size (48-50cm) are hard to come by and sometimes it is abit of a stretch. So these should work well in all conditions. To be honest, I should have got these for myself in the first place!
RavX Pace Black Bike Head Stem C-C 100mm (31.8mm clamp)
The first second hand part! This was taken off a new bike and swapped over straight away by the new owner. Mainly chose it because it was the same specs as mine. The only difference is that this is lighter but stronger. It is a newer model. I now have experience and am choosing my parts more carefully, taking into account alot of things that I have learnt along the way.
Update 17/5/2012:
Arrived today.
Update 17/5/2012:
Arrived today.
Head Stem Adaptor Alloy 22.2mm Quill x 1-1/8" Stem
This is a new Bevato aluminium head stem adaptor with an alloy cap. It allows me to adapt a 1-1/8' Threadless Head Stem to a 1" threaded steerer with 22.2mm or 7/8". Weighs 170 Grams. The 1-1/8" Section is 40mm Long and the total length is 150mm Long. Iused this same adaptor for my forst project bike. Basically will allow modern stems and bars to be used with the bike. A great invention.
Selle Italia X2 Road Saddle
This saddle is very light & is finished in black leather with silver stitching & shows the Selle Italia logo on either side at rear. Very nice item and the design of it is universal so it can be used for all body types.
Jet Black Gripo Lock-On Grips - Black
Not much to say about these apart from them being good quality, they lock on with an allen key so always stay secure and never move. I have Giant ones on my Repco and they work great.
Uno Seat Post - 25.8mm (350mm)
I bought this seatpost when I was building my first single speed. I got the measurements wrong and actually needed a 25.4mm instead. You wouldn't think 0.4mm wouldn't make that much of a difference, but it does! The measurements have to be precise. Luckily this seatpost just happens to fit the Europa frame! So I have saved some cash there.
FIRST Threaded 1" Headset - BLACK
This is the identical headset used for my Repco. It has 30mm top and bottom cups and a 27mm crown race. Installing this should be easy now that I have the tools and know-how. Measurements taken from the frame match the specs for this product. Hopefully it fits. If I really cannot find a headset that fits then I will just refurbish the old one, but I shouldn't have any issues. I ordered this today (17/5/12). It is Thursday night, but the supplier is pretty quick so I should get it by Monday no probs. Plus I have installed it before so the second time around should be a doddle.
Alex Rims DA-16 700c Wheelset - Road Bike
Got the wheels today. These are identical to the ones on my bike. Alex wheels have been tried and tested by me and I have been very happy with them. Bought them from the same shop. These ones will be coming from Melbourne. The shop was overstocked so these were going cheap! The pic shows the tyres and tubes which I do not have yet. Well, I have tubes but not tyres yet. Here are the specs:
- High pressure rim tape
- Machined sidewalls
- Quando flip/flop hubs for fixed / single speed use
- 16 tooth fixed cog / 16 tooth DNP free wheel
- Stainless steel spokes
- High pressure rim tape
- Machined sidewalls
- Quando flip/flop hubs for fixed / single speed use
- 16 tooth fixed cog / 16 tooth DNP free wheel
- Stainless steel spokes
Kenda Inner Tubes x2 - Shrader (Car Valve)
I bought a heap of shrader valve 700c inner tubes when I got my Repco serviced at Brown Jersey (it's first check-up). I have chosen shrader valves for this bike because they are the same as a car valve. This means it can be pumped up at service stations as well as with a hand pump. Road bike wheels normally come with presta valves (french type). I can't stand these as they are very fragile and can break easily. Brown Jersey stock these shrader ones at good prices so my cousin shouldn't have a problem ordering more if needed. They're also available in some bike shops and of course on ebay! I can always send him some if needed too.
Maxxis Detonator Wire Bead Road Tyres - 700 x 28c
Headed over to the local bike shop at lunchtime to get a new front skewer for my car's fork mounted bike carrier as my old skewer was completely rusted out. I spotted these tyres on sale. Always wanted to get some Maxxis commuter tyres for my daily ride but couldn't justify buying them as nothing is wrong with my current Michelins. I have had experience using Maxxis tyres before on my old road bike and never had a puncture. I could however, justify buying them for Ervin's bike project as I still needed tyres for the Alex Rims. These are different to what I am used to. Instead of 700x23 (standard road/racer bike tyre size), these are 700x28c. This allows the tyre to contact the road more as there is more of it. They are also slightly wider and have some decent tread on them, but not to much that would create more rolling resistance. They are still fast tyres and will last for a long while. Can't wait to get them on the rims now!
Original Seat Post Binder Bolt - Recycled!
The binder bolt clamps the seat post to the seat tube of the bike. The original binder bolt that came with the frame was a bit unique. It did not have a tooth on one end that clamped to the seat tube collar (like most older bikes). The frame also did not come with the required slot on the seat tube collar, so this bolt and seat tube collar are a bit different and made for each other. The existing bolt had some surface rust on one end and also the two washers were a bit rusted too. Used some smooth (400 grit) sand paper to get rid of the rust. The chrome finish has come away as a result though. I may just rough up the rest of the bolt and spray it all silver or gloss black. Either that or will just get another chrome binder bolt ans swap the old threaded end for a new one. For now it is just cleaned up. I also cleaned up the threads with the wire brush as they were clogged up with dirt and surface rust, and put some lithium grease on them. Now it works super smooth.
Brown Jersey 'Messenger' Crankset - BLACK
To be installed (mid July 2012) @ Brown Jersey
Specifications:
- Square taper chainset.
- CNC machined anodised black aluminium
- High end quality
- 170mm crank length
- 46T chainwheel
- 130mm BCD.
Specifications:
- Square taper chainset.
- CNC machined anodised black aluminium
- High end quality
- 170mm crank length
- 46T chainwheel
- 130mm BCD.
NECO Sealed Cartridge Bottom Bracket (square tapered)
To be installed (mid July 2012) @ Brown Jersey
Specifications:
- Square taper ends
- Sealed cartridge bearings
- For English thread
I'll need BJ to run a tap through my bottom bracket housing as I noticed recently that some of the orange powder coating had gotten into the threads. Once that is done, grease it up and this unit should slide in nicely.
Specifications:
- Square taper ends
- Sealed cartridge bearings
- For English thread
I'll need BJ to run a tap through my bottom bracket housing as I noticed recently that some of the orange powder coating had gotten into the threads. Once that is done, grease it up and this unit should slide in nicely.
KMC 1/8" Single Speed Chain - SILVER
To be installed (mid July 2012) @ Brown Jersey
Specifications:
- High quality
- 1/8" x 1/2" x 96L.
- With joining link.
Specifications:
- High quality
- 1/8" x 1/2" x 96L.
- With joining link.
Brown Jersey Alloy Platform Pedals - BLACK
To be installed (mid July 2012) @ Brown Jersey
Specifications:
- High quality forged alloy platform pedals.
- Heavy duty bearings and hardened steel shaft.
- Epoxy finished in Black Lung
- Front & Rear reflectors
Specifications:
- High quality forged alloy platform pedals.
- Heavy duty bearings and hardened steel shaft.
- Epoxy finished in Black Lung
- Front & Rear reflectors
Front and Rear Reflectors
These came of my Trek 4300. They have never been used. I took them off the bike as soon as I got it. Mainly because I use lights all the time due to riding early in the mornings and the late winter afternoons. Legally a bike should have at least one working brake and front and rear reflectors/lights. I won't be mounting lights to this bike as I think it is a personal choice. But it is up to me to make sure that it is road legal when delivered. Just as if it were bought from a shop. This way, even at night, anyone can just hop onto the bike and go for a ride just as it was built.
Kick Stand
I bought this stand for my bike, mounted it once and hated it. I'm just not the stand type. Prefer to do it the hard way and find something to lean my bike against or lay it down on the ground. It's practically new. Erv's may want to stand the bike up in his garage or park it at times so I'll throw it in the box when I send him the bike. Up to him if he wants to mount it or not.
2mm Spacers - Black
Got some alloy spacers. Needed these for the installation of the headset. The steerer tube was too long and needed to be cut. I was lucky when I cut the tube for my bike. Got it just right. Wanted to be able to have more steerer tube left over than less. This way I can use a spacer to fill in any gap that's left. A nice neat finish. I got alloy spacers in both silver and black as I wasn't sure at the time what colour headset I was going to use. It's amazing that i went to four bike shops and none had spacers for a 1" threaded headset. I had to order these online at $1 each! Crazy.
Brown Jersey '747 Jane' Bar Tape - Black
Late Update 22/7/12
This is not for the handlebar. It is for the top tube. The bike currently has no cable guides and I don't want to use those ugly clamps that could scratch the frame. So we're going for black bar tape which will do a good job of holding the brake cable in place, but will also serve a few other purposes as well.
1) Holds the cable
2) Protects the frame
3) Gives it a bit of style
4) Handle to carry bike
5) Protection of frame when hung on a bike carrier/stand
Not sure how it will look but will definately look alot better than some plastic cable ties!
This is not for the handlebar. It is for the top tube. The bike currently has no cable guides and I don't want to use those ugly clamps that could scratch the frame. So we're going for black bar tape which will do a good job of holding the brake cable in place, but will also serve a few other purposes as well.
1) Holds the cable
2) Protects the frame
3) Gives it a bit of style
4) Handle to carry bike
5) Protection of frame when hung on a bike carrier/stand
Not sure how it will look but will definately look alot better than some plastic cable ties!
Work Begins!!
Colour, Design and Interpretation
Went back to my favourite design site: http://custom.14bikeco.com/#/custom14-workshop/default
After looking at a few colour options on other bikes and surfing the web for ideas and also consulting with my wife, we have decided on a deep electric blue. My previous road bike was the same colour and it did stand out, but not too much. You'll notice that unlike my single speed which has a chrome fork, the Europa's fork colour will be matching the main frame. This will look a lot better and neater for the overall finish of the bike. I will not be painting it myself. Once I get the bottom bracket off it will be heading straight to the powder coaters for a good sand-blasting and then a splash of colour.
After looking at a few colour options on other bikes and surfing the web for ideas and also consulting with my wife, we have decided on a deep electric blue. My previous road bike was the same colour and it did stand out, but not too much. You'll notice that unlike my single speed which has a chrome fork, the Europa's fork colour will be matching the main frame. This will look a lot better and neater for the overall finish of the bike. I will not be painting it myself. Once I get the bottom bracket off it will be heading straight to the powder coaters for a good sand-blasting and then a splash of colour.
Frame unpacked, inspected and parts removed
As you can see it has been mounted to my trusty bench stand. So much easier with this thing. Plus I now get to sit down and work thanks to my latest invention (stool - see Roadmaster Trailmate).
The headset was partly disassembled already by the seller so that it would be easier and cheaper for transport. I just tapped out the top and bottom headset cups. Also removed the crown race from the base of the fork tube. These were all showing signs of corrosion. Took some measurements of them all, and also measured the head tube of the frame just to be sure. Then I got straight onto the web and ordered the headset that I needed.
While I was doing all this, I took the opportunity to photograph the serial number. I had heard that John Abeni was still at Europa in Sydney and may be able to give me abit of history on the frame. So hopefully I'll be able to give my cousin a story with his new bike too. We'll just have to wait and see. The bottom bracket also looked good, with square tapered shafts, which is exactly what I need, but may still go for a sealed modern unit anyway. We'll see.
Also the front forkwill need some filing. Tested it with my front wheel and the axle only fits in one side. Looks like it was filed out already but the other fork end wasn't. So I'll have to get onto that too before sending it to the powder coaters.
The headset was partly disassembled already by the seller so that it would be easier and cheaper for transport. I just tapped out the top and bottom headset cups. Also removed the crown race from the base of the fork tube. These were all showing signs of corrosion. Took some measurements of them all, and also measured the head tube of the frame just to be sure. Then I got straight onto the web and ordered the headset that I needed.
While I was doing all this, I took the opportunity to photograph the serial number. I had heard that John Abeni was still at Europa in Sydney and may be able to give me abit of history on the frame. So hopefully I'll be able to give my cousin a story with his new bike too. We'll just have to wait and see. The bottom bracket also looked good, with square tapered shafts, which is exactly what I need, but may still go for a sealed modern unit anyway. We'll see.
Also the front forkwill need some filing. Tested it with my front wheel and the axle only fits in one side. Looks like it was filed out already but the other fork end wasn't. So I'll have to get onto that too before sending it to the powder coaters.
Off To The Powder Coaters! - Blaze Blue
Had to do a bit of work to the front fork. The gap for the axle was not gonna be big enough for the wheel axle to fit in, so had to file it out and test it with the front whee axle from my bike.
Dropped the frame off to the powder coaters this morning and picked the closest blue they had to electric blue. Ended up going with 'blaze blue', which I'm sure will look good. Here is a photo of the frame ready to be sand blasted and powder coated. The colour sample disc is there too.
Should be ready in about a week. They'll send me an sms to let me know when it will be ready.
Dropped the frame off to the powder coaters this morning and picked the closest blue they had to electric blue. Ended up going with 'blaze blue', which I'm sure will look good. Here is a photo of the frame ready to be sand blasted and powder coated. The colour sample disc is there too.
Should be ready in about a week. They'll send me an sms to let me know when it will be ready.
Powder Coated Frame - Complete! (Blaze Blue)
I picked up the frame from the powder coaters this morning. Looks great and the blue is really vibrant and bright, but not too bright. There were some scratches on the fork that they didn't see, so they are re-coating the fork for me at no extra charge. For now I just have the main frame.
Powder Coated Fork - Complete! (Gloss Black)
Well the fork has come back and surprise, surprise it is now gloss black! No it wasn't a mistake. I requested it. It was my original intention to have the whole bike the same colour, but that just seemed bland and predictable to me, and I hate bland! When it was returned it to the powder coaters to touch it up the scratches, I changed my mind at that moment and got them to re-do it in gloss black. A last minute change which didn't cost me any extra money but I think it looks great and will add some character to the bike too. So stay tuned for when they are fitted together.
Headset Installation
Well the fork is still getting re-powder coated so while waiting I have installed the headset top and bottom cups on the main frame. Got the hammer, a couple of blocks of wood, some old rags for padding, the work stand, and the bench top. Started hammering away starting with the top cup. Kept stopping and checking, re-adjusted the the frame height etc and kept going until it was in flush with no gaps. Then flipped it over and installed the bottom cup as well by following the same process.
With the fork back I installed the 27mm race onto the fork crown and then inserted the bearings and the rest of the headset. I have run into the same hurdle. The headset I am using must be shorter. So I will either have to cut down the fork tube to fit or use some black alloy spacers. I have the spacers somewhere in my garage from a previous prject. Just have to find them. If not then I will cut down the tube with a hack saw and file the threads to make it assemble smoothly. Stay tuned.
With the fork back I installed the 27mm race onto the fork crown and then inserted the bearings and the rest of the headset. I have run into the same hurdle. The headset I am using must be shorter. So I will either have to cut down the fork tube to fit or use some black alloy spacers. I have the spacers somewhere in my garage from a previous prject. Just have to find them. If not then I will cut down the tube with a hack saw and file the threads to make it assemble smoothly. Stay tuned.
Handlebar Assembly
Assembling the handlebar components together was done quite early in the build. I just forgot to put it up on the site. If I were building the bike for myself I would have probably cut the bars down and taken an inch or two off the ends before installing the grips. This was to enable me to weave in and out of traffic a bit easier and also pass between parked or jammed vehicles. I'll leave these ones in new condition at full length. It'll be just like picking up a new bike from a shop. Everything on this setup is new except for the stem which is practically new anyway. This is a solid setup and fairly bulletproof. The Avid levers are smooth with just the right amount of tension (even without the cables!). The Jet Black grips are comfortable, and the end caps finish the handlebar off nicely. This setup will be mounted to the head stem adaptor, once I get the headset on the frame sorted out and installed properly.
Installing the Handlebars To The Headset
After the headset was installed and I was happy with the movement and finish, I greased up the inside of the steerer tube and also the bottom end of the headstem. I then inserted the headstem into the steerer tube first. Then fitted the assembled handlebars onto the stem. Tightened everything loosely. Will tighten it properly once the wheel and braking system is installed properly.
Tyres & Tubes Fitted
Got up early. Couldn't sleep. So rugged up in my jeans, jumper and beanie and thought I'd have a crack at doing these. First I had to drill out the holes to accept the shrader/car valves that I had. The filled them off a bit and got any loose bits of metal stuck in the rim out. Inserted the valve into the hole and it fitted perfectly. Put a little air into the tube while fitting to make it easier to wirk with. These tyres went on quite easily although I did snap a tyre lever whilst trying to get one of them on at the end. The lever was about 12 years old though, and was a cheap thin plastic one. Putting tyres on in cold weather (12 degrees) is not easy with freezing hands. Now and them I warmed them up on my mug of milo! Once they were on I pumped them up to 90psi and they were good to go! The Detonators look good and seem like they will be a good tyre for commuting or just weekend riding, in all conditions. Only sad part was having to hang them back up as the bike is not finished yet!
Installing The Braking System
Well it's been close to a month without doing anything, and now I am finally back on track with the bike. I haven't ridden myself for that time either. Gotta get the legs working again. As I did before I had to drill out the caliper mounting holes to accept the newer size. Took abit of time and I had to charge my drill a couple of times but managed to get the hole big enough. The entire braking system has now been installed. The top tube of the bike did not come with cable guides. For now I have used black cable ties, but have another idea that may suit also. The cable ties don't look as bad as I thought they would. Also in the brake lever picture, you'll notice I managed to put my work stool to good use. Worked well for me during this install.
Seat Post & Seat Post Bolt
I was so lucky that the seatpost I had laying around was a perfect fit for this bike. Also the saddle was fitted to it. The seat post bolt tool a bit of persuading to get back in as the hole for the bolt had been powdercoated on the inside too. So it was a bit of a tighter fit than before. After moving the bolt around with the a few times in the hole, it stated to work smoothly and is now fine.
Reflectors Installed
The front and rear reflectors have been installed. Just a straight bolt on job. The rear reflector mount was designed for a thicker 31.8mm seat post. So I cut up some old rubber tube that I use for scrap and made up the difference in space. Fits well now.
Update on Project - 21/6/12
Today is Thursday. The main assembly will begin on the weekend. I haven't had a lot of time to spend on the bike lately. It's been nearly a month now and all I have done in that time is fit the tyres to the rims! I have most of the main parts ready for a full assembly except for the full drive train & pedals. I will need to install the headset first to make sure that the frame and fork marry up well. Once that is done I will have to begin installing the braking system. I had already drilled out the calliper mounting holes in both the frame and the fork to accommodate modern callipers. Doing the brakes will be a bit fiddly as I will also have to mount the wheels to the bike while adjusting the angles for the brake pads and cable tension etc. Adjusting the rear will be tricky as I don't have a chain connected to a front chain ring and rear sprocket, so will have to do a rough guess and then a final fitting with James at Brown Jersey. Handlebars, stem, brake levers and grips will also need to be sorted out.
I have the day off work tomorrow too. Looking after the kids at home. At some point in the day when I get a free moment, I'll head out the the garage to work on the bike a bit. Might even get the boys to gimme a hand. I'll have to keep the hammers away from them though!
Hopefully it will start to look like a bicycle when I am done.
I have the day off work tomorrow too. Looking after the kids at home. At some point in the day when I get a free moment, I'll head out the the garage to work on the bike a bit. Might even get the boys to gimme a hand. I'll have to keep the hammers away from them though!
Hopefully it will start to look like a bicycle when I am done.
Next Stop: Brown Jersey
I have made a tentative appointment with James, from Brown Jersey (www.brownjersey.com.au), to install the drivetrain and pedals for me. Brake assembly installation is now finished and working great. I will drop the bike off to him to finish it off. When he's done I'll head over to get some photos and go for a quick test ride. Then we'll package it up and send it off to Perth! For now I have only posted up a picture of the frame without the wheels mounted and also one of the whole thing just hanging up in parts in the garage waiting around to be completed. Will be a nice surprise at the end when it's finished. Then I'll take some nice close up photos with the Canon EOS. So watch this space!
Update 17/7/2012 @ 6pm :
Bike dropped off to Brown Jersey for drivetrain installation, testing, packaging & freight. I will update with completed pictures soon.
Update 22/7/12 - James & I have agreed to cut off the ugly black cable ties holding up the brake cable along the top tube. What will be put on instead is some black Brown Jersey '747 Jane' handle bar tape. This will serve a few functions. Firstly it will look good! The top tube will be padded. The brake cable housing will be concealed within the wrapped tape and still run along the top of the tube, but not too much of the top tube will be covered as we still want the blaze blue colour to be the focal point of the bike. The padded tape will also act as a handle when carrying the bike. Lastly, if the bike has to be transported, where the top tube rests on a bike carrier, the tape will protect the frame.
Project complete and sent to Perth!
Here is the completed bicycle out the front of Brown Jersey, minus the pedals. This is the only photo I have at the moment. More photos to come this week. James said the bike had a strong frame and was stiff, good for riding. The photos below show the bike before the top tube bar tape, crankset & chain were added. I used some black cable ties as a temporary measure to hold the cable in place. Also shows my brand new Yakima Front Loader bike carrier being used for the first time. I loaded the bike up to take it over to the work shop. It worked really well.
I'll update with more infomation soon and also with more photos of the bike. There may even be some photos of it living in it's new home in Western Australia.
I'll update with more infomation soon and also with more photos of the bike. There may even be some photos of it living in it's new home in Western Australia.
First Ride in Western Australia
Update 11/8/2012
Well the bike went out for it's first ride yesterday on the other side of Oz. This photo was taken by Ervin at Bibra Lake in Perth WA. It is a lake that is near his house. The bike is doing well and is looking great against that water.
Well the bike went out for it's first ride yesterday on the other side of Oz. This photo was taken by Ervin at Bibra Lake in Perth WA. It is a lake that is near his house. The bike is doing well and is looking great against that water.