Just a quick update. Managed to remove the cranks last night and managed to pull the bottom bracket out after getting the required tools through-out the week. The bottom bracket was stuffed, it was a cup-and-cone type and the bearings were corroded and the bearing races pitted quit badly at one end. Good enough reason to get a new bottom bracket so opted for a cartridge type and went to the LBS and got a Shimano UN54 Square Taper Bottom Bracket 68/118mm. Was a bit more exspensive than i thought but not to worry life goes on.

I've decided to cough up some cash and get the frame powder coated. I figured after i spend the money on sandpaper, paint stripper, spray paint etc i'll come close to spending what it will cost to get the thing powder coated. I'll get a better finish as well i think.

And because i cant be arsed writing a list on a bit of paper im gonna make one here with what i need to do etc:
1. Get a BB tool to install the new BB
2. New/2nd hand handle bar and stem
3. Chainring and chain
4. Rear sprocket if i cant pull the old cassette apart
5. New brake cables and levers
6. Attack the unecessary bits on the frame with a hacksaw/angle grinder
7. Drop the frame at the powder coaters
8. Pick it up from the powder coaters
9. Reasemble all the stuff
10. Make a decision about what im going to do regarding the wheels.
11. Tyres and Tubes
12. Ride.

Most likely left somthing out but meh.

Pictures later in the week.

I've been flirting with the idea of making it a fixie rather than single speed, ideally with a flip flop hub in the event i get lazy one day. Was just reading on sheldonbrown.com that chainline is important so the chain doesnt come off etc etc.

If i were to get a new wheel with the flip flop hub (I'm just thinking out loud here) is there anyway i can figure out whether the chainline will be correct before i spend the money or is it a guessing game, lining it up by eye with he chain wheel as he mentions?

Any thoughts, ideas, views etc etc would be good.

cheers.

And some pics of my half assed attempt to strip the paint off...................................

Good bike for commuting on I have the same bike as a commuter for the last 5 years . The wheels are bomb proof so just fix them up ,mine has 105 group set and I still have the biopace chainrings,the cassette is a screw on type. The only things I have changed is the bars and brake levers ,had to go to flat bars when I was riding with a neck brace. Now I find riding in heavy traffic better if your upright you can see more and be seen .Fix it up and it will last you for years.have fun fixing it radman

New stuff arrived today.



Dropped the frame, forks and stem off at the powdercoater yesterday so should have that back by the end of this week and i can start putting it all back together.

Whats done and whats not done:

1. Get a BB tool to install the new BB - DONE
2. New/2nd hand handle bar and stem - DONE
3. Chain ring and chain - TO DO
4. Rear sprocket if i cant pull the old cassette apart - FIGURE THIS OUT WHEN I DECIDE ON WHEELS ETC
5. New brake cables and levers - DONE
6. Attack the unnecessary bits on the frame with a hacksaw/angle grinder - DONE
7. Drop the frame at the powder coaters - DONE
8. Pick it up from the powder coaters - THIS WEEK
9. Reassemble all the stuff - THIS WEEK
10. Make a decision about what im going to do regarding the wheels. - GOD KNOWS WHEN THIS WILL HAPPEN
11. Tyre's and Tubes - AFTER 10
12. Ride. AFTER 11

Te frame porn!

Where'd you get the P.Coating done?? Looks like a super job! I may have some stuff in my cave that could help with your cause, I'm in Taupo too.

Also, Don't put the B/B in yet, take it in to the LBS and give them your crankset and ask them to make sure that the BB plus cranks will give you a 42mm chainline, they can worry about getting the right length BB to suit the cranks etc... If you go and chuck it all together then realise that the BB is the wrong length you'll be up for a replacement.

Also... fully support the idea of going fixed!

It is also a good idea to get the LBS to have a quick look over the headset... not to say you've put it in wrong or anything, but if they adjust it properly you'll be a happy rider!

ultraslowrider wrote:Where'd you get the P.Coating done?? Looks like a super job! I may have some stuff in my cave that could help with your cause, I'm in Taupo too.

Also, Don't put the B/B in yet, take it in to the LBS and give them your crankset and ask them to make sure that the BB plus cranks will give you a 42mm chainline, they can worry about getting the right length BB to suit the cranks etc... If you go and chuck it all together then realise that the BB is the wrong length you'll be up for a replacement.

Also... fully support the idea of going fixed!

Competition Coatings & Services, 20 Manuka Street, (07) 3768496

Ask for Peter he's the guy running the show down there.

ultraslowrider wrote:It is also a good idea to get the LBS to have a quick look over the headset... not to say you've put it in wrong or anything, but if they adjust it properly you'll be a happy rider!

Good point, this thought has crossed my mind a few times this past week (re BB and headset) so might put your advice to use in the next couple of weeks.

Very nice - whats a powdercoat job like that set you back? If you don't mind me asking...

Lynskey wrote:Very nice - whats a powdercoat job like that set you back? If you don't mind me asking...

I got my frame done at the same place, cost me $120- for frame and forks in a fancy sparkly colour (including blasting).

Lynskey wrote:Very nice - whats a powdercoat job like that set you back? If you don't mind me asking...

$100 cash included stripping masking etc etc.

If you are taking the bike in to a good bike work shop to size the BB axle alignment, get them to face and chase the BB shell as well.