I need to take off and clean components from my old bike and get the headset pressed onto the frame and the fork measured and cut.
I’m going to take it to the shop and get the frame prepped for all the components. There may be paint gunked up around some of the threads in the bottom bracket shell and derailleur hanger that would prevent the components from screwing in flush against the steel, so, depending on the mechanic’s assessment, I might get the threads faced and chased.
I’m also going to spray framesaver into the tubes of the frame before I seal it up with parts so as to avoid hidden rust and corrosion in the future. Its always a good idea, with steel bikes, to remove the compenents, check for rust, and add some framesaver like product. And, while the parts are off, you could also deep clean them and make needed adjustments.
I’ve been doing a lot of research into my next bike build. I want it to be a steel frame road bike. Yeah, you know, like the one I used to have except with Ultegra parts and build up with my own two hands! Yes!!
My own two hands!
Frame
So, since my original commuter bike has really just become a road bike after the Masi Speciale CX won over my commuting heart, I have all of these parts on a frame that doesn’t quite fit right or work well for a road bike. The answer? Get a new frame! So, my options are as follows:
Parts I have laying about that will go on the new frame:
Chris King headset – pink (i’m not kidding)
ITM drop bars – black
Cane Creek Brakes
Ultegra front and rear 9 speed derailleurs
Ultegra compact crank
Dura Ace Bottom Bracket
Ultegra 9 speed brifters
Dura Ace Brake cables and housing
Teflon coated shifter cables
Shifter cable housing
Shimano clipless pedals
Various parts I’ll need:
Seatpost
Tires
Seat
9 speed cassette
Stem
Bottle cages
I’m certainly open to suggestions. I clearly want a steel frame that would be good for lengthy weekend rides up and down hills and such. As of writing this, I’m leaning heavily toward the Surly frame because I like the color, it comes with a fork, I know it will fit me, the price is right, and I’ve always wanted a Surly. I’m fairly certain I want it to have black parts (wheels, bars, stem, bottle cages) and make it sporty but i’m still a bit interested in doing silver and giving it a vintage feel.
I’ve been asked many times to differentiate between cyclocross bikes and road bikes. This is what cyclocross bikes were made for… they just so happen to make awesome commuters.
The Big Africa Cycle is a website and blog that documents the journey of Peter Gostelow as he rides from South Africa to London through more than 25 countries. He began the journey in August 2009 in support of The Against Malaria Foundation after an almost 3 year trip from Japan to London, which he refers to as “A Long Ride Home“.
I’ve been riding my Masi CX stock (well, except for the pedals) since I bought it back in November. Its strange for me, since I usually upgrade parts out of curiosity instead of necessity. I’ve been considering swapping out all the Shimano Ultegra parts on my old gold Bianchi that I built up for commuting, but, well, its been in use as a road bike as of late, and now I’m looking for a steel road frame to upgrade.
It seems that I am jonesing to work on a bike. The new road frame is going to have to wait and I honestly can’t think of anything on my CX to replace (its really perfect the way it is, amazing!). I’ve been poking about online looking at all the fancy new gear that’s been coming out lately and came across a few badass bike bags that I would have seriously considered had they been around a year ago when I was in the bike bag buying mood.
Commuting by bike means that you will eventually get caught in the pouring rain. Waterproof bags and panniers are common, although they cost a bit more that their non-waterproof counterparts, they are really the best way to go. The waterproof fabric tends to be more durable and easy to clean and, well, it really sucks to step out of your office only to see its raining and not be prepared. With all of my little water sensitive i-gizmos, I literally can’t afford to get caught out in the rain.
Unlike my Ortlieb Bike Packer Panniers (plus carrying system thing), this actually looks like it might make a comfortable daypack. The bag is waterproof in the roll-top compartment, there is at least one open top stretchy looking side pocket and the helmet holder is a bonus.
Its has a roll-top closure that is easy to open and close so, not only is it totally waterproof, its easy to open. No yanking on the zipper this way and that, this thing opens with elastic bands and rolling!
I have a Topeak rear rack with no trunk bag to attach to its neat quick-release system. Sometimes, instead of weighing down one side of the bike, I wish I had a handy dandy little trunk bag to stash a camera into. This bag, being waterproof and compatible with my rack, fit the requirements I’ve been building up slowly in my mind for such a product.
