Month: October 2014

A hiccup in the new build.  The Univega frame I’m using is a very tight fit for 700C wheels.  I was hoping to use slightly wider then usual tires on this build and there’s no chance to do that with 700C wheels.  Since I’m lacing the wheels myself, I don’t have to try and find a set of 650B wheels, I just need to buy two 650B rims, measure the ERD, and order the spokes.  There are plenty of tire choices in the 650B size, and I can use the wider tire I wanted for this build.

Unfortunately, this means that the VO PBP 700C rims I bought won’t work, and the spokes I ordered won’t work either.  Maybe I’ll just build the wheelset anyway and see what frame comes along that needs those wheels.  Someone might be interested in the rims, but the spokes are length-specific to the rim, hub dimensions, and lacing pattern so they will probably be with me for a while.  That’s OK.  Maybe someone will need a replacement spoke and maybe one that I have will work.  Good karma, you know.

I’m planning a 36 hole 3-cross pattern front and rear, and because of the IGH, the DS and NDS spoke lengths are almost identical.  They should be strong wheels, and perhaps a little lighter than 700C wheels.  Not that weight really matters, the IGH isn’t a lightweight hub by any definition.  But, the IGH is pretty close to the weight of a front derailleur, rear derailleur, multiple chainrings, rear cassette, shifters, and cables.

Stay tuned, hopefully the hiccups are done for this build…

The next build has started.  I’m using a Univega Super Strada frame (made by Miyata) and it’s being modified as I type this.  The existing cable guides are being repositioned, while some are being removed entirely.  There is a half-lap frame break being installed in the drive-side seat stay.  Once the metal work is finished, it’s off to be painted.  I made some custom decals for this bike, I hope they look nice once they’re on the frame.

The cable guides are being repositioned because this bike is going to have an 8-speed Shimano internal-gear hub (IGH) with an internal brake, so all I need are guides for the shifter.  With no front or rear handbrakes, the frame will be very clean and uncluttered.

The frame break is being installed as I’m considering installing a belt drive sometime in the future.  Installing the joint in the frame now just makes sense.  No reason to wait and have to repaint, with all the additional work that requires.  I may not ultimately switch to belt drive, but I will have the option.

The frame paint will be a cream color.  The decals are gold, and the lugs will be outlined in gold, and then clear over everything.  I’m planning moustache bars, with sewn-on leather grips.  I have a nice Acorn bag for the front.  The shifter is going to be the J-Tek unit; the saddle will be the Brooks C17 Cambium.

I’ve got the rims, hubs, and spokes, so I’ll be lacing up the wheels soon.  I’m going to hold off on the tires until I get the frame back from being painted – that way I can decide which tires will work best.

This will be a fun bike, the IGH should mean little maintenance, and if I go with the belt drive, no greasy bits within reach.  I’ve not ridden a bike with an IGH before, so I’ll be learning about IGH maintenance and adjustments as I go.

There will be photos after I get the frame back from the metal work, and then again after it’s painted.  Can’t wait.  Stay tuned…