Today is a big day for Project Fixie….parts shopping! I’ve got a number of components yet to compile, but I was able to salvage a few things from the frame I found. First the salvage:
This set of forged metal pieces may not look like much, but it may very well be the crux of the bicycle — the bottom bracket. This is the “axle” to which the crank arms are attached. This bottom bracket was actually in decent shape, so I’m going to try to reuse it and see how it performs. I hoping smooth as butter.
The second set of parts that I was able to pull off the frame in decent working order were the stem and handlebars:
The stem attaches the handlebars to the frame via the headset. I concluded that the headset as found on the frame was not salvagable so I’ll be purchasing a new headset. I did make one modification to the handlebars that you may have noticed. I performed the first half of a common practice in the D.I.Y. fixed gear world, “flopped and chopped” bars:
After sawing off the traditional downward curved handles, I’ll attach the handlebars upside down so that I will have upward curved stubs. Wrap those suckers in some grip tape and they’ll be slick.
So, that may not seem like a lot but I’m feeling pretty good about being able to reuse those parts. As for the remaining parts that I’ll be looking for today, I’m hoping to find used components. There are a few parts that I will be buying new and they are denoted by a * in the following list:
- headset*
- crankset
- pedals
- clips
- 16-tooth cog for rear wheel*
- 46-tooth cog for crankset
- chain*
- seat post
- seat
- front brake
- brake lever
- tires & tubes*
And so begins the Sunday scavenge. Wish me luck!
Filed under: Et Cetera
