I've been looking around for a reasonable frameset for a little while, didn't want to spend too much and watched a few frames/bikes reach the slightly over excited ebay prices!!
But last night I noticed a Nigel Dean bike (minus front wheel) going cheaply, did a little research (not much out there on Nigel Dean), noticed it was 531 F&F so had a bid and won
Obviously it will need some attention, but a 531 framset with possibility of a few useable bits for £40 seemed like a reasonable deal to me.
The groupset looks to be all Shimano Exage 300EX - not great from what I gather but should be OK if in working order. I'm thinking at the least, the brakes with new blocks & cables will be OK, hopefully the drivetrain, if not I will upgrade.
First things I'm thinking are to sort out a new wheelset. I'm guessing the rear will just be a non branded cheapie, and with no front wheel, I'd want a matching set.
Not sure what to go for though, this is my first road bike, although I have built a few MTB's now. I was initially thinking along period bits when I was looking at vintage frames, but this frame I think is probably around 1990, so not that old really. In which case I think it might be able to pull off some more modern looking wheels?
I prefer the deep section wheels, although I gather the deep V wheels can be a little harsh on the road? I'm not worried whether new or second hand, but does anyone any recommendations for reasonable wheelset that won't break the bank (up to £100 say?)? So far I've seen Weinmann DP18's for that sort of money (although I've heard they're pretty heavy), or second hand something like Rigida DP18, or Mavic CXP22? Any other suggestions?
The bike looks like it has a 6 speed rear cassette, so likely to be 126mm spacing? I was initially thinking of going single speed (freewheel) with this bike, but if the gears are in working order I will probably use them to begin with. Am I right in thinking that if I decided to go SS, I can still use the 6 speed freehub, but just use spacers to suit chainline?
Will definitely need new pedals as well, I'm considering the half toe clip type (ones you can just slip into rather than have to strap in). Again, any recommendations?
Can't wait to have it delivered and start tinkering!! If the paint doesn't clean up then the frame will end up getting resprayed, although I'd be tempted to keep the original green/silver fade Even tempted by some aqua wheels
But last night I noticed a Nigel Dean bike (minus front wheel) going cheaply, did a little research (not much out there on Nigel Dean), noticed it was 531 F&F so had a bid and won
Obviously it will need some attention, but a 531 framset with possibility of a few useable bits for £40 seemed like a reasonable deal to me.
The groupset looks to be all Shimano Exage 300EX - not great from what I gather but should be OK if in working order. I'm thinking at the least, the brakes with new blocks & cables will be OK, hopefully the drivetrain, if not I will upgrade.
First things I'm thinking are to sort out a new wheelset. I'm guessing the rear will just be a non branded cheapie, and with no front wheel, I'd want a matching set.
Not sure what to go for though, this is my first road bike, although I have built a few MTB's now. I was initially thinking along period bits when I was looking at vintage frames, but this frame I think is probably around 1990, so not that old really. In which case I think it might be able to pull off some more modern looking wheels?
I prefer the deep section wheels, although I gather the deep V wheels can be a little harsh on the road? I'm not worried whether new or second hand, but does anyone any recommendations for reasonable wheelset that won't break the bank (up to £100 say?)? So far I've seen Weinmann DP18's for that sort of money (although I've heard they're pretty heavy), or second hand something like Rigida DP18, or Mavic CXP22? Any other suggestions?
The bike looks like it has a 6 speed rear cassette, so likely to be 126mm spacing? I was initially thinking of going single speed (freewheel) with this bike, but if the gears are in working order I will probably use them to begin with. Am I right in thinking that if I decided to go SS, I can still use the 6 speed freehub, but just use spacers to suit chainline?
Will definitely need new pedals as well, I'm considering the half toe clip type (ones you can just slip into rather than have to strap in). Again, any recommendations?
Can't wait to have it delivered and start tinkering!! If the paint doesn't clean up then the frame will end up getting resprayed, although I'd be tempted to keep the original green/silver fade
Even tempted by some aqua wheels 
