Good beginner frame for friction shift 12-14 speed build

G

Garuf

Devout Dirtbag
As per title really, I'm looking for a good steel frame for a 12-14 speed build, wheels and hubs will be modern cassette (probably) and using down tube friction shifts, this is my preferred method of changing.

I was looking for a peugot px10 as a restro/update to go with my Elan but I don't think it's going to happen as everyone I've seen come up on the recent months has gone for a whole'lotta money. Which is a shame because I've got bitten by the French bike bug.

Ideally I'd like a 56-57cm frame, something light/strong Reynolds 531 or similar, something a little bit more competition spec compared to my Elan. where to start?

Thanks in advance.
Gareth.
 
Hi Garuf,

From your first post it looks as though you have an idea of the kit you want to put on, so are seeking just a frame/ forks. Or are you looking for a complete bike, that you can swap parts as and when you acquire your ideal groupset/ finishing kit? Generally, complete bikes can be bought for less than a frame, then buying all the components.

The one you noted (Ebay) now seems to be unable to post, from Surrey.

With your intention to use modern (10 speed?) hubs you ideally need 130mm spacing at the rear dropouts. Most steel frames can be cold set, but not 753, so lovely though its ride is, may not be the best choice.

I presume you are looking at several sites/ forums etc as well as E bay to give you the best choice?

Good luck,

David
 
Hmm, I suppose I didn't factor that modern hubs aren't available in smaller sizes.
What's out there that would come in as a cheap upgrader? I figured the above linked would be perfect for my purposes with having a lot of componantry that I could just shift about and upgrade as and when.

Any input on a better bet would be gratefully received.
 
Garuf,

There is another, almost odentical thread running - worth watching and reading that for pointers -
http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=149580

The most important thing is to get the size right, then look at options. Plenty of forums out there - the for sale section here is good - lots of ads crop up each day. Otherwise, usual othe rbike forums (Presume can mention them, sorry of not) - Bike Radar and particularly LFGSS has loads of steel bikes, also CTC forums, For Sale section have a fair bit of similar stuff.

On E bay one good search term is 'fixie' or 'fixed' for retro steel bikes (and plenty of them are geared, by the way). Have you tried the really good Auction Watch search engine on here?

Good hunting,

David
 
Thanks for the tips, I'll keep an eye out, yeah I'd noticed that thread after posting this link, should have thought to search the forums first really.

I've not really tried any of those I'll keep an eye out, I'm actually pretty certain my current pug has a very wide spacing at the back, 128mm I'm sure.

I'll keep watching that thread and try the other places you've suggested.

I currently ride a 57cm so I'm guessing another 57 would be about right size wise, I should probably measure my inside leg and arms and consult the sheldon brown/rivendale guides.

Thanks again.
 
http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=136899

Garuf,
10 spd and 11 spd both need 130mm rear hub spacing. Older 531 etc frames have variable widths, dependent on their age and the number of sprockets (5,6,7,8 plus) they were designed to take. You can cold set most steel frames or even 'spring' a frame (from say 126mm) to make a 130mm hub fit, so don't get too hung up on it, but you should be aware.

David
 
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