How to spot a good restoration project?

[greencat]

Echo some of the other thoughts. Don't leave any bike outside overnight in London. Friend of mine kept getting bikes nicked while parking them outside work etc. Eventually, he bought a women's bike and a can of pink spray paint and just carelessly sprayed the whole thing pink, tyres and all. No-one stole that. In general, you want your bike to look as awful as possible not tart it up.

Don't get attached to any bike. I got mugged and badly beaten for mine, and it wasn't anything special. After grabbing said bike, they immediately checked my wrist - which only had a crappy digital on it. Roads are also terrible, broke several wheels on them.

London is not the place for a nice bike.

 

[pigman]

Here's my town bike, I'm not in London but do leave it outside pubs if I go to watch a gig

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

Here's my town bike, I'm not in London but do leave it outside pubs if I go to watch a gig

I kind of like that, not the seat post though

 

[pigman]

I kind of like that, not the seat post though

It's a spesh rockhopper with horizontal dropouts and a non name skip fork
The seatpin came from an Alpinestars Estay frame and was stuck. I wanted instant removal and what you see is the result of a Record vice clamp. It's meant to be undesirable so happy with the seatpin

 

[Imlach]

Here's my town bike, I'm not in London but do leave it outside pubs if I go to watch a gig

I love that! Nice seatpost too because if you fancy more layback you just grab a steel mallet

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

It's a spesh rockhopper with horizontal dropouts and a non name skip fork
The seatpin came from an Alpinestars Estay frame and was stuck. I wanted instant removal and what you see is the result of a Record vice clamp. It's meant to be undesirable so happy with the seatpin

I understand it needs to be undesirable. I would worry my fat arse would break it What gigs do you go to? Sorry to op for minor hijack.

 

[Imlach]

And to OP, what specifically are you looking for? Like I get that you've got a certain living situation which makes it hard to store the bike safely, I don't have any experience with London but have heard from my partner that they're not beyond hopping over gates to get to bikes parked by a shed even in quieter outer London, so sounds pretty daunting. 531 is a broad spectrum really, on the lower end and mid range, should be able to get something decent but affordable. But I don't understand if you want a rat bike for inner city commutes or a more polished, nicer looking build or something in between? And what's your budget?

 

[pigman]

I understand it needs to be undesirable. I would worry my fat arse would break it What gigs do you go to? Sorry to op for minor hijack.

Low rent pub gigs, also open mics or jam sessions. Anything really, it's more about the experience with a few pints than the genre or the quality. Also, some classical concerts at churches or the Uni.
I avoid the Arena or City Hall. It's priced itself out of my budget
The bike is mainly in summer, in winter I tend to bus and walk

I have a 14 stone lard arse and the seatpin seems fine

 

[Imlach]

I'd definitely look for bargains on complete bikes, ideally later ones, late 80s/early 90s as they usually require less specialist tools and have more unified standards, they're more approachable imho. Tange, 531, 501 etc.. that's if you're already a bit confused by all the various offerings. It's all a minefield that you sort of ease into, I'd also consider thinking about some 90s mtbs, plentiful and cheap, a conversion to 700c is fun and very easy, can also give decent tyre clearance. could also stick to 26 as 26aintdeadyet. Plusher tyres for the rough roads of London!

Now I'm going to run out of this road section fast as I can as this isn't my forte Good luck and happy wrenching, just keep asking questions until you've got an idea of what route you wanna go

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

I'd definitely look for bargains on complete bikes, ideally later ones, late 80s/early 90s as they usually require less specialist tools and have more unified standards, they're more approachable imho. Tange, 531, 501 etc.. that's if you're already a bit confused by all the various offerings. It's all a minefield that you sort of ease into, I'd also consider thinking about some 90s mtbs, plentiful and cheap, a conversion to 700c is fun and very easy, can also give decent tyre clearance.

Now I'm going to run out of this road section fast as I can as this isn't my forte Good luck and happy wrenching, just keep asking questions until you've got an idea of what route you wanna go

All good advice, my roadie mate