Retro-modern fusion gravel build madness. The new Superb!

[vcballbat]

No update from me whatsoever chaps.
Drowning in work and chores.

Mickey suggested swapping the M4 for M3 bolts to attach the hanger - definitely a good idea.

Yeah, a couple of small holes should be fine..

 

[Nabeaquam]

Just snowed under with work unfortunately. Got to keep the weans fed.,

Planning to run a 9x1 with 11x32 or 11x34 cassette. Shimmy rear mech.

Thanks for the suggestions - I'll stick to my current hanger, but need to decide whether to drill an extra hole in the dropout (what can possibly go wrong?) or find another way to stick it on (gaffer tape?).
One bolt might be enough - the hanger's tang goes flush against the dropout and will act as an extra point of support.

Surely, this world has seen worse crimes done to dropouts...

Gut that’s

Two by 50 x 34, 10 speed 11 x 42. Schwalbe Pro One 700C x 28mm. 1970s Columbus SL tubing. 170 mm cranks. Good for an old guy that’s 173 cm. Good on packed gravel, no good if there is any sand.

 

[M_Chavez]

10 speed. Ugh. Too modern for me.

 

[Nabeaquam]

10 speed. Ugh. Too modern for me.

I hated to spread the drops but I’m so old I need the gear range. I don't like 1x, not enough range. It wasn’t easy to get this to work. I’m trying to stave of getting an electric bicycle.

 

[Nabeaquam]

Here is my first gravel bike. 1953 Columbia frame, MAFAC canti front, old Phillips center pull rear, slingshot stem, gps mount, first generation Sagino cranks used as a single speed, lay back post and 40 mm tires. It rides extremely well. Picture is about 15 years old ane it now has a chrome fork. It needs a lot of tire pressure to avoid flats if there is any roots or rocks. I have ridden a lot of single track with it with 60 psi, no problem. Any less pressure and you get pinch flats. Shotgun shell handlebar plugs and brass pistol casing for valve caps. The front bag is for snacks and repair stuff. When it was first built I raced it in a 100km gravel race. I came in after the 100 mile rider were done and went home. The race director had run out of beer.

 

[dirttorpedo]

I'm surprised you just didn't buy a nice used Surly and build it up with some nice fatties.

 

[Woz]

^

Since when was this site about sensible bike purchase decisions?

This is about blood, sweat, swearing and wrenching for something sub-optimal and compromised. But Retro and unique.

 

[Nabeaquam]

^

Since when was this site about sensible bike purchase decisions?

This is about blood, sweat, swearing and wrenching for something sub-optimal and compromised. But Retro and unique.

So true

 

[dirttorpedo]

^

Since when was this site about sensible bike purchase decisions?

This is about blood, sweat, swearing and wrenching for something sub-optimal and compromised. But Retro and unique.

Ya, fair enough. Generally you see this on the mountain bike side though.

 

[M_Chavez]

@Nabeaquam Damn that is a nice bike!

I finally managed a few minutes in the shed today.
Re-dished the rear wheel (stupid, stupid idea to offset it originally...even my wheelbuilding book says don't do it!) and started sanding down the stem.
Still need to:
- Ream the seat tube;
- Retrofit the hanger;
- Sand down the stem;
- Assemble the bike

Need to get Frannie rolling.

Haven't had much progress with any bike builds otherwise - have my Romani dropouts ground flat (ish...still need some work with a hand file) and need to make a decision on whether to repaint my Huni or leave her in outrageous pink. Huni won't be rolling 'till next summer and the intention is to do a very budget mtb build for a bit of fannying about the trails on a rigid 26er if I get a chance next year.

I did, however, manage to put a second thousand miles on Bojack, and this has reinforced my idea of only riding old steel in the future.
Current frameset lineup is:
Reynolds 531db (Bojack, Droch Stailinn [if I ever get the old chap rolling] audax/commute bikes)
Durifort (Frannie gravel);
Culumbus TSX (Romani crazy Italian fag paper racer);
Oria db OS (Huni, Crazy Italian Rigid 26er)