So I have this old Italian road frame (Fiorelli) I aqquired back in the early 80's. I would say it probably was my first good ride (not great). I rode the living hell out of it for years. One day on my way to work I got hit and I figured the bike was toast. The light alloy wheels were toast and the handle bar was bent. I left the bike for a long time. Years later I became interested in road biking and a friend at work convinced me to fix the bike up. The frame seemed straight enough. I had the bike painted (a hideous color combo of purple and silver... I asked for a solid color and the guy thought he was doing me a favor.... I digress) I knew nothing about how wheel sizes had changed or that downtube shifters went the way of the dodo... I got the frame back and installed an Ultegra headset and BB and then started to learn how this bike was really out of date. I had already spent a sum of money on it and didn't want to lose the investment. Before it was widely popular (not like it is now) I converted it to a fixie. It was the perfect solution because I didn't have to worry about brakes, shifters, cassettes or any of that. I guess you could say I learned how to avoid spending more money on it. I had no idea of what I was letting myself into. I rode the bike as a commuter for about 7 years and I loved it! Years of riding, tinkering and learning by trial and error the frame started getting visibly beaten. The drops look like they were ready to give up the ghost and the seat post collar had seen better days. I have since bought a dedicated Fixie and of all of my rides this is still my favorite means of bike riding. I would love to ressurect the old Italian job and have since thought about having track drops welded on and a repair job done on the seat collar... I am pretty sure I can get a 700cc Fork to work and since I really don't need a rear brake I think I could coax a 700cc wheel in the back... The rear spacing might be interesting... Pretty much all theory right now... Any one care to input... Am I on a fools errand? Right now it sits in my brother garage and waits... I would rather not have wall art... Even if it becomes a beer getter I would be happy.
So I have this old Italian road frame (Fiorelli) I aqquired back in the early 80's. I would say it probably was my first good ride (not great). I rode the living hell out of it for years. One day on my way to work I got hit and I figured the bike was toast. The light alloy wheels were toast and the handle bar was bent. I left the bike for a long time. Years later I became interested in road biking and a friend at work convinced me to fix the bike up. The frame seemed straight enough. I had the bike painted (a hideous color combo of purple and silver... I asked for a solid color and the guy thought he was doing me a favor.... I digress) I knew nothing about how wheel sizes had changed or that downtube shifters went the way of the dodo... I got the frame back and installed an Ultegra headset and BB and then started to learn how this bike was really out of date. I had already spent a sum of money on it and didn't want to lose the investment. Before it was widely popular (not like it is now) I converted it to a fixie. It was the perfect solution because I didn't have to worry about brakes, shifters, cassettes or any of that. I guess you could say I learned how to avoid spending more money on it. I had no idea of what I was letting myself into. I rode the bike as a commuter for about 7 years and I loved it! Years of riding, tinkering and learning by trial and error the frame started getting visibly beaten. The drops look like they were ready to give up the ghost and the seat post collar had seen better days. I have since bought a dedicated Fixie and of all of my rides this is still my favorite means of bike riding. I would love to ressurect the old Italian job and have since thought about having track drops welded on and a repair job done on the seat collar... I am pretty sure I can get a 700cc Fork to work and since I really don't need a rear brake I think I could coax a 700cc wheel in the back... The rear spacing might be interesting... Pretty much all theory right now... Any one care to input... Am I on a fools errand? Right now it sits in my brother garage and waits... I would rather not have wall art... Even if it becomes a beer getter I would be happy.
Jimbo(san)
So you need a new pair of bars to get this thing back on the road? What are you waiting for again? Are you thinking about going back to gearing it up? Check the rear ends for cracks. If they ain't broke, don't (ahem) fix. They're fine as they are. Ride that nag into the ground.
<So you need a new pair of bars to get this thing back on the road? What are you waiting for again? Are you thinking about going back to gearing
it up? Check the rear ends for cracks. If they ain't broke, don't (ahem) fix. They're fine as they are. Ride that nag into the ground.
/s >
The drop outs are pretty soft ... I am a little worried I will stomp on the pedals and have them drop off (so to speak)... I should mention that this is due to my filing the dropouts and frequent loosening and tightening of the rear wheel. The seat and chain stays are still solid though. Seat collar is a mess so I would need to have that "fixed" up... Before I ride it into the ground I have to make sure it isn't going ride me into the ground!
I got something in that line. Its an old GT. 21 speed,center pull brakes,flat bars,700 c wheels.road crank,touring seat. Now the rear wheel got trashed and got replaced with a spare 26 one,V brake up front,none in rear,replacement seat,and post. It can fly and everyone says how come you don't go over the bars with just a front brake. Well I know how to plant my ass on the seat when braking. It allways needs tighting and adjusting and can even skid the front wheel.
