Cycling Equipment · Public discussion

Which frame to use?

Started by bmacfarquhar · · Last activity · 5 posts · 1,311 views

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Cycling Equipment
Published
20 March 2004
Last activity
24 March 2004
Original author
bmacfarquhar
Posts
5
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Public discussion
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1,311
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Topics
Single-speed and fixed-gearBuying a used bikeSteel framesUrban riding

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  1. Original post
    bmacfarquhar
    Archived post
    #1

    I just bought a KHS Flite 800 frame - reynolds 853 steel. I got a great deal on it and was planning on building up a steel singlespeed for bumming around on. Problem is - this frame looks NICE - it seems alot nicer than my Giant OCR2 bike which is currently upgraded to full ultegra. I am now thinking of throwing the ultegra group on the KHS and turning my OCR2 into the singlespeed/ commuting bike.

    Here are the issues: The KHS looks alot more like an old steel road bike and is black - not flashy doesn't draw much attention and might go unnoticed locked to a bike rack esp. if I put black masking tape over all the decals/ logos to make it look crappy or spray the frame with black primer (its a crime - this thing is beautiful) to make it look like a Walmart bike. Also taking apart the OCR will be a PIA.

    I think I will just continue with the amazing 853 singlespeed commuting bike plan. Any thoughts on how to make it look crappy? I will use two bike locks but still...

    Also is the Flite 800 reynolds 853 steel a way better frame then the compact Giant Aluminum Aluxx frame? Any thoughts?
    Stop me before I do something stupid....

    BTW I race triathlons on a litespeed saber and MTB on a C'dale so the only other bike I can justify is a singlespeed commuter and it has to be low key cause I live in a high crime area (south side of chicago)

    I was thinking of throwing on some old school full fenders and that combined with the no gears ghettoish look and black paint job will make it look like an old steel bike... Maybe I should paint some rust on it?

    Thanks in advance for any input.

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  2. tcklyde
    Archived post
    #2

    This really is a question of preference: what do you want to ride as a commuter? If you have two locks, you can lock up anything somewhat adequately and most theives aren't going to recognize any difference between a giant OCR 2 and a KHS 800. So which do you want to commute on?

    You should decide. If it was me, I'd get a dedicated track frame for a singelspeed, fixed commuter. If you have to choose between these frames, I'd take the KHS, which seems to have slightly better drops for the conversion and I'd prefer steel for everyday commuting. The Giant is decidedly bad for conversion -- I mean, it makes a good road bike for city riding, but converting to a single speed will be more of a project than is worth it. Just get youself a cheap Bianchi Pista or Fuji Track and save yourself the trouble.

    Or, if you're convinced you need a fixed gear, buy an old steel road bike and convert that. No reason to convert a decent road bike to a single speed when you can get an old, good quality frame with better drops for practically nothing.

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  3. crystal_tears_
    Archived post
    #3

    You need your bumps feeling dear boy. Simply forget about using the KHS as a commuter bike and purchase an inexpensive second hand bike for getting around on.

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  4. meehs
    Archived post
    #4

    I'd follow through with your plan of building up the steel KHS frame as a single-speed commuter. The novelty will wear off soon enough and it won't seem so much better than the Giant once that happens.

    The KHS will make a nice commuter. Try just removing the decals instead of painting or taping over them. You can remove silk-screened logos off of most components with fine steel wool. This gives the bike a non-eye-catching, generic look without making it look ugly. I suggest using moustache bars for a retro look! I have them on my cross bike and I really like them for commuting.

    Good luck!

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  5. bmacfarquhar
    Archived post
    #5

    Well I'm building the KHS - so far here is what its got:

    Carbon fork off some Fuji - all black stealth looking (may put some black tape over the CF so it doesn't stand out...

    Put some industrial strength black masking tape over all decals - totally blacked out it doesn't look as nice at all and you can barely tell its taped...

    Shimano U53 BB
    Tiagra Cranks 42 chain ring front
    Modus head set (not sure if I should get a new seal...)
    Profile Airwing bars 3t Forgie stem, dia compe 188 brake levers
    Generic all black dual pivots off a specialized allez sport
    Black mavic CXP22 rims laced to sora hubs
    Michelin Dynamic 700x25c tires (heavy but comfy)
    16t BMXcog w/ spacers on 9speed cassette
    Godspeed singulator
    Sram singlespeed 1/8" chain
    Choice of a bunch of black saddles... stock post

    This bike should easily come in under 20 pounds - I could make it really light as the 853 frame is only 3.2 pounds...

    Got BB in tonight - should be on the road by the beginning of next week - I really hope this doesn't get ripped off (I lock my bikes religously and much flashier ones have been untouched but its only a matter of time...)

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