Re: ***The Viscount***
I'm dumb.. What was that switch for? Anyways, sweet bike. Can't wait to see what you do with it
I'm dumb.. What was that switch for? Anyways, sweet bike. Can't wait to see what you do with it
***The Viscount*** - It's rolling...
- Thread starter Three-Wire
- Start date
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Re: ***The Viscount***
Thanks! You're not dumb... That's the shifter for the Sturmey 3-speed hub that came on the bike.
AKB said:I'm dumb.. What was that switch for? Anyways, sweet bike. Can't wait to see what you do with it
Thanks! You're not dumb... That's the shifter for the Sturmey 3-speed hub that came on the bike.
Re: ***The Viscount***
The seat high up in the air seams to work best on this bike. Looks a bit big though, but only from the sideview. I had a sprung Brooks seat mounted high, but it was too wide wit the low handlebars. Yours seems a bit narrower. What model is it?
I almost always don't like the 26"front/24"rear combo. Visually, on a bicycle it'll get you the opposite result of 'big'n'littles' on a hotrod car! You loose (or ay least won't achieve) the all important hotrod stance. I'd go for the 26" and I would try to find a roadbike tire for the front (22 or 23mm) and a slightly fatter than what you have now for the rear.
The bike looks awesome already in the first pic.
8)
The seat high up in the air seams to work best on this bike. Looks a bit big though, but only from the sideview. I had a sprung Brooks seat mounted high, but it was too wide wit the low handlebars. Yours seems a bit narrower. What model is it?
I almost always don't like the 26"front/24"rear combo. Visually, on a bicycle it'll get you the opposite result of 'big'n'littles' on a hotrod car! You loose (or ay least won't achieve) the all important hotrod stance. I'd go for the 26" and I would try to find a roadbike tire for the front (22 or 23mm) and a slightly fatter than what you have now for the rear.
The bike looks awesome already in the first pic.
8)
Re: ***The Viscount***
Three-wire,
I really like the looks of this bike with your minimalist direction. Which is why I think the first shot is the best, skinny tires, seat high, no grips. It looks like a surgeons knife, sleek, simple, with no un-needed parts for it's purpose.
If you polished it, you'd get cut for sure! :mrgreen:
This bike would look great 'raw' and polished or painted silver or stainless steel in color.
Keep up the good work.
Cheers,
Dr. T
Three-wire,
I really like the looks of this bike with your minimalist direction. Which is why I think the first shot is the best, skinny tires, seat high, no grips. It looks like a surgeons knife, sleek, simple, with no un-needed parts for it's purpose.
If you polished it, you'd get cut for sure! :mrgreen:
This bike would look great 'raw' and polished or painted silver or stainless steel in color.
Keep up the good work.
Cheers,
Dr. T
Re: ***The Viscount***
Yeah, it looks a bit long in profile, but the bike is pretty small overall... I'm hoping that when I lace the saddle up it will improve the proportions a bit. I don't know what type of saddle it is as there's absolutely no markings on it anywhere. It was a late night low cost ebay impulse buy and the seller didn't know anything about it. Doubt it's a Brooks, but it's better than anything else I have.
Thanks! All I've been able to find are 35- & 37-590 tires. The ones in the picture are 37's. I now have two pairs in that size, so I think I'll stick with them. Unless I can find a 36 hole chrome 700C clincher rim, then the options go through the roof...but clearance might be an issue
Thanks! When I entered this build-off I had all sorts of ideas to apply the English Roadster theme to this bike but after looking at these pictures, I'm not sure they'll work. The lines of the frame are so nice that I don't want to clutter them up with junque. Actually, I'm considering setting this frame aside for a resto-reno-vation since it looks so good as is. I've got a late-model Huffy cruiser cluttering up the garage that might fit better with the original theme. We'll see... This weekend is my anniversary and vacation, so I'm gonna sleep on it for a week and then decide. Can still do some disassembly work in the meantime.
herr_rudolf said:
Yeah, it looks a bit long in profile, but the bike is pretty small overall... I'm hoping that when I lace the saddle up it will improve the proportions a bit. I don't know what type of saddle it is as there's absolutely no markings on it anywhere. It was a late night low cost ebay impulse buy and the seller didn't know anything about it. Doubt it's a Brooks, but it's better than anything else I have.
herr_rudolf said:
Thanks! All I've been able to find are 35- & 37-590 tires. The ones in the picture are 37's. I now have two pairs in that size, so I think I'll stick with them. Unless I can find a 36 hole chrome 700C clincher rim, then the options go through the roof...but clearance might be an issue
Dr. Tankenstein said:
Thanks! When I entered this build-off I had all sorts of ideas to apply the English Roadster theme to this bike but after looking at these pictures, I'm not sure they'll work. The lines of the frame are so nice that I don't want to clutter them up with junque. Actually, I'm considering setting this frame aside for a resto-reno-vation since it looks so good as is. I've got a late-model Huffy cruiser cluttering up the garage that might fit better with the original theme. We'll see... This weekend is my anniversary and vacation, so I'm gonna sleep on it for a week and then decide. Can still do some disassembly work in the meantime.
Re: ***The Viscount***
Agree.
herr_rudolf said:
Agree.
Re: ***The Viscount***
+1 8)
aka_locojoe said:
+1 8)
Re: ***The Viscount*** - VICTORY!!!
Thanks guys... I appreciate the feedback. Decided to stick with this frame and build it in a slightly different direction to the original plan. I think you'll like the end result.
The current goal is to have the bike painted and rideable for the June 30th pub ride, but that may be a bit of a stretch goal. :?
Update:
VICTORY! The evil cotters have litterally been beaten out of their entrenched locations and will be properly punnished for resistance... :x All it took was a better fixture and a bigger hammer - classic American tactics. They will be replaced by pressing in a set of Grade A cotters (if I can get them): http://bikesmithdesign.com/CotterPress/cotters.html
aka_locojoe said:
MplsCoaster said:
Thanks guys... I appreciate the feedback. Decided to stick with this frame and build it in a slightly different direction to the original plan. I think you'll like the end result.
The current goal is to have the bike painted and rideable for the June 30th pub ride, but that may be a bit of a stretch goal. :?
Update:
VICTORY! The evil cotters have litterally been beaten out of their entrenched locations and will be properly punnished for resistance... :x All it took was a better fixture and a bigger hammer - classic American tactics. They will be replaced by pressing in a set of Grade A cotters (if I can get them): http://bikesmithdesign.com/CotterPress/cotters.html
Re: ***The Viscount***
ok looks grate with the seat up higher than the handel bars. but get a longer rear axle. spread the rear end wider. with washers to get the fat tire some needed room. other wize bike looks grate as is!
ok looks grate with the seat up higher than the handel bars. but get a longer rear axle. spread the rear end wider. with washers to get the fat tire some needed room. other wize bike looks grate as is!
Re: ***The Viscount***
Congratulations on getting the cotter pins out!
I'm too chicken to mess with mine. At least I know how big my hammer should be if I try :lol:
Congratulations on getting the cotter pins out!
I'm too chicken to mess with mine. At least I know how big my hammer should be if I try :lol:
Re: ***The Viscount***
That frame is too kewl!!
That frame is too kewl!!
Re: ***The Viscount***
Small progress update - I've been working on the shiny and the soft & smooth... Hardly looks like the same saddle.
Next time I'll try to get toes into the picture instead of a knee... :lol:
Small progress update - I've been working on the shiny and the soft & smooth... Hardly looks like the same saddle.
Next time I'll try to get toes into the picture instead of a knee... :lol:
Re: ***The Viscount***
No kidding. Nice.Three-Wire said:
Re: ***The Viscount***
Thanks Randy.
I've had the house to myself this week, so I've been able to get enough done to get to a rideable state...
This is where we stand as of today...
Had to use some temporary pedals, and had to replace the chain since the original snapped on me during the first test ride. Got in a short test ride around the block today just to see how the old codger rolls. My house thermometer read 102 this afternoon and it's in the shade, so it was a short test ride... Rides very smooth, and wants to go fast! The drivetrain is very quiet even though the chainring is not quite true to the BB. I love the Bendix 2-speed - locks the rear wheel without difficulty, shifts every time, and is very quiet.
Two big items I'm not staisfied with:
Still lots to do, like paint and a few theme elements I've got planned. I'm out of town for half the remaining time 'till the deadline, so we'll see how much I can get done by 8/1!
aka_locojoe said:
Thanks Randy.
I've had the house to myself this week, so I've been able to get enough done to get to a rideable state...
- Disassembled and cleaned the donor wheels
- Scrubbed and polished the salvaged spokes
- Overhauled the high-flange aluminum roadie hub
- Cleaned and overhauled my secret weapon rear hub - a Bendix red band 2-speed
- Laced the wheelset for this bike
- Cleaned the BB & Crank hardware
- Filed the new cotters to fit
This is where we stand as of today...
Had to use some temporary pedals, and had to replace the chain since the original snapped on me during the first test ride. Got in a short test ride around the block today just to see how the old codger rolls. My house thermometer read 102 this afternoon and it's in the shade, so it was a short test ride... Rides very smooth, and wants to go fast! The drivetrain is very quiet even though the chainring is not quite true to the BB. I love the Bendix 2-speed - locks the rear wheel without difficulty, shifts every time, and is very quiet.
Two big items I'm not staisfied with:
- It's geared REALLY short - needs a bigger chainring since I can't change the teeth on the rear hub. This will be difficult to find for a cottered crank... I've been trying to avoid updating the BB, but I don't see another option.
- I think the handlebars look cool but they are difficult to ride with. My knees are inside my forearms while pedaling, so pedaling while turning is out of the question. It's a relatively small frame, and I'm a relatively big guy, so I'm not sure what to do about this. Layback seatpost, long extension stem, and straight or just slightly swept back handlebars are about the best options I've come up with.
Still lots to do, like paint and a few theme elements I've got planned. I'm out of town for half the remaining time 'till the deadline, so we'll see how much I can get done by 8/1!
Hey Viscount,
It's looking good. It's got a good stance.
I know what you mean a cramped position :lol:
It's a very compact frame.
I vote for sweptback bars.
You've got the cool-angled stem so you might be able to make a good match.
I like these Velo Orange bars or the '64 Western Flyer bars.
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=40277&p=392426&hilit=velo+orange#p392426
They both sweep back at a certain angle that might match your style of stem.
Just my $.02.
The seat really matches the rest frame patina.
I'm jealous of the 2 speed kickback. Hope you find some gearing solution.
Since Hercules was bought by Raleigh, it has those cranks (as you know from the pins and the smooth operation).
Maybe you can find a Raleigh 10 speed chain ring that's a little bigger.
Good Luck
It's looking good. It's got a good stance.
I know what you mean a cramped position :lol:
It's a very compact frame.
I vote for sweptback bars.
You've got the cool-angled stem so you might be able to make a good match.
I like these Velo Orange bars or the '64 Western Flyer bars.
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=40277&p=392426&hilit=velo+orange#p392426
They both sweep back at a certain angle that might match your style of stem.
Just my $.02.
The seat really matches the rest frame patina.
I'm jealous of the 2 speed kickback. Hope you find some gearing solution.
Since Hercules was bought by Raleigh, it has those cranks (as you know from the pins and the smooth operation).
Maybe you can find a Raleigh 10 speed chain ring that's a little bigger.
Good Luck
Same thought, a 3/32" 10-spd ring could work. :|
Thanks for the thoughts guys! As usual, you steered me in a positive direction.
You know, I swear that when I started this build, I looked for cottered cranks, just to get an idea how common they are. I sure don't remember seeing any then, but I've found a bunch since. Got a good line on a 40/52T set that should work well. The current gearing is 46/18, so going up to 52 should help out alot. 3/32" width shouldn't make a lick of difference... 8)
As far as bars, I'm gonna try to "adjust" a different set that I have... MplsCoaster, I really like the WF bars that you linked to but I wanna try to tweak my own set in their image.
Scheduling is going to be rough, and I may not get this finished by the dealine but I *will* get it finished this summer.
You know, I swear that when I started this build, I looked for cottered cranks, just to get an idea how common they are. I sure don't remember seeing any then, but I've found a bunch since. Got a good line on a 40/52T set that should work well. The current gearing is 46/18, so going up to 52 should help out alot. 3/32" width shouldn't make a lick of difference... 8)
As far as bars, I'm gonna try to "adjust" a different set that I have... MplsCoaster, I really like the WF bars that you linked to but I wanna try to tweak my own set in their image.
Scheduling is going to be rough, and I may not get this finished by the dealine but I *will* get it finished this summer.
Re: The Viscount of Waltanna
Bonderized, James Bonderized.
I am digging you English city bike rat build. I love your frame.
Three-Wire said:Bendix said:
Bendix said:
"BONDERIZED"
whatever that means...
EDIT:
It's evidently some sort of phosphate/chromate conversion coating process. Guess I'll do the paint stripping outside on this one...
Bonderized, James Bonderized.
I am digging you English city bike rat build. I love your frame.
That's some heavy duty gearing.
Go Fast!
Have fun cutting up some bars.
I sure did.
Can't wait to see them and the super secret paint scheme
Go Fast!
Have fun cutting up some bars.
I sure did.
Can't wait to see them and the super secret paint scheme
MplsCoaster said:
It sounds like it'd geared too tall, but remember the Bendix hub is 0.67:1 and 1:1.
Right now, low gear is roughly equivalent to 31/18. With the new sprocket, low gear will be about 35/18 and I'll have 52/18 to cover ground on those long flat Kansas rides...
