Hey folks. A friend gave me this frame and I am intending to build it into a road bike for myself and was looking for some advice/suggestions. Can't find too much info on the frame, seems to be a Czech company from the early 90's. Obviously I need wheels, crankset/BB shifters, derailleurs, chain, etc..Looking around on ebay I was a bit overwhelmed with the selection and price range. I am looking to spend less than $300 on the project but don't want to buy things that aren't going to work together. Do shifters/crank/cassette/derailleurs all need to be from the same group or are some interchangeable? I know you folks have probably answered these questions over and again and I appreciate in advance any help you can offer. Also wondering about the piece of metal above the BB shell where the FD would usually be attached, and the metal part at the top of the downtube? So suggestions on specific parts sizes etc all welcome!!
Stick to one company for shifters + dérailleurs. Chains, cassettes are compatible Shimano and SRAM, Campagnolo is not compatible to anything else. I'd go with Shimano, they have inexpensive stuff that already works well and the selection of (inexpensive) wheels is bigger than for Campa. I test rode a bike with Shimano's Sora group (the lowest named one), I would not get it as the levers are... crap, sorry for the harsh language. Starting from Tiagra level, stuff is in general very ok functionality and quality wise.
Less than $300? Hm. Difficult, but probably not impossible - although a set of wheels can already set you back more than that. If you are willing to invest a lot of work it should be possible with
- a used wheelset, Shimano 8spd compatible freehub (can fit 8-10 speed)
- microshift shift/brake levers (2/3 x 9 speeds) (new)
- a tapered square bottom bracket (new) + maybe a NOS (new old stock) crank set, 9 speed compatible - for a Hollowtech II BB you would need to chase and face the BB shell!
- (almost) any shimano road front and rear dérailleur, maybe new Tiagra level or NOS 105.
- cables, housing - and a rear brake
The biggest problem will be finding the wheel set. It will definitely have to be trued, tensioned and the hubs need to be overhauled.
The piece of metal on the seat tube is the mounting point for the fromt dérailleur. Get one for "brazed on" mounting (dunno what it is called in English).
The other two subs on the down tube are mounting points for the cable guides for the shift cables or for down tube shifters, but they look like something is missing.
175 lbs, I was 230 six months ago, down to 185 now don't plan on getting down another 10, looks like I need a sturdier wheel!
*How do I know what the weight handling capabilities are on a wheel?
Hi Wilbert;
On the Shimano groupo - that damaged STI lever is going to cost about the same a new replacement - possibly more, there are very few people who repair them.
Bottom brackets are replacement wear items like tires and brake pads.
I'd go with the Campy or SRAM groupo - if I had to pick. But I am not a groupo type, and pick and choose individual components to suit myself.
Nigel
Thanks Nigel. I think I'll try for the sram. The seller lives in my city maybe I can make a deal with him and pick up in person.
the mounts may be cable stops for brifters.
Nigel
Just do not polish with steel wool, use fine brass wool that boaters use. Steel wool will leave a residua that will rust.
If its 1993 than I doubt it was friction shifters. Yes you can use it for cable guides. The road bike equipment is very expensive as far as the shifters go so you may want to consider using mountain bike trigger shifters on the top bar.
Never Give Up!!!