Big Round Rolly Things
29/06/19 12:30 Filed in: Bike Builds
A couple weeks ago, I took the Fuji (I need to come up with a name) to Vélo Classique in Purcellville, VA. Felt most comfortable taking it there because they specialize in vintage bikes. The reason for the visit was that the distance between the forks was 96mm. I don’t have the tools or the expertise and he has both. Luckily, he was able to fit me in and get the fork spaced and aligned properly. Even got a spacer for the head set (see my previous post). The proprietor is a very nice fellow, and full of experience and advice he’s happy to share. He also told me I was on the right path with this bike, modernizing the drive train and brakes. Why? Safety. It’s what he does. Seriously, if old bikes are your thing and you’re in the area, give him a visit.
When I got back, I was researching wheels that would work. I went out and measured the wheels and realized something. The wheels I picked up with the frame have a cassette on them. Not only that, but they fit in the frame. They’re 700c, have a free hub and cassette, and they fit this ’73 Fuji without any bending of the frame. Things just got cheaper really quickly (assuming the wheels were in serviceable shape.
Now, this old cassette wasn’t presenting itself as something that would be easy to get off and it wasn’t. After a good bit of WD-40 and some elbow grease, I was able to get the axle off. With that off, and the loose bearings removed and accounted for, I could get to work on the cassette. More WD-40 and elbow grease and off came the cassette. My wife thinks I should frame it or otherwise make it into some sort of decoration. I agree.
Next up was to examine the free hub. It appeared to be in proper working order, but just needed a good cleaning and regreasing.
Not a difficult task at all. Got the bearings cleaned up and put back in with a good bit of fresh grease and the wheels mounted. It’s then I realized what my next task was. While the front wheel was good and true, the rear wheel was far from it. I ordered a spoke wrench and yesterday morning got to work. I was reminded of why I hated truing wheels back when I worked in Toys R Us in my college days. It’s especially bad when you have these old steel & chrome-plated spokes.
Alas, I got it trued to within 1mm and put back on the bike.
My intent is to get new gum wall tires. However, at least while the build is in process, I decided to save a few dollars (OK, more than a few 😝) and put the tubes and tires that originally came with my Trek road bike on the Fuji’s wheels. A quick trip to the LBS for some rim tape and a half hour in a hot garage has this looking more and more like a bike.
Over the next week or so, it’s going to start getting real. Drive train. Breaks. New bar tape. Stay tuned.
When I got back, I was researching wheels that would work. I went out and measured the wheels and realized something. The wheels I picked up with the frame have a cassette on them. Not only that, but they fit in the frame. They’re 700c, have a free hub and cassette, and they fit this ’73 Fuji without any bending of the frame. Things just got cheaper really quickly (assuming the wheels were in serviceable shape.
Now, this old cassette wasn’t presenting itself as something that would be easy to get off and it wasn’t. After a good bit of WD-40 and some elbow grease, I was able to get the axle off. With that off, and the loose bearings removed and accounted for, I could get to work on the cassette. More WD-40 and elbow grease and off came the cassette. My wife thinks I should frame it or otherwise make it into some sort of decoration. I agree.
Next up was to examine the free hub. It appeared to be in proper working order, but just needed a good cleaning and regreasing.
Not a difficult task at all. Got the bearings cleaned up and put back in with a good bit of fresh grease and the wheels mounted. It’s then I realized what my next task was. While the front wheel was good and true, the rear wheel was far from it. I ordered a spoke wrench and yesterday morning got to work. I was reminded of why I hated truing wheels back when I worked in Toys R Us in my college days. It’s especially bad when you have these old steel & chrome-plated spokes.
Alas, I got it trued to within 1mm and put back on the bike.
My intent is to get new gum wall tires. However, at least while the build is in process, I decided to save a few dollars (OK, more than a few 😝) and put the tubes and tires that originally came with my Trek road bike on the Fuji’s wheels. A quick trip to the LBS for some rim tape and a half hour in a hot garage has this looking more and more like a bike.
Over the next week or so, it’s going to start getting real. Drive train. Breaks. New bar tape. Stay tuned.