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P.S that method only works for single speed though, not fixed. Hence my new project: http://www.lfgss.com/thread107051.html

I bought a Falcon (whole bike) a couple of months ago with the intention of going fixed with it for that price (£70). Check it out here:
http://www.lfgss.com/thread104346.html

It is probably gas pipe but certainly doesn't feel as heavy as my gf's steel raleigh, or my other friend's steel raleigh for that matter. Which makes me think not all gas pipe frames are created equal. I say for whatever bike you look at, if it feels surprisingly heavy to lift, it is heavy. Otherwise fine!

Converted it to SS real cheap the other day by way of picking up some used wheels on here with a freehub (£25, needed them anyway as the old wheels were pretty screwed), allowing me to just leave a single cog on there from the included cassette and wang on some spacers (Velosolo do a good set for about £12 that allow you to adjust the chainline accurately - I'd avoid the spacer sets that come with only two wide spacers).

I'm well pleased with it now and it cost hardly anything. Will add some new pics to my thread soon.

Beautiful!

No way HPx93! Well, I hope I can do it justice for you.

I can't wait to start buying parts for this. Hopefully soon!

Cheers. Yup, I was the only bidder - the seller was very specific about make/model/specs in the listing title but forgot to include the words "bike" and "frame". SEO fail!

I've been doing a fair bit of maintenance on the Falcon and learning as much as I can on that, but this will be my first full build.

Going to go for some fixed/free wheels from Varno come payday. Probably Miche Primato hubs on DP18 or Mach1 rims, can't decide which, any suggestions?

I'm thinking all silver components. Was considering a respray as I was drawn to this frame due to the price, not the colour scheme. But I'm starting to like it more - perhaps I'll just touch up the rusty bits for now.

Ok so I've been cycling in London a couple of years now, going from a Scott Hybrid last year (which got nicked), to a cheapo 70s Falcon tourer (see thread: http://www.lfgss.com/thread104346.html).

I realised it probably isn't worth spending much doing up my shitty Falcon. Ended up winning this Gitane frame cheap on eBay the other week. Vitus GTI triple butted tubing, Campagnolo dropouts.

Had a short ride on the wheels today - all good, no problems, way better than my previous set.

Thanks a lot @retro_di_corsa!

Ok - I'll take them. Sorry @onyerbike.

Are you available anytime tomorrow retro?

Personally I would say it's a false economy

You are probably right there. Hold on though - are the rigida/shimano's 27"? My brake callipers won't reach to 700c :-/

Thanks retro but they might be a little bit too nice - funds are tight in the run up to payday and I'm currently scraping cash together for a new build, so I only need something to keep me going.

Out of interest - my current rear has a 5 speed threaded freewheel (I have to pinch the rear stays down to 120mm so I'm assuming a 6 speed would fit). Would a 6 speed cassette hub work as well?

My current set is now pretty badly buckled and I don't have the know how to true them (scared of making the situation worse as currently they are my only ride).

Anyone have a spare set (straight/true)? Ideally with a 5/6 speed freewheel, but not essential.

Cool. 2nd dibs if it fits.

Zoom bar still available? Will that fit to a quill stem?

Fair enough - and seeing as (from what I've seen) I'm not gonna find a price/quality ratio like yours anywhere else, I'll be placing an order pretty soon!

Cheers Varno,

I don't reckon I'd notice the extra flex, unless anyone would seriously advise against it. Smaller flange just looks faster to me! You sure it's not even a possibility? Would be happy to wait for it or potentially post a low flange hub to you...

Hi Varno, I'm interested in ordering some Miche Primatos on DP18s (all silver, radial front).

Are you able to source the low flange version of the Miche hubs in silver by any chance? (Only interested in the front one, that is unless they do a flip flop or fixed/fixed rear - as far as I've seen the rear hub is single sided only)

If so, would radial lacing be ok on that?

Excellent, thanks.

Is it worth hand sanding rust spots / bubbles and nicked edges on lugs by hand before sending to these guys? Or will shot blasting take care of removing all the surface rust?

pm incoming

Not to worry, just ordered a new one!

Hi Ludd, no that's ok, but thanks very much for looking for me, really appreciated!

Does anyone else in London have one spare?

No worries! Sounds like a tasty distraction!

I would put the defective one back on seeing as it would make the bike just about rideable for the time being, but I don't want to go through the trouble of removing it yet again!

The detail around the lugs is fairly sloppy and there are random blobs around the dropouts, pretty poor looking welding! Haven't measured the seat tube yet, but I think it's fair to say this must be an entry level frame. No biggie.

I'm not going to feel bad about converting this - seeing as the derailleurs are Shimano Altus which I'm told are MTB parts from the 80s - there isn't much on this bike that is actually original. I'm told the cranks are from the 80's and the rear wheel is a small flange hub so probably a replacement too.

When I bought this I thought a nice powdercoat on it would be lovely - but as I learn more about vintage frames I think that might be taking it a step too far. Opinions? Like putting lipstick on a pig?

I may well build this up on some decent wheels and move them to a nicer/lighter frame at later date...it's feeling nicer and looking a lot tidier with a couple of new bits on though:

Cleaning the mechs and replacing gear cable is next on my list - seeing as I don't have the funds for some fixed wheels at the moment, I might as well have smooth shifting on what I have.

I've repacked the wheels with fresh grease as there was a hell of a lot of play on the rear wheel. The bike now rolls along much much smoother. I thought my rear dropout spacing was 120mm (measured with wheel on the bike) but when taking it off last night I realised that it's actually 126mm, whoever put this wheel on originally (probably at the same time as the new cranks and derailleurs I'm guessing) didn't bother adding the extra 3mm of spacers needed either side of the hub. I've just bent the stays in a bit to get the wheel on straight (as it was before). Is this a very bad idea? Should I get some spacers on the axle double quick? Or is it ok for the time being?

Thanks a bunch Ludd, if you do indeed have a 5 speed let me know!