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- Apr 26, 2020
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This 41 Colson frame arrived last week. It was originally a grill tank bike and had been stripped of its valuable parts. The frame was the only part of the bike the seller had left which suited me as I planned to build it as a bmx cruiser.
Once I got it out of box I was surprised to discover how much heavier it is than the 1936 Schwinn frame I used for my recent Freeliner build. Would you believe almost 50% heavier? It tipped the scales at 4.4kg/9.7lbs versus 3kg/6.6lbs for the Schwinn. Other than the weight it is definitely a nicer built frame with cleaner welds and far more solid construction. The frame is also completely free of dents which is surprising when you look at the condition of the original paint. I am building it with parts from my stash for now and may change a few things later.
I grabbed the fork that was left over from the 98 Trek which became La Fugazi last summer and shortened the steerer about 1/2”. I then sprayed it with red oxide primer. The frame wasn’t supplied with the seat post shims, which take the seat tube from 7/8” to 5/8”. A 7/8”/22.2mm post wouldn’t fit even after cleaning the inside of the tube, so I grabbed another post which looked the same size and it fit perfectly.
The bars, wheels and tires are from an Electra and the rear wheel has a 2 speed kickback hub which I find annoying but will use for now.
Over the weekend I plan to finish it using my old Kos 3 piece cranks, pedals and a front brake.
Once I got it out of box I was surprised to discover how much heavier it is than the 1936 Schwinn frame I used for my recent Freeliner build. Would you believe almost 50% heavier? It tipped the scales at 4.4kg/9.7lbs versus 3kg/6.6lbs for the Schwinn. Other than the weight it is definitely a nicer built frame with cleaner welds and far more solid construction. The frame is also completely free of dents which is surprising when you look at the condition of the original paint. I am building it with parts from my stash for now and may change a few things later.
I grabbed the fork that was left over from the 98 Trek which became La Fugazi last summer and shortened the steerer about 1/2”. I then sprayed it with red oxide primer. The frame wasn’t supplied with the seat post shims, which take the seat tube from 7/8” to 5/8”. A 7/8”/22.2mm post wouldn’t fit even after cleaning the inside of the tube, so I grabbed another post which looked the same size and it fit perfectly.
The bars, wheels and tires are from an Electra and the rear wheel has a 2 speed kickback hub which I find annoying but will use for now.
Over the weekend I plan to finish it using my old Kos 3 piece cranks, pedals and a front brake.
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