ORBO Layin down the Law

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Getting more parts set aside.

Thinking I'll go with the one of the longer/ tandem Mafac sets.

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For levers, I was between Maguras and Tommasellis. Early catalog and leaflets suggest Magura. So...
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Time to start shifting focus to the wheels. I have a very decent stash of rims. I could go red, black, blue, silver, or gold.. but being picky, I want gold Ukais. I don't currently have a set that has one without any brake rub, which I need for the drum rear wheel. Lucky for me, a good friend has a pair for me. While I wait to get those, I'll keep getting all the rest together.


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I try to not use repop items when I can avoid it. But when it comes to rubber bits, they wear out and get replaced frequently. So, new grips and housing. The choice was clear. The bottle cage is of appropriate vintage, made in Italy.

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I have been incredibly fortunate to have been talking to Donny Koski about my frame. As the inventor of the Pro Cruiser, it's pretty amazing to hear what's he's got to say on it. He confirmed that my frame came out of Cove. He was kind enough to send me a care package with some really awesome stuff.

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When building, I always like looking for pictures of original builds back in the day.
Here's two I've been stoked on, and having me questioning stem and bar options.

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(Koski bros in this pic)

I've been having some debates over using an Atom drum rear hub. I do have a Sturmey Archer rear. But it's spaced for single speed, and missing some dust caps that can be challenging to find.

Going to see what I can come up with and possibly get it properly built up. Still deciding.

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When building, I always like looking for pictures of original builds back in the day.
Here's two I've been stoked on, and having me questioning stem and bar options.

View attachment 288996
View attachment 288997
(Koski bros in this pic)

I've been having some debates over using an Atom drum rear hub. I do have a Sturmey Archer rear. But it's spaced for single speed, and missing some dust caps that can be challenging to find.

Going to see what I can come up with and possibly get it properly built up. Still deciding.

View attachment 288998
I’ve built up those SA hubs with the drum brake before. Mine had 14 gauge spokes on one side and 12 on the other. Spoke length was hard. I used 14 gauge on both sides with hub washers on the 12 gauge side. The 14 gauge side wouldn’t pull over to center so I used nipple washers. It was painful. Just look to make sure both sides are drilled for 14 gauge before starting to build it up. Yours may be an older model than mine. In the old days people put cassettes on the ones similar to yours. I’m talking three speed internal geared SA hubs threaded for cogs. I’ve read that the threading will accept cassettes. I can’t tell from your photo if it’s a single ore a three speed.
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