SWB0 3R - red retro roadbike

[ChaOs]

With some days left in the build off and with a little surprise project in the shed I thought I might aswell post it here for you to enjoy.

A few weeks ago I was asked if I need an old roadbike because it would be thrown away otherwise. I don't like bikes be thrown away and it was for free so I said I'll take it.

Now I had this. (It's not red and not retro you might ask but we'll come to that later.)

It was barely ridden and just missing a seat, seatpost and pedals. I think I have all of that but I would need a ladder to get on it so I thought I might just use the free parts to build a bike that would fit me.

So I started to look for a frame...

 

[ChaOs]

I found two that would fit me

As I am a steel fan, the decision was not very difficult.

I also think the frame is beautifully made and I haven't seen a road bike with a wishbone/monostay rear triangle that often.

 

[ChaOs]

The downside of the unknown but beautiful steelframe was the 1"steerer tube. Thork that came with the Trenga frame has 1⅛" and won't fit. It also would not look right I guess.

But after some searching the seller of the frame found a nice Battaglin fork that fits perfectly.

It even has room for some slightly wider tires I want to try later.

25mm will fit, for now I will use the 23mm that came with the Trenga.

 

[Captain Awesome]

The downside of the unknown but beautiful steelframe was the 1"steerer tube. Thork that came with the Trenga frame has 1⅛" and won't fit. It also would not look right I guess.

But after some searching the seller of the frame found a nice Battaglin fork that fits perfectly.
View attachment 290258
It even has room for some slightly wider tires I want to try later.
View attachment 290259
25mm will fit, for now I will use the 23mm that came with the Trenga.

For future reference, you can use a 1.125 inch fork in a 1 inch head tube. It just requires a conversion.

 

[ChaOs]

For future reference, you can use a 1.125 inch fork in a 1 inch head tube. It just requires a conversion.

That would require some external cup special headset, right?
Wouldn't that raise the front a little?

I have never tried it.

 

[Captain Awesome]

That would require some external cup special headset, right?
Wouldn't that raise the front a little?

I have never tried it.

Correct

 

[ChaOs]

Correct

Good to know for later projects

 

[Captain Awesome]

Good to know for later projects

This guy

Link

Will custom cut you a headset to your measurements that allows a 1” head tube to accept modern forks

 

[ChaOs]

The next step was to dismantle the old bike and then it was time to clean the parts.

I wanted to use the Ultegra wheels but I found some Bontrager Race wheels in the shed I had already forgotten about. They also look really nice and are 200g and 300g lighter so I mounted them instead.

I really like it so far.
Next step: cockpit

 

[ChaOs]

This guy

Link

Will custom cut you a headset to your measurements that allows a 1” head tube to accept modern forks

Thanks for the link! I just saw it now. That opens a lot of options on old MTBs especially when switching back from suspension to ridgid forks. They are easier to find in 1⅛" in the correct hight. At least where I live.

 

[ChaOs]

As I'm not reusing the fork, the stem and handlebars are not an option either.

I rummaged around a bit and found this.

It goes well with the rest of the silver parts.
Now it's time to clean again...

I don't know who the manufacturer of the frame is (maybe one of you knows) but the front end will be italian