"A Simple Plan" aka: The Poor Man's Budnitz

[Machine Age Victim]

The Bike: ~2000-2004 Giant Simple Single

The Story: I was working on a bike for a friend who wanted a beach cruiser, and I found one cheap on CraigsList. As I was building it, I really fell in love with the clean frame design. I refurbished the one for my friend but I was determined to find one for myself and make a single speed city bike out of it.

The bike I refurbished for my friend:

The Inspiration: Budnitz #1, I fell in love with the great style of these bike and the Giant reminded me so much of the same style, I just had to do my own take on it.

The plan: I found another one for myself! So, now it begins.

This is how it I got it

A lot of work ahead.

The build: I had a lot of the parts already, stuff I saved if I thought it would be cool for a future project.

Chemical stripping the paint

Polished the stem and changed the bars

Polishing a crankset I have

Done with the 220grit sanding on the frame

I did a sample of what it will look like after the 400grit sanding and scotch bright pad, this will be the final finish

and just a quick mockup, before much more sanding

And that's where I'm at so far.

I do have a question, I'm not planning on using a chainguard so I'm not sure what to use the old braze on for, maybe a bottle opener, any other ideas?

 

[user 135]

Nice and simple. I like those twin-bar Giants. Was that the stock stem? Is there a name on the stem as I have never seen one.

 

[Machine Age Victim]

Yes, came on it, don't recall a name, I'll double check, may have a stamp, maybe "SR" or something like that.

 

[late for dinner]

Good looking project.
Tag or tailight for the old braze on maybe?

 

[Machine Age Victim]

Oh, good idea for a light!

 

[dezzie]

Yup I was gonna say light also, maybe a soma or something, as for the build, I too love the budnitz look and glad someone has started there own version, cant wait for the build up on this, just finish it with some quality accessories it looks quality already, maybe some thickslick tyres would also set it off.

 

[honestherman]

Bolt on a piece from an old milk jug to the braze. It goes into your spokes and Vroom, You have a Motor when you are moving.

 

[Bicycle808]

Nice build; what are your plans for wheels and brakes?

 

[Machine Age Victim]

Thanks for the comments! I like the Soma bullet light, slick! I'm also thinking of a u-lock mount, since I'm going to need to mount one anyway (this being a "city bike" and all). I was thinking of wooden fenders too, also a rack, but not sure I can find one clean enough to match the bike.

The mock up photo has the wheels I'll be using, 27" with coaster brake rear hub. That size also limits my tire choices, I went with some generics until I can track done something that looks better.

Nice and simple. I like those twin-bar Giants. Was that the stock stem? Is there a name on the stem as I have never seen one.

I checked the stem and it only has a date stamp and the max height markings. I looked in the catalogs and it only lists the stem as "aluminum" and it was on the 2002-2004 models.

 

[user 135]

I like flat fenders for a clean,modern bike. I have the Civia Flat fenders on a bike, but they are metal (price is right)
http://civiacycles.com/components/flat_fenders/

Wood fenders are very nice but the price $99-150. Woody's Fenders has a nice selection.

Racks are tough cause the nice clean ones cost $$$. I do like the look of the Soma Deco rack. http://store.somafab.com/newsoderera.html

 

[Machine Age Victim]

Some great ideas! I don't mind $99 for the flat Woody's, I think they would look great on this bike.

I may forgo the rack and just carry a messenger bag. As for a lock, I just found the Shinola leather covered U-lock :drool: I might have to get a Kryptonite and wrap it myself.

 

[dezzie]

Consider the dimpled aluminium fenders from velo orange also or ones off the electra ticino as they are a class act!

 

[LukeTheJoker]

Consider the dimpled aluminium fenders from velo orange also or ones off the electra ticino as they are a class act!

Those hammered aluminium ones are very cool!

Luke.

 

[Machine Age Victim]

Yeah, the hammered fenders are sweet (I have a set made by Lefol) but I don't think they're "clean" enough for this build

 

[dezzie]

Some nice choices here - http://store.velo-orange.com/index.php/accessories/fenders/fender-sets/700c.html

 

[Machine Age Victim]

I got it all done and took it out for some photos, it's a really nice riding bike, very stable and fun.

 

[late for dinner]

Great Job!

 

[Rat Rod]

Pretty amazing transformation!

 

[user 135]

Nice work....clean and Simple. What reflector is on the chainguard tab?

 

[Machine Age Victim]

It's actually this light set, I switched the mounts, the front is on the fork

http://yesteryearcyclery.com/shop/lighting/combo-lantern-1led-light-set-origin8/