Opinions needed

[Bicycle808]

I am basically & pretty much psychic

those goofy VO bars do look nice. run them on a SS bike with a coasterbrake...

 

[Thxcuz]

Here's what I have so far

I'm amazed how light this bike is compared to my Schwinn Conti.

 

[Bicycle808]

Nice. Looks good; cranks will add some weight...

I'm amazed that you're amazed; almost every bike is light compared to a Continental. :mrgreen:

 

[Thxcuz]

Except a varsity.
I'm just so used to my tank it will be weird riding a lighter bike.

 

[mikeeebikey]

Except a varsity.
I'm just so used to my tank it will be weird riding a lighter bike.

Oh so true! I just went from a 51 pound cruiser to a 24 pound single speeder, man is it responsive!

 

[Thxcuz]

I'm hoping for the same result. However I'm wondering if the 32 tooth chain ring is too low a gearing for a nexus 3 speed hub. I usually run on the center ring on my Conti (I put a triple on it). It's a little hilly around these parts too so I hope I made the right choice.

 

[Bicycle808]

I'm hoping for the same result. However I'm wondering if the 32 tooth chain ring is too low a gearing for a nexus 3 speed hub. I usually run on the center ring on my Conti (I put a triple on it). It's a little hilly around these parts too so I hope I made the right choice.

I think it'll look weird, but you can make do. Just use a 16 or 15t in the back. Generally, unless you have an IGH with all overdrive gears (most kickbacks, Sturmey 8speed), you don't want to go lower than a 2:1 ratio, as it's too much torque for the underdrive planets. Also, you'll be spinning pretty danged fast. Strap a 15t on there, and you'll be fne.

 

[Thxcuz]

22 in back. Looks I need to look for a smaller cog

 

[Bicycle808]

I bet they got 'em at the co-op.

 

[Thxcuz]

Hope so, this project was supposed to be fast and cheap. Also, I found my bellcrank won't stay on. I guess the bolt is stripped.
It's never easy

 

[Bicycle808]

A shame you're not local... I got a 15t that I'd give ya.

 

[Thxcuz]

according to Harris Cyclery, 16 is as small as you can go with a nexus hub. I think I have a 16 in my parts box, though it could be an 18. If not, there are tons of bike shops in my town. Someone's got to have a 16. I guess it is easier to find and a lot less expensive than short cranks with a bigger chainring.

 

[Bicycle808]

Oh, yeah. due to the dish..... The one I got is a Sturmey

 

[Thxcuz]

Wouldn't you know, if I have the part I sure as heck can't find it.

 

[Thxcuz]

Apparently the cogs aren't as universal as I thought. I went to my LBS and got a 16 tooth and it didn't fit. It looked like it would but it was too small. I found the 18 tooth I was looking for and it fit. That'll work for now. Now to re-tap the bellcrank since its stripped and get some pedals and I'm on my way

 

[Thxcuz]

It's done and it rides great. 16x32 would have been better but I am happy with 18 in the back.
Seems pretty zippy for a 3 speed

Thanks for all the help

 

[Bicycle808]

I approve. Very nice.