Red Rider

[twojs.bike]

I’ve got the front reflector if you want it.

 

[Jude Ephesus]

BLO on

 

[Jude Ephesus]

I’ve got the front reflector if you want it.

Thanks! I really appreciate the offer! -I actually got it. I’m debating on a headlight, but haven’t hit the right one yet!

 

[Jude Ephesus]

Crank on!!!

I didn’t really notice during disassembly and clean up, but putting this thing back on…..

HOLY MOLY that chainring is huge!!!

 

[Jude Ephesus]

Rear wheel on, rear brakes tuned…..

Doin’ good!!!!!

Getting that wheel on there shrinks up that chainring a little!

 

[Jude Ephesus]

So, I got this 116 link chain handy: the bike is a 12 speed…. Do I need to spring for the 126 link chain?

 

[Jude Ephesus]

Ok; I stuck it on there, but there’s a weird thing happening:

Bike pedals and spins fine.

Rear cassette, fine: however once in every revolution, it’s like the teeth don’t line up with the chain (top of the chainring/ 12:00) then, as you keep pedaling, the chain clicks, then falls into place in a quarter-ish turn, like 3:00-5:00.

Anyone know what this is? Does it have a proprietary chain/chainring?

Is the chain too big or too small?

 

[JA331]

116 links should be fine. My best guess is the chain may be too narrow. A 5 speed cassette uses a 3/32” chain. The 18-24 speed chain like you are using is narrower.

 

[twojs.bike]

Looks like the same drivetrain as a varsity. If so, you can remove the chain protector from the large chainring. Look much better without. I may have a picture somewhere.

I agree that you have the wrong size chain, but I’m not 100% convinced that is the problem. I have used an 8 speed chain on a varsity without issue. It might be the front derailleur is out of alignment or the high stop needs to be adjusted. The description of the problem sounds very familiar. Any way to get a close up picture or even quick video of the problem?

 

[One-eyed Sailor]

Beautiful. A refurb of an old Craftsman drill press got me addicted to polished anything! It's easy and rewarding. Good onya.

 

[twojs.bike]

Could you also share a picture with the chain in both large cogs? Front and back. Maybe the chain is a little too short.

 

[Jude Ephesus]

Could you also share a picture with the chain in both large cogs? Front and back. Maybe the chain is a little too short.

Sorry for falling off the face of the earth here guys! thanks for your input and insight. -Christmas is devouring all my free time.

After pulling the chain apart and going through things, I found I hadn’t torqued my derailleur into place.

I put some loctite on it torqued it and will try this again when I get some time over the Christmas holiday.

I hope this is the culprit

 

[Jude Ephesus]

I think we’re good!

 

[Jude Ephesus]

In the last video, the chain actually has a little bounce to it as I’m pedaling. Seems like it’s loose; I took out 2 links and it feels better

-before I took out the links, there was definitely a lot of movement, up and down in the chain. Like 2”-3”!

Much more of a snug fit and less play

 

[Jude Ephesus]

All tuned and ready to go: one last tire pressure check and I’ll take her on a test run.

I do have a seat bag on order / in transit

 

[Jude Ephesus]

Ok, test ride done: amazingly, after 10 days with snow and high temperatures in the teens, it’s 53F right now!

Front brakes: check!
Rear brakes: check!
Front derailleur: check!
Rear derailleur: check!
Wheels: smooth, straight and true!
Seat fit: too low!!!!

Other than that, this thing is on rails. -chain, wheels, gears: smooth and quiet: rode awesome, bars and grips very comfortable

If we get continued warm temperatures I’ll do the traditional test ride (7 miles) up to willow bay and back.

Will probably update pics with corrected seat height and bag for final submission.

 

[MattiThundrrr]

Ok, test ride done: amazingly, after 10 days with snow and high temperatures in the teens, it’s 53F right now!

Front brakes: check!
Rear brakes: check!
Front derailleur: check!
Rear derailleur: check!
Wheels: smooth, straight and true!
Seat fit: too low!!!!

Other than that, this thing is on rails. -chain, wheels, gears: smooth and quiet: rode awesome, bars and grips very comfortable

Looks razor sharp, Jude. Solid build!

 

[Jude Ephesus]

Looks razor sharp, Jude. Solid build!

Thanks Matti!

 

[Pondo]

Yeah, man, that bike turned out great. Looks boss!!

 

[Mr. Monkeyarms]

Looks fast sitting still. Nicely done!