Simplistic Speed, 100% done, pics posted! **Lightweight**

[Machine Age Victim]

Hey all, I'll throw my hat into the "traditional" ring. I've been a roadie since I could first ride, it's in my blood (as well as muscle memory). I've also loved the bikes that were built in the era when cycling was the most popular sport in America, the early 1900's. Some of the features on these bikes are still used today, some not so much. I do think, though, that I currently have the capacity (see budget, skill) to do a respectable homage.

I've narrowed in on a particular bike, a Racycle, which was built in the same factory as Miami Cycles. It has some unique features (80-tooth chainring) and colors scheme which should make for an interesting goal.

Parts list (planned, on it's way and acquired):
Paint same color as above
1938-46 Schwinn New World frame and fork
Prewar Schwinn stem
Moustache handlebar
Wood grips
Wald 13/16 seat post
Hairpin Springer seat, black leather
AS Schwinn seat binder bolt
1-piece crank
65-tooth chainring
Pedals
French 36h front hub
Nickle chain
1960's Bendix, 36h kick-back two-speed coaster brake (should help a bit with the large chainring)
CB Italia viaggio wood rims, 700c 36h clinchers
Spokes
Specialized Hemisphere 700x38c white tires
Custom headbadge

Target cost: $300

So far, I have the frame, fork and a couple small parts. Here's some sample tire fitting photos.

 

[deven_science]

Re: Simplistic Speed (a Miami Cycles/Racycle homage build)

I love my Racycle. The Pacemaker model had a 40 tooth chainring, not 80. It was skip tooth, after all. It also had a 13 tooth rear cog, so the ratio was about the same as a regular bike. I put a 65T Exerciser chainring on Hood Rat last year, and I also used Bendix kickback hub. The low gear makes it feel about normal, so that should work for you pretty well.

I'll be watching this one with interest!

 

[Machine Age Victim]

Re: Simplistic Speed (a Miami Cycles/Racycle homage build)

I love my Racycle. The Pacemaker model had a 40 tooth chainring, not 80. It was skip tooth, after all. It also had a 13 tooth rear cog, so the ratio was about the same as a regular bike. I put a 65T Exerciser chainring on Hood Rat last year, and I also used Bendix kickback hub. The low gear makes it feel about normal, so that should work for you pretty well.

I'll be watching this one with interest!

Thanks, I saw your build! I understood a 40 skip-tooth (1inch links) = a modern 80 tooth (1/2inch links), I could be totally wrong on this.

 

[kingfish254]

Re: Simplistic Speed (a Miami Cycles/Racycle homage build)

This is going to be a nice one to watch.
Good luck.

 

[beatcad]

Re: Simplistic Speed (a Miami Cycles/Racycle homage build)

i dig it! i'll be watching closely also.

 

[Machine Age Victim]

Re: Simplistic Speed (a Miami Cycles/Racycle homage build)

Polished the stem today

 

[tailhole]

Re: Simplistic Speed (a Miami Cycles/Racycle homage build)

love Racycles, can't wait to see it.

 

[deven_science]

Re: Simplistic Speed (a Miami Cycles/Racycle homage build)

I love my Racycle. The Pacemaker model had a 40 tooth chainring, not 80. It was skip tooth, after all. It also had a 13 tooth rear cog, so the ratio was about the same as a regular bike. I put a 65T Exerciser chainring on Hood Rat last year, and I also used Bendix kickback hub. The low gear makes it feel about normal, so that should work for you pretty well.

I'll be watching this one with interest!

Thanks, I saw your build! I understood a 40 skip-tooth (1inch links) = a modern 80 tooth (1/2inch links), I could be totally wrong on this.

No, you're totally right. I was just clarifying the skip tooth portion.

We're good here.

 

[Machine Age Victim]

Re: Simplistic Speed (a Miami Cycles/Racycle homage build)

No, you're totally right. I was just clarifying the skip tooth portion.

We're good here.

What was the rear tooth count on your Bendix?

 

[Machine Age Victim]

Re: Simplistic Speed **Lightweight sub build-off**

Did some grinding and filing to the front brake mount, it'll be filled before paint.

Also, did a little polishing to the rear hub. This thing is heavy, it weighs more than the frame!

Should be getting almost all the parts in this week, then I'll be able to measure for the right spoke length. I have a plan to go to the sandblaster this Saturday morning and made my paint selection choice.

 

[deven_science]

Re: Simplistic Speed (a Miami Cycles/Racycle homage build)

No, you're totally right. I was just clarifying the skip tooth portion.

We're good here.

What was the rear tooth count on your Bendix?

I'm not sure. I sold the bike a few months ago.

 

[Machine Age Victim]

Re: Simplistic Speed **Lightweight sub build-off**

Got some goodies in today,

I'm painting the black metal section of the grips to the frame color. Also, got around to polishing the 'AS' seat binder bold today.

 

[BatavusRod]

Re: Simplistic Speed **Lightweight sub build-off**

Nice build!

Cool! wooden grips, that something I also need for my racer :roll:

 

[xddorox]

Re: Simplistic Speed **Lightweight sub build-off**

I have no doubt you will pull this off. I love those simple early 20th century bikes as well. Something pure about them.

 

[Machine Age Victim]

Re: Simplistic Speed **Lightweight sub build-off**

Got the metal on the grips painted

 

[MplsCoaster]

Re: Simplistic Speed **Lightweight sub build-off**

nice paint work. Looking forward to see what you do, really like simple light bikes

 

[Machine Age Victim]

Re: Simplistic Speed **Lightweight sub build-off**

Thanks for all the interest. I'm just hoping I can do the original proud.

I'm also still up in the air about what pedals to go with. I'd love to find some vintage quills but they could be pricey and should be on an authentic bike. Is there a modern equivalency?

 

[SpokeAndTruth]

Re: Simplistic Speed **Lightweight sub build-off**

Just figured out how to follow/subscribe to certain threads. Definitely following this one. Really like the direction you're headed with your build. Paying attention to details like painting the grip's metal to match the frame... excellent. Looking forward to seeing it finished.

 

[Bluemustang21]

Re: Simplistic Speed **Lightweight sub build-off**

Where are you sourcing a chainring from? I love the look of a larger sprocket, but I'm having difficulty finding one.

 

[Machine Age Victim]

Re: Simplistic Speed **Lightweight sub build-off**

Just figured out how to follow/subscribe to certain threads. Definitely following this one. Really like the direction you're headed with your build. Paying attention to details like painting the grip's metal to match the frame... excellent. Looking forward to seeing it finished.

Thank you, the devil is definitely in the details on this build (I'm using a bent spoke for the coaster brake arm clamp shhhhh :wink: )

Where are you sourcing a chainring from? I love the look of a larger sprocket, but I'm having difficulty finding one.

Someone told me about the 1960's Schwinn Exercise bikes having a 65-tooth chainring, after not finding one for sale through searches I posted a wanted ad and someone came through. You may want to look at the previous build offs, there's some that were used and this is the time of year that some of them may be getting parted out. Just an idea.