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As a security measure I am swapping out the QR axles for solids. And I cleaned out the hub, packed it with fresh Park grease, and trued the rim.

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First look at the frame.
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I’ll get better pics of the pattern in the sun soon. I installed the forks then waxed them both. Not really for looks, but to protect it.

Front hub time.
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So I learned that a QR axle is a little bigger than a standard 5/16” axle. So I had to change all the race parts. I wondered how the smaller axle would do in the fork drops.
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Terrible. Too much wiggle room. So instead of sizing down, I’m sizing up. I have this hefty donor with 10g spoke holes. That axle will outlast the hub shell for sure!
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Had to use some different lock nuts to get it to fit in the fork with the wider original hub. I also had to dump the rubber seals, but so be it.
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That’s it for tonight. I’m going to clean up the wheel, true it, then throw on these street killers. I got them 700c x 38. That’s the max width for this frame according to @Pondo … I hope he’s right because I had to ship them from England! But they are puncture resistant, have a deep tread but are still fast, and they have a safety reflective band, which will add to the reflective spoke tubes I got.
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Wow! The paint scheme looks great! And 38 is the size I was running on this so hopefully these 38s measure out the same as the ones I had on it. 😆
 
It was white at the all the wax dried
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Wow! The paint scheme looks great!
After buffing off the wax, in the sun.
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Wheels are done, ready to go. Please notice the spike mounted tube reflectors. 12 per wheel. I was going to go with more but I didn’t buy enough. These should be plenty.
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I need a brake recommendation. The ones Pondo gave me would probably work, but they are breaking due to their age. (I’m still appreciative Dave… I’m just going to upgrade)

So… what do you suggest? I can’t go disc. So something that uses two posts and runs on cable.

This whole set up is $40. Not bad. I know V-brakes will work, but are they his best option?

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Did you measure the diameter of the bars? I've had some bars that were oddly small in diameter and difficult to get grips to stay put. I've used a grip glue made by Scott. I'm pretty sure is was just re-marketed 3M weatherstrip adhesive found at auto parts stores.

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Ok, I think I’ve decided. I’m going to get a black V-brake set for $16, and an integrated 7speed shifter with V brake lever for $8. So a decent $26 solution.
I like the shifter’s integrated into the brake levers. I have 3 bikes that I’ve put them on.

Let’s talk grips. I bought a set of super comfortable coke bottles from @ifitsfreeitsforme. I cut them open and slid them on with hair spray… which usually works great. But they aren’t grabbing. I obviously want them to stick and not ever move. So… how can I get that? Glue?

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A small mount of goop or shogoo. You can remove them by inserting a small screwdriver or spoke between the bars and grips.
 
Shifter and brakes came in. While dialing in the shifting I found the chain was too short and the chain line was off.
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So I added a link to the chain. And I flipped the sprocket from here…
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To here…
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Which fixed the chain line
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So shifting is dialed in. I installed the brakes, they’re set, but the cheap pads are making noise. Pondo recommended Kool Stop salmon pads, so put 4 on order.

Meanwhile… I cleaned up the bar and grips and installed them again… didn’t stick, so I got this…
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We’ll see how that goes. It’s curing.

I wrapped the bar ends, but they taper down and I can’t find a plug to fit. Anyone have a good suggestion?
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