General Bike Thread (Desiderata, Questions, Pics)

[otc]

Did @flipstah say where he got the frame from?

I mean...he said it was cheeeeep.

I'm not a "no used carbon" purist or anything, but even if it weren't a bike held together with glue, I'd stay very very far away from any kind of carbon that looks like that...

edit: I guess all carbon bikes are technically held together with glue...but there's a big difference between the resin flowing with the fibers as part of a layup and the bonding of metal to carbon in tension at high-load points like the BB shell.

Also, my Epic was a fine bike...but it wasn't particularly light or particularly stiff...and the ride wasn't carbon smooth either because the fork was aluminum...basically the only thing it had going for it was the fact that you could say "ooh, carbon". Otherwise newer steel, or aluminum with a carbon fork beat it hands down.

 

[Fueco]

I mean...he said it was cheeeeep.

I'm not a "no used carbon" purist or anything, but even if it weren't a bike held together with glue, I'd stay very very far away from any kind of carbon that looks like that...

edit: I guess all carbon bikes are technically held together with glue...but there's a big difference between the resin flowing with the fibers as part of a layup and the bonding of metal to carbon in tension at high-load points like the BB shell.

If I knew the history of the bike, I’d consider using it as a townie, but that’s me. If I didn’t know the history, I’d hang it on the wall as art.

I’m certain that I have a few friends who raced on those back in the day.

 

[bicycleradical]

I'd be really worried about those lugs separating from the carbon.

 

[Thrift Vader]

It Looks Like a Giant.

 

[flipstah]

I’m getting it inspected by my LBS and see. There’s also repair shops near me: one focuses on carbon hockey sticks! Found out that was a thing today.

Found more info on it today: previous owner got it and was gonna paint it but don’t have time for another project since he’s MTB now and this might be the frame. The sanding spots make sense because the middle parts of the tube has clearcoat still

I also checked the integrity of the frame by listening for dull spots and everything sounded great. If my LBS likes it then I’m building a 1998 spec restoration but maybe change the yellow to blue

 

[Thrift Vader]

Can see some leftover yellow. you might be onto a winner @flipstah for a good fixie.
I was going to suggest wet sanding the whole thing, so when you paint and clear coat it the carbon will shine again.
Anyway, nice find.

 

[flipstah]

Can see some leftover yellow. you might be onto a winner @flipstah for a good fixie.
I was going to suggest wet sanding the whole thing, so when you paint and clear coat it the carbon will shine again.
Anyway, nice find.

will wet sanding 2400 grit remove the runoff too?

I was thinking of turning it into a town fixed and keep it simple then I saw the catalogue:

https://pyfrides.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/cat-1998.pdf

Also I don’t think it can be fixed because of the dropout.

Next: how can I tell if the BB thread is English or Italian?

 

[Thrift Vader]

will wet sanding 2400 grit remove the runoff too?

I was thinking of turning it into a town fixed and keep it simple then I saw the catalogue:

https://pyfrides.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/cat-1998.pdf

Also how can I tell if the BB thread is English or Italian?

You could talk to the hockey stick guy about the caring for the carbon. ****, i'd ask the guy just to be sure.
otherwise it would get hit with the 800 grit then 1,200.(lightly) and a thick clear coat. it's UV that makes it look weird. Mrs V's Giant has a bit of it from sitting outdoors before we bought it. so i'm using your experience to also learn something. but it's too mint to F with.
What you got is potentially a real tasty score right there. But it's prudent to ask around.

Lol "Subaru cashmere yellow" and carbon would look sweet. you can sell/trade it to me if you pass on it.

 

[patrick_b]

Also I don’t think it can be fixed because of the dropout.

You can use a chain tensioner but it's certainly not as clean looking. I vote single speed with a brake and bullhorn bars.

 

[flipstah]

Yeah I’m gonna get the LBS, a hockey stick repair guy, and another CF bike repair shop to look at it. The bike repair is further out for me.

Also confirmed by LOOK:

 

[Thrift Vader]

Perhaps LOOK could give you a paint code and sell you a set of decals?

 

[Piobaire]

1997 was a very good year. I was younger, stronger, and had a full head of hair.

 

[Piobaire]

On the flip side I had a negative net worth in 1997.

 

[flipstah]

On the flip side I had a negative net worth in 1997.

that’s me right now

 

[bicycleradical]

Next: how can I tell if the BB thread is English or Italian?

Sheldon Brown's Threaded Bicycle Bicycle Bottom Bracket Crib Sheet

Useful dimensions and conversions for the cyclist/mechanic

sheldonbrown.com

Sheldon Brown will forever be your resource for arcane knowledge on ancient bike parts. The site may have an ancient design however the knowledge contained within is priceless.