Back on track

Appologies for the lack of updates but I have been pre occupied with running. Tonight I found time to start putting bits back on the frame which is very satisfying. Assemebled on the frame is the handlebar stem and bar, front brake and seat post clamp. With the aid of Ebay I have managed to sell spare parts to the value of £54 , from which comes the expenditure;
2 cans of spray paint = £14
1 can of laquer = £7
front brake = £5
Handle bar stem = £10

total = £ 36

Balance = £18

We are making progress

Here are the forks which were repainted then laqured, then when I got them home promptly dropped the damm thing so have to take it back to work to repaint a section*******ing heck!The good news is the bottom stearing race was pressed on using a piece of tube and the regreased front brake (shimano rxs) is shown in the photo.

Part of the original brief was to sell spares to create funds for this bike, and so far we have sold bits to the value of £36. These were an old pair of wheels chainset and pedals, the last reamaining couple of items if and when sold will hopefully help me reach the target of £50.

Paint on...paint off

In an attempt to improve the finish of the frame I thought it would be good to rub it down and use the same paint as the previous owner . Well, hammerite should be re named hammer shite as it reacted. Stripped most of it back off and gave it to some one to sandblast and they made a hash of that by using too higher pressure and leaving a very rough pebble dashed finish!! But there is good news, under the layers of paint you can now read "campagnolo" on the fork drop outs.
Top tip the best aerosol spray paint to date is halfords own.

Ihave been inundated with a single request for photographs, here are a few. whilst trying to paint the frame I have discovered that brush hamerite gives a better finish than spray which is very confusing, it still looks rubbish, so for the 5th time I will rub it down and have another go.also included is the refurbished campag seatpost that came with the frame.

Here we go again!

Now I have been bitten well and truely by the fixie bug, I have decided to do another one. Partly becasue I was offered an old track frame and a few bits and partly because the bits were cheap. Yes it needs work but hopefully learning the lessons from the first project, life will be easier.
The Plan
Budget £50
As the frame is rough I am going to handpaint it and paint each of the lugs a different colour
Sell parts to raise cash
Gearing to remain at approx 50"

A fixie should be simple, not a full restoration project, be subtle with a bit of class, not a road bike and not a track bike but a bit of a statement about the rider. Standby for more updates.

More problems or should that be challenges

The track wheel recently fitted just arn't quite right. The bearings cant' be adjusted correctly and the front brake is stiff and not pleasing on the eye. So to overcome all of this we will
a) Refit original wheels- easier tyre/tube changes, bearings lovely and 1" diameter bigger to lift pedals up higher for greater cornering clearance
b) 2nd hand front brake requiring the centre bolt to be extended, remove cable hanger and cut front mudguard to clear brake caliper
c) Make chain tensioners to fit rear wheel
d) Refit original seat post new one keeps slidiing down

Looking better

After a few more hours in the kitchen here is the result. Note the lack of rear brake, re shaped handlebars and old mtb brake lever. It looks and feels very different.

Couple of bits done

The rear brake has now been removed and a proper front brake (used) bought for £10. I now propose using a MTB style brake lever which will be drilled out from 22 mm to 24 mm to allow it so fit over the handlebar, oh and the handlebars have been re shaped. Now with less curve on them , they look better and feel better.

Teething Troubles

As you would expect, minor little problems materialise once you start riding, in no particular order here are a few items which need to be addressed.
1) Seat post not tight enough in frame - adjust frame to allow clamp to tighten
2) Wheels - tubs are 1" smaller diameter hence bike 1/2" nearer the ground and with 175mm crank arms cornering clearance on pedals is 2.5 inches ie Naff all!
3) Remove rear brake - will lighten bike and make it look like a proper fixie.
4) Handlebars - not comfortable due to being narrow and with a tigh bend, change required
5) Find a front brake brake and brake lever

The future is bright the future is orange

The front wheel is now in with regreased bearings also a front brake has been fitted to keep the back company and with the smaller diameter wheels the brake pads line up (just) Might do a little calculation to see what the effect of the wheel change will have on the gearing. Yes the orange tyre is a bit poncy but hopefull it will distract your eye when you watch me try and stop

What's Occuring

Now I have completed some rides on the bike I am pleased to report that all is well, it is comfortable and very smooth to ride. Starting and stopping is still an issue but then part of the joy of riding this type bike is aquiring these skills.

Recently obtained a pair of track wheel with tubular tyres, the good thing about these is they have a thread on each side of the hub, they are smaller than the original 27" wheels(so hopefully the brake pads will line up!) and they are light.

Also I have decided after some nagging to put the front brake on which will now fit with the smaller wheels

Legal stuff

2 kind people have advised me of some legalities which you may or may not know about.
1) It is iilegal to just have a flashing red rear light you need a fixed light aswell or in place of
2) A front brake must be fitted - as I have only a rear brake this needs sorting out

Had a super ride on the bike recently, the smoothness and the momentum you get are very good indeed

Gearing

There is only one thing more scary than riding a fixed wheel, and that it to ride someone elses!
Traditionally a gear of 80" would have been the norm. That is not sensible for this part of the world so a 38 x 16 was chosen. Partly because that was the chainring size and partly because it was cheap. Even this is a bit high, thankfully I have been given a 17T sprocket which will lower the gearing from 51" to 49". Time for some more experimenting.

Finished!

At last she is finished, Carly the Carlton is ready for the road. Overall i am very pleased with the effect of mixing vintage with new parts. Gearing is going to be an issue. I am set up with 39 x 16, which according to someone who is riding a fixed is a little high esspecially if there are any hills around! I can't fit a smaller chainring so the only option is to change the rear sprocket.

Almost there

The chain is now on and makes the bike what it is, a fixed wheel. Note the spacer needed to improve chain alignment overall I am very pleased with the result but still not brave or stupid enought to fit spd pedals!

Costings

The end is in sight and now to add up what it has cost
Bike - £20
Spray paint - £14
Track nuts - £2
Headset - £7
Chainring bolts - £1
Chainset+BB - £40
Saddle - £30
Handlebar tape - £6
Sprocket + Chain - £24

Total - £144