A Budget single-speed build
@suoman was having real issues with her 100 quid department store bike so I decided to chip in and get her something better especially after hearing how nice it would be to own a racing-style-not-so-heavy-bike.
I had a think and came up with a budget (< 120 GBP total) for her new ride. In addition to being as cheap as possible while being a decent bike, this new bike need to:
- have better brakes than current bike
- be more easily maintainable than current bike
- be more lightweight than current bike
- mount a rack for carrying panniers
- look cooler
- be more fun to ride
The Base
- Found a Jamis Beatnik 2014, frame size 47 cm
- Bought from ebay for a measly 40 GBP (9 GBP for Uber ride to go collect it)
- Gearing is 46t x 16t on 700c x 25x wheels, giving it a total of 83 gear inches (a high gearing)
- Frame is 1040 steel
- Very good condition, only scratched paint
- Came with a sad looking “Viscount Seagull” saddle which was quickly replaced
- 700x25c wheelset (25-622), tires are Vittoria Zaffiro, rims are ALEXRIMS IDI9
Frame geometry
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Size (cm) | 47 |
| BB Height | 275 |
| Chainstay | 405 |
| Fork Offset | 45 |
| Head Tube | 95 |
| Head Tube Angle | 71.5 |
| Seat Tube (C-T) | 470 |
| Seat Tube Angle | 76 |
| Standover | 745 |
| Top Tube (Effective) | 508 |
Customizing it for the rider
I had to make a few additions and replacements to the base:
- saddle for medium to large hiny, used is OK!
- large pedals with good bearings, used is OK!
- drop bars, lighter weight the better, used is great! 25.4mm diameter clamp
- streamliner rack for handsome looks!
- LED bar ends for extra visibility at night!
Result
She likes it, brilliant!
