About a week ago, I mentioned that I "rescued" a rather nice old frame.
Turns out, I have most of the parts I'd need to build it. So now the question is: Into what kind of a bike should I build it?
As best as I can tell, this frame is a 1983 Trek 560. That year, it was sold as a complete bike with SunTour Blue Line derailleurs along with a mixture of other Japanese components, most of which were reliable if not fancy. However, in that component mix was a Helicomatic freewheel. It was a good idea, and, had it been better-executed, we might be riding it, or other hubs based on its design, instead of Campangnolo- and Shimano-style cassette hubs.
The frame itself was made from Reynolds 501 tubing. Apparently, Reynolds made it for only a few years during the 1980's. It's butted, but heavier than 531, 631 or 853. Also, it differs from those higher-quality Reynolds tube sets in that it has a seam. It's actually much like the tubing used to make the Bridgestone RB-2 I rode briefly, until it was stolen.
A number of entry-level racing bikes (or relaxed road bikes) were constructed of 501 during the mid-1980's. In addition to Trek, Peugeot, Gitane and a few other European bike manufacturers made bikes from this tubing.
The paint on this Trek is in pretty rough shape. It's better on the seat tube because there had been a "panel" decal there, which was removed. I suppose I could paint it and build a pretty bike from it. But I'm thinking of turning the bike into a "beater" or winter bike. If I do that, I will probably use a single speed (perhaps a "flip-flop" hub) on the rear and a single chainring. And I have a scratched-up pair of Velo Orange Porteur bars (which have become my favorite upright bar).
If I turn it into a "beater" or winter bike, the parts are going to be functional but not fancy. On the other hand, if I take more care and make it prettier, I might end up selling it. Whatever I do, this is going to be an interesting project, I think.
Turns out, I have most of the parts I'd need to build it. So now the question is: Into what kind of a bike should I build it?
As best as I can tell, this frame is a 1983 Trek 560. That year, it was sold as a complete bike with SunTour Blue Line derailleurs along with a mixture of other Japanese components, most of which were reliable if not fancy. However, in that component mix was a Helicomatic freewheel. It was a good idea, and, had it been better-executed, we might be riding it, or other hubs based on its design, instead of Campangnolo- and Shimano-style cassette hubs.
The frame itself was made from Reynolds 501 tubing. Apparently, Reynolds made it for only a few years during the 1980's. It's butted, but heavier than 531, 631 or 853. Also, it differs from those higher-quality Reynolds tube sets in that it has a seam. It's actually much like the tubing used to make the Bridgestone RB-2 I rode briefly, until it was stolen.
A number of entry-level racing bikes (or relaxed road bikes) were constructed of 501 during the mid-1980's. In addition to Trek, Peugeot, Gitane and a few other European bike manufacturers made bikes from this tubing.
The paint on this Trek is in pretty rough shape. It's better on the seat tube because there had been a "panel" decal there, which was removed. I suppose I could paint it and build a pretty bike from it. But I'm thinking of turning the bike into a "beater" or winter bike. If I do that, I will probably use a single speed (perhaps a "flip-flop" hub) on the rear and a single chainring. And I have a scratched-up pair of Velo Orange Porteur bars (which have become my favorite upright bar).
If I turn it into a "beater" or winter bike, the parts are going to be functional but not fancy. On the other hand, if I take more care and make it prettier, I might end up selling it. Whatever I do, this is going to be an interesting project, I think.
