tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3659690394638399722.post7012497690678750217..comments2024-02-16T12:37:32.727+00:00Comments on velovoice: Puch Princess Reborn: Sacrilege? Or Best Of Both Worlds?Rebecca Oldshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05979821146538393459noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3659690394638399722.post-89419339044192957622015-03-15T17:23:05.024+00:002015-03-15T17:23:05.024+00:00Thank you, Ryan! I love following your rebuilds. I...Thank you, Ryan! I love following your rebuilds. It's never 'the path of least resistance' if you care about getting the bike back on the road. Rebecca Oldshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05979821146538393459noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3659690394638399722.post-72000509853816628832015-03-13T21:07:42.884+00:002015-03-13T21:07:42.884+00:00First off Chapeau on your build, I am always happy...First off Chapeau on your build, I am always happy to see bike boom lugged steel bikes getting use and although I rebuild alot of old bikes in their original context (http://ryansrebuilds.blogspot.com/) I do that mostly because its the path of least resistance. My overall philosophy is if it makes the bike more useful/comfortable/enjoyable for you then by all means do it! I have all the parts I need to do something similar to the Motobecane Grand Touring I found last May and now I just need to do it. Enjoy the reborn princess.RoadieRyanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15900109046198641775noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3659690394638399722.post-48684814409950200932015-01-17T18:49:16.144+00:002015-01-17T18:49:16.144+00:00The one in my friend's shop was white with blu...The one in my friend's shop was white with blue, red, & black logos. I thought I had a pic saved, but cannot find it.<br />Here is a similar one- the owner of the bike raffled it off to benefit a bike charity in the SF California Bay Area in 2012, so this might even be the same one.<br />http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=256879&d=1340065604Corey Khttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15381826721030941179noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3659690394638399722.post-86325195012057258232015-01-01T17:23:01.440+00:002015-01-01T17:23:01.440+00:00Jim has shared a photo of his stunning Raleigh Com...Jim has shared a photo of his stunning Raleigh Comp on Twitter: <br />https://twitter.com/jamesfduncan/status/546366180299403264Rebecca Oldshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05979821146538393459noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3659690394638399722.post-81422093309819514562014-12-28T11:59:02.980+00:002014-12-28T11:59:02.980+00:00Actually, the rear spacing on my Princess unexpect...Actually, the rear spacing on my Princess unexpectedly just under 130mm! I have no idea how/why, as I bought it with the original 27 inch wheelset. In any case, the axles of the Mavic wheelset drop in with exactly the right fit. <br /><br />"Stretching" = forcing the frame. For the sake of 3mm (I'll bet it's actually 126mm so let's call it 4mm), this is probably okay. (Again, I defer to Sheldon Brown/Harris Cyclery: http://sheldonbrown.com/frame-spacing.html - scroll halfway down). <br /><br />Other solutions that don't involve forcing the frame: check if there are spacers on your axle that can be removed, or carefully cut the axle down to 126-127. (We did that on one of my other bikes.) Chainline may not be perfect; it probably wasn't to begin with, so just check that you've not made it worse! Rebecca Oldshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05979821146538393459noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3659690394638399722.post-84190496886607872112014-12-28T10:21:53.798+00:002014-12-28T10:21:53.798+00:00Ah ha, awesome cheers for clearing that up. Ah ha, awesome cheers for clearing that up. Colinhttp://www.coinframe.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3659690394638399722.post-39758971582165867352014-12-28T10:21:17.189+00:002014-12-28T10:21:17.189+00:00Oops, I meant to add that as a reply to the thread...Oops, I meant to add that as a reply to the thread just above, sorry!<br /><br />Admittedly the rear hub spacing is 130mm rather than the 127mm that the frame is spaced to, I'm stretching the back end ever so slightly. <br /><br /><br />Were the Mavics that you fitted spaced to 127mm rather than 130mm?Colinhttp://www.coinframe.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3659690394638399722.post-43048937198887289542014-12-27T18:54:57.796+00:002014-12-27T18:54:57.796+00:00Hi Colin. No, I have not had any chain rub.
If i...Hi Colin. No, I have not had any chain rub. <br /><br />If it were me, I'd first check that the rear wheel is built on the right length axle, then go ahead and finish off your 700 wheelset (including cassette fitment) so that it's ready to fit into the dropouts and tighten up (whether axle bolts or QRs) and then check your chainline: http://sheldonbrown.com/chainline.html. Good luck!Rebecca Oldshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05979821146538393459noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3659690394638399722.post-29343815632206631422014-12-27T18:48:11.705+00:002014-12-27T18:48:11.705+00:00I've got a Dia Compe 57mm rear brake. We could...I've got a Dia Compe 57mm rear brake. We couldn't find anyone with Tiagra 57mm in stock. So it's a mix-and-match: Tiagra on the front, Dia Compe on the rear.Rebecca Oldshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05979821146538393459noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3659690394638399722.post-43354426213941706102014-12-27T18:31:03.840+00:002014-12-27T18:31:03.840+00:00One other thing, was the rear Tiagra brake you tri...One other thing, was the rear Tiagra brake you tried the 57mm reach version? I'm hoping to stick with Tiagra or 105 front and rear rather than getting a set of long drop Tektros or similar. I've measured the distance from brake bolt hole to the centre of the brake track on the wheel and it looks to be the same on mine although I guess that could be down to the rear wheel position, I'm using a different mech hanger which has the wheel more forwards on the bike…Colinhttp://www.colinframe.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3659690394638399722.post-47064033004267359452014-12-27T18:28:24.776+00:002014-12-27T18:28:24.776+00:00It's actually for my girlfriend and the origin...It's actually for my girlfriend and the original 27" wheel set was pretty badly warped so the brief ride down my street probably didn't really count!<br /><br />It's been completely stripped down now and has has the old drivetrain from mtb fitted to it - the old British threaded cartridge BB from it fit like a charm!<br /><br />Did you have any issues with the chain rubbing on the frame at the rear when in the 11/12 tooth cog on the cassette? I'm not sure if this one rubs a wee bit or if it's because I've not fully torqued down the cassette lockring yet…<br /><br />Looking forwards to throwing some new bits on it!Colinhttp://www.colinframe.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3659690394638399722.post-59946947608659689232014-12-26T20:02:37.378+00:002014-12-26T20:02:37.378+00:00I should have added, if your crankset is French (u...I should have added, if your crankset is French (unlikely but I shouldn't have assumed that it isn't), then you may still want that French-threaded BB, assuming it fits into the frame. Rebecca Oldshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05979821146538393459noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3659690394638399722.post-82012462561610646582014-12-26T19:59:57.183+00:002014-12-26T19:59:57.183+00:00Oh dear! I really don't know if any Puch mode...Oh dear! I really don't know if any Puch models had French threaded bottom brackets. The Princess was, I believe, exclusively for the British market. You should find the build quite straightforward. Have you ridden this bike in its current set up? I'd love to know how you get on with a flat/porteur bar set up. Rebecca Oldshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05979821146538393459noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3659690394638399722.post-91829303989676536882014-12-26T16:35:23.588+00:002014-12-26T16:35:23.588+00:00I wish I'd read this a couple of weeks ago bef...I wish I'd read this a couple of weeks ago before shelling out on a French threaded BB for a Princess I picked up on eBay!<br /><br />I'm planning on almost the exact same conversion, 700c wheel set, 1x9 mtb gearing, flat or porteur style bars though. Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06861569371506528475noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3659690394638399722.post-49783775369238394822014-12-20T10:43:30.344+00:002014-12-20T10:43:30.344+00:00Hi Stephanie, thanks for commenting. That Pashley ...Hi Stephanie, thanks for commenting. That Pashley Aurora looks gorgeous! It looks like a good-quality, practical build too. <br /><br />As for tyre width, if you're used to 32s, then go for that - especially if you're riding on any unpaved trails or canal towpaths. I find 28s are just fine for London's roads - the key lies in a robust well-built wheel. But I have 32s on my Cross Check and those are definitely "cushier" - in fact, I'm thinking of putting 32s on my Enigma touring bike. (By the way, the Puch mixte with 28 tyres was my first adult bike and I didn't find 28s scary at all. I've test ridden road bikes with 25mm tyres and could tell the difference but still not "scary" - though "scary" has more to do with the bike's geometry and handling than with tyre width. I prefer more "cush" over longer distances than what tyres narrower than 25 can offer though.)<br /><br />As to how the ride quality of the Aurora compares with lightweight classics like my Puch and the various vintage mixtes featured on Lovely Bicycle! and other sites/blogs, I couldn't say, as I've not ridden the Aurora. My own limited experience with Pashleys has been with their traditional step-through frames and there, weight and geometry conspire to give a very cushy, but stately (as opposed to responsive) ride. Not my style. But Jools (Vélo-City-Girl blog) loves her Pashley Princess for city riding. <br /><br />Then again, the Aurora does look like an entirely different "beast" - Pashley claims the geometry and design is relatively sporty. Relative to what, is the question though. It may mean relative to other Pashley models, which to be honest isn't saying much. From what I've read online, the Aurora does sound really appealing as a city bike striking the sensible balance between "robust" and "nippy". And it sounds capable of handling trails, towpaths and the like. But again, 32 tyres would definitely be appropriate there. <br /><br />Do let me know how you get on with it! Now... off to see if I can book a test ride...! ;)Rebecca Oldshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05979821146538393459noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3659690394638399722.post-57411759118582679272014-12-19T18:35:12.359+00:002014-12-19T18:35:12.359+00:00I think your revamped mixte looks lovely. I am int...I think your revamped mixte looks lovely. I am intrigued by your affection for it ... Your description of its ride quality, and Velouria's description of the mixtes she has owned, have played a part in my decision to order a mixte to replace my flat bar road bike that was stolen from our garden shed four weeks ago. Just one question for you ... My stolen bike had 32 mm tires originally, and my Pashley Poppy has 35 mm tires. The mixte ( a Pashley Aurora) is coming with 28 mm tires. Are these not too narrow for London's roads, parks and river trails? Apparently the mixte can take 32 mm tires and I am not sure whether to replace them straight away or try the narrower tires first. Is riding with 28 mm tires very scary? I only took up cycling a year ago and am still a total newbie. Stephanienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3659690394638399722.post-17223951305701090012014-12-10T13:42:54.162+00:002014-12-10T13:42:54.162+00:00Hi Jim, I'm glad you enjoyed this. I'd lov...Hi Jim, I'm glad you enjoyed this. I'd love to see some pics of your Raleigh Comp - that does indeed sound like a similar project. I hope it's a joy to ride? Good look with whatever you decide to do with the Super Course Mark II. And thanks again for dropping by. :) Rebecca Oldshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05979821146538393459noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3659690394638399722.post-70169054953388433402014-12-09T15:13:12.775+00:002014-12-09T15:13:12.775+00:00Hi Rebecca, Enjoyed this interesting & informa...Hi Rebecca, Enjoyed this interesting & informative post as I like this idea of honoring these old vintage pieces by recycling them for updated lives. I've an old 70s Raleigh Comp that I updated as a fast light touring rig with Ergo brifters, 105 triple drivetrain, & Open Pro wheels. Maybe sacrilegious and also spendy for an old bike but still has the heron badge & of course I have the OEM parts. Been thinking of updating a mid 70s Raleigh Super Course Mark II mixte so your post is most useful and maybe will get me over my hesitation-always looking for that more upscale frame! Really like the practical drivetrain on your rebuild. Thanks for the entertaining post. Jim DuncanAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3659690394638399722.post-68244811864342283302014-12-09T13:52:51.562+00:002014-12-09T13:52:51.562+00:00Hi Corey, thanks! "Capable" is the botto...Hi Corey, thanks! "Capable" is the bottom line, I think. But I don't think we're making any younger steeds (or their riders) nervous round these parts. <br /><br />The Gios Torino is a not a name I knew so off I went to Google.... WOW! Was the one in your friend's shop that gorgeous blue colour? Rebecca Olds (@velovoice)http://velovoice.blogspot.co.uknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3659690394638399722.post-73521262161031233532014-12-09T04:45:09.702+00:002014-12-09T04:45:09.702+00:00A friend's shop had the coolest old/new hybrid...A friend's shop had the coolest old/new hybrid on display. A 1976 Gios Torino in chipped up race-scarred condition, carefully fitted with 9-speed Campy ergo mech, every new part carefully polished to 1970s gleam levels. It looked capable. I imagine the younger horses getting nervous around that old steed.<br /><br />Your Puch now looks kind of like that. Corey Khttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15381826721030941179noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3659690394638399722.post-71540619914437434642014-12-06T10:00:54.082+00:002014-12-06T10:00:54.082+00:00Hi Andrew! Wonderful to hear from someone I ride w...Hi Andrew! Wonderful to hear from someone I ride with in real life!! :) I'm pretty sure I've seen this Dawes, yes? You've summarised the build concept very well: vintage frame + modern bits + vintage knees! The handlebar + stem + shifter question is an interesting one. I prefer the look of quill stems, but my problems with reach have pushed me over and over again towards modern compact handlebars which generally means Ahead stem. The reach problem also impact being able to use downtube shifters - I've used them only once or twice. This bike originally had stem-mounted shifters of that same type and I got on very well with them, until something went wrong (I've forgotten Adam's diagnosis) and it simply would not stay in any gear for more than 2 seconds, always slipping towards the smaller cog (higher gear) - I did a 40 miles ride like that in September - I had to walk up several inclines that should have been mere bumps. That was the "final straw" as it were, making me decent to strip down and rebuild with a modern groupset. <br /><br />I saw the photo of the Claud Butler mixte you posted up over on Cycle Chat earlier this week - that has the potential for being truly stunning - good luck with it! Rebecca Oldshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05979821146538393459noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3659690394638399722.post-29323573710874292582014-12-05T13:57:16.649+00:002014-12-05T13:57:16.649+00:00Not a million miles away from what I've done t...Not a million miles away from what I've done to my Dawes Shadow. Old steel bike, modern drivetrain with low gears taking into account period retro knees, modern brakes. <br /><br />I stuck with the downtube shifters and old handlebars tho, because I prefer them the looks of the quill stem and the functionality of the shifters (my hands are still hard wired to change gear on the down tube).Andrew (Dogtrousers)noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3659690394638399722.post-85815385333205801672014-12-03T11:47:09.189+00:002014-12-03T11:47:09.189+00:00Thanks Jake! This is (as you may have realised) th...Thanks Jake! This is (as you may have realised) the "Mystery Bike" mentioned a few months ago - when your eagle eyes spotted the Quill to Ahead Stem adapter! :) <br /><br />If by v2.0, you mean the honey Brooks city bike version... yep, we did a LOT of miles, that version and me! And she just wanted to go faster and faster....Rebecca Oldshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05979821146538393459noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3659690394638399722.post-67844723051597208822014-12-03T09:01:41.282+00:002014-12-03T09:01:41.282+00:00Aficionado, maybe. Affectionado, definitely! ;)
...Aficionado, maybe. Affectionado, definitely! ;) <br /><br />I used to drive and work on classic cars but seem to have transferred much of that curiosity and affection to bicycles. I am fascinated with how things work, especially the interplay between design and function, cause and effect, how parts fit into the whole, etc. With bike builds, I start with the result I want and "work backwards" to get it, if I can. :)Rebecca Oldshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05979821146538393459noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3659690394638399722.post-88114129869985276842014-12-03T08:19:05.024+00:002014-12-03T08:19:05.024+00:00Well done! Though I'm partial to v2.0, I reall...Well done! Though I'm partial to v2.0, I really like the juxtaposition of a vintage frame with modern components as a tribute in a way, but also in your case, as a practical matter. It's fun to see what works and what doesn't when you're building up a bike out of a multitude of parts. I've been itching to do the same for a while, I just need to find the right frame... Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16916475081711086964noreply@blogger.com