What to do with an old bike?

Wrath Rob

After showing my dad my road bike he started reminising about the good old days when he was a very competitive time trialist. After a gentle snooze by myself as he set off on a long-winded ramble down memory lane, I was brought back to attention by him mentioning that he has an old, light weight racing frame and forks in his loft. I got to thinking if I could resurrect it as a SS for my winter commute. He's a bit shorter than me but we're close enough that the size should be OK.

However, he then revealed that all of the fittings will be imperial (its that old!) so he didn't think I could get any bits for it. Not being a bike expert, is he correct or would I be able to source BB, cranks, wheels, brakes etc. to do a conversion on it? Thoughts please!

nicklouse

most fittings are still imperial.

Jon8a

I imagine you'd be fine. Most things are still imperial or they have kept the same size and relabelled them metric (like 454g jars of honey).

Besides singlespeeds don't have many parts so you should be ok. Small bolts will be easy enough or you can just match with the nearest metric if it's only holding a mudguard on.

nwallace

Jon8a wrote:

Small bolts will be easy enough or you can just match with the nearest metric if it's only holding a mudguard on.

A Tap and Die set will sort out the threading if you need to change it, though you usually discover this once the bolt is stuck.

Wrath Rob

Thanks guys. I've just got home broadband working again, hence my delay in responding.

Right then, I'll ask Dad if I can have the bike and see what I can conjour up!