Converting on a budget!

Dohboy78

Hi there guys,

My first time posting in this forum... Usually stick to the Mountain Bike section. But I have decided to up my fitness and start commuting the 7 miles to work. So... I got myself a 21" Raliegh Amazon off Ebay and have stripped it down with the intention of making it into a street machine! Upon inspection the entire drive system is knackered...Cassette, chain, chainrings...which includes the crank arms, BB and Mech. This is not too much of a bother as I wanted to try singlespeed. I also n want some slick tyres and slimmer saddle... the fella before decided to fit a big ladies saddle?! So my shopping list is:

Slick tyres
BB 68mm
Crankset
Pedals
Chain
Singlespeed conversion kit
Tensioner
Grips
Seatpost 25.4mm
Saddle

Now, I am on a serious budget and want to get this done cheap (Like the budgie!)

I can find most of the parts on Ebay.... but I am really looking for some advice....

My budget is about £50 max.... anyone got any bits they dont want or want to sell cheap??

The missus has named him "Jeff" and he will have a new paint job in bright orange... figured it would be good to be seen by motorists!!

Thanks in advance.

alfablue

Your budget is a problem - particularly with the tyres because old knackered ones will be a waste of time and money.

Maybe put your list under a WTD ad in classifieds.

I can do you a saddle for postage cost.

Dohboy78

Hi there Alfablue...

Yeah budget is a problem.... I have found some Kenda tyres on Ebay for about £12 for a pair. They have punture protection too... sound pretty good to me.

Very interested in the saddle. Got any pics??

Cheers

alfablue

Kenda, good price, cheap and cheerful

I have a choice of 2 saddles:

Ritchey Vector - 305g,



Trek, more padded, "lurve groove", 420g



Postage £3.00 via PayPal

Dohboy78

Sweet. I will take the Ritchey one!! Whats your paypal ID?

alfablue

pm'd you

alfablue

Thanks for the payment Tom, will post tomorrow. Good luck with the rest of the items

Dohboy78

Thank YOU!!

I may have sourced the rest of the bits for £45 from an Ebay shop....

*go faster city trax slick 26" x1.75 bike tyres 26" £9.99 - I know they are not the best... but £10??

m-wave economy 119mm sealed bike/cycle bottom bracket £6.99

*mightyx single ring 38 tooth alloy bike chainset/crank £13.99

* soft black rubber velo flame bike/cycle handlebar grips £2.99

black alloy 25.4 seat post/seat pin for bike 350mm £7.99

*singlespeed conversion kit for trials/mtb bike 16 tooth £12.99

*ventura 1/2"x1/8" standard bike/cycle chain (If this is suitable for the above) £3.99

So what do you think.... shall I bite the bullet?? Any advice??

woodford2barbican

I have cranks bit bashed about but fine 52/38 (i think) - from a road bike so probably won't fit....

spd pedals, shoes size 10 - worn but still in good nick which you can have.

a used 7 speed chain as well - still pretty new. but don't think this will be suitable

if you can be bothered to pick them up from me at home in NE london or work in the City they are yours for free.

the_hundredth_idiot

Dohboy78 wrote:

*go faster city trax slick 26" x1.75 bike tyres 26" £9.99 - I know they are not the best... but £10??

Are those the right size? You've bought a road bike, right? An old one but wouldn't it still have 700C wheels?

woodford2barbican

If you don't want to do a singlespeed i have a rear mech and front derailleur.

But single speed is better

Dohboy78

woodford2barbican - Hi there, thanks for the offer. Would have had a go with the chain... but I reside in Newcastle!! Bit of a way to go!!

The Hundredth Idiot - The Raliegh Amazon is a 10 yr old mountain bike. So yes.. the sizes are correct!!

Cherrs all the same!

redvee

I've got a SS kit up for grabs with 16 & 18t sprockets plus a surly 16t sprocket. £10 or thereabouts via paypal.