Should I bother to build it up?

Ghostgraphics

Hi

Excuse my ignorance but I normally ride mtb :oops: I have been after something a little bit racey for a while as I get scared riding through the woods on these dark winter nights. I bought, mainly for the components, (some old campag titanium shifters, chorus mechs and chainset etc) an old italian carrera (no it is nothing to do with halfords) frame and forks. The frame needs a respray to restore it to its former glory which I am happy to do but I think it is going to be too small for me.

I am 6ft1 and the frame is 57cm centre to top seat tube and only 54.5cm centre to centre top tube. Looking at the size guides on planet x and giant, most frames that are round a large have a 56-57cm top tube. I know the proof would be to build it up, but I still need a set of wheels to get it anywhere near being able to sit on and I don't want to waste money on something that will be too small.

http://www.carrera-podium.it/ The italian carrera brand has been around for ages but halfords won a law suit over the name and they are not allowed to use it in the UK.

Cheers

Matt

letap73

Based on the top tube - its veering on the short side, however the seat tube length is quite long. Have you got a picture of the frame? I would not compare it to the geometry other frames - as they can be very different.

appletrees

I'd guess it will be too small - I'm 6ft and ride a 56 top tube...

Ghostgraphics

I am inclined to agree, I am going to borrow some wheels so I can at least sit on it and see how it feels that way

ed_j

You could always just ride a 130 stem?

Ghostgraphics

It already has a 120mm stem on it, just put some wheels on it and it actually feels ok to sit on.

Here is the bike

ed_j

If it's comfy that looks like a lovely set up to me.

letap73

Ed J wrote:

If it's comfy that looks like a lovely set up to me.

+1

Looks lovely to me - setback saddle and long stem (120mm) may compensate for the short top tube.
You can always remove components and put them on another frame - there is not much to lose.

Ghostgraphics

It seems pretty comfortable to me, I tried flipping the stem round so it had a bit of rise to it and that was a bit more relaxed, but possibly too much. I think though I have answered the question of whether to build it up or not :P

Now the big question, with Carrera splashed all over it, everyone is going to think that it is just a cheapy halfords special, especially as I used to work there. Do I keep to its Italian heritage and leave it as is, which is a bit battle scared to be fair or do I strip it and respray? It has a lovely head badge which can go back on to keep its identity???

letap73

Keep the italian heritage - it does not look like the Halfords Carreras!
Just like the Czech budweiser doesn't taste like the American crap.

ed_j

Ghostgraphics wrote:

It seems pretty comfortable to me, I tried flipping the stem round so it had a bit of rise to it and that was a bit more relaxed, but possibly too much. I think though I have answered the question of whether to build it up or not :P

Now the big question, with Carrera splashed all over it, everyone is going to think that it is just a cheapy halfords special, especially as I used to work there. Do I keep to its Italian heritage and leave it as is, which is a bit battle scared to be fair or do I strip it and respray? It has a lovely head badge which can go back on to keep its identity???

The one's that know a thing or two about bikes will know what it is. Some will not and think it's from halfords, but you'll probably never talk to these people and if any of them are actually roadies then make sure you smash them into the dust with your retro 'halfords bike' 8)

Ghostgraphics

I make vinyl stickers so the temptation to put a more desirable brand on it is there, I could just make a sticker that says "no it is not from Halfords, it is the Italian Carrera!"

Priority should really be to finish building it and get riding the thing!

ed_j

Building it? It's built! From the picture it looks like you only need to attatch the mech cables and add a chain!

Ghostgraphics

I wish

It needs, campag wheels - they are a mates with shimano
Two chainrings
Cassette
Chain
New Headset, that one has no bearings in it
cable inners
Two sets of brake pads
Plus no doubt some other stuff that is on its way out

Monty Dog

Most officianados know the difference between a bike from Halfords and a 'proper' Carrera so no need for stickers IMO.

CYCLESPORT1

Nice loking bike - just add some Italian bands round the tubes :!:

ed_j

Ghostgraphics wrote:

I wish

It needs, campag wheels - they are a mates with shimano
Two chainrings
Cassette
Chain
New Headset, that one has no bearings in it
cable inners
Two sets of brake pads
Plus no doubt some other stuff that is on its way out

Bummer. Careful with the headset, it's probably 1 inch.

That lot shouldn't set you back more than £100 though.

Ghostgraphics

I do like the look of the frame as is, but up close the frame has plenty of scrapes and scratches, down to bare metal in places, so it would require more than just touch ups. It would be nice to keep it original, so it is either respray and regraphic as a podium carrera or respray and just stick the head badge back on or just leave as is and put the scratches down as it having "character".

It is a 1" headset, already making a shopping list for the bits

ed_j

Scratches down to character! You could clear coat the scratches?

I used the Cane Creek S2 on my 1 inch road bike and it's great.