Build a versatile performance bike: 3. a touch of retro.

Sometimes lovely bicycles evoke feeling of freedom, independence or/and even nostalgia for whatever memory awaken. It connects emotion rather than be a purely utilitarian.  Moreover, the vantage frame carries the  traditional style and classical handicraft thank to it's flat top tube and lug joint. It can be an unique, refined and chic alternative to just road rage or race machine.

Hence a minimalism, elegant and retro style is a natural choice for this bike building.

A handcrafted leather saddle is almost the symbol of  traditional bike, not only it has been existing the same  way for about one hundred year, it's still considered the most comfortable solution for a long distance riding.

All those old school silver colour seat post, stem, handle bar and even the Campagnolo Veloce brake calipers contribute a touch of retro. 

note the seat far higher than the handler bar, it keeps a aggressive position to ride according to my own riding habit. It should be an athlete in casual suit. 

The small stainless front rack not only gives a classical looks, it's also the best utility of carrying casual stuff for daily use.

The whole bicycle is still at fairly light about 19 LB.although there is some weigh penalty for it.

Build a versatile performance bike: 2. frame and wheels

The performance mainly comes from bicycle's frame and wheel set. The frame's geometry and material both play importance role in it's performance. 

the geometry of the frame can be described in the last photo in the post. the seat tube length(D) represents the size of the frame. usually Head tube angle(A), seat tube angle(B) and stay length determines if the bike is aggressive or leisure style. other size changes proportionally.  Roughly, more straight seat tube ( say 75 degree angle) and shorter rear wheel to the seat tube distance, more efficient riding due the designed riders position and resulting bike's stiffness. more comfortable other wise.

The geometry of this frame usually can be seen in the entry level race bike, and the material of the frame, which is chromoly steel , is stiff enough also supposed to provide more comfortable riding. 

the wheel consists of white industries oversize hub laced with Mavic open pro rims.  The hub was designed for rough condition such as touring and unpaved road usage but with race hub's lightness and ultra smoothness. the rims are also strong and light. the wheel set is versatile enough to be training or touring wheels. Hub is 8-9 speed compatible, while I configure it as single speed for daily use.


Based on this frame and wheel set,  the idea is to get ride of all none-sense to achieve the simplicity, elegance hence the performance. if needed, with cassette and bar end shifter, it can be easy converted to the multi-geared touring bike for long distance.  

A   Head Tube Angle
B   Seat Tube Angle
C   Top Tube Length
D   Seat Tube Length              
E   Chainstay Length              
F   Bottom Bracket Drop  
G   Fork Offset
H   Total Fork Length    
I    Head Tube Length              
J   Wheelbase

Build a versatile performance bike: 1. repaint the frame.

The cycling season just finished,  the ski season has yet 1 or 2 weeks to start. Now it's just the time to rebuild my versatile performance bike. Having checked the weather forecast, it would be a warm week since this Sunday, which  makes a perfect opportunity to repaint the frame in the following  days.

It's actually a late 80's Fiori Modena triple butted and lugged chromoly steel frame.  The Fiori bike and its frame is rated in a decent middle level  category. Comparing to the high end race steel frame such as made from Columbus, Reynold  tube which are about 2000- 2500 g, this  frame weights above 3000 g. Compromising some lightness, it's  still a excellent candidate for city , light touringbike  due to its stiffness and geometry and decent build quality.

Most importance, the 54 cm is right my size and the 80's steel frame is almost the only option for the modern retro-style bike building( or rebuilding). Based on this frame, will build a versatile all around for city commuting, light touring or touring when full loaded performance bike.

Thanks to paint stripper spray, it took about 1 to 2 hours to remove the old coat and painting and sand for completly clean. I actually have been done  2 day ago.  Today sprayed  the primer as the first layer covering and for rust proving  as well. after several fine sanding and re-applying ,  the  frame is ready to paint.

I chose the "recreational white" color for retro and clean looking. leverage the precious warm weather , will paint it in garage and then heat it to dry beside the fireplace.

As expected,Sunday is warm and also a little windy for ventilation, good timing to do the job.

(click to enlarge)

Sprayed  the fork first, but  since did too fast,it generated some bubbles and spots on the surface. So the result is not ideal, need  sand it after it dry and repaint the 2nd layer. seems need more patient to achieve mirror flat result.


Patient does work!  Carefully sprayed little by little and let it dry, apply over and over, it's done and it does look clean and simple.  Thought it twice, instead of further apply the final clear coat, I just leave it as it. I prefer it home made style rather than a commercial product alike.


Having installed a race bike wheel set, It demonstrates the start point of my concept.