brakesets and STI levers!

[mrfacetious]

now a bit further into my project i mentioned a few weeks ago, got this so far:

I'm using two donor bikes, both old racers, one with 27x1 1/4 wheels and the other 26 x 1 3/8. While I'm mostly using new / used in good condition parts, I was hoping to use the brake set off one of these bikes. Both reach below the rims of the wheels (700C) on their smallest setting. Is there a sizing system for brakes? Thanks

Also, I'm looking to buy a set of STI shifters/levers, but the prices terrify me. I was looking at Shimano Sora/Tiagra 9 speed (for a triple). Any suggestions or do I just have to bite the bullet? The unusual shape of the frame suggests I wouldn't get away with downtube shifters, and I don't like the idea of adding a smaller extra bar to add flat bar shifters.

Once again, thanks a lot folks!!


P.S!! just remembered the seat post I have doesn't fit. I was told to skimp out I could wrap it in thick tape. Any safety downfalls in this? Cheers!

EDIT! just remembered yet another thing! sorry to nag! one of the front spokes isn't quite rigid.. i can push it back and forth. The nipple doesn't need tightening and it seems threaded alright.. any suggestions?

sorry for all this!

 

[palinurus]

So you did get that frame!

Check eBay or other classifieds etc. for secondhand shifters, folks tend to upgrade them.

The amount of drop - distance between the brake bolt centre and max adjustment for the brake pad- for a brake calliper is usually specified (check the rim brakesets on Wiggle for examples). I expect you currently have some long drop callipers- 57 mm or something- so you'll need something shorter. Measure the distance between the centre of the hole in the brake mount and the centre of the rim to work out what ones you need.

Get a seatpost that fits.

Difficult to help with the spoke without giving is a bit of a push myself, hopefully someone else will have an idea.

 

[LondonCommuter]

if you don't want to shell out on STI shifters, you could always try bar end shifters, about £30 I think

 

[mrfacetious]

at Palinurus: I did! £36
the wheels have a 9sp ultegra cassette on them

WOW I had COMPLETELY forgotten about the idea of bar-end shifters! :| Does anybody use these? Can they tell me some info, maybe the advantages and disadvantages over STI? STI do seem to look a lot better and I don't mind shelling out if it's worth it.

also, How can I find the seatpost size?
cheers guys!

 

[alecstilleyedye]

at Palinurus: I did! £36
the wheels have a 9sp ultegra cassette on them

WOW I had COMPLETELY forgotten about the idea of bar-end shifters! :| Does anybody use these? Can they tell me some info, maybe the advantages and disadvantages over STI? STI do seem to look a lot better and I don't mind shelling out if it's worth it.

also, How can I find the seatpost size?
cheers guys!

stis/ergos are definitely worth the extra, unless you routinely ride on the drops.

the best bet to get the right size seatpost is to take it to your lbs. they'll measure it and, if they're like one of my lbs, they'll charge about a tenner. if that frame is aluminium, i'd reckon that it may well be 27.2mm. both my alu framed bikes are.

 

[PpPete]

also, How can I find the seatpost size?

one of these?
I got a similar one in Machine Mart a while ago. Very useful tool to have around.