Help Choosing Next Project

[Xiorell]

Right then boys and girls.
I untertook a MTB build project in the summer and loved it. I've built a couple of bikes since.
However there is currently a serious lack of stripped down mechs, loose bolts, old frames etc laying around the house and shed, and I am looking for another project in the near future.
Problem is, I can't decide what I want to build, so I thought I'd see what you guys think.

My main bike is a road bike. I've had a hybrid before that.

Past projects have been full strip down/respray/recondition/improve jobs on MTBs, one of which was built up to a repectable spec but heavy frame, the rest being pretty basic bikes just made "good as new" and repainted etc.

Projects I am considering -

1.get hardtail MTB frame, respray to color of choice and build it to a pretty high level.

2.disc spec hybrid

3.obtain Reynolds 531 steel and restore (probabley not with all the right decals etc, just nice color scheme and correct period mechs etc) to a good level

4.obtain Reynolds 531 steel and make a nice fixie/single speed

5.Restore something really ancient


Of those possible options the MTB would probabley get used most, but then there's a certain charm to the old steel that is calling me.

Opinions and other ideas not meantioned? I considered a tricycle project but I know it'd get built then never used.

 

[CopperCyclist]

I challenge you to number five, and specifically to buy it off eBay/gum tree and restore it to a standard where you could resist it for ten times the amount you paid! No necessity to actually relist it if you are going to keep or use it though

 

[smokeysmoo]

Number 3 or 4 would be my choice

 

[Red Light]

What? No fixie?

 

[Xiorell]

I challenge you to number five, and specifically to buy it off eBay/gum tree and restore it to a standard where you could resist it for ten times the amount you paid! No necessity to actually relist it if you are going to keep or use it though

What would you be calling Ancient then?
I'm thinking 1930s or older

 

[Xiorell]

What? No fixie?

That's covered in option 4

 

[CopperCyclist]

What would you be calling Ancient then?
I'm thinking 1930s or older

That's truly old! I'd say anything above forty years old is ancient in bike terms, so I'd say 1970's or earlier, but it's your project, and the older the better in some ways I suppose!

 

[Piemaster]

None of the above

Modify a an old steel mtb to a longtail bike, without using an xtracycle kit.
(then send me a step-by-step instruction and parts list of how to do it )

 

[Night Train]

Of the 'types' you are considering I would go for a really grand old bike. Something with an enclosed chain and rod brakes, with that 'sit up and beg' stance.
Alternatively something from the 60's or 70's.
I have been helping Arch with her 70's Raleigh Jeep conservation and I have updated my 70's folder to something that holds its own on the modern road.

None of the above

Modify a an old steel mtb to a longtail bike, without using an xtracycle kit.
(then send me a step-by-step instruction and parts list of how to do it )

I am also considering something along those lines.
My route would be to extend the rear chain stays and seat stays and then build in a tubular cargo rack that ties the whole rear end together from the seat tube back to a trailer hitch behind the rear wheel.

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

It seems to me it depends on whether you find it more fun restoring or building, and whether it is going to be a keeper or a seller, a user or a trophy, etc.

You might want to consider 1 with a twist - a full sus, but light, i.e. no heavier than a light hardtail (say under 12kg).

Such a thing generally isn't available for less than a couple of grands new, but can be done for under a quarter of that.

Not only will the exercise be somewhat challenging, the product will also be useful and fun under pretty much any condition but long/fast journeys, for which you have your road bike.

 

[Nebulous]

A bulletproof tourer.

Steel frame, good gear range, drop bars, panniers, mudguards and low maintenance.

 

[biggs682]

i have had same thoughts and have just started to go whole hog brought myself a mid 80's Reynolds tubed frame that should be ready 2moro lunch time after being stripped back to metal then its of to spray/paint shop , and then refit and build .

and hanging in garage i have a 1940's Pollard Fastback frame that needs or warrents a full classic job just not sure if i am up to it yet so tile will tell .

but my advice would be do no 5

 

[Xiorell]

Of the 'types' you are considering I would go for a really grand old bike. Something with an enclosed chain and rod brakes, with that 'sit up and beg' stance

I have been eyeing up a couple of things just like this, there's something a bit special about them to me. Not in a practical sense maybe, but still...