Newbie Q's

[Normal Norman]

Hi all.
I am intending to put together a crosser using an old Claude Butler Dalesman (Reynolds 531ST) frame. I just wanted your opinion on the suitability of the frame for this purpose. I will not be racing or doing any extreme riding with it - just mucking around on the mud tracks & in the local woods.
I also need advice on suitable 700c wheels - these will have to be purchased. Pretty much everything else will be from the 'spare parts bin'.
Any advice will be gratefully received.
Cheers.

 

[dan_bo]

sounds like a laugh- you'd be hard pushed to break that frame anyway!

 

[Dave5N]

Go for it.

 

[Normal Norman]

Thanks for the replies regarding the frame suitability.
Can anyone give me an idea on suitable wheels - number of spokes, strong rims, hubs etc. ?
I am 14 stone but hoping to shrink a bit
Cheers,
NN

 

[mr-marty-martin]

maybe just an average set of 32 spoke wheels...

old style campag wheels are bomb proof ive found...

 

[palinurus]

Depends on budget but my cross bike has some Mavic touring rims on 105 hubs- they work fine and were relatively cheap at the time (the price of Shimano hubs has increased subsequently).

 

[Normal Norman]

Thanks for the replies all.
The hunt is now on for a 2nd hand set of wheels.
Once I've got them I'm nearly there.
Next step - frame off to have canti braze-ons added & a powdercoat.
I'm really looking forward to this (& so is the wife who is sick of boxes of bits lying around the house )
Anything else I should consider please let me know. This is a whole new area to me as I am primarily a (retro) touring cyclist.
Can't wait to get mud on my back
N.N.