In the middle of a cold-long winter, I'm bored.
I have a sad lonely late 70's or early 80's touring frame sitting in my basement and I thought I would style it after a classic TT bike in the pre-aerobar tradition. Maybe some list members who build classic frames can give me some configuration ideas. Sorry if some of this is off topic.
The frame was just a cheap 21" NOS ebay item for 27" wheels spaced 120mm with heavy straight guage Ishwata tubing (originally for a fixer), so if I trash it doing the modifications, no big loss. It has short suntour dropouts some top-o-the-bb shifter cable guides, and top tube brake cable guides.
Firstly, what would be the main orientation of the classic TT bike, single chainring?, front brake only? Rear brake only? Narrow deep drop bars? Should I respace the rear to 126mm?
What would be the standard rear cluster orientation of the old TT bikes? Rear derailleur and brake ideas?
To lighten the frame, should I file the lugs? Drill the bottom bracket shell? Remove some of the braze-ons? Where else can I drill the frame to lighten without seriously affecting frame integrity?
The front fork is just plain ugly and cheap, any suggestions for a replacement? Can I mix a 700C front fork with shorter rake without seriously affecting the BB height?
Lawrence Kurtz in Colder than a polar bear's #$% Toronto