SquashCycle Bikes

[Squashfest81]

Slappy, liking the purple Bianchi!
Keep us in the loop on the build.

 

[abailcb]

Squash..... the DB 29'er could be an interesting project. Wondering as I look at it, what is the intended purpose of the bike? Bar and stem say cruiser to me, but that would render your tire swap pointless.

Just curious what you had in mind.... or if you're still figuring it out.

 

[Squashfest81]

Abail, I think I’m doing it because it is an interesting project, I’ve got the parts, and I’m learning.
It’s certainly not a bike to compete with modern 29er’s. I’m going for the look of a 90’s 26in mountain bike. No suspension. Cantilever brakes. Threaded fork. Those all scream out older bike to me, but the tires will look wrong... Cool? I kinda think so.
I’m with you on the bars and stem. I’m going to order a straight bar and use a longer road bike stem. That will bring the bars way down and stretch me out. Like the stems of the 90’s.

 

[Squashfest81]

Tossed a San Marco saddle on the Diamondback along with a Nitto stem that’s lower and looks more aggressive. Going to order straight bars.
Then I dove into the bb. Plastic, like old brittle threaded plastic. Yup, cracked right off. Other side threaded out no problem.

 

[Squashfest81]

Hmmm, drill a pair of holes in the plastic and try out the Park pin wrench I haven’t used yet.
Tried the spare Fuji bb, but I think I’ll try a spare bb out of a Giant that may fit better.

 

[JackOfDiamonds]

I just finished my latest kids bike. The kids keep growing and keeping me busy. This is my 6th, but first MTB for 6yo. Custom down to the custom rear hub and cranks. Tubeless tires. 5 speeds. 14lb ready to ride.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

I just finished my latest kids bike. The kids keep growing and keeping me busy. This is my 6th, but first MTB for 6yo. Custom down to the custom rear hub and cranks. Tubeless tires. 5 speeds. 14lb ready to ride.

Awesome! 24" wheels?

 

[JackOfDiamonds]

20 inch.

 

[Squashfest81]

Jack of D, amazing! I read the 14lbs and thought, my goodness, it must be tiny. I’m certain I’ve never seen a more bad *** 20 incher!

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

I originally thought 20" due to the weight, but the proportions are so good I thought they had to be bigger! Great job!

 

[JackOfDiamonds]

14lb is the best I could do while using disc brakes and tubeless-compatible rims, but I consider that disappointingly heavy. The road version is only about 10 pounds. The smaller 4-5yo version was less than 9 pounds. You can't make bikes that light and also have proper fit to little kids while using off the shelf parts. I usually have to make hubs, cranks, and even the cog lockring is made of aluminum to save over 25g. Biggest problem is selecting rims and tires. I had to scour the depths of the internet to find enough Panaracer road tires and discontinued Schwalbe knobbies.

The road bikes still get pulled out occasionally, but since we moved to the mountains I think I will be making MTB from now on. I also have a tandem that is about 90% finished and just came back from painting.

 

[Squashfest81]

Jack, that’s a lot of custom work going on. You make the entire frames? Plans to ride the tandem or just for the novelty?

 

[JackOfDiamonds]

Yeah the frames are the easy part. Tandem is definitely rideable. I'm hoping my 5YO can go on the back of it and come on our longer rides.

 

[ambenz]

Ever think of building a electric powered Surrey?
I think it would be cool tool for a parade and promoting Squashcycle...
Something like this....

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

What are you using for a frame jig and tubing bender?

I've always wanted to build my own frame; it's a really cool process. I watch a lot of videos on the topic. Frame builders are often incredible fabricators and welders.

 

[abailcb]

Squash ..... I think the saddle swap will be a good choice. Couldn't put my finger on it, but the specialized saddle just didn't suit the build. Also, never seen a plastic BBracket before! What were they thinking


Jack ..... Some impressive custom work there. Would like to see more of the detail in those cranks. Curious if you've done full scale ones and how the weight compares to mass produced arms.

 

[SlappyWhite]

Squash ..... I think the saddle swap will be a good choice. Couldn't put my finger on it, but the specialized saddle just didn't suit the build. Also, never seen a plastic BBracket before! What were they thinking


Jack ..... Some impressive custom work there. Would like to see more of the detail in those cranks. Curious if you've done full scale ones and how the weight compares to mass produced arms.

Likely a sealed cartridge BB. The entire assembly threads into the frame on one side. The other side has a plastic spacer the threads into the frame.

 

[JackOfDiamonds]

Jack ..... Some impressive custom work there. Would like to see more of the detail in those cranks. Curious if you've done full scale ones and how the weight compares to mass produced arms.

I only make parts that I can't buy. So there's no reason for me to make full-size cranks. And if I did, there's no way they would be any stronger/lighter than modern hollowed/forged/carbon/whatever commercial cranks. My hobby is biking, not making parts that I could buy off the shelf or scrounge from my parts bin or Goodwill bikes. You can't buy cranks light and narrow enough for the kids bikes I want to build so I have to make them. For say a 115mm version, the complete weight of the cranks (crankarms, spindle, bearings, and BB cups) is about 250g. That's less than a Shimano UN55 BB weighs by itself. And a steel threaded BB shell by itself weighs like 150g, where the mini cranks can use a little press-fit BB shell that weighs 40g.

 

[Squashfest81]

Yup, a sealed Shimano cartridge supported on one side with plastic. Overall, it doesn’t appear to be a bad design. Still worked until I cranked on it.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

I only make parts that I can't buy. So there's no reason for me to make full-size cranks. And if I did, there's no way they would be any stronger/lighter than modern hollowed/forged/carbon/whatever commercial cranks. My hobby is biking, not making parts that I could buy off the shelf or scrounge from my parts bin or Goodwill bikes. You can't buy cranks light and narrow enough for the kids bikes I want to build so I have to make them. For say a 115mm version, the complete weight of the cranks (crankarms, spindle, bearings, and BB cups) is about 250g. That's less than a Shimano UN55 BB weighs by itself. And a steel threaded BB shell by itself weighs like 150g, where the mini cranks can use a little press-fit BB shell that weighs 40g.

Jack, what is it about kid's BMX cranks that don't work? I know 135mm is standard on "mini" size race bikes. I've seen other manufacturers produce them smaller than that. "LDC" is a local company to me that produces them from 110mm on in 5mm increments. Definitely cool that you make your own, just wondering what the fitment criteria is that off the shelf parts don't fit?

 

[JackOfDiamonds]

Jack, what is it about kid's BMX cranks that don't work? I know 135mm is standard on "mini" size race bikes. I've seen other manufacturers produce them smaller than that. "LDC" is a local company to me that produces them from 110mm on in 5mm increments. Definitely cool that you make your own, just wondering what the fitment criteria is that off the shelf parts don't fit?

I looked at LDC components a while ago. They look similar to Answer Racing BMX mini cranks. But LDC has been permanently sold out for years now.

I sometimes use Answer Racing Mini BMX cranks. The problems with them are 1) they only fit 110bcd chainrings which is basically worthless for anything except BMX racing 2) they only fit normal BB which are usually too wide and heavy for me. That said, I'm building a bike with Answer cranks right now (and Ti BB), but I had to have a custom spider laser-cut so that I can use 104BCD Chainrings. Hassle.

I've been able to buy 110mm-ish chinese cranks on Aliexpress and tried to adapt them to fit a 104bcd chainring, but i haven't succeeded.

 

[Squashfest81]

Ambenz, my father dragged me to Cape Cod to save this Surrey. He tells of renting one on a date with my mother 45 years ago.
It’s a project to say the least, but will be a fine addition to his beach trike fleet. Should tow boats nicely too!

 

[Squashfest81]

Got the bb from a Giant parts bike in. Perfect fit. Then my cheap flat bars showed up. I’m really excited about this ride. It actually feels pretty light when I toss it around. It’s like some retro 29er!

 

[Squashfest81]

Spent some time getting organized in the shop once the rain cut in to my yard cleanup.
Added a stick to the wall to hang 2 pairs of keeper wheels. I don’t want to hoard extra wheels, but I need a few. I have the original pair with tires that came on the tandem. They were switched out for aluminum and newer rubber, but I feel that the stock ones have to stick around.
Adjusted and added a few more hooks to the ceiling to maximize storage while being able to pull down any bike easily.
It’s hard to get a good pic. Here’s from just outside the door. 8 bikes hung in 9 spots. I’ll add one more to the left for 10. That’s it! Well, plus the tandem on the floor. I think I can manage with 10. If new keeper bikes move in, someone will have to go.

 

[captain14]

How tall is your shop and what’s the overhead with all the hanging bikes. I’m very tall and cringe and automatically duck when walking into a place like that.


Someone on another thread just posted about “a two bike rescue” it may have been in the 2021 garage sale thread.

 

[Squashfest81]

Captain, just headed over to the 2021 Garagesale thread. 3bay on page 54 picked up a couple sweet old rusty rides. Ones a tandem!
Not sure on the overall height. I’ll post some measurements. My first bike hanging plan was a style where the bike get hung and pulled flat against the ceiling. I thought that I would not have room overhead. I actually do. Sure it destroys the spacious feel, but it’s worth it for me. Plus, there’s a ton of negative space with bikes, so you look more through them.
I’m not tall, 5’10”. I’m guessing that at 6’2”s you’d be banging bars.

 

[captain14]

Squashfest 81

I am 6’7” so I automatically duck going through any door and don’t even think about it. I skim my head against the door jamb.

One good think about it I always ask the bald short guys don’t they hate going through door just to mess up their hair? Almost always get a response too.

 

[Squashfest81]

Goodness, 6’7”, that would not work in my shed.
The 2 Gary Fishers came out for a pic. Everything from the 2007 Bitter is going onto the 2004 Sugar 4 frame to make a full suspension disk brake GF Bitter Sugar. The 1 by 11 drivetrain should be here at the end of the month. Then it all goes together.

 

[Squashfest81]

This guy popped up on Craig’s yesterday and we struck a deal.
I’ve always been drawn to Stumpjumpers. I would rather a hard tail, but this guy is retro awesome!

 

[Squashfest81]

Loving the look and size. The XTR v brakes are wicked.
The rear wheel and some other stuff is wrong, but that’s no big deal.
The bad is the drive side crank is bent, like the pedal does not rotate parallel to the ground.
Anyone have experience bending a crank? Nothing to lose trying.

 

[captain14]

When is the shed addition start? If you make it taller, means more bikes can hang out there.

Just saying...

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

Those XTR brakes are the coolest V-brakes ever; I wanted a pair so bad back in the day!

As far as the crank, I'd stick the arm in a vice, thread a grade 8 into it, and try to use a pipe over it as leverage to bend it back. I'd venture to say if it bent once, it will probably bend again or break under use.

 

[ambenz]

Ambenz, my father dragged me to Cape Cod to save this Surrey. He tells of renting one on a date with my mother 45 years ago.
It’s a project to say the least, but will be a fine addition to his beach trike fleet. Should tow boats nicely too! ...

Can't wait to see you work on that! Awesome project!
Towing a boat too...."PRICELESS!"

 

[slowtwitch73]

XT stuff is usually awesome, but than gen XT crank is not good..achy breaky.

Agreed the XTR v's were a total game changer. I had a few pairs with carbon brake boosters.. good stuff.

 

[Squashfest81]

This Columbia Three Star Deluxe followed me home.
I tossed those bars on that came off some motorbike and I used the only **** bmx style stem I have. Going to build a Klunker.

 

[SlappyWhite]

Here is the Bianchi 700c MTB gravel conversion. The paint was very oxidized and it took a lot of time to polish the frame. The fork was all chipped so I repainted it purple and celeste (why not...). Parts bin drive train, Deore cranks, XT front mech, XTR rear mech. Converted the rear from 7 to 9 speed by swapping the freehub body and redishing the wheel. Front wheel was rebuilt with a replacement spare hub, painted the hub purple just because...

The Bianchi Project series were one of the first 700c/29er MTBs, the gravel conversion rides perfectly!

 

[Squashfest81]

Slappy, that all looks interesting and I’ll need a minute.
As you know, I like to try things and see what can work.
Decided to order a cheap 9 speed cassette 11-42 to put on the 29er project. I’ve got a shifter and derailleurs.
No go on my 700c hybrid wheels as they are all 7 speed. I’ve got road 700c’s, but they are just too thin. Didn’t realize the whole different size hub thing.
Fine, toss it on the Stumpy as that may go 1 by. Well, it’s all on and tight. Time will tell if it will all clear. I’m worried it won’t.

 

[SlappyWhite]

Slappy, that all looks interesting and I’ll need a minute.
As you know, I like to try things and see what can work.
Decided to order a cheap 9 speed cassette 11-42 to put on the 29er project. I’ve got a shifter and derailleurs.
No go on my 700c hybrid wheels as they are all 7 speed. I’ve got road 709c’s, but they are just too thin.
Fine, toss it on the Stumpy as that may go 1 by. Well, it’s all on and tight. Time will tell if it will all clear.

That is pretty much the problem I "had" here (7 to 9). As an example, there are only a few different interfaces for Shimano freehub bodies to the hub--the above Bianchi is Shimano (other brands tend to swap with their own freehubs...). So you can swap them and a new freehub is usually only around $20 with the screw, or get a spare freehub from a scrap rim, etc. just needs the same interface.... The 8,9,10 speed freehub is wider (as is the cassette) so now some of the spacers need to come out of the NDS of the axle (to maintain the drop out spacing) and the rim will need to be moved towards the DS a few mm, requiring a re-dish. If you cold set the frame (steel only) to 135 mm (modern MTB) there are more options dish wise. I usually keep the drop-out spacing if it is 130mm. This method also keeps the chain-line the same more or less.

I have done this many, many times. You can also swap the entire hub and rebuild the entire wheel.... I am also about outside the box thinking on bikes....

 

[SlappyWhite]

Picture is worth a thousand words.... or three.

Here are two interchangeable Shimano freehubs (and a third that is not), one is 8,9,10 speed the other 6,7 speed (came off a six speed wheel but is the same length aka width as a seven speed). They both have the same interface to the hub (see the pic of the wheel). The 8,9,10 speed freehub is not all that much wider (but requires removing NDS axle spacers and a redish) and it uses a longer fixing bolt as can be seen. They have a range of quality levels and say an Ultegra or XT freehub may have the same spline as a cheapo one, so you can go cheap or $$$$s but get the correct spline....

The third one pictured is a different interface (also seven speed and I think Shimano, can't remember which hub it came from) so you need to know which interface you are dealing with before ordering parts. Also make sure to get the bolt as the shorter one will thread on but obviously does not have the expected engagement.

10mm allen on the DS for a typical Shimano fixing bolt. Others are different, for example cheapo Quando hubs are 14mm from the NDS.

 

[Showkey]

This guy popped up on Craig’s yesterday and we struck a deal.
I’ve always been drawn to Stumpjumpers. I would rather a hard tail, but this guy is retro awesome!

What year is that from ??