Author Topic: Fixe parts advice: crankset/tyres  (Read 4145 times)

Mr Green

  • LEL, SR, RRtY, 24TT
Fixe parts advice: crankset/tyres
« on: 22 February, 2017, 10:10:00 am »
I am part-way through building a fixe (for Audax) based around an early eighties 531 BSA (actually a Raleigh but that's another story), and have got a bit stuck on where to go on some key parts.

CRANKSET: I am after a 44t and would appreciate recommendations on the current options please. The crank currently on the bike is obsolete so I am starting from scratch. I would like something durable, but also pretty and in keeping with the look of the bike. I have looked at Campag' and Sugino, but can't find anything with 44t - they are all 46 and above. Do I need to buy the crank and chain ring separately? If so, which PCD should I choose? Also I have seen this Holdsworth crankset, has anyone tried it?
http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CSHOGS/holdsworth-gran-sport-single-speed-crankset

TYRES: I would like tan-wall (or gum-wall) tyres to maintain the retro look of the bike, can anyone recommend 25mm 700 tyres that would suit Audax? The ones I've seen online have quite poor review and don't look like they would withstand audax distances.

Many thanks,

Arthur  :smug:
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citoyen

  • Occasionally rides a bike
Re: Fixe parts advice: crankset/tyres
« Reply #1 on: 22 February, 2017, 10:35:25 am »
I've got that chainset on my PX Holdsworth. It's fine. Does the job. Looks suitably retro. Fairly heavy, as you'd expect. Requires square taper BB. Comes with chainring and is available in 44T. Not sure what else there is to say about it. I don't know the BCD without going out to the garage to measure it, which I'll do later.
"The future's all yours, you lousy bicycles."

Re: Fixe parts advice: crankset/tyres
« Reply #2 on: 22 February, 2017, 12:24:45 pm »
You might find that your old crank is 144bcd, in which just buy a ring off Spa Cycles. 

Personally I'd go 43 as it's a prime number.

Re: Fixe parts advice: crankset/tyres
« Reply #3 on: 22 February, 2017, 01:18:06 pm »
As for tyres, I've been using Michelin Dynamics for years.
They're reasonably durable, ride nicely, are quite grippy and predictable in handling and are not especially prone to punctures. They will get punctured once they wear down, but at around £8 each, you can afford to swap them out easily enough. Can be found in gum/tan wall easily enough.
I'd also recommend the 700x28c variant as being a really nice ride.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/michelin-dynamic-classic-road-bike-tyre/rp-prod61961
http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/michelin-dynamic-classic-rigid-tyre/?currency=GBP&gclid=CMLum8fjo9ICFY4V0wodYVMPSA#pid=34649

For the cranks, 130mm BCD is the older Shimano standard and will take down to a 42t chainring.

Having a look at some nicer options online I found these: https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/chainsets/46-diacompe-gran-compe-single-crankset-46t-165mm/ so tempting! Gear down at the back and get a really nice set of cranks.

HubJub are selling what like the same chainset as PlanetX, in silver with a 44t chainring for £45. Send Will an e-mail and I'm sure he can send you a photo of them.

Re: Fixe parts advice: crankset/tyres
« Reply #4 on: 22 February, 2017, 01:19:05 pm »
Have a look on Velosolo and at one of their Lasco chainsets

http://www.velosolo.co.uk/lasco.html7

Mr Green

  • LEL, SR, RRtY, 24TT
Re: Fixe parts advice: crankset/tyres
« Reply #5 on: 22 February, 2017, 02:43:23 pm »
Thanks for the responses guys - keep them coming.

Regarding my original crank: this is 118mm BCD, which (according to Sheldon Brown) is now an obsolete size.

The objective was to go for a flip flop with 68/65 gear inches, hence the 44t chainring, which, coupled with 17/18 sprockets would give (more or less) the desired result; however, I suppose I could increase the chainring to expand my options. Perhaps a 47t (with 18/19 sprockets) would provide the same ratio, with more options for the crank? The Holdsworth appealed as it looks the part and is not too pricey, but 144mm is a less common BCD so may be more difficult to upgrade later?

Argh overthinking again!
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IanDG

  • The p*** artist formerly known as 'Windy'
    • the_dandg_rouleur
Re: Fixe parts advice: crankset/tyres
« Reply #6 on: 22 February, 2017, 02:50:05 pm »
I'm using an FSA Gimondi - that will take a 44t - unfortunately comes with a 48t (if it's still available?)

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/fsa-gimondi-single-speed-chainset/rp-prod54762


Pingu

  • Put away those fiery biscuits!
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    • the Igloo
Re: Fixe parts advice: crankset/tyres
« Reply #7 on: 22 February, 2017, 02:50:39 pm »
I've used Panaracer Pasela 25mm tyres for audax for years and have been happy with them. They're available with walls in that fleshy/browny colour as well as black.

Re: Fixe parts advice: crankset/tyres
« Reply #8 on: 22 February, 2017, 04:30:06 pm »
TYRES: I would like tan-wall (or gum-wall) tyres to maintain the retro look of the bike, can anyone recommend 25mm 700 tyres that would suit Audax? The ones I've seen online have quite poor review and don't look like they would withstand audax distances.

I'd be surprised at any tyre that wouldn't manage 600 km!

Pingu's suggestion is a good one, Pasela's are fast enough for audax, and I've used the tan-wall ones for far worse than any audax in this country would throw at them, without issues.
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Mr Green

  • LEL, SR, RRtY, 24TT
Re: Fixe parts advice: crankset/tyres
« Reply #9 on: 22 February, 2017, 09:26:03 pm »
Cheers guys, thanks for the advice. The YACF collective knowledge is a great thing.

So here's the plan:

Tyres - Pasela 25mm tan
Crank - Gimondi (based mainly on its great looks)
Chainring - 44t 1/8 from velosolo (to replace the 48t that comes on the Gimondi)

I'll post a pic in the fixe gallery when it's complete.
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eck

  • Gonna ride my bike until I get home...
    • Angus Bike Chain CC
Re: Fixe parts advice: crankset/tyres
« Reply #10 on: 22 February, 2017, 09:34:31 pm »
http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CSSTTR2K/stronglight-track-2000-crankset

Maybe a bit late if you've already decided. but I have one of these on my Pompino. Bombproof and much cheapness.
It's a bit weird, but actually quite wonderful.

Mr Green

  • LEL, SR, RRtY, 24TT
Re: Fixe parts advice: crankset/tyres
« Reply #11 on: 22 February, 2017, 10:16:38 pm »
I looked at the stronglight 2000, and it gets good reviews, and it's good value.  I'm just not sure it would look the part on my old BSA.

Thanks again everyone.
What a lot of effort just for a cloth badge.