Cycling UK Forum

After doing some more research and taking more measurements, even with a 650B conversion in mind, I wouldn't be able to better the 30mm width on the front fork. I don't think there is point in replacing the front fork, it just adds to the cost of the project.

Taking cost into consideration, it's also clear now after I have done some pricing up, that I would be better off using the cash for a second hand tourer or towards a brand new one!

It's a shame, it seems a decent frame, and a project that I would like to have completed.. I think I will still keep the frame, in case anything ever happens to my current commute, not that frames fall apart or anything silly like that

Thanks for all your input!

willem jongman wrote:What is the drop of the brakes: 49 mm or 57 mm?
Willem

It's a bare frame, no brakes etc fitted..

The rear has generous clearance, however that's a good point, the front fork would struggle with 32mm rims, probably get away with 30mm at a push. (And not sure about the mudguards at this point!)

The frame does look and feel sturdy, I think around 30mm dia at it's smallest point. Yes I have seen Nitto

cycleruk wrote:Italian BB has right hand threads both sides.
English BB has a left hand thread on the drive side.
If it is Italian then BB's are available from most manufacturers.

Ah now I understand about the threading, I just got it! Both the threads seem to start clockwise, which I guess means right, and thus an Italian BB...


Back to one of my original questions, do you still think it's worth building up and customising? I am mainly thinking in terms of cost, in comparison to say looking at a second hand touring frame.

splott wrote:how do you know it is a Principia? you say it has Coppi decals on it.
I was not aware that they made steel frames
usually they have a P on the rear fork ends of their aluminium frames
if it was a Principia then I would imagine it has english threads
easy to see as english BB is 68 mm wide - italian is 70 mm

It has a two line decal on the right rear triangle chain guard strip saying ;
Principia
Made in Denmark

The decal looks genuine and appears to have aged accordingly with the frame. Aside from this, Fausto Coppi is plastered everywhere else.


Hmm maybe you're right about the material, I have a very weak magnet and thought it was having a reaction to the frame, I have tried it again and now nothing!I think it was reacting to the bolt in the seat post, doh!

cycleruk wrote:Put a magnet on the frame. If it sticks it's obviously steel, if not then alloy.

Ahh the old magnet trick, ofc! Turns out to be steel.

thirdcrank wrote:The width of the rear triangle can be an issue as it dictates how many gears can be fitted.

The width is 130mm so that's a good start.

thirdcrank wrote:Italian threading is different in some respects to British

Ok, now I can see this might be a problem, I don't know which style I have, or any easy way to identify. If I measure what I think is the Shell width then it seems closer to 70mm than 68mm, but I don't think this is reliable.. Did I mention that it's a Principia frame, and made in Denmark?

thirdcrank wrote:In no particular order:
Older frames take quill stems which can now lead to problems getting stems + bars, especially if you have any doubts about secondhand bars, whose history you don't know.

Maybe I am missing something here? I found both quill stems and converters for sale...


Thanks so far!

Hi,
I have been given an old Principia road frame, which aside from scratches seems in good nick for it's age. It's one with the gear shifters mounted on the middle of the frame, and am guessing once came with 27" wheels. I am guessing it's steel, although it is surprisingly light. Other than Fausto Coppi's name on it, I can't find any other frame identification.

I was considering to build it up, and turn it into a touring style frame, are there any things to be aware of when doing such a thing? Can I expect modern parts to fit on an old frame? Such as, would it accept 700mm rims and brakes or would I have to find 27inch rims? Is it actually cost effective to build a bike up from scratch? It seems a shame to throw away the frame, and would be a nice little project to work on..

TIA

Carl

bobding wrote:Sorry to hear of your loss. Yesterday I discovered that my Trek Soho had been stolen from my garage. They bust the up and over door and cut through the chain that secured it.

Well I doubt I will ever see it again, just going through the period of hope, sorry to hear about your bike too. It's even more personal when they enter your home

Lugit wrote:Sorry to hear your news. Did you realise there is a smashing camera on the post office opposite looking down charles st towards where your bike was. Have the police looked at the cctv?

Nope didn't realise about the post office camera, as of yet still waiting to hear back from the police, although am told this morning that a case officer has been assigned to it....

Stolen outside the Sheffield City Councils First Point building, on the side of Charles Street, approx 14:45 to 15:00, 25th February 2010

It was chained to the fence marked in the image. I was gone for less than 15 minutes. The chain was left behind, it had been cleanly cut, and I have the feeling it was a professional job. I also heard that the previous week, also a Thursday coincidentally, an ambulance Cycle Response Unit bike was stolen from the City Center, http://www.yas.nhs.uk/Media/PressReleas ... le_Re.html Interesting thoughts... Even more strange was the fact that an unchained bike was left next to mine, I took a photo of it just in case, as it does make you wonder if this was the thiefs mode of transport. The staff within the First Point building say the area should be covered by a CCTV camera, but the Police have yet to confirm this, I have my doubts they will even follow it up.

Please click for a larger image


The bike itself was almost 2 years old, but was maintained in great condition. The one distinguishing feature was a small green scratch on the top of the frame. It was fitted with Shimano SPD pedals, Topeak Super Tourist DX For Disc Brake Rear Pannier Rack and Topeak MTX DXP Trunk and Rack bag. (The rack and bag were sadly not even a month old). It had mounting brackets for a seat post bag, cycle computer, and BSpoke front and rear lights, I had removed the accessories.

I can supply personal images of the bike, including one identifying the green scratch previously mentioned, and also with the rack and bag mounted.

This is a catalogue image ;


I would be grateful for any assistance or information on this matter.