Cycling UK Forum

Not seen any advice to use heavier spokes. The dish on the front is nowhere near as extreme as a rear 10 speed. You do have to lace the front spokes as per the direction recommended by shimano - a diagram comes with the hubs or can be found on the web.

I was reading an article http://www.bentechbikes.com/vbrakes.htm about retro fitting brakes using the centre hole on the fork and an adapter that gives a V / canti stud - would this help?

No problem, glad to be of service. I like making stuff so am always on the lookout for raw materials (usually at the scrap yard or tip).

Couple of links here for building a recumbent from old bikes.

Long wheelbase http://sites.google.com/site/recycledrecumbents/general-notes

Short wheelbase http://www.biketcba.org/TRICORR/projects/hiracer/junkbike.html

Get some old bikes from the local tip. You could do all the cutting and get a welder to do the joints if you're not good with a MIG.

cycleruk wrote:If your frame doesn't already have mudguard eyes will there be enough clearance for guards in the first place.

As it's a 70's bike I'd say it most likely has 27" wheels. Make those 700c as part of refurb and that's your mudguard space sorted.

What about a bit of polished stainless steel pipe in 25mm outside diameter? http://www.apmotorstore.co.uk/polished-stainless-steel-pipe-25mm-od.html The additional info says the wall thickness is 2mm and they do a half metre length. I'd imagine stainless would be strong enough to not flex too much. Guess you'd need an old style seat clamp to mount the saddle. PS I've no idea if this will work.

Looks like your brake blocks are upside down in the photo's. The arrow is now pointing the wrong way.