Accumulating bike parts makes it possible to mix and match parts from various set ups, and work them into different combinations of different bikes.  It’s a pretty inexpensive way to (once you have accumulated enough stuff of course) build yourself a new ride.  That is the approach I have been taking in my bike garage lately.

I have been primarily riding my blue Crystal Marubeni Yamaguchi single speed for a couple of years now, and like the tight geometry of that frame.  But the kicked back seat tibe in the Univega Gran Turismo  10 speed frame, has been calling.  The lugged, frame of the univega and just overall better frame build feels like a total upgrade when compared to the less than hefty built Crystal.  So I yanked everything but the frame and forks from the Crystal, and patched it onto the Gran Turismo.

What’d I have to do?

• Removed wheel sets.  Exchanged the araya 27″ wheels with the Weinmann dp-18s.  10 speed to single speed.
• Exchanged bottom brackets.  I needed the 110 mm to match the rear sprocket.  The 110 is sealed, while the 137 being removed from the GT is loose bearing.  So this is an upgrade to the Univega
• The single cog cranks from Crystal, went onto the GT, chain ring mounted to the back of the crank spider thingy, chain alignment is still a couple ticks off, but it works fine with the thick 1/8″ chain
• BullMoose handlebar came over.  I absolutely love this handle bar headset combination.   Gary Fisher is credited with coining the name bullmoose.
• To get the Tektro brake mounted I had to drill out the back hole of the brake mount of the fork.   I cleaned up and remounted the rear, dia compe center pull brake.  I still need to determine if I am going to actually thread up some cable for these yet.
• Mounted the Brooks B66 saddle with springs.  For a saddle that is older than me, the B66 is still kickin’ it.  I also have been using the B-15.
• Finally, I took the pedals off my fisher mountain bike.

I have really enjoyed piecing the GT into a nice daily rider, although I don’t ride as daily as I would like.  I even had the chance to get the nice matching Univega Mixte rolling for Dorothy.  She loves riding it.  I love that when we ride together we are on matching bikes