So this is my 2002 Trek 4300 I converted about 3 years ago and a wonderful thing it is too.
But, I've decided I need a folding bike because:
a) I like building bikes
b) Putting my full size bike in the car is a right old pfaff, I can just chuck a folder in the back without even flattening the rear seats and zoom off to Devizes (30 minutes away) and enjoy the delights of the kennet and Avon canal towpath for miles (other canals are available).
c) The n+1 formula or whatever the formula is.
d) It annoys the wife.
So, after taking advice from our resident folding bike expert Peter.Bridge, I decided on a Carrera Intercity Disk 8. After a lot of private messaging with Peter, he has been nagging me
to start a post about this build , so here it is.
The reasons for choosing the Carrera Intercity Disk 8 are:
a) aluminium frame
b) steel forks with 100mm dropouts
c) 20" wheels with 406 rims, for those that are curious 20" rims come in two sizes, 406 for fat(ish) tyres and 451 for skinny tyres.
d) Disk brakes (very important)
e) 8 speed cassette
After much looking on eBay, Gumtree and Marketplace I finally did a deal with a guy from Worcester who was willing to meet me half way. And I got it for 100 quid, which is very cheap, they often go for double that or more.
This is the sorry spectacle of the seller's photo:
For reasons unknown the previous owner fitted a comfort saddle (no complaints from me) and a pair of hideous elephant grey tyres.
Since I collected it I have changed the tyres for black ones. Also changed the chain (obvs) with a low mileage 8 speed chain I had in my shed.
The removed chain (look away now, if you're squeamish):
I have changed many other components too, but more about that in my next post.
I spent a lot of time removing all the fasteners etc. de-rusting, greasing, reassembling.
Stay tuned for the next instalment, lots more pics to come.
But, I've decided I need a folding bike because:
a) I like building bikes
b) Putting my full size bike in the car is a right old pfaff, I can just chuck a folder in the back without even flattening the rear seats and zoom off to Devizes (30 minutes away) and enjoy the delights of the kennet and Avon canal towpath for miles (other canals are available).
c) The n+1 formula or whatever the formula is.
d) It annoys the wife.
So, after taking advice from our resident folding bike expert Peter.Bridge, I decided on a Carrera Intercity Disk 8. After a lot of private messaging with Peter, he has been nagging me
to start a post about this build , so here it is.The reasons for choosing the Carrera Intercity Disk 8 are:
a) aluminium frame
b) steel forks with 100mm dropouts
c) 20" wheels with 406 rims, for those that are curious 20" rims come in two sizes, 406 for fat(ish) tyres and 451 for skinny tyres.
d) Disk brakes (very important)
e) 8 speed cassette
After much looking on eBay, Gumtree and Marketplace I finally did a deal with a guy from Worcester who was willing to meet me half way. And I got it for 100 quid, which is very cheap, they often go for double that or more.
This is the sorry spectacle of the seller's photo:
For reasons unknown the previous owner fitted a comfort saddle (no complaints from me) and a pair of hideous elephant grey tyres.
Since I collected it I have changed the tyres for black ones. Also changed the chain (obvs) with a low mileage 8 speed chain I had in my shed.
The removed chain (look away now, if you're squeamish):
I have changed many other components too, but more about that in my next post.
I spent a lot of time removing all the fasteners etc. de-rusting, greasing, reassembling.
Stay tuned for the next instalment, lots more pics to come.
