New frame, new project (touring EG Bates frame, 531)

[Ugo51]

Hi guys,

I got my hands on a Bates frame and I intend to make a bike to use for light toruing, cross-crountry, commuting...
I haven't received the frame yet, so the photos are from the ad.
It's not in a nice shape, and part of the reason I bought it was to "save it", and I am really looking forward to make it again into a functional bike.

As is it going to be a beater, I am undecided whether to leave it as is (but probably there is too much rust) or to re-coat it. Either way, this project is going to be a budget one, so I am keeping an open mind as to what it will look once done.

First off, I'll need a fork...

 

[dirttorpedo]

Looks like that's lived a hard life. I think a Soma lugged fork would go well with that frame if you're willing to pay for one or can get one used.

 

[pigman]

Are the canti studs made,for 27" or 700c wheels? That will have a bearing on the fork you buy

 

[Ugo51]

It sure needs some love.
I think I will build it and if I like it strip it and repaint it.

I haven't checked yet but I suspect they are for 700c wheels.
I was actually thinking to buy a cheap generic 700c fork. They weigh a ton (up to 1.2kgs) but they are very cheap and look really tough.

I don't seem to find cheap 700c forks with cantilever lugs. Plenty of nice and cheap fork for caliper brakes but not for cantis

 

[Nob]

Definitely worth a respray if you get a fork

 

[pigman]

If you're looking for 700c forks with canti studs consider looking at a cheap hybrid with v brakes in Gumtree etc, use the fork, strip the rest for spares

 

[Ugo51]

That's would be an idea, but I am trying to get rid of parts because my flat is starting to look like a workshop, so I can't do that.
There are extremely cheap 700c forks with canti lugs on eBay, I just can't quite decide whether I want to go down that route, or get a road fork and use caliper brakes.
I don't see myself using tires wider than 32 so...

Don't know, maybe I should just stop thinking, and start buying

 

[Midlife]

If going for a respray / powder might be easier to remove the canti braze on stuff and use calliper brakes front and back.

 

[Ugo51]

Yes, essentially I am undecided if doing that or keep them and go for the canti option.
I can be a bit indecisive at times

 

[dirttorpedo]

Yes, essentially I am undecided if doing that or keep them and go for the canti option.
I can be a bit indecisive at times

Personally I'd go canti if the frame is set up for 700c wheels. And if you are willing to respray I'd get a decent quality fork for it.