94 Dynatech Diablo rebuild as Single Speed

[doctorstewie]

Re: 97 Dynatech Diablo rebuild as Single Speed

By 'Eck. *ahem* that's lovely. Not heard of the tyres before but they look marvelous. Got the post all secure now?

 

[LittleSkink]

Re: 97 Dynatech Diablo rebuild as Single Speed

gee thanks folks

Tyres were cheapies from PlanetX (which is only up the road). Mezcal is a pseudo semi slick thing, pretty light and pretty fast so works real well with a singlespeed built for light and fast duties

Took it for a proper thrash this evening and it was ace, but nearly ended badly . . . decided to put some single release cleats on my shoes and tighten the pedal springs - you can really tug on the cranks that way. But the DMR chain tensioner was slipping and lost a little chain tension which was enough for a horrible bang (from the chain skipping) and wobble from the rider, on a fairly commiting climb. So I reckon a bolt bodge is in order

My lesson for tonight is - dont go from years of using multi-release cleats to tight single release cleats without engaging brain :facepalm:

 

[kyle888]

Re:

So did you come off?
i used to ride with Spd's bitd, tried them again recently but didn't get on with them and use flats again now.

Sounds like you're enjoying the new ride!

 

[ibbz]

Re: 97 Dynatech Diablo rebuild as Single Speed

thanks kyle888 - I think your own bike is a bit like your own kids, very special to you but not to others. I am good with that. This Dynatech was a wonderful companion on some great rides, with some great friends. It was built because I love that bike and wanted it to live again. Also going singlespeed was cheap and levelled the playing field when out riding with my kids

Here is the finished article, as close to original as I can get from the bits I already have. - including original Ti Stem and handlebars. The stem was painted black for an MTrax all black stealth build, so plan to strip back to bare Ti come the winter. Went for V brakes over the original STX SE cantis, partly as I might yet sell them as they are minty

Wheels are original STX SE Hub, DB spoke with Bontrager/Weinmann rims, bitza skewers. White Industry /Sugino chainset running 32 / 42 and 18T rear (courtesy of iveto1983/Pat on retrobike - thanks Pat!). Once I get a feel for the best ratio hope to lose some chain slack, 34 x 19 is looking like a good option as it might work without tensioner, but means more expense

Picked up a cheap white seatpost from PlanetX - not as subtle as a plain alloy but £15 and 240gm. Tyres are white wall Mezcal and sooo fast

Biggest expense was the Flite Ti saddle - but that doesnt count as it was a birthday present (and only £30!)

Absolute blast to ride - totally get the single speed thing now

Wow looks superb, and I totally understand the single speed!

 

[enc]

ill admit, i was struggling with your original choice of tyre.... but looks very nice now

 

[doctorstewie]

I just secured one of these I am sorting out the logistics of getting it down to Manchester over the next week. Looking forward to playing with it - it seems very original. ( mostly, it'll be getting a new rear mech ) It's getting the same tyres as yours ( thanks for the heads up actually, dirt cheap and ideal for the sort of riding I am going to be doing on it )
You've done a fine job there. I don't know why but one of my favourite touches is that Hope sticker on the fork.

 

[LittleSkink]

I just secured one of these

nice one got some pics?

my frame has a few strategically placed stickers to cover up bashes . . . got the stickers free from one of the MTB mags in the 90s

 

[LittleSkink]

to update the build, though mostly it has been riding not tinkering

the DMR has slipped a few times so I have "tweaked" here - the original DMR M10 bolt has been swapped for a stronger 10mm allen bolt and backed it up with a nyloc nut so I dont risk stripping the derailleur hanger

Lastest expense was some Geax ultralight inner tubes from FatBird Bikes (£3ea) so rotating weight is down as far as practical now

I am still convinced a 34 x 19 gearing may run without tensioner - my measurements and calculations keep coming back with 1mm chain slack against 20mm with 32 x 18

Picked up a set of Stronglight single chain ring bolts and looking for a 34T 94BCD chainring now

Looking to the autumn my plan is to do something to preserve the frame - it cant be powder coated (bonded frame) so my current thoughts are to get it professionally blasted and then do a home spray job - I am yet to be convinced of home paint job longevity but certainly cant stretch to a pro wet paint job

 

[Mahoney1978]

Love it.

And... you may be able to help me solve my mystery. The frame is identical to a Dyna Tech I have. My one is a replacement frame from Raleigh when the original (Raleigh Dyna Tech Sentinel) de-bonded (Circa 1994/5). Therefore, my one is painted in its original 1990 colours... but it's definitely not the Reynolds steel 1990 version. When I got the warrantied frame, I got a letter explaining I had the newer Ti tubed one!

Here is a picture and the code on the BB starts with E

 

[doctorstewie]

Mahoney: Looks like you have a Diablo frame
LS : not yet, not till it's in my sticky little hands I've had a very kind offer of help to pick it up so it might not be too long now
If you do home paint it make sure to use etch primer - several coats rubbed down between coats and do the same with the paint then get loads of laquer on it.
The one I have coming is exactly the same model and it will be modded only a little and be used as a towpath rider. I don't have your fitness though so it'll be good old 21sp

How light are those inner tubes? Ooh and did the chainset come off a Marin?