Beginner frame swap question...

[zombiemax69]

Hey everyone... I found this forum after purchasing an Orange o2 for 50 quid on ebay. Still waiting to receive it from the seller but that's another story.

So I have a total beginner question. My wife has a horrible, heavy old raleigh mountain bike. There is a nice light specialized frame for sale near me for 15 quid. If the wheel widths are the same, will I be able to transfer the rear wheel, derailleur(s) and shifters to the new frame? I'm reasonably mechanically minded having rebuilt a few engines and restored a few cars - however I'm new to bikes. Any help much appreciated!

Alv

 

[RickTheUncivil]

wheels might be tricky as there might be a different offset ie the rim might need to be pulled a bit to one side to run in the 'middle'. the hub itself is likely to be the same width, most mtba re 135mm axle but some do vary just for fun.

other parts will likely move straight over but assuming everything is the same. gears and brakes should be obvious if they will go over. if you are looking to move forks, stem etc then they will need to be the same diameter (probably 1+1/8th in), seatpost might be a different diameter too. bottom bracket might be a different length depending on the frame maker. Quite a few potential issues but in my experience nothing too complex for even a DIY mechanic to sort out.

 

[ringo]

Re:

Above pretty much covers it... the only other thing is look how the cable stops go... is the front derailleur top pull or bottom pull on both frames? Also you might need a rear cant hanger...

 

[zombiemax69]

Ok great. I think for 15 quid I'll just buy it and try... the frame has forks and a steerer tube installed already, so I'll just buy a stem and swap the bars from the old bike.

The bottom bracket is also installed with a chainrings(?) and derailleur - the current front shifter on my wife's is non indexed so I'm assuming that should be compatible with it...

Thanks for the advice and I'll let you know how I get on!