What have I bought and what should I do with it?

[MonkeyPuzzle]

As per the thread title really - I don't know what I've bought!

Embarrassing really, but I saw this frame on evilbay and just went for it. I've never owned a road bike before (I probably haven't even sat on one for fifteen years), but thought the lugs were beautiful and though something with light skinny tubes and wheels would be fun for whizzing around Bristol on. A bit of reading says that a 2x6 set up would be most likely (126mm rear dropouts), but other than that, I don't really have the foggiest about road kit and was hoping more learned people would chuck some ideas my way.

I did a cursory bit of research and it looks similar to some Witcomb frames I've seen online. I emailed the seller, but unfortunately he replied, and I quote, "I don't know nothing mate, I got it at a yard sale". Seller's photos attached:

 

[NeilM]

Re:

Odd that it has Reynolds decals, but no makers name. What is the decal just above the bottom bracket on the seat tube?

 

[MonkeyPuzzle]

I did think that - would Reynolds supply decals for a respray? I don't have the frame yet, but perhaps that wee decal will tell all.

 

[Diamant_Don]

would Reynolds supply decals for a respray?

They're not hard to get hold of - from the Bay, for example, for a few quid.

Looks resprayed, so a little weird that a previous owner bothered to 531 it up but not source decals for a maker's name. Possibly a niche maker whose decals are impossible to find?

 

[xxnick1975]

is it a Zaskar?

 

[MonkeyPuzzle]

Definitely a Zaskar. The advert said 'VERY RARE' about seven or eight times.

As a general question, apart from being limited by the rear dropout spacing, are there other component compatibility issues I should be aware of?

 

[NeilM]

Re:

Size is the most important thing.

Road bikes and mtb's are a bit different in their fit. What height are you and what is the C to T of the seat tube and C to C of the top tube?

Mix'n'match of brands is the same as mtb's, some part work together, some don't. Campag is an entire subject all of its own, as I recently found out building a 1990's Basso.

Best thing is to get the frame, then ask lots and lots of questions here.... that's what I did. :mrgreen:

 

[MonkeyPuzzle]

Oh I intend to, no worries there.

Seat tube is 21" C-to-T and I'm 5'9" with a 30" in-seam, so it should by all accounts fit me okay.

I just did a bit of reading about cold setting the frame to 130mm, which would open up a lot more options for the drivetrain and sounds not too difficult (famous last words).

 

[NeilM]

I just did a bit of reading about cold setting the frame to 130mm, which would open up a lot more options for the drivetrain and sounds not too difficult (famous last words).

Why not take it along to Argos?

130mm would open up a whole world of possibilities, and a few more gears, which are always handy, especially when going up Bridge Valley Rd and the like.

 

[MonkeyPuzzle]

Argos is a great idea. Shouldn't cost too much to stretch two sets of forks by 4mm.