LexRides

elzie5000 · cutter Joined: 25 Oct 2007 Posts: 1177

I've got a spare bmx frame that I'm thinking of converting into something mini-velo-ish.

My questions:
Are there 30.8mm seat posts that are 450mm or longer? The longest I can find are 410mm.

If I was going to run a 3/8" axle in 14mm dropouts, would I need some kind of adapter to fill the extra space, or would that not be an issue?

sailorjames · cutter Joined: 15 Nov 2007 Posts: 329

I just searched J&B and Trek's inventory and see nothing above 400mm
Looks like Thomsons can come as long as 410mm though.

I also think the axle would need to be big enough to fill the dropouts. I've never tried it myself, but I'd think you may have some problematic flexiness in the wheel if the axle didn't fit in the dropouts properly.

elzie5000 · cutter Joined: 25 Oct 2007 Posts: 1177

I think the axle could be shimmed without too much trouble, but if I can't find a long enough seat post the project is a no-go.

bryant · hipster Joined: 25 Oct 2007 Posts: 111

there are several companies that make 14mm to 3/8" adapters. you can probably find one from a mail order bmx company.

jdbaum3 · hipster Joined: 24 Oct 2007 Posts: 132

harris cyclery has QBP's online catalog up under special orders, so if they don't have it and trek and J&B don't have it then it's going to be pretty much a no go unless you happen to freakishly find some old one on ebay.

bryant · hipster Joined: 25 Oct 2007 Posts: 111

i hate dans comp about as much as anyone but for something as small as this i dont see any harm in ordering it from such a lame company. just did a quick look to see if they still sell them. theyre just one state over and can get them to you quick. if you want to support a mail order company that doesn't suck as much try albes

http://www.danscomp.com/440015.php?cat=PARTS

elzie5000 · cutter Joined: 25 Oct 2007 Posts: 1177

Thanks for the link Bryant.

Harris/QBP has two 450mm suspension posts in a smaller diameter, but the max height is still too low.

I think I need to wait and get a real minivelo frame.

jdbaum3 · hipster Joined: 24 Oct 2007 Posts: 132

speaking of smaller diameters, did you look into finding the right length and shimming it?

elzie5000 · cutter Joined: 25 Oct 2007 Posts: 1177

themanmachine · hipster Joined: 14 Feb 2008 Posts: 116

I'll test it out for you if you buy it.
_________________
"AK'll light up your chest like ET."
-E40

themanmachine · hipster Joined: 14 Feb 2008 Posts: 116

Also, this might be relevant to your interests:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=150333768868
_________________
"AK'll light up your chest like ET."
-E40

elzie5000 · cutter Joined: 25 Oct 2007 Posts: 1177

The Silgey is what got me thinking about minivelos in the first place.

That and:

stringa · Posted: Tue May 26, 2009 2:31 pm Post subject:

When I made mine I used EMT conduit and an old-style seat clamp, then welded a brace from the post to the headtube/toptube junction. Probably more labor intensive than you're looking for, but it's stiffer then a priest in a brothel.
_________________
ridin' a heavy bike makes you faster