Dynacraft PK-7 | Conversion candidate?

[whatsmiranda]

Hai gais. New here. Looking for some help. Local Target doesn't carry this model in-store. So, no tires to kick. Any experienced eyes out there see anything that could bar this donor from duty?

http://www.target.com/Dynacraft-PK-7-Road-Bike-Silver/dp/B00275BXK2/ref=br_1_6/190-3428686-6199169?ie=UTF8&frombrowse=1&searchView=grid5&searchNodeID=16259321&node=16259321&searchRank=price&searchPage=3&searchSize=30&id=Dynacraft%20PK-7%20Road%20Bike%20Silver

Looks like this bike meets most of the donor criteria:
> low crossbar height - unable to determine (17" frame height; top tube appears level with top of tires)
> 22.2 mm OD stem - unable to determine
> traditional style seat clamp - check (visual)
> linear pull brakes - check
> 26" x 1.5" road tires - half a check (26" x 1.95" knobby tires; upgradeable)
> 17" frame for low center of gravity - check
> fork leg aligned with axle - check (visual)
> alloy chainwheel and cranks - unable to determine
> standard style fork neck - check (visual)
BONUS: aluminum frame (37.4 lb bike weight)
BONUS: $130 for bike
NEGATIVE: some older (pre-2008) Dynacraft models recalled for forks/frames cracking

Bikepedia didn't list the bike and a forum search of 'Dynacraft' returned this:
http://www.cruzbike.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=349&p=2538&hilit=Dynacraft&sid=cf3a84c2ceb2cc0f2cc182ed26dc3eb1#p2538
Not the same bike since that was a 24" 2008 Vertical model.

So what do you think? If this qualifies (fingers crossed, eyes crossed, toes crossed) the wife and I will be proud new owners of 2 conversion kits.

 

[defjack]

Looks ok to me. Jack

 

[whatsmiranda]

Jack, thanks for the quick reply.

As a novice, do you think I can build this without cutting any metal?

Also, I found a floor model at another nearby Target. Was able to measure 27" from the ground to the top tube at the angle in the Y, 28" from the ground right where the top tube meets the seat post. Being a whopping 5'2" (29" inseam), would I have any trouble with the modified seating (i.e. putting legs on ground at rest)? If so, would adjusting the back suspension and downgrading to 24" wheels address the issue? Any performance hits (besides more pedaling) for this additional modifcation?

Gonna have to do 2nd trip to really look the bike over... seems overall quality is a bit anemic, but then again a light, cheap frame is what this thing's got to offer.

 

[trapdoor2]

whatsmiranda wrote: I found a floor model at another nearby Target. Was able to measure 27" from the ground to the top tube at the angle in the Y, 28" from the ground right where the top tube meets the seat post. Being a whopping 5'2" (29" inseam), would I have any trouble with the modified seating (i.e. putting legs on ground at rest)? If so, would adjusting the back suspension and downgrading to 24" wheels address the issue? Any performance hits (besides more pedaling) for this additional modifcation?

Gonna have to do 2nd trip to really look the bike over... seems overall quality is a bit anemic, but then again a light, cheap frame is what this thing's got to offer.

You can add about 2" to the top tube measurements...that will estimate the bottom of the conversion kit seat pan. Since your inseam is within a few inches of the bare top tube, I would say that this bike frame will be unsuitable for you. Even with the suspension completely collapsed, it will be too tall. Converting to 24" wheels will help but I don't know how much.

My conversion is about 23" to the seat pan and my inseam is 32"...and I'm barely comfortable at a stop (both legs down, the front edge of the seat pan cuts into your thighs). I've done two conversions and if I had to do a third I would spend a lot of time looking for something with a 17"-19" top tube measurement.

The build quality on these "bottom end" bikes isn't too bad until you get to the componentry. Derailleurs, shifters, cabling, shocks, etc., are usually pitiful. I ended up spending several times the bike's original value to upgrade the components. They will have 1" headsets (you'll need a quill adapter) and often small, short, steel seatposts that are hard to adapt or replace. I was able to do it in my first build...and the bike worked, but was not completely satisfactory. The front forks on these bikes are often narrower than usual (mine was only 110mm) and I had to do a lot of finagleing to get both the correct width axle (to shift it into the rear fork) and to get the conversion plates fitted. The good thing was that I went into the project knowing I was starting with cheap junk and understanding I would have to get creative to make it work. The process was fun for me but in the long run I think it would have been cheaper to just have bought a Softrider in the first place. :roll:

 

[defjack]

I just measured my bikes and the top tubes from front of seatpost to back of headtube is around 19in. also wheelbase 39-41in. these are small or med. frames. There are plenty of small bikes out there that will work.You will be ok if you can do most of your own work . The thing I like about small frames is they are a lot lower to the ground so are easier and more fun to ride.On the Downtube I could blast around corners just like the Silvio. Jack

 

[tomsdish]

I also was wondering whether the PK-7 could be a conversion candidate. My concern was how the front half of the top tube angled up to the head. Don't know how this would all shake out for the seat installation. Even though it is listed as a 17" frame it still seemed high. Came pretty close to going for it but for the time being will try to find a suitable woman's bike. Is there any chance of finding a 24" wheel bike that 26" wheels could be put on? Even if there was clearance for the wheel was wondering about the brakes.

Tom

 

[defjack]

I think the top tube is ok.The 17in frame is pretty big so the seat can wont be too far forward.

 

[whatsmiranda]

Yah I hear ya, trapdoor2. More and more, it looks like this project is gonna require some research and commitment (which is great for someone who's got the time and money to tinker around.) Well this route has officially been detoured for me...

Although, if the wife and I forgo this summer's planned vacation, we might be able to afford the Softriders outright. Gah, decisions decisions! Anyway thanks all for the help. Gonna sit on this awhile.

 

[whatsmiranda]

Well, decided to take the plunge and get the Softriders. Should be here soon... can't wait!