Shopping for Donors Again

[pastymage]

My interest in the conversion kit has re-kindled recently...all this weirdly warm weather, probably.

Looking at this one:
http://www.kmart.com/shc/s/p_10151_10104_080W123770110001P?sid=KDx20070926x00003a&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=080W123770110001

Cheap, and a ridiculously low flat-ish crossbar. Anyone see any gotchas there?

If it's *too* low or the crossbar angle is an issue, the men's version is also there:
http://www.kmart.com/shc/s/p_10151_10104_080W121045110001P?sid=KDx20070926x00003a&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=080W121045110001

I've got the money and I'm ready to buy - only reason I haven't ordered the kit already is I want to make sure if I'll need any extra accessories with it based on my donor before I pull the trigger.

-Dave

 

[pastymage]

There's also this one, which

There's also this one, which looks a little lower than the men's evolution above, but still has rear suspension:
http://www.amazon.com/Pacific-Chromium-Girls-Dual-Suspension-Mountain/dp/B003S0LBL6/ref=pd_sbs_sg_1

 

[Doug Burton]

Top Tube

The only concern I have with the first one you listed is the fork crown may interfere with your knees.

The other two I think will be too tall unless you are also too tall...

Let us know if we can help.

Cheers,

Doug

 

[boogusdog]

Donor Bikes


I too am looking at donors. This one looks perfect (light, low, and good reviews on the shifter) except it is 24". http://www.walmart.com/ip/NEXT-TiaraPro-24-Girls-Bike/14711878?adid=bzv_fb_revshr_001. Is it possible to use 26" wheels on a 24" bike? If so, what are the problems/cures.

Thanks

 

[boogusdog]

Donor Bikes


If not, why not just keep the 24" wheels and buy some 1.25 tires? Do they make 1.25 tires for 24" wheels? It seems to me being lower to the ground will produce less wind resistance at higher speeds and make it easier to ground your feet at slower speeds when necessary. But then I am just a newbe with a bad back.

 

[pastymage]

Heights

I'm 6'0" (200 lbs and falling). On the Amazon one , the part of the crossbar where the seat base goes (if I'm understanding things correctly) actually looks *lower* than the tops of the tires, I thought that's what we're shooting for here?

-Dave

 

[John Tolhurst]

In the middle of the bike

@ pastymage
In the middle of the bike is where we need to get that seat pan, as well as low. On the amazon example, the seat would a little far back. You might find you like it there. At 6'0", bring it forward and up a little won't be all bad either.

 

[pastymage]

I guess I'll try the first

I guess I'll try the first one at Kmart that's really low - if my knees and the fork don't play well together, I'd have some room to put a spacer in the "V" and raise the seat up a bit while still having it lower than the wheel tops. Failing that, I can always return it and keep trying donors until I get one that works for me.

-Dave

 

[atr62]

Bridgestone MB-3 Frame on hand.

Hi,

Does it have to be a "Y" frame doner? I have a Bridgestone MB-3 frame (15.5"frame size) that I would love to convert. Just wonder...

Thanks

Angelo