A new bike project…

As the longtime reader of my blog can attest (assuming that person is still reading this blog – perhaps it’s just me), I’ve been going on and on about bikes for a while. Mostly it’s been been about how I’d like a new one. I’d actually like several new ones.
That, of course, isn’t happening soon; funding just isn’t available.
But I’ve just discovered I do have an option…a new, old bike. No, I’m not going to purchase a used bike. As it turns out, I own one.
It’s a Fujiyama ATB from around 1996 or 1997. I think I bought it to ride to work when I was still in the retail trade. I never really cared for it as I had been a road guy in a previous incarnation. The last registration sticker I see on the bike is from 1998 and I recall not reregistering it in 1999. I’m pretty sure I never rode it after that either, so it’s been closeted away for quite some time.
I was trying to find out something about it last night and a Google search of Fujiyama bikes turns up…nothing. I’m thinking it may be a low-end Fuji, but it’s hard to say. It’s a steel framed non-suspension bike using 26″ wheels. Currently it has thumb shifting S.I.S. gears, 3×6 for 18 speeds. Everything actually looks okay except for the plastic pedals which simply have to go.
Indeed everything must go. I’m going to turn it into a single speed, at least that’s the plan. It’ll give me something to play with and when it’s done, I’ll have a decent commuter for short trips around the neighborhood. Once that’s done, I can turn my Giant into an Xtracycle.
I’m hoping this whole deal can be accomplished for under $100. I’ll be doing it in bits and pieces and, as much as I’d like to start after work today, that ain’t happening…too much to do. Tomorrow it is then! As soon as I can find a picture of the bike, I’ll post it here.
In the meantime, here are some resources I’ve been able to find…
Build a “Single Speed” from the Reject Pile By Keith Bontrager
MTBR – Single Speed Conversions
..and of course Sheldon Brown on the subject…
Single Speed Conversions
..and Sheldon mentions…
Eric House’s material
Aloha!