The time was flying over the last few weeks, we had to deal with COVID-19, I had a bike accident, a very strange 'handicap', and was very busy working for my company. Furthermore, we experienced the biggest earthquake in Taiwan in the last 25 years. All this kept me busy and might excuse me for not writing on this blog for some time.
Some Background and the Plan
The before-mentioned bike accident deformed the head tube of my 'Italian Style' new Bike Built' frame. I didn't feel comfortable riging a deformed frame and took it as unsafe to ride and uneconomical to repair. So, I looked for a good 2nd hand or NOS (new old stock) replacement, possibly un-assembled.
My main goal for the new bike was to be as economical as I could by using still good parts from my damaged bike. To achieve this, the new 700c wheeled frame should have
a similar size as my old traditionally designed frame with a horizontal top tube (58cm)
should take road caliper brake
the same 1/8' head tube as my 'old' full carbon fork
130mm rear spacing
68 mm BSA bottom bracket
Like my damaged frame, I didn't want it to be a lightweight racer but a reasonably weighted endurance bike for longer days in the saddle. It should be strong enough for carrying my frame bag which takes my safety equpment for the road like a multi-tool, spare inner tubes, my phone, and, of course, my wallet. There should be space for a rain jacket and snacks or gels which I would store in the same frame bag.
Sometimes I would like to add my full camping gear with my sleeping bag in a handlebar bag and my one-man tent in the saddle bag with some clothes.
To make it even more versatile, I planned on repalcing my road bike shoes with gravel shoes and matching MTB clipless pedals. Comfort would improve with softer shoes and no more walking on slippery plastic cleats improved my safety and would save some money saving on replacements.
Making all these plans with bags, gravel- and mountain bike parts based on a road bike frame, I realized that we are living in a very convenient age with nearly unlimited information through my phone or the internet. I can save on several bikes and choose from different styles and designs to build a bike for my needs.
Frame, BMC Streetfire SS02
I found a nice new alloy frame from a reputable Swiss bike company, BMC. The company started in 1986 as an assembler and wholesale distributor of Raleigh Cycles. After losing its distributor's license, it began building bikes under a new BMC label but remained a niche brand. In 2001, the company shifted its strategy, turning to engineering and design.
As the frame had all the right measurements to replace my older ones at minimal costs, I felt this could be the right one. The NOS (New Old Stock) seller had two frames in the same size XL, one in silver and the other in blue. I usually ride a L-framed bike but according to the internet, all BMC official sizes are on the smaller side. So the XL would fit my Large size and it felt right.
After some color debates with my wife, we've decided to go with the silver frame. The blue was very bright and shiny, but scratches would be seen more easily. So I've decided to buy the frame for NTD4.500 (~EUR130,00, ~USD138.00) incl. shipping incl.
-complete headset with sealed bearings
-two different seat post binders, one with a screw and one with quick-release
right to my front door.
Technical Details:
Material: Dedacciai 7003 triple-butted tubing
Brakes: Caliper Brakes
Steerer Tube: 1 1/8"
Seat Post Diameter: 31.6 mm
Bottom Bracket: BSA
Color: Silver
Available Sizes: S/M/L/XL
Overall Impression of the BMC Streetfire
As the frame is the most important part of any bike, I would like to add some more details:
The long head tube looked very unusual for a road bike. For me, it looked like a lion king holding its head high into the wind. I only used one spacer between the end of the head tube and the stem, giving it a low 'pro' look, even the front it is build very high. The sloping top tube gives the frame a kind of mountain bike look. Except for the head and seat tube, I could not find even one straigt tube on the whole frame.
Top Tube: is D-shaped with a flat on the top. I looks like a flat aero style - I've measured:
a. 32.0 (w) x 41.0 (h) near head tube
b. 35.0 (w) x 37.0 (h) near the seat tube.
The silvers stickers indiacte the frame, 'SS02 Streetfire'
Down Tube: is D-shaped with a flat on the top and buttonI've measured:
a. 36.5mm (w) x 69.6mm (h) near the head tube
b. 56.5mm (w) x 51mm (h) near the bb.
The silvery stickers identify the manufacturer BMC in big letters.
Seat Tube: I measured 34.9 mm for a 31.6mm seat tube. The 'dedacciai double butted' sticker can be found where the top and seat tube meet.
Seat Stays: two alloy tubes are welded together to created a wishbone design. After the wheels both seat stays make an elegant curve to create an inner wheel space of 130mm. Silvery stickers style', passion, precision in white letters decorate the seat stays.
Chain Stays: the alloy tubes make a gentle curve from the buttom bracket to the rear wheel pace.
Weight:
I've measured the overall weight of the frame (XL) =1.695 kgs, the same as my 58 cm steel Reynolds 853 with carbon seat and chain stays. It is not a lightweight frame but reasonable when considering the price. Im my experience, the weight of the complete bike would be 9.0kgs. I've measured 9.2kgs with pledals and 2 bottle cages for the final build.
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