I picked up a couple of frames yesterday off FBM for winter builds.
First is a Bianchi Randonneur. Made in Japan, double butted tubing. I have an old touring bike that I've had since college, and it has always been just a touch big for me, so I don't ride it that much. This frame is 1/2" smaller, should be perfect.
Question: It has some patina to it. Should I leave it, repaint the frame the original color, or just clear over the bare spots? I've had thoughts of painting it Celeste green.
Second frame is a Trek 8.5 DS. I have a Trek 7500 with a 17.5" frame, the top tube has always felt short. This bike obviously has a long top tube, plus it is 19.5" I may end up getting a shorter stem.
Question: This Isozone suspension deal. I almost considered not buying the frame because of it. It looks like there's a guy on eBay who makes replacement rubber blocks, but he's sold out right now. I won't know if I need new ones until I build this and ride it. Thinking of just making a couple aluminum bushings and locking out all the movement. Maybe not aluminum, maybe delrin or something. Anyone want to 3d print a pair out of something really stiff?
