Machine Politics vs Beaver Boys, May 2011. Photo by Bruce Carver
Rode one of these bikes at NAHBS, and had a sneaky suspicion that one day I wouldn't be able to resist. Acme Bike got a few framesets in and I had a slew of components from a failed folding bike project.
On the roads, its a shit load of fun, and quicker than expected. As long as the surface I'm on is fairly smooth, I can hang with the 700c crowd. Its when the roads get gnarly, that's when I miss the rolling power of larger wheels. It doesn't feel overly squirrely and accelerates scary fast.
For polo, I won't be the first to say that this bike has its pluses and minuses. The small wheels are great for maneuvering and bursts of speed, and the top tube is conveniently low enough to reach the mallet over to the left side (if I righty like myself.) But when you find yourself on the defense, you miss the cover and deflection that larger wheels offer, especially if playing right at the goal.
The set up are the parts that I had. I will be needing a brake soon, as I need more control on the pitch. I also like the tires I have on it right now, and Im slowly dragging them away. I will also start experimenting more with gearing, probably drop down to at least a 42, if not a 38 on the front.
Build is a bit different than pictured:
20" Sun Rims laced to Surly Track Hubs
Black Pake Cranks
Time ATAC Pedals
Gumwall Tires (given to me from Elrod, they kick ass, dont know name)
Brooks B-17 Saddle
No Name Flat Bars
Ritchey Stem
The End!
i havent looked into the brake any further, but im sure ill need the longest of long reach brakes to make it work.
with the tire in the picture, the clearance was VERY tight, probably not more than a few mm on each side. the tire pictured is a 1.85" on the rear. i currently have a 1.5", and it fits great, even with the axle moved up in the dropouts.
update on the braking situation.
tried to use a long reach road caliper. SO close, but not enough. so i scored a bolt-on u-brake mount and u-brake. even though it was a high end u-brake and a decent lever, it still pulled like shit. plus, with no guides, the cable frequently slid around under the zip ties, driving me nuts.
the sillgey is retired as my polo bike, and i doubt ill be going back to it any time. i have been using a 26" mtb with a freewheel, and prefer it over this bike.
lemme know how the search for a brake that works with those wheels/tires goes.. also, how's the clearance around the rear tire from your chain stays, it looks like the rear wheel is pretty far out in the dropouts. i'd like to know because i always wanted to set mine up with bmx wheels but knew it'd be a headache and probably wouldn't work in the end (the way i wanted it to) anyways. but i would definitely be running a freewheel. i did however do quite a bit of research figuring out how it might work and got some good ideas. anyways, dope build and good luck.
-hero squad * milwaukee, wi-
- Beaver Boys * Milwaukee Bike Polo Club -