On embarking on this project i was not sure whether i should get a track frame or mountain bike frame as a base to build the bike. All i knew is i wanted something a little different and unique, something that you wouldn’t see here on Australian shores.
This led me a couple of nights ago to hunt around on Ebay UK. I know the single speed scene is getting big over there and was thinking i would be lucky to find anything any good at a reasonable price, but i also knew i wouldn’t find anything in Australia or that the odds of doing so were much lower. As luck would have it i stumbled across a 15 year old Orange P7 Mountain Bike frame and forks. I know back from my early days of cycling that the P7 has always had an excellent reputation as a strong, lightweight, versatile steel frame. The frame is still made today and has not changed a great deal. What made this frame even more unique is that it has already had the rear drop-outs converted to horizontal drops so there will be no work needed doing on removing the defunct rear mech hanger.
I won the bid at $194.00 AUD! Even though it’s costing just as much to ship the bike over to Oz i still think this is a bargain and a great start to the project. As soon as it arrives I will upload the first set of pictures. It seems to be in good condition given its age, it’s pretty scratched up but that doesn’t matter as it’s going to get shot blasted and resprayed anyway. Let’s hope I do this classic frame some justice and create a sick street machine!
