A 24" Wheel Tourer

Terence, my nine year old son, has been bugging me about doing a bike camping trip. And, of course, he needs a suitable bike. After weighing up several options, buying an expensive childs bike, making a bike from scratch, I happened on this frame during a hard rubbish clean-up(there is a recurring theme here). Perfect, a small "road" frame built for 24" wheels. Ok, it is as heavy as lead, made from gas-pipe with a one-piece head tube/lugs, but after some tlc, I figure it will get him started. And also give him some bike repairing experience.

The bike will largely be kitted with an older Shimano 600 group, hubs, BB, brakes and levers, DT shifters, derailleurs, and etc. I sourced a T/A Specialties 160mm crank, used with Shimano 324 SPD pedals, which will be abit long but will work for the near term. Nitto 390mm handlebars, Nitto 65mm Technomics stem and Nitto S-65 seatpost along with a no-name saddle round out the cockpit. The 36H hubs will be laced to Velocity Triple-V 507BSD rims with Wheelsmith straight gauge spokes.

Here the bike is sans wheels and handlebar tape...

Here is the bike in its latest incarnation. Terence just used for his first serious off-road ride when this photo was taken. There will be some more changes soon, with a set of 160mm Sugino PX cranks, Mafac Raid centerpull brakes, and Shimano 324SPD pedals. He also wants to change the saddle again, maybe he will get a Brooks saddle this time.