Just an update. My son received his eBay bike and is happy with it. Looks like it was poorly set up. Apparently it mostly looks like new but rear rims worn - looks like previous owner cycled around with poorly adjusted brakes. I’ve not actually seen it yet but he is happy. I’ve got my Trek which is definitely a bit more beat up but mechanically sound - needs a new chain.
I never really intended to convert this bike and having ridden it will definitely not. It’s a 3x9 with a 26t big cog at the back and a 26t granny ring - so lowest gear is 1 to 1. I cycled it up my long steep hill to my house and managed it. What surprised me was that overall it was easier than the other bike I have just got, a Cannondale 650b wheels with 22t granny ring and 34t at the rear.
Ok, on the Trek I did have to get out the saddle for a short section, the hill is 16%, but I was amazed at how the lower weight and rolling resistance made such a big difference. I’m going to swap the 26t granny ring for a 22t and I think that will mean I can stay in the saddle. Had intended to swap the cassette but I don’t think that will be necessary. The bike feels very fast compared with the other bikes I’ve been riding recently and surprisingly comfortable on the skinny tyres. Even the rim brakes feel more than adequate - certainly in the dry. I’ll mainly use this bike for riding for fun and I am really enjoying it.
The Cannondale feels like riding around on a tank, slow and unresponsive. It will make a good electric conversion though, hydraulic brakes, sturdy wheels, still relatively comfortable. I don’t think I’ll enjoy ridding it over the cutoff speed for long though. Still deciding which motor. My TSDZ2 will fit if I re-route derailleur cable. I would get TSDZ8 but not with lack of spare parts. Reluctantly considering Bafang mid-drive or rear hub conversion. Certainly would prefer to be able to use existing 48v ‘box’ battery.
Recently swapped brakes over on my crapcycle and they are much better. Still v brakes and very cheap ones at that, but they actually stop the bike now. The crapcycle will live on as my pub bike…