Rat Bike Commuter Build - Vintage Ken Evans

Rebuilt this sweet old Ken Evans Columbus Frameset into a rat styled commuter. Kept the paint original as the graphics/decals were too rad to remove.
Specs - www.waveywheel...
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Wavey Wheelies

[@mlongob]

i've watched this video a hundred times and still enjoy it every time, this (for me) is your best build. Love the style, the components, and the final result. pure beauty.

[@waveywheelies]

wow thank you so much! Ill make sure to keep doing some similar styled builds in the future, really appreciate the feedback✌️

[@reidwollen1730]

Yess! Couldn’t agree more ive watched this a million times

[@AlexdaCunha]

x2

[@waveywheelies]

Pretty dam stoked how it came out in the end! What's your guys thoughts?

[@civanlfc4358]

Off topic but should I get Dia gran compe hubs or Ridea ht?

[@lukeleedham9925]

Love it mate!

[@jaspervanestelfeen2173]

@@civanlfc4358 Go for dia gran compe hubs

[@civanlfc4358]

@@jaspervanestelfeen2173 Will do! 😅

[@jaspervanestelfeen2173]

Really nice frame with some nice patina for a reasonable rebuild project.The frame is worth to bring it back on the roads and the (used) parts fit perfectly.

[@ajflores9687]

This channel is therapy for me ♨️ cheers from Queens New York ✌️

[@waveywheelies]

Awesome to hear! ✌️from New Zealand

[@monicalopez8634]

awesome!..I love the old patina on everything!..Bikeshopgirl from Houston Texas😜😜😜

[@waveywheelies]

Thank you!

[@nedea]

Looks like a great ride i must say. Turned out really nice! Keep up the good work 🔥

[@waveywheelies]

Yo thanks man! I appreciate the support👌

[@steelcrazy409]

Great result.Good to see the old steelies being given a new life.Love these kinds of builds where the life of the bike is told on the frame and older parts are utilised as well as new ones where needed.

[@waveywheelies]

Thanks! I totally agree

[@schwinnguy]

Just discovered your channel, I've been a bicycle mechanic for 40 years. This is like meditation for me, very relaxing! Best of all, I couldn't spot a single mistake, you even used the right tool to crimp the end caps, and the right number of crimps. The zig zag of the seat post and the handle bar stem did grate a bit, I would have used a ball hone to smooth out the tubes inside, but maybe not on a rat bike like this. I even liked the level of patination, just perfect.

[@rojasuno]

Normally, i prefer a trackbike but every single detail in this Ratbike,turn it out so hot!! My respect, bro!

[@waveywheelies]

Yoo thanks bro!✌️

[@MaximRecoil]

If it were mine I would try to remove the rust. You can wrap the rust spots with a paper towel soaked with vinegar, and then wrap the paper towel with Saran wrap to keep it from drying out. Leave it there for a few/several hours and the rust should come off (it might need a little help afterwards from something mild like car polish to make it look like shiny bare steel). I don't think that vinegar will affect the paint in that amount of time, but you could test it on an inconspicuous area first. Once all the rust was removed I'd wax the frame to prevent it from rusting again. That would make the frame look well-used yet well-maintained, instead of well-used and neglected.

[@secretdaisy6484]

Agreed. 👍

[@franciscogimenez4178]

Lovely. Some day I want to do a project like that!

[@thorinbyrd1017]

Your attention to detail is amazing. I’d definitely shred that bike if I had it.

[@waveywheelies]

Thanks man🤙

[@luismondragon1087]

I love how he said low cost and put Araya super aero wheels, 105 components in a Colombus tubing road bike, that in my third world country would be a high end bike whith top end components

[@janeblogs324]

People put them in the rubbish in my country :$

[@nicodanger13]

Nice bike! I've done two, one on a '70 road race steel frame and one on a '00 alumimium/carbon fiber fork road race. But both with 3x chainring (i have steep uphills here). The steel one is really cool but the al/carb is faster

[@noahjohnson5845]

Cool video! I've built up a commuter that's pretty similar, but with a vintage Peugeot frame. I've been considering converting it to a 1x for a while so It was cool to see your build, keep up the great work!

[@waveywheelies]

Thanks!! Sounds like a sweet build. I definitely enjoy 1x, just that little less clutter and also simplicity

[@billzielke6798]

Very nice! Looks fast. Flat bars were a good choice.

[@waveywheelies]

Thanks!

[@rojasuno]

The chrome flat bars was the best choice ever!

[@KVNSEYY]

Thank god you didnt get rid of the rusty scratches😄 looks better

[@jasony9047]

At 17:47 you use a special wrench while adjusting rear brake. What’s that one called? Also, shout out from Canada. Your videos are awesome. You inspired me to do a single speed conversion build. Keep up the great work!!

[@grzegorzkaczmarek8513]

Everything functions properly kzbin.infoUgkxHL1v1R3NE5x4KiYfyt8dnQmyNYz7qi5L Nothing was damaged in the box aside from a decal on the fork. The decal was missing a piece of a corner but I ended up peeling them off anyways. Assembly is easy BUT make sure you tune up the derailleurs. Both the front and rear need adjusting. I'd advise going to a bike shop but I opted out and put in 10+ hours with the help of KZbin. Ended up fraying a shifter cable but all in all I learned from the experience. The Brakes work well but the front caliper needs adjusting or at least mine did because the rotor was rubbing against the pads. Make sure you swap out the seat, grips, and pedals. For the short run you'll be fine though. I've read that this bike isn't built yet for hard trails but I just need it for the city. PA has some of the worst roads and being in a mountain this was a great choice. Worth the investment!

[@TenFalconsMusic]

Finally... Someone builds a street fighter and doesn't use a handlebar that's as long as a flag pole. Nice👍

[@terranovnicek1567]

I love cleaned up stock paint jobs. My daily rider is an early 70s motobecane touring fixie conversion and my favorite part about it is the original, slightly chipped paint. On top of not being worried about parking it outside a store, the old paint really tells great story

[@waveywheelies]

Same here man, I love the character of them

[@cardenben]

Now my 89' Cannondale 3.0 is getting flat bars! Should benefit my T-Rex arms.

[@and6239]

Absolutely love it! Any time I see steel bikes getting some love I'm all for it. Actually just got a steel State 1x8 and its a classy looking commuter with indexed shifter on the downtube.

[@waveywheelies]

Thank you! and sweet, 1x’s all day!

[@claudiosantos3016]

.....um bom trabalho guerreiro.... porém eu teria montado de outra maneira. A bicicleta é uma bicicleta rara. Eu teria colocado guidom, manetes.... originais. Vc misturou peças atuais , ex: manetes com peças antigas.....

[@TheChris1967]

Hi great Build, I usually use aluminum foil to remove those small patches of rust😇

[@waveywheelies]

Thanks! Yeah that’s a great method✌️

[@stank666ocean]

lovee the rat builds!!!!!

[@richardcook2865]

Would love to see some more vintage road bike conversions and defiantly some more drop and bullhorn bar builds

[@waveywheelies]

Sweet man! Thanks for the feedback, I’ll keep them coming✌️

[@lucastheworldis1336]

"It's going to be a beast of a commuter bike" *proceeds to do wheelies and skid's in a parking lot* Haha nice build tho

[@waveywheelies]

Haha thanks man!

[@lillymeter1715]

12:28 perfect bike. But why do you put on both levers when only using one?

[@waveywheelies]

Just for aesthetic reasons👍

[@mcfarhan987]

those selle italia flites are so nice

[@bergolli1]

Very good. I have built something like this with cantilever brakes, maybe it was an old Cyclo Crosser. I don't like dropbars, so it was also flitted with a straight handlebar. Cheers from Germany

[@waveywheelies]

Thank you! Hello from New Zealand✌️

[@GhostTheCreator]

So cleannnnn

[@sebasbaiker5329]

puras porquerias trabajo mal echo.... ni una pintada el cuadro oxidado...... ubiera quedado super padre bien restaurada

[@konarider1215]

You could try swapping the seat out for one of those retro sprung saddles. Iv got one on my pre cursa with a gel cover over it, perfect for wheelie sessions or all day rides

[@peterverardi5118]

Nice build! what's the name of the song at the end of your video?

[@LilCripplingAnxiety]

This build is sick man, been loving the vids lately. I like where you commentate the build a bit more. Where are those bars from? Looking for something similar (unbranded polished wide risers) for a second hand build I'm refreshing!

[@waveywheelies]

Thanks man! I appreciate the feedback. I actually got these bars off an old mtb. Nitto usually have a good range or just search online✌️

[@fadyabuzayed9150]

@@waveywheelies can you please tell me the length of the bars?

[@madfx8058]

Dang!

[@vithilenka2166]

Another very goo one, dude, first I saw 75dd...now theres histogram just like mine! Youre killing it🔥

[@waveywheelies]

Thanks man! and good spotting🤫

[@saucenflow]

yo chill chill with those wheels lol

[@waveywheelies]

haha!

[@mutos82]

Hi. great job. Could you tell me, this bmx chainring is wide (like most cases of BMX) or narrow, because I don't understand how it works with 8 speed chain?

[@waveywheelies]

Hey, thanks! It’s a narrow one so works fine on a geared chain

[@onthebicycleadventures]

Hi what size wheels did you use for this bike? And what size wheels do you use for all your vintage bike single/fixed speed conversions as im looking at converting a vintage bike myself but want to get the wheel size right. Many thanks.

[@jordanl5444]

For the most part you're going to want 700c if you want a better selection of modern tires

[@secretdaisy6484]

That's one way to go. Nice job. However, looking @ the Columbus frame and the lugging plus chrome fork, I think this is a higher end frame that would be better restored. That's just my opinion & what I would have done with it. I like the deep aero rims and the narrow handle bars. 👍☮️🌟🚲

[@waveywheelies]

Thank you! And that’s fair enough, it would look sweet with a new paint job for sure. But I do personally prefer original paint and decals as long as the rust or paint isn’t too bad 🙂

[@secretdaisy6484]

@@waveywheelies Everyone has their own ideas. I get what you’re saying. 👍🚲

[@waveywheelies]

Yeah totally! There’s no right or wrong👍

[@Tommyhearnsrighthand]

You should send that back down under... to me. It's sweet

[@farkasambrus5741]

"So now I'm gonna give the whole frame a good scrub down with muc-off..." Is my favorite part in every video, other than the final results. It's just so satisfying how he says "muc-off" 😅

[@waveywheelies]

I didn’t realise I said it weirdly😅

[@richardcook2865]

@@waveywheelies neither😂🤷🏼‍♂️

[@farkasambrus5741]

@@waveywheelies It was perfect 👌

[@truthseeker8483]

So much nicer than saying fuc off....

[@fandls17yt78]

Hello friend I do not know if you answer me but I have a question What are the measurements of the sealed motor that you put my friend, is it not reached Aver Please

[@waveywheelies]

Sealed motor?

[@viperocco]

Old inner tubes can be reused for many things; always handy to have around.

[@waveywheelies]

Totally👌

[@chiroxxxrt]

What's the best ratio to ride ? Hope I'm saying it right.

[@SportyJason]

Sick, well done

[@waveywheelies]

Thanks🤙

[@thoikim732]

O đẹp quá bạn , mình thích đấy.

[@nivek29]

Beautiful build. I love fixing up old bikes and especially keeping original paint and graphics whenever possible. But, am I the only one who gets nervous every time he tightens certain things on these builds without a torque wrench? Maybe it's just me!

[@kanzatokamikaze]

very, veeeeeeeeeeery nice!

[@waveywheelies]

Thanks!!

[@tmayberry7559]

Why the two shifters if you're running a 1 X?

[@thesausage351]

Damn man, a white frame always looks mint, and chrome forks are sweet as, they should be mandatory on any retro build haha. This is really nice, perfect daily bike for sure. I’m building my own rat now, it’s a lot older though, probably 60’s or 70’s so this bike has inspired me heaps, I’m trying to keep it cheap too.

[@waveywheelies]

Yeah man I totally agree about chrome forks! As soon as it was all built up I realised how nice it looked with the rest of the silver components. Glad to hear that man! What frame are you building up?

[@thesausage351]

@@waveywheelies It’s a bit of a strange one. It has an Oxford Cycles badge, and is mostly all green, but it has Speedwell stickers on it. However, under the green paint, and stickers, there is a metallic red and either white or gold stripes. So what I think has happened is it started off as an Oxford, 3 speed hub type bike and at some point someone has painted it and threw on new stickers, and converted it into a 10 speed. I’m leaving the frame exactly as it is, I’ll just give it a wash, and then I’ll go for 26” wheels, coaster brake, and run something like 2 or 2.5” slick on it. I got some near new gullwing bars and stem coming so I’ll spray the stem black and matte black on the bars so there’s no chrome to ruin the beater look. Should come up pretty cool.

[@ToddBrittain1963]

Now there's a name I haven't heard in a while. In 1983 Ken Evans custom built me a 62cm road bike out of Columbus tube. Upon receiving the machine, I took it out for it's first ride, powered up a steep hill, and with a loud crack, the pedal torque caused the bottom bracket to separate from the frame, rendering the bike completely unrideable. I was not impressed.

[@waveywheelies]

Wow I don’t think I’ve heard of that happening before, I assume Ken Evans sorted that out for you?

[@ToddBrittain1963]

@@waveywheelies Yes, I sent the bike back and he fixed it. When I got it back after the repair, I sold it at a considerable loss. The whole experience was pretty disappointing actually.

[@Ooklathemok3]

Just came across your channel, and now im contemplating turning my old Peugeot into a single speed. Cheers from Brooklyn

[@dugldoo]

This is a nice fitness bike, but my ideal commuter would have a longer stem for more upright riding.

[@guerlainvancanneyt7960]

pourquoi met tu un système de changement de vitesse a gauche sachant que tu est en mono devant ?

[@Saints66]

WOW great stuff - KE with Abeni with some old and new👍👍

[@n-masood]

Hot damn that looks fun to ride

[@waveywheelies]

Sure is🤘

[@hugomundo4826]

Its hard asf to wheelie in speed tires, mah dood

[@nurma290]

Size bottom bracket please?

[@andyjayso4551]

Hi, what's the handlebar width?

[@abrispinczes7088]

Its always a delight for mee to see a proper bike building. I mean proper, it isn't a worthless fixi, or ss shit.

[@dontbelieveeverythingyouth8173]

Ken Evans 🇦🇺

[@benjaminstratford8800]

How do you find nice steel frames online?

[@waveywheelies]

All sorts of places really. What are you after and what part of the world?

[@benjaminstratford8800]

@@waveywheelies Like high quality vintage in Canada (west coast)

[@ReportedScammer0312]

Amazing build! Wish I could own something like that!

[@heybenjoman4608]

Whats the bar size

[@techstryker]

❤❤❤

[@reececollado9275]

BEAST! 🔥

[@kamillajangirov6466]

Is there a place to add a water bottle?

[@floppywonka]

did you add the front shifter just to keep the set together? sick build, inspirational for sure

[@johnprice1105]

Is it the proper tool your using to press the bearing cups in if so what's it cost, cheers

[@waveywheelies]

The headset press?

[@qaijuana]

Hey bud! Been obsessed with your channel lately. I'm trying to fit a 650B tyre on a vintage road race bike that uses caliber brakes. Any tips and rim recommendation?

[@waveywheelies]

Hey, thanks man! are you putting 650b wheels on a 700c road bike or is it originally 650b?

[@johnbharwincatalan2471]

Bottom bracket size??

[@ibsbikeshopmartapura137]

nice work brother 👌👌👌😀

[@xcvxc1338]

Im only 3 minutes into the video and i already love it! Thanks for sharing that flite in its original box, what a beauty! One question tho, did the bb really come off that easy?

[@matthewburnett8911]

Awesome build. I’m going to follow your lead and do something similar with a Trek 1100. With the 1x conversion do you have any problem with the chain slipping off the cassette?

[@waveywheelies]

Thanks!! Haven’t had any issues so far, have been commuting on it for a while and it’s been great

[@janeblogs324]

Is this a kurahawa frame?

[@mikewilson164]

why do u put the brakes backwards?? right= rear

[@waveywheelies]

That’s the standard here in New Zealand, also goes for most countries that drive on the left side

[@truthseeker8483]

Front derailleur lever should be really handy.........haha Nice bike I like the 105 parts

[@waveywheelies]

haha! its just for the visual balance

[@mmau]

Yeah, turned out great!

[@peachmelba1000]

🎵 He has the box!🎵

[@danmurphy2379]

Hey man - is selling these builds how you make money? Or do you tend to keep them? How did you learn? Is this your workshop? Just intrigued if I could ever do something similar!!

[@waveywheelies]

I sell some of them yep, it helps me fund new projects. I learnt by just fixing my own bikes growing up over the years. What are you thinking of doing? Feel free to message me on instagram if you need any help or anything!

[@Anatoli-y]

Nice solid build! Funny, i waiting for a road bike for rebild.. Dropbars and groupset going to gravel bike, and i changing it to flatbars. And this vid with roadie on flatbar in my recomendations)

[@waveywheelies]

Thanks!✌️

[@nebojsabekvalac4137]

👌👌👌

[@huucuongnguyen2013]

I wish i have one :"

[@watts391]

Wow, another great one. This guy knows.

[@batucave]

Steel is real!

[@markfisher299]

Them rims 👌

[@motechrecords]

what grease are you using for the seat post? also what grease are you using for everything else?

[@waveywheelies]

I’m using finish line premium grease at the moment. But there’s loads of good greases out there

[@Nilbog-Hunter]

Holy ads

[@Daichi__-ge6lv]

Super cool. I'll use this as a reference.

[@carryvan]

👌 nice

[@matt_squires_og]

Sick!!

[@florindocaraballo5516]

Sweet

[@isaacsanchez3339]

Love your videos keep up the great work

[@ryansont]

what kind of handlebar is that?

[@waveywheelies]

Just a flat 25.4 mtb bar. Unsure of brand sorry

[@coffeepot3123]

Glad you found a use for an older bike!. A lot of people just toss them away after a few years or neglect them.

[@waveywheelies]

Totally! I love saving old bikes, most of them have a whole lot more life in them!😌

[@eckyzahro6880]

Hot AF!!!!

[@MrObie107]

Ireakky enjoyed to watch a master at work

[@dbhtube]

Love this idea. turned out great. What's the width of the flat bar?