I adjusted the saddle and coasted down the driveway several times. I really like the geometry of the frame. When I put a new chain on, I'll get a better idea of the feel of the bike.
Here's the basic to-do list to get it operational:
-new brake cables
-new chain
-new tubes
-new tires
After I get the items above on, and if I like the bike, then I'll look for:
-wider handlebars
-different saddle (would like a Brooks B-17 eventually (but then, wouldn't we all?))
The bike needs a really good cleaning, but there is very little rust on the derailleurs, or on the hub skewers, so this bike was kept in a garage at least. The tires are weather checked with age, but the tubes held air!
This bike is quite light, but I don't think it is as light as my Trek:
Anyway, I'm pretty excited about this new bike. It'll give me some more wheels, and if I don't care for it after I do the basics, I can sell it.
Happy riding!
11 comments:
Looks like a great find.
Hey, you seem into old bikes, and I'm starting on reviving a 1988 Trek 520, lugged steel.
Should I be "inpecting" the inside of such an old frame somewhow, or using framesaver or stuff like that? If you don't know, does anybody else reading this?
Rantwick - Good question - I don't know. This frame looks good - no apparent rust on the outside, but I don't know how to check the inside either.
That bike is begging for a nice Brooks saddle!
You guys are finding some cool bikes, lately.
Y'all are getting a little A-R, worrying about "inside" rust. Given that all those tubes are sealed up by the crank, stem, and seatpost, how do you think it'd rust on the inside without some external evidence? Presumably, most bikes are not stored at the bottom of a lake.
If you simply HAVE to do something, remove the crank and feel around inside. Less intrusively, remove the seat post and run something far down the seat tube.
Frankenbike is roughly 40 years old and has no significant rust. Not a lot of paint left on it, either.
NOW, for something you SHOULD be worried about - intergranular embrittlement from extended storage in cold conditions. NOT a problem here in Texas. (For the gullible, this last was a joke)
Steve A - Yeah, I suspected that I might be drifting into A-R territory, but wanted to be sure. I'll take your word for it!
@ Jon: You should see Rat Trap Press's new bike; I saw it last week in the flesh. Beautiful.
Looks like a fun project! At least, for those who know how to undertake it. I'm not good with a wrench. I sometimes I think a project like this would be fun, but then I'd rather ride than work on a bike.
Very nice bike. If you change the chain on an old bike like that, you may want to change the freewheel too. It will only cost you $15 more. Rust inside the frame is the least of your worries.
Apertome, yes, it is fun, when I can find the time and the patience. I agree with you, riding a bike is more fun (for me anyway) than working on one.
Fe700c, yes, the freewheel doesn't spin very easily, so I'm going to replace that.
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