Southern California - New to the SoCal cycling scene (562)

Hey,

I'm pretty new to all of this, and this site, sorry if I post in the wrong section/thread. I just got into a school in Downtown LA, and realized I needed a mode of transportation that was cheap and easy to maneuver around in the city, so bikes were my answer. My uncle had this old one that's been collecting dust for years now.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v453/itsDchlorine/IMG_1619.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v453/itsDchlorine/IMG_1620.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v453/itsDchlorine/IMG_1623.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v453/itsDchlorine/IMG_1624.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v453/itsDchlorine/IMG_1625.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v453/itsDchlorine/IMG_1626.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v453/itsDchlorine/IMG_1627.jpg

I want to get this thing back into working order, but I don't want to walk into a Bike shop and get screwed over, so I'm here to ask you guys ^^ I'm not really looking into any big improvements. I don't know how old this bike is, but I can understand if the gears, wheels, tires needed upgrading, etc. I just want to know how much it would cost to get it working properly. As well as where can I go to get it fixed around the (562) area code Norwalk/Long Beach/La Mirada/Cerritos

1. What do I need to get fixed? The only problem I see is that gummy thing where the brake lever is on. Anything else?

2. How everything you see that needs to be fixed about how much would it cost me?

Thanks for all the replies, it is greatly appreciated.

It looks pretty good from what I can tell, but then again, I'm no bike mechanic.


I'd probably just oil up the chain and replace the brake pads to be safe.

o wow, that's it?

That's good to hear, less money to spend the better ^^

Pump up the tires, lube the chain, and if the brakes and gears work, you're good to go.

Really nice old bike...:)


If it were me, I'd replace the tires and tubes, also. I hate flats.

This is a very good shop (http://maps.google.com/maps?oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=r.+B.+el+monte&fb=1&split=1&gl=us&view=text&latlng=14766111308752015092). They are cheap and love old bikes. They have two locations. I like the one near Rosemead Blvd.

Really nice old bike...:)


If it were me, I'd replace the tires and tubes, also. I hate flats.

This is a very good shop (http://maps.google.com/maps?oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=r.+B.+el+monte&fb=1&split=1&gl=us&view=text&latlng=14766111308752015092). They are cheap and love old bikes. They have two locations. I like the one near Rosemead Blvd.

o wow, very cool. I'll give them a call, sounds like a great place

If you want to do it yourself, check out the bicycle kitchen on Melrose & Heliotrope. In fact it's a bike lover's paradise there with bike shops and like minded people.

beautiful bike.

the bar tape and hoods appear to be a little aged, and while you can purchase bar tape at any bike shop and you can install it yourself (instructions (http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=71)), I do not know if the hoods are available locally. Identify the brakes (make and model) and then search the web because I am positive someone will have them in stock.

Otherwise, as stated above the only thing I would worry about is brake pads, tires and tubes because they are rubber and disintegrate over time.

If you want to do it yourself, check out the bicycle kitchen on Melrose & Heliotrope. In fact it's a bike lover's paradise there with bike shops and like minded people.

Nice i just checked out the site, great stuff, that would really get me started on a good note thanks

Check the wheels to see if the spokes are tight and if the wheels are "true". Also, make sure it doesn't get stolen while you're in class downtown.

there were some real "Voyageur" fans on the classic and vintage forum check them out

Looks really good!
Make sure tires and tubes are in good working order you can get hoods for the levers and bar tape if needed for better grip and comfort but ride it as it is for now.
Look here for hoods. http://www.loosescrews.com/ if unsure of model needed email them and ask.
Few places like bicycle kitchen in LA others my know of them.

new brakelevers (tektro or forte) -- $25ish
new cable housings and cables -- $20ish
comfy bar tape -- $15ish
new tubes (3 or 4) -- $12ish
tires (pair) -- $20-60ish

If you go to a bike shop, that bike will be in tip-top shape for about a hundred bucks--I'm sure this will net you many, many comfortable and safe miles. They'll probably also help you adjust the bars and saddle to a proper position for free since you're already in there.

Setup/fit is important as well. Consider paying a shop to set the bike up for you if you're not sure how to do it yourself. This will make you more comfortable on the bike. If you're comfortable you'll enjoy it, if you're uncomfortable the bike will end up back in the garage collecting dust. If you take the bike to a shop to get any work done and new parts they might do a quick fitting for free or cheap.

Dont change a thing as far as components. Replace the tires and tubes, lube the cables or replace them if worn. That bike is a classic, replacing any components will cheapen the bike. Its rare to see a old Shwinn in that good of shape. I'm jelious...

Wow, I'm flattered with all these replies that have helped out a lot.

JohnR: Thanks for that, I really was only going to do that, just tires and tubes and lube.

That's a pretty small bike. Are you a girl? Or a smaller guy?

Well, like I said, i just picked this bike up from my uncle's place since I don't have money to buy a brand new one, and this is all I have to work with.

Lotta good info here, but the best place to post would be in the bike mechanics section. Lotta good, nerdy bike mechanics hang out there.

I'd think that the Bike Kitchen could do fitting adjustments just like a bike shop could.