Classic & Vintage - Updating older bicycles...

Currently I use a early '70s Peugeot for commuting to work, about 7 miles one way. The bike was originally purchased by my father who also used it to get to work on occasion. Due to the front derailuer breaking, I am down to 5 speeds from the original 10. Also am on the original wheels, chromed steel. Other than a new seat, bar tape, brake hoods, brake pads, and requisite tires and tubes the bike is original parts.

In general terms, (realizing pictures would be probably be helpful) what would produce the most noticeable difference in terms of updated parts? I would describe myself as a casual rider meaning I don't need bleeding edge technology. Usually average about 14 MPH on my commute. Majority of my riding is unaffected by only having 5 speeds, not hilly enough. I have been on the fence about continuing with the current ride or purchasing a new bike and just wanted to get some more information about updating parts and what a difference it might make.

Also, if pictures would aid in comments, let me know and I will post some pictures tomorrow when I get home from work. Let me know if I left out any other info that would be helpful. Thanks.

Wheels with aluminum alloy rims are a good upgrade, in that they make the bike lighter, and also assist in better braking, especially when wet.

A front derailleur is easy and inexpensive to replace. However, without it, running as a 5 speed, as long as you pick your favorite chainring (based on size), should present no real problems either.

+1 on wheels....it makes a noticeable difference in ride quality and is safer (though in Tuscon perhaps wet weather safety is not such a big deal).

I have a late 60's/early 70's low end Peugeot and that was the first thing I changed back in the day - steel to alloy. Still have the bike today though its now on its 3rd set of rims (not wear - just fashion).

If it were me I'd also put on a front derailleur - partly because I like things to work as designed and partly because even a casual rider might want the choice of slow tooling around vs. going faster and the investment of $10-20 would give you that option.

Mark

Pictures, yes pictures please, it's like crack to us here.

That being said, how is your front derailleur broken?

and do you still have all the parts?

I agree with the others here. Alloy wheels will make the most noticable difference by lightening the bike and providing better braking. A used front derailleur should be easy to procure. In fact, I have a bunch of extras. :D I could send you one no problem. Send those pictures along and I'll see if I have one that fits your bike's seat tube diameter.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff135/sarverdv/Sales/Parts011.jpg

^^^ Woah...are you "open for business" Machin Shin?

#1: salmon KoolStop brake pads
#2: aluminum rims
#3: aluminum crankset
#4: aluminum road quill or platform pedals

^^^ Woah...are you "open for business" Machin Shin?

Always. ;)

^^^ Woah...are you "open for business" Machin Shin?

No kidding! MY CC is burning a hole in my pocket!

Always. ;)

PM Sent :)

Ballen,

If you want a front derailleur, let me know. I've got a few laying around.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff135/sarverdv/FD.jpg

That's about half of them.

That is very kind of you Machin Shin to offer up some parts. I appreciate the offer but I think I will decline. The more I read, the more I am leaning toward getting a new bike. I think I will just keep this one running as is. To answer the earlier posters question, the front derailleur has a plastic clamp that holds it to the frame. The plastic cracked, that is how it broke.

Ballen,

If you want a front derailleur, let me know. I've got a few laying around.
That's about half of them.

Heh.... I could have sworn you took that picture in my garage. :) I use the same tubs. I have one for FD's, one for RD's, and one for brake calipers. And a few misc. boxes laying about, as well.

Heh.... I could have sworn you took that picture in my garage. :) I use the same tubs. I have one for FD's, one for RD's, and one for brake calipers. And a few misc. boxes laying about, as well.

Those tubs are great. I have a few of the smaller sizes as well.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff135/sarverdv/bins001.jpg

Most of my older bikes have straight cut tooth 5 speed freewheel clusters. They shift OK, but could always be better. I recently picked up a pair of taco'ed wheels with more modern freewheels (still 5 speed) but with some ramps, twisted teeth, etc. Shimano hyperglide, IIRC. How well do they work? Worth the effort to swap them out?

Most of my older bikes have straight cut tooth 5 speed freewheel clusters. They shift OK, but could always be better. I recently picked up a pair of taco'ed wheels with more modern freewheels (still 5 speed) but with some ramps, twisted teeth, etc. Shimano hyperglide, IIRC. How well do they work? Worth the effort to swap them out?

Definately worth it to swap out. You will notice a difference in shifting immediately.

OK... Maybe once I get the derailleur hanger issue sorted out, a freewheel swap might be the next order of business!