Classic & Vintage - I like my old bike, is that so wrong?

Hi All

I'm getting my fat butt back on my bike after many years. I bought my 10 speed in 1976 (with paper route money!), a Zebra-Kenko "Thunder' a pretty good bike at the time, cost around $240.00 then. The components are all Suntour, they work OK but could be better, especially compared to today's bikes. The best thing is it's got good old steel rims, better to carry my 270 lbs (but still going down) So, I go to my LBS, ride a few new road bikes, and I don't like any of them as much as my 28 year old ...The frames are small (my current one is in theory too big for me ), the wheelbase is shorter..

So, is it worth trying to update the drive train on my classic, or should I shop around more for a new bike? I'm looking to ride 80-120 miles a week, not racing, all roads.

Thanks Tom

Hi All

I'm getting my fat butt back on my bike after many years. I bought my 10 speed in 1976 (with paper route money!), a Zebra-Kenko "Thunder' a pretty good bike at the time, cost around $240.00 then. The components are all Suntour, they work OK but could be better, especially compared to today's bikes. The best thing is it's got good old steel rims, better to carry my 270 lbs (but still going down) So, I go to my LBS, ride a few new road bikes, and I don't like any of them as much as my 28 year old ...The frames are small (my current one is in theory too big for me ), the wheelbase is shorter..

So, is it worth trying to update the drive train on my classic, or should I shop around more for a new bike? I'm looking to ride 80-120 miles a week, not racing, all roads.

Thanks Tom

I say yes update, thats what I'm doin
if the frame is in good shape the rest can be replaced

Hey, ride it if you like it. I agree that -- if the frame is in good shape -- you've got a good base for retrofitting. I still ride my 1988 Specialized Hardrock Sport when hauling my son's Burley trailer around (on its fourth retrofit since purchase). Recently I started commuting on a circa 1980 Raleigh Super Record, and have enjoyed the experience a lot. Gets a lot of interesting looks from the roadies on the trail too. It's a good climber and has a real comfy riding position:


http://www.bikesfortykesps.org/images/super_record.jpg

One thing I can say is that there is no shortage of used parts for these old 10-speeds; they're simple and usually can be retrofitted with parts from lower grade bikes from the 1990s (axle-hung Rr derailleurs, friction shifters etc.). Specialized (http://www.specialized.com) still makes the Tri-Sport 27" x 1 1/4" tire ($9.99/each on their website), which holds about 100psi and even comes puncture resistant. Other lower-grade 27s are also available, but I recommend the Specialized tire for its quality.

If you were to add new tires, a Serfas gel seat, a set of fenders and a rear rack to your bike you would have a ride that is fun, useful, and feels like a part of the family. Spending $100 +/- on that one is still less than you would spend on a new bike at an LBS. If you can work on it yourself, do as much of it as you can to save money. Good luck!

How can it be so wrong when it feels so right?

:D

Seriously, nothing wrong with riding a bike you're comfortable with. I say sit back and enjoy the ride! Of course, if there's absolutely no way you can upgrade your bike, then you'll have to go with a new ride. But if you can upgrade it, why not?

Koffee

Hi All

I'm getting my fat butt back on my bike after many years. I bought my 10 speed in 1976 (with paper route money!), a Zebra-Kenko "Thunder' a pretty good bike at the time, cost around $240.00 then. The components are all Suntour, they work OK but could be better, especially compared to today's bikes. The best thing is it's got good old steel rims, better to carry my 270 lbs (but still going down) So, I go to my LBS, ride a few new road bikes, and I don't like any of them as much as my 28 year old ...The frames are small (my current one is in theory too big for me ), the wheelbase is shorter..

So, is it worth trying to update the drive train on my classic, or should I shop around more for a new bike? I'm looking to ride 80-120 miles a week, not racing, all roads.

Thanks Tom

If the frame material is of high quality (like Reynolds 531, Columbus SL, Ishiwata 022, Tange 900 etc.) it may be worth upgrading. If not, there are companies who still make bikes with a traditional sizing and geometry although they are not cheap. I hate to say it, but the first upgrade should be the rims. Steel is too heavy and just plain unsafe because wet braking is so bad.

Hi,
Halfspeed beat me to the punch. That's just what I was going to say. Check this out....
" 630 mm / 27 Inch Wheels
5-/6-speed 27 inch Road Wheelsets $99.95 pair!
Excellent for upgrading older 10-/12-speeds!

Sovos hub sets, laced into 630 mm (27 inch) Weinmann 215 rims, with 36 stainless steel spokes.
One of these wheelsets will breathe new life into a '70s or '80s sport-touring bike. The rear hub is threaded for a standard freewheel, spaced for 126 mm, compatible with 5-, 6-, or 7-speed freewheels. Older 10-speed frames with 120 mm spacing will need to be spread slightly, but this is not a problem with most frames. Shipping within the U.S. $18.00 east/$20.00 west."

http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/wheels.html#630

There are some other bits and pieces you will want to look at.
Lots of new saddles to choose from, but a Brooks would look perfect on it. I have a Ritchey biomax handlebar, cost me $60 and it's worth every penny. They still make some nice 27 inch tires, I have Contintental Top Touring tires on my old 27 inch bike. Enjoy.

Thanks for the encouragment everyone

I'm mechanically inclined enough to do my own work, been wrenching on old cars for years... so upgradng is certainly an option.

The bike was made in Japan, nice lugs on the tubes, the forks say "high tension steel, HT-4500, butted tubes" ; it's in good shape never crashed, scratched here and there. I took a quick look at Harris Cyclery (thanks for the link!) that's a great deal on wheels. It looks like for 2-3 hundred bucks I can have my old ride better than new.

Thanks again! Tom

Change out those steel wheels for sure! You could go to the local thrift store and buy a bike for $15 for the alloy wheels.
You may not need to change out anything else. Tear the bike down and clean and regrease. You will be amazed at how good she will ride. A lot of the old Suntour stuff works great when cleaned up.