Bicycle Mechanics - frame straightening?

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superstrada
11-08-10, 07:43 AM
It's a c. 1980 Univega Super Strada of tange champion chromoly db tubing - 10 speed downtube shifting. all original equipment -

Intend to keep the bike, not interested in restoring/preserving, just improved comfort/performance. I need lower gears now that I'm 30 years older - mechanic rec's. compact crank, spreading the rear fork to a current standard, and checking/correcting the frame alignment in the process.
Need add'l opinions.

FBinNY
11-08-10, 07:52 AM
The mechanics suggestions make sense, but get a total estimate and compare that to buying a modern bike more suited to your needs, either new or used. Bikes have improved tremendously since 1980 and you get much better product for the same dollars. If you shop around you can probably find something nicer than your old wheels for $350 new or half that used.

When comparing the cost of upgrading vs replacing, also allow for other stuff that the old bike might not need today but will soon enough, like new tires, possibly a saddle, bar tape, etc. If the price gap gets narrow, go new, it'll cost you less over the course of the 1st year, and you'll be riding nicer stuff.
San Rensho
11-08-10, 08:22 AM
If you are ok with DT shifters, just get lower gearing, freewheels are still readily available, and just ride it.

rogerstg
11-08-10, 08:23 AM
Or, you do do the first part - switch to a compact crank first and see how it works out. Also, 1980? is that a 27" wheel? Will you need new brakes in the process if you change to a current wheel (700C)?
BCRider
11-08-10, 11:51 AM
There's no doubt that there is lots of life left in a fine old bike of that sort. The key is how best to get the remaining years from it. If you want to modernize it and make it more suitable for your current needs then you'll want to look at all the posts above and add up the costs. If it were YOU doing the work as a project then it's a great way to do this. But if you'll be paying a shop for all this then it could easily end up as costly as a new bike in the end by the time you're done. I guess it comes down to how much sentimental value you have for the bike.

If you just want to ride a nice quality bike then there's some excellent steel bikes still being made that would accept all the new stuff.