Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.Chickenstrip
05-12-12, 06:38 PM
First, this may be better in the C&V section, however i have a few questions that may be better answered by new school BMX'ers.
Many years ago I had a Kuwahara Bravo KT. This was one of my first loves. I rode mainly flatland, but did race a few times. When I was in my mid 20's I gave it to one of my cousins for his son to ride, after all I had a car now and no longer needed such primitive transportation. One of many mistakes I would come to regret.
Fast forward 20 years.
I find myself 8 months away from a second wedding, an avid road cyclist, and second guessing a lot of my previous decissions. The other day I am at a family gathering at a different cousins home and what do I see sitting in the corner of his garage? None other than my old trusted friend! The bike had been passed down to his sons who have since grown out of it. I am instantly reminded of the story "The Giving Tree". The bike has been spray painted in places, allowed to rust in others, most of its components removed, donated to some other kids bike, or allowed to oxidize to a state unrecognizable. This will not do! I bring my old friend home with me.
I wish to restore my old friend to his, (it's) former glory if not beyond it. However most of the brands and components I was familiar with no longer exist. I need good strong wheels, headset, bottom bracket, cranks, basically everything other than frame, fork, handlebars and possibly brake calipers. Even the pegs are missing. oddly enough the circa 88-89 ACS Pro Rotor is in tact, however it seems Oddessy Gyro, (considdered cheap in my day) has won the battle of time.
Questions; I know the bike needs refinishing, do I paint or go the powdercoat route? Powdercoat is more durable but not original. Should go as original as possible, sticking at least to period accurate products, or update to new school? I will be presenting the bike to my soon to be stepson with the understanding that I considder it an heirloom. Lastly, if I should update, what components would be worthy of long term use, wheels, cranks, brake levers, ect......
All of this has me searching craigslist and Ebay for the perfect old steel roady!
Many years ago I had a Kuwahara Bravo KT. This was one of my first loves. I rode mainly flatland, but did race a few times. When I was in my mid 20's I gave it to one of my cousins for his son to ride, after all I had a car now and no longer needed such primitive transportation. One of many mistakes I would come to regret.
Fast forward 20 years.
I find myself 8 months away from a second wedding, an avid road cyclist, and second guessing a lot of my previous decissions. The other day I am at a family gathering at a different cousins home and what do I see sitting in the corner of his garage? None other than my old trusted friend! The bike had been passed down to his sons who have since grown out of it. I am instantly reminded of the story "The Giving Tree". The bike has been spray painted in places, allowed to rust in others, most of its components removed, donated to some other kids bike, or allowed to oxidize to a state unrecognizable. This will not do! I bring my old friend home with me.
I wish to restore my old friend to his, (it's) former glory if not beyond it. However most of the brands and components I was familiar with no longer exist. I need good strong wheels, headset, bottom bracket, cranks, basically everything other than frame, fork, handlebars and possibly brake calipers. Even the pegs are missing. oddly enough the circa 88-89 ACS Pro Rotor is in tact, however it seems Oddessy Gyro, (considdered cheap in my day) has won the battle of time.
Questions; I know the bike needs refinishing, do I paint or go the powdercoat route? Powdercoat is more durable but not original. Should go as original as possible, sticking at least to period accurate products, or update to new school? I will be presenting the bike to my soon to be stepson with the understanding that I considder it an heirloom. Lastly, if I should update, what components would be worthy of long term use, wheels, cranks, brake levers, ect......
All of this has me searching craigslist and Ebay for the perfect old steel roady!