SharpT

I was able to resurrect my late 80's Specialized Sirrus with the excellent help from the detailed web pages of Sheldon Brown. Original oval chainrings 42/52, with Wolber 32 spoke rims, Shimano 105 components… I had abandoned her outside for 10+ years, after injuring my knee one day back in 1992 on a 170 mile ride.

I have replaced the rear hub with NOS Shimano 105 126mm hub, and new cassette 13-34 geared for climbing. New brake cables and housing, new rear derailleur Deore SGS for the 34 tooth sprocket and cable. New saddle, new tires, new chain, and some used Look pedals…

Rebuilding that rear wheel was much easier than I had imagined… Reused the original Wolber rim and spokes and it runs true and dished just right. Had to adjust the B screw on that derailleur all the way to get enough clearance to the 34 tooth sprocket. It’s been a fun project and I have learned about how bikes are built along the way. At least late 80’s road bikes.

Took her for a spin today, 1000 ft of climbing over 10 miles, and she rides like she did when I first purchased. Ready for a 200k 7000+’ ride in April. Below are some photos, and a photo of the retired saddle, which gives an idea of how long she sat outside in the rain and sun.

My future improvements I am considering (for my longer distance style riding) are to change the gearing from (13-15-17-20-24-29-34) to (14-16-18-21-24-29-34). I have all the gears to do this except the starter 14, which might be quite rare to find. Only in the F cassette, and I don’t want to spend the money on the entire cassette. Second is to raise the handlebars with a new stem. Finally, I am also looking to replace the brake hoods, seems the gum plastic has melted a bit and is quite sticky. Someone is selling NOS hoods Shimano BL-1051 on ebay for $25, a bit steep for me for now.
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SharpT

BoozyMcliverRot

i have that exact frame. i found it complete,sans wheels,on top of a pile of branches in some bodys garbage,on a late night ride a while back. ive repainted it with engine enamel,threw a extra set of track wheels i had laying around and leftover parts from upgrading my SS road bike ,and use it as my bar hopping bike. it rides great too.

robo

So the frame wasn't rusted out?

rmikkelsen

So what did it all cost you?

Moose

It doesn't rain in San Jose.

SharpT

PC-58 Chain $17.95
Shimano 7-speed Cassette $31.95
Shimano 105 Hubs $49.95 (didn't use front hub yet, maybe never will if I get a hub generator)
Brake Cable Housing Kit $17.95
Derailleur Cable $3.95
Deore Wide Rear Derailleur $34.95
Used ebay Look PP357 pedals $39.18
Performance Ti Saddle $30
Panaracer Tires $20

I'm a bit of a newbie, and realized later I could have gotten better pricing on some of the items.

Plus $25 shipping over 3 orders and cost for various tools. So ~$270+tools as shown.

Yesterday, I lowered the saddle to the same height as my other commuter, and was able to raise the handle bars 3cm, so looks like the stem will be OK for now. Also moved over some of my commuting gear, rack, rear blinkie, front LED light, pump I trust, etc.

Also, as far as being rusted out, it doen't rain much here. 14-15 inches on average per year, although the chain had pretty much rusted, and the cassette was rusted pretty bad.

And I'm still on the lookout for new brake hoods and a starter Shimano Hyperglide 14 tooth sprocket.

SharpT

cohophysh

nice work