rothenfield1

It's been awhile, but I'm finally in the middle of rebuilding this classic touring bike. I've torn it completely down to the frame which I soaked in oxalic acid. The frame and fork are really starting to look good. However, I noticed a very slight dimple in the top tube which I hadn't noticed before. You can't really see it unless you rub your finger across it. I'm going to use Frame Saver on the interior and taking the fork to a paint shop to match some touch-up paint. Then hoping to bring a good luster back to the grey metal flake with a good polishing. The down tube decals are good, however the Special Series decals on the seat tube and fork are significantly faded. Otherwise, the frame is a keeper.

This would have been my forever touring/commuter bike if I hadn't had to get over the fact that it is too big for me. It's 58ctc top tube & 60ctc seat tube. I think someone 6'2" or so would love this size.

The bike:
Almost everything is stamped Specialized, even the crank shaft.
Superbe brake lever(needs hoods)
Specialized bars & stem
Deore deerhead cant brakes & kool stop pads
Sugino At crank with 1/2 drop
Superbe labeled MKS pedals(I rebuilt and rolling smooth)
Front D Montech
SR fluted seatpost & I put an Avocet saddle with it.

Here's the rub:
Front wheel is non-stock Alexrims DM18 with what looks like a lower-end Shimano hub(I've rebuilt with White Lightning Crystal grease and rolls really smooth.)
Rear wheel is a Sun rim laced to a Sansin hubs which I also rebuilt the same & Shimano 6spd cassette. Looks high-end, but I'm convinced not original
RD is Shimano STX long cage. Don't know much about it, but it works well. It looks low-end however.

I'm replacing the cable, but not the housing.
I'm putting some almost new Michelin City 32c tires on it.

Well, unless I've missed something, that's pretty much it. I don't really need to post a picture do I?

When it's built, I'm going to post it on craigs in the sf bay area. I'd like to get a fair price for her. Any opinions?

Bianchigirll 

but where are the pics? *giggle* most will say iprice depends on your market and they can't really tell without pics. sounds nice though

rothenfield1

The bike will be on craigslist san fran bay area in a couple of weeks, I hope. Not much to look at at the moment. Waiting for some parts and thought I'd get a leg up on the asking price. I've seen the price fluctuate over the years.

wrk101

If that's acid you are soaking the frame in, you need to pull that bottom bracket immediately.

rothenfield1

The BB has been pulled. I'm going to replace the barrings and O rings. The shaft does show some sign of race wear on one side. At what point would you consider replacing it?

JohnDThompson 

That one is done for. IIRC, Specialized cranks were rebranded Sakae Ringyo, so a replacement shouldn't be hard to find. Bring the old spindle to the shop and have them match it up for you.

rothenfield1

I thought that was the case and my next question was going to be where to get one. I want to do it right, so it will be replaced. Thank you very much

I think it's great that Specialized even had the "spindle" stamped.

rothenfield1

I replaced the BB with a Shimano UN-54 cartridge. The original will go with the bike. It's still a work in progress but thought I would post a current photo to keep the thread going until I'm done. Unfortunately, it's raining outside so I took this lame photo in the garage. I still need to run the cables and a few other things.

aloKen

Nice!
Keep the pictures coming!

jtgotsjets

Love the pictures, but if you're gonna keep posting, you should move it to the main C&V forum where more people will see it! We love vintage tourers!

Chris Chicago

this is the second time in the last few weeks I've seen one of these old specialized road bikes and thought how much cooler they are than the modern day version. last one was a sirrus iirc.

rothenfield1

Maybe the moderator will move the thread to the main forum please. I think I will have time tomorrow to finish doing what I wanted to do with the bike, then get some decent photos.

I wanted to add a bit of interesting info on dating Expeditions. They were made from 83-86. The 83 is easy because it was the only one with clamp-on DT shifters. I thought mine was an 84 because I had dated the cranks, brakes, and seat post to late 83 ergo thought 84. However, I read that a aerial # starting with an L = 84, an M = 85. Mine has an M. Not convinced, I researched further and read that the 84 had a Suntour stamped BB and the 85 had a Specialized stamped one. You can clearly see the stamp on the spindle above; therefore, I have to admit that it is an 85, not an 84. Oh well!

rothenfield1

Nearly to the finish line on this build. Kinda slapped the rack on trying to catch some of the setting sun. Will have to level it out tomorrow.