Questions about what I think I have learned from BF....
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: The Sunny South
Posts: 1,906
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 29 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
2 Posts
Questions about what I think I have learned from BF....
I have been looking/learning from BF and have a few questions about what I may have learned........btw I am using this knowledge to buy and restore (learning how to) bikes as a hobby (change of lifestyle). I don't want to waste my time on junk........
1. Peugeot; good quality older French bike; people gripe about the BB threads.... We have metric and standard; I must be missing the point somewhere.....?
2. Lugged frames are a general sign of a "better bike".....?
3. You can't hardly go wrong with most Schwinns.......?
4. You can use any "quality" grease with success (allowing for differing climates)............
4a. You can "brew" your own satisfactory chain lube..............
5. WD-40 is a solvent, not a lube...??
6. Loose ball bearings are better than caged........??
7. Sheldon Brown is God.............
8. It is very difficult to get bike decals unless you are a frame painter or have a note from God (Sheldon Brown).
Thanks for your insights and responses.......
1. Peugeot; good quality older French bike; people gripe about the BB threads.... We have metric and standard; I must be missing the point somewhere.....?
2. Lugged frames are a general sign of a "better bike".....?
3. You can't hardly go wrong with most Schwinns.......?
4. You can use any "quality" grease with success (allowing for differing climates)............
4a. You can "brew" your own satisfactory chain lube..............
5. WD-40 is a solvent, not a lube...??
6. Loose ball bearings are better than caged........??
7. Sheldon Brown is God.............
8. It is very difficult to get bike decals unless you are a frame painter or have a note from God (Sheldon Brown).
Thanks for your insights and responses.......
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: n.w. superdrome
Posts: 17,687
Bikes: 1 trek, serotta, rih, de Reus, Pogliaghi and finally a Zieleman! and got a DeRosa
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 15 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 9 Times
in
9 Posts
1) Some Peugeots are good others are not quite as good (U08), threading (metric/french vs English) varies
depending on age of bike.
2) Some boom era lugged bikes were junk.
3) no argument here.
4) we discussed grease ?
4a) Olive oil for italian bike? just go buy some at LBS
5) correct
6) either works for me
7) one of many in the vintage bike world
8) wrong, contact JRestore or Greg Softley.
and I should add
9) Dutch bikes just might be the most bang for the buck in vintage bikes.
marty
depending on age of bike.
2) Some boom era lugged bikes were junk.
3) no argument here.
4) we discussed grease ?
4a) Olive oil for italian bike? just go buy some at LBS
5) correct
6) either works for me
7) one of many in the vintage bike world
8) wrong, contact JRestore or Greg Softley.
and I should add
9) Dutch bikes just might be the most bang for the buck in vintage bikes.
marty
__________________
Sono pił lento di quel che sembra.
Odio la gente, tutti.
Want to upgrade your membership? Click Here.
Sono pił lento di quel che sembra.
Odio la gente, tutti.
Want to upgrade your membership? Click Here.
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: n.w. superdrome
Posts: 17,687
Bikes: 1 trek, serotta, rih, de Reus, Pogliaghi and finally a Zieleman! and got a DeRosa
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 15 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 9 Times
in
9 Posts
Bike Boom was in the early to mid 70's
see this thread:
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vintage/374751-there-bike-boom-rest-world.html
Dutch bikes: Batavus, Gazelle, Concorde (actually italian built), Koga Miyata (japanese built dutch
design).
then there are the oddball marques, de Reus, Remy, RIH, Zieleman, Jabo, Joco, Locomotief.
Marty
see this thread:
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vintage/374751-there-bike-boom-rest-world.html
Dutch bikes: Batavus, Gazelle, Concorde (actually italian built), Koga Miyata (japanese built dutch
design).
then there are the oddball marques, de Reus, Remy, RIH, Zieleman, Jabo, Joco, Locomotief.
Marty
__________________
Sono pił lento di quel che sembra.
Odio la gente, tutti.
Want to upgrade your membership? Click Here.
Sono pił lento di quel che sembra.
Odio la gente, tutti.
Want to upgrade your membership? Click Here.
#5
Super Course fan
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Lost on the windswept plains of the Great Black Swamp
Posts: 2,720
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times
in
8 Posts
I have been looking/learning from BF and have a few questions about what I may have learned........btw I am using this knowledge to buy and restore (learning how to) bikes as a hobby (change of lifestyle). I don't want to waste my time on junk........
1. Peugeot; good quality older French bike; people gripe about the BB threads.... We have metric and standard; I must be missing the point somewhere.....?
1. Peugeot; good quality older French bike; people gripe about the BB threads.... We have metric and standard; I must be missing the point somewhere.....?
2. Lugged frames are a general sign of a "better bike".....?
3. You can't hardly go wrong with most Schwinns.......?
4. You can use any "quality" grease with success (allowing for differing climates)............
4a. You can "brew" your own satisfactory chain lube..............
5. WD-40 is a solvent, not a lube...??
6. Loose ball bearings are better than caged........??
4a. You can "brew" your own satisfactory chain lube..............
5. WD-40 is a solvent, not a lube...??
6. Loose ball bearings are better than caged........??
7. Sheldon Brown is God.............
8. It is very difficult to get bike decals unless you are a frame painter or have a note from God (Sheldon Brown).
Thanks for your insights and responses.......
__________________
I have a white PX-10, a Green Dawes Galaxy and an Orange Falcon, now I'm done.
I have a white PX-10, a Green Dawes Galaxy and an Orange Falcon, now I'm done.
#6
Seńor Member
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Hardy, VA
Posts: 17,923
Bikes: Mostly English - predominantly Raleighs
Mentioned: 70 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1491 Post(s)
Liked 1,090 Times
in
638 Posts
You forgot two important notes:
1. East Hill always requests pictures.
2. Mr. Brown has search agents enabled, and tends to pop into threads when his name is mentioned.
Hope you're being made welcome and plan to stick around. There's always more to learn - and that applies to all of us.
1. East Hill always requests pictures.
2. Mr. Brown has search agents enabled, and tends to pop into threads when his name is mentioned.
Hope you're being made welcome and plan to stick around. There's always more to learn - and that applies to all of us.
__________________
In search of what to search for.
In search of what to search for.
#7
Decrepit Member
I'm aways surprised when statements like this are made. It's as though all Schwinn ever built was forty pound electro-forged Varsities and Continentals, and the Paramounts, Pelotons, Circuits, Voyageurs, Volares, etc., never existed.
#8
Banned
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 616
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
2. Well, I think most people in this forum would agree (and especially as a general rule of applicability to mass produced bikes), but keep in mind you are posting in C&V where most people are biased toward the classic lugged steel frames. Lug-less fillet brazed frames and welded frames can be of equal quality, but there's just something about the beautiful, classic aesthetics of a lugged frame.
I bet there's even some poor, deluded souls over in the roadies forums that would tell you that their plastic bikes are good quality.
4. True, subject to servicing and repacking bearings at regular intervals. But in a world where "Phil Wood's Waterproof Grease" exists, why would you gamble on anything else?
4a. True, but why? There are good quality chain lubes available for reasonable prices. These guys that concoct their own to save one-half cent per application are getting a bit carried away with themselves, IMO.
5. True.
6. Generally true, but a small and probably overstated point. The retaining rings space the balls out, while using loose balls allows you to put in a couple more balls in place of the spaces (you still need to leave some space to avoid binding, generally equal to the space that one ball would occupy). More balls should translate into slightly better load distribution. But if you inspect, repack, and replace bearings at regular intervals, the difference is nominal.
7. Our god is a generous god.
I bet there's even some poor, deluded souls over in the roadies forums that would tell you that their plastic bikes are good quality.
4. True, subject to servicing and repacking bearings at regular intervals. But in a world where "Phil Wood's Waterproof Grease" exists, why would you gamble on anything else?
4a. True, but why? There are good quality chain lubes available for reasonable prices. These guys that concoct their own to save one-half cent per application are getting a bit carried away with themselves, IMO.
5. True.
6. Generally true, but a small and probably overstated point. The retaining rings space the balls out, while using loose balls allows you to put in a couple more balls in place of the spaces (you still need to leave some space to avoid binding, generally equal to the space that one ball would occupy). More balls should translate into slightly better load distribution. But if you inspect, repack, and replace bearings at regular intervals, the difference is nominal.
7. Our god is a generous god.
Last edited by ginsoakedboy; 01-02-08 at 01:47 PM.
#9
Super Course fan
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Lost on the windswept plains of the Great Black Swamp
Posts: 2,720
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times
in
8 Posts
Sadly, in the wild, in the hinterlands.... You won't see many Paramounts and Pelotons popping up.
For every Paramount you will find a couple of thousand Varsitys, Contis and Worlds....
__________________
I have a white PX-10, a Green Dawes Galaxy and an Orange Falcon, now I'm done.
I have a white PX-10, a Green Dawes Galaxy and an Orange Falcon, now I'm done.
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,768
Bikes: Cinelli, Paramount, Raleigh, Carlton, Zeus, Gemniani, Frejus, Legnano, Pinarello, Falcon
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 12 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times
in
8 Posts
Well, listen closer...
1. Peugeot; good quality older French bike; people gripe about the BB threads.... We have metric and standard; I must be missing the point somewhere.....?
French threads in general hard to find these days, but no real problem if you have the parts you need. But I typically avoid French bikes!
2. Lugged frames are a general sign of a "better bike".....?
Just one thing to look for. Chrome and Campagnolo dropouts are other good signs...
3. You can't hardly go wrong with most Schwinns.......?
Umm, unless its a Paramount, I'm not interested...
4. You can use any "quality" grease with success (allowing for differing climates)............
White grease from the auto parts store is just fine.
4a. You can "brew" your own satisfactory chain lube..............
I used to use motor oil, now TriFlow.
5. WD-40 is a solvent, not a lube...??
BS. Spray some in a container and see what's left in a few days when the propellent evaporates: oil.
6. Loose ball bearings are better than caged........??
I don't really think so, either seem to work just fine...
7. Sheldon Brown is God.............
He sure knows a lot!
8. It is very difficult to get bike decals unless you are a frame painter or have a note from God (Sheldon Brown). Its getting much better.
1. Peugeot; good quality older French bike; people gripe about the BB threads.... We have metric and standard; I must be missing the point somewhere.....?
French threads in general hard to find these days, but no real problem if you have the parts you need. But I typically avoid French bikes!
2. Lugged frames are a general sign of a "better bike".....?
Just one thing to look for. Chrome and Campagnolo dropouts are other good signs...
3. You can't hardly go wrong with most Schwinns.......?
Umm, unless its a Paramount, I'm not interested...
4. You can use any "quality" grease with success (allowing for differing climates)............
White grease from the auto parts store is just fine.
4a. You can "brew" your own satisfactory chain lube..............
I used to use motor oil, now TriFlow.
5. WD-40 is a solvent, not a lube...??
BS. Spray some in a container and see what's left in a few days when the propellent evaporates: oil.
6. Loose ball bearings are better than caged........??
I don't really think so, either seem to work just fine...
7. Sheldon Brown is God.............
He sure knows a lot!
8. It is very difficult to get bike decals unless you are a frame painter or have a note from God (Sheldon Brown). Its getting much better.
#11
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: The Sunny South
Posts: 1,906
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 29 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
2 Posts
a frame question I forgot to ask...........does a frame with the dérailleur hanger as an integral part of the frame indicate a better frame???
and thanks for the input!!!!!!!!!!!
and thanks for the input!!!!!!!!!!!
#12
Lanky Lass
I should do that! That would help my eternal search for those threads which lack the requisite photos.
Taking a page from the master's book:
East "Photos?" Hill
__________________
___________________________________________________
TRY EMPATHY & HAVE LOVE IN YOUR HEART, PERHAPS I'LL SEE YOU ON THE ROAD...
___________________________________________________
TRY EMPATHY & HAVE LOVE IN YOUR HEART, PERHAPS I'LL SEE YOU ON THE ROAD...
#13
Seńor Member
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Hardy, VA
Posts: 17,923
Bikes: Mostly English - predominantly Raleighs
Mentioned: 70 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1491 Post(s)
Liked 1,090 Times
in
638 Posts
It is an indicator, but like just about every other rule about bicycles, there are exceptions.
__________________
In search of what to search for.
In search of what to search for.
#14
N+1
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Posts: 1,310
Bikes: A few
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
5 Posts
1. I avoid the french at almost all costs. For my normal flippers many times parts need to be replaced. I have a ton of parts to use, but zero are french. The few french bikes I have had (couple lower end 80's Pugs and a couple of Motos) have been a pain to work on. It is just not the BB threading, the stem diameter is different, rear freewheel threading can be, and so can pedal threading be different. If I found a PX-10 or an other upper end French bike I will buy it in a heartbeat, but the lower end ones I usually pass on.
2. NO!!! Back in the day that was the way bikes were made even down to bottom of the barrel gas pipe bike booms bikes. Down tube shifters, integral derailleur hanger, tubing decal, and forged dropouts are better signs of quality than just being lugged.
3. I will always pass up every Varsities and Contis even if they are free. Schwinn did make a lot of nice bikes, but a lot of lower end junk IMHO. But, a 70'/80's lugged Schwinn road bike at a resonable price I will buy in a heartbeat.
4., 4a, 5, and 6 sure
7. YES, when it comes to bikes he is. All Hail Sheldon!!
8. like mentioned above EBay
2. NO!!! Back in the day that was the way bikes were made even down to bottom of the barrel gas pipe bike booms bikes. Down tube shifters, integral derailleur hanger, tubing decal, and forged dropouts are better signs of quality than just being lugged.
3. I will always pass up every Varsities and Contis even if they are free. Schwinn did make a lot of nice bikes, but a lot of lower end junk IMHO. But, a 70'/80's lugged Schwinn road bike at a resonable price I will buy in a heartbeat.
4., 4a, 5, and 6 sure
7. YES, when it comes to bikes he is. All Hail Sheldon!!
8. like mentioned above EBay
#15
N+1
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Posts: 1,310
Bikes: A few
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
5 Posts
I do. I own three Paramounts and a Peloton and none of them were that expensive. I have also had a lot of their "midrange" bikes come through my shop including tons of LeTours, Passage, Prelude, Voyageurs, as well as others. I wouldn't trade any of them for a U08 Pug.
#16
Decrepit Member
To each his own. I guess it's a good thing we don't all want the same things (UO-8s).
#17
Super Course fan
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Lost on the windswept plains of the Great Black Swamp
Posts: 2,720
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times
in
8 Posts
I have two UO-8's but only one is staying, I don't flip bikes, so the french stuff is not really a problem. If you compare vintage french lightweights to some of my other hobbies, like early 20th century wood and metal working machinery, french parts are easy as heck to find. Try finding a lower wheel for a 1928 Crescent 20" bandsaw... or the Zamak cast F-N-R gearbox to a '34 Atlas 9" lathe. French Bikes are easy
__________________
I have a white PX-10, a Green Dawes Galaxy and an Orange Falcon, now I'm done.
I have a white PX-10, a Green Dawes Galaxy and an Orange Falcon, now I'm done.
#18
Bottecchia fan
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Posts: 3,520
Bikes: 1959 Bottecchia Milano-Sanremo (frame), 1966 Bottecchia Professional (frame), 1971 Bottecchia Professional (frame), 1973 Bottecchia Gran Turismo, 1974 Bottecchia Special, 1977 Bottecchia Special (frame), 1974 Peugeot UO-8
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 33 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 12 Times
in
9 Posts
It probably depends on your proximity to a large city, redxj is not all that far from Detroit. I'm deep in Ohio farm country.
I have two UO-8's but only one is staying, I don't flip bikes, so the french stuff is not really a problem. If you compare vintage french lightweights to some of my other hobbies, like early 20th century wood and metal working machinery, french parts are easy as heck to find. Try finding a lower wheel for a 1928 Crescent 20" bandsaw... or the Zamak cast F-N-R gearbox to a '34 Atlas 9" lathe. French Bikes are easy
I have two UO-8's but only one is staying, I don't flip bikes, so the french stuff is not really a problem. If you compare vintage french lightweights to some of my other hobbies, like early 20th century wood and metal working machinery, french parts are easy as heck to find. Try finding a lower wheel for a 1928 Crescent 20" bandsaw... or the Zamak cast F-N-R gearbox to a '34 Atlas 9" lathe. French Bikes are easy
I notice some folks are very practicle when choosing a vintage bike. That would not include me. It's purely emmotional. If you grew up lusting after a UO-8 or a Schwinn Varsity or rode a Continental in college and would like to relive your youth then get one. That's what it's all about to me.
__________________
1959 Bottecchia Milano-Sanremo(frame), 1966 Bottecchia Professional (frame), 1971 Bottecchia Professional (frame),
1973 Bottecchia Gran Turismo, 1974 Bottecchia Special, 1977 Bottecchia Special (frame),
1974 Peugeot UO-8, 1988 Panasonic PT-3500, 2002 Bianchi Veloce, 2004 Bianchi Pista
1959 Bottecchia Milano-Sanremo(frame), 1966 Bottecchia Professional (frame), 1971 Bottecchia Professional (frame),
1973 Bottecchia Gran Turismo, 1974 Bottecchia Special, 1977 Bottecchia Special (frame),
1974 Peugeot UO-8, 1988 Panasonic PT-3500, 2002 Bianchi Veloce, 2004 Bianchi Pista
#19
Super Course fan
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Lost on the windswept plains of the Great Black Swamp
Posts: 2,720
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times
in
8 Posts
You tell 'em Aaron!
I notice some folks are very practicle when choosing a vintage bike. That would not include me. It's purely emmotional. If you grew up lusting after a UO-8 or a Schwinn Varsity or rode a Continental in college and would like to relive your youth then get one. That's what it's all about to me.
I notice some folks are very practicle when choosing a vintage bike. That would not include me. It's purely emmotional. If you grew up lusting after a UO-8 or a Schwinn Varsity or rode a Continental in college and would like to relive your youth then get one. That's what it's all about to me.
I just rail against the attitude that everything Schwinn is good, outside this community, in the general populace there are a whole lot of people (who probably don't ride) Who still think everything Schwinn is gold plated.
Don't let the avatar fool you, most of my favorite stuff is English.
__________________
I have a white PX-10, a Green Dawes Galaxy and an Orange Falcon, now I'm done.
I have a white PX-10, a Green Dawes Galaxy and an Orange Falcon, now I'm done.
Last edited by redneckwes; 01-02-08 at 09:43 PM.
#20
Senior Member
+1. Tempos and Preludes aren't bad either. Very nice lug work and Columbus Tenax tubing. Even the midrange models were pretty decent by the mid eighties.,,,,BD
__________________
So many bikes, so little dime.
So many bikes, so little dime.
#21
Keeper of the SLDB
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Springfield, MO
Posts: 1,577
Bikes: '75 Schwinn Paramount P-10, '86 Ritchey Commando, '87 Schwinn Cimarron, '91 Trek 990, '87 Schwinn High Sierra, '73 Schwinn Super Sport, '4? Schwinn New World, '76 Swing Bike.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
5 Posts
Bob
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Brooklyn, New York
Posts: 541
Bikes: Nothing special, but it works.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I had a Tempo, years ago. I bought it new in the mid-eighties. It might have been the nicest (new) bike I ever owned. Shimano 105 components, with indexed downtube shifters and Biopace chainrings. I rode the hell out of it, lent it to my brother for a year for him to use while he worked as a New York City bike messenger (and it took the beating that entails very well), took it back, rode it some more, and finally it was stolen in 2000, if I remember right. I miss that bike.
#23
Senior Member
I had a Tempo, years ago. I bought it new in the mid-eighties. It might have been the nicest (new) bike I ever owned. Shimano 105 components, with indexed downtube shifters and Biopace chainrings. I rode the hell out of it, lent it to my brother for a year for him to use while he worked as a New York City bike messenger (and it took the beating that entails very well), took it back, rode it some more, and finally it was stolen in 2000, if I remember right. I miss that bike.
Want another one? The frame on mine is too small, and it's stripped down (bare frame with HS and BB) at the moment. What size frame do you ride?,,,,BD
Turquoise and white. Here it is in it's last incarnation. It was about the time I realized it was too small.
__________________
So many bikes, so little dime.
So many bikes, so little dime.
#24
Death fork? Naaaah!!
Still have the fork?
Looks too big for me, anyway.
Top
Looks too big for me, anyway.
Top
__________________
You know it's going to be a good day when the stem and seatpost come right out.
(looking for a picture and not seeing it? Thank the Photobucket fiasco.PM me and I'll link it up.)
You know it's going to be a good day when the stem and seatpost come right out.
(looking for a picture and not seeing it? Thank the Photobucket fiasco.PM me and I'll link it up.)
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,768
Bikes: Cinelli, Paramount, Raleigh, Carlton, Zeus, Gemniani, Frejus, Legnano, Pinarello, Falcon
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 12 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times
in
8 Posts
Here's something I've learned over the years, but not here:
Always use Never Seize on your freewheel and pedal threads, and grease the stem and seatpost where it goes into the frame. Someone 20-30 years from now will love you for it!
Always use Never Seize on your freewheel and pedal threads, and grease the stem and seatpost where it goes into the frame. Someone 20-30 years from now will love you for it!