need any help possible :)
01-10-14, 01:12 AM
#1
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need any help possible :)
hello community,
the name is Steve.
im new to the whole riding world as far as whats what in parts and styles and what not. i used to ride a hand me down Bianchi Brava but i had to return it. Now i have a hand me down Colnago Superissimo that needs a ton of work
the one thing i definitely want to replace is the old shifter system with those kind that shift through the brake handles. if anyone can point me to the right direction. even if they are used they will be new to me and a definite upgrade to this old beast.
it also needs new pedals (the old ones have some old shoe to pedal things) it needs the rear cassette replaced as well since its rusted as well...
thank you for any help guys and gals...
the name is Steve.
im new to the whole riding world as far as whats what in parts and styles and what not. i used to ride a hand me down Bianchi Brava but i had to return it. Now i have a hand me down Colnago Superissimo that needs a ton of work
the one thing i definitely want to replace is the old shifter system with those kind that shift through the brake handles. if anyone can point me to the right direction. even if they are used they will be new to me and a definite upgrade to this old beast.
it also needs new pedals (the old ones have some old shoe to pedal things) it needs the rear cassette replaced as well since its rusted as well...
thank you for any help guys and gals...
01-10-14, 02:36 AM
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I'm just getting back into cycling and this is what I've managed to gather so far - I hope it's helpful, and look forward too any corrections from those more up to speed than I am...
How old is this bike?
Measure the space between the read drop outs (wheel mounts) if it's 126mm you may be in the same boat as me If its 130mm you'll have more options. A quick Google leads me to thing it very well may be an old 126mm frame.
It seems the big divide between "new tech" and "old tech" is that 126mm vs 130mm spacing.
126mm is the old specification and parts are not readily available. Those paddle shifter you refer to are "new tech". I'm not sure if they are compatible with the limited gearing of 126mm rear ends. Since this is a steel frame, you may be able to get the read end "cold set
" to 130mm, your local shop should be able to help with that. I've read some suggestions that you can simple spring the rear end and squeeze a 130 hub in there - supposedly that what Shimano had customers going when the introduced the new 130mm standard.
You should be able to replace the pedal easily enough - they haven't changed much from old to new tech - although most of the old cleats are now obsolete. Any platform or toe clip pedal should be direct replacements.
As far as the cassette, I suggest taking it to a local shop. They should be able to replace rusted cogs as well as doing a complete check and overhaul on the mechanism (old or new).
If you do go the 130mm route, you will have to pick up "new tech" 130mm rear wheel. I'm assuming that paddle shifting is similar to index shifting (that was cutting edge back in my day). They suggested upgrading the entire drive train: Shifters, derailleurs, free hub (rear wheel), and chain all at once. This was to ensure that everything would work properly as one system. It seems that Shimano has what you want in all of their road bike groups - so you can find something in your budget. (Some of the vintage guys may be able to help fund that if you want to sell the existing hardware).
~Monkey~
How old is this bike?
Measure the space between the read drop outs (wheel mounts) if it's 126mm you may be in the same boat as me If its 130mm you'll have more options. A quick Google leads me to thing it very well may be an old 126mm frame.
It seems the big divide between "new tech" and "old tech" is that 126mm vs 130mm spacing.
126mm is the old specification and parts are not readily available. Those paddle shifter you refer to are "new tech". I'm not sure if they are compatible with the limited gearing of 126mm rear ends. Since this is a steel frame, you may be able to get the read end "cold set
" to 130mm, your local shop should be able to help with that. I've read some suggestions that you can simple spring the rear end and squeeze a 130 hub in there - supposedly that what Shimano had customers going when the introduced the new 130mm standard.
You should be able to replace the pedal easily enough - they haven't changed much from old to new tech - although most of the old cleats are now obsolete. Any platform or toe clip pedal should be direct replacements.
As far as the cassette, I suggest taking it to a local shop. They should be able to replace rusted cogs as well as doing a complete check and overhaul on the mechanism (old or new).
If you do go the 130mm route, you will have to pick up "new tech" 130mm rear wheel. I'm assuming that paddle shifting is similar to index shifting (that was cutting edge back in my day). They suggested upgrading the entire drive train: Shifters, derailleurs, free hub (rear wheel), and chain all at once. This was to ensure that everything would work properly as one system. It seems that Shimano has what you want in all of their road bike groups - so you can find something in your budget. (Some of the vintage guys may be able to help fund that if you want to sell the existing hardware).
~Monkey~
01-10-14, 04:27 AM
#3
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THAT is a really nice bike and the downtube shifters are not a determent to a fabulous ride. Classic. I have the style (but not the quality) of vintage bicycle you have and at one time considered upgreading. What I found is the cost to upgrade, for the purpose of newer gearing and shifing, is not a cost-effective option. Now if you want to ride a steel frame and have lots of grear options shifting from "brifters," then and upgrade is warrented.
Let's assume you have 27" wheels yet and not 700c? Here is a very wide ballpark set of figures:
Replace the wheels so you can use modern cassetts. $200
Replace the brakes (maybe) to fit the different diamater of wheels. $30
Cold-set the frame to 135 mm for the new freehub. ???
Replace the chain. $20
Replace the shifters (brifters) $200
Might as well replace the handlebars to a modern style to fit the functionality of brifters. (Riding the hoods) $30
Better off buying a good used bike already setup with brifters. Less upgrade and compatibility issues. The only downside of your bike in it's current configuration is fewer gears to choose from so your legs get a little more workout. Gears, for most of us, do what the legs cannot anymore, and if you are riding in high traffic areas where constant shifting is needed, then the downtube shifters can be a little less convenient.
Let's assume you have 27" wheels yet and not 700c? Here is a very wide ballpark set of figures:
Replace the wheels so you can use modern cassetts. $200
Replace the brakes (maybe) to fit the different diamater of wheels. $30
Cold-set the frame to 135 mm for the new freehub. ???
Replace the chain. $20
Replace the shifters (brifters) $200
Might as well replace the handlebars to a modern style to fit the functionality of brifters. (Riding the hoods) $30
Better off buying a good used bike already setup with brifters. Less upgrade and compatibility issues. The only downside of your bike in it's current configuration is fewer gears to choose from so your legs get a little more workout. Gears, for most of us, do what the legs cannot anymore, and if you are riding in high traffic areas where constant shifting is needed, then the downtube shifters can be a little less convenient.
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FB4K - Every October we wrench on donated bikes. Every December, a few thousand kids get bikes for Christmas. For many, it is their first bike, ever. Every bike, new and used, was donated, built, cleaned and repaired. Check us out on FaceBook: FB4K.
Disclaimer: 99% of what I know about cycling I learned on BF. That would make, ummm, 1% experience. And a lot of posts.
FB4K - Every October we wrench on donated bikes. Every December, a few thousand kids get bikes for Christmas. For many, it is their first bike, ever. Every bike, new and used, was donated, built, cleaned and repaired. Check us out on FaceBook: FB4K.
Disclaimer: 99% of what I know about cycling I learned on BF. That would make, ummm, 1% experience. And a lot of posts.
01-10-14, 08:49 AM
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Welcome to BF! As said above -- Doing a major refurbishing of your vintage Colnago would open the door to complications that would likely become an surprisingly expensive nightmare. If you love the Colnago and have the money to spend, restore it, but... If you want a bike with present day components, you’ll likely be better off if you just get a new bike. Visit a good LBS and get their advice.
01-10-14, 08:51 AM
#5
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Welcome to bikeforums!
Here is a Colnago Superissimo with Ergo : https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...o#post13447624
Putting modern shifters and a matching drivetrain can be costly, but many owners do it with great results.
Here is a Colnago Superissimo with Ergo : https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...o#post13447624
Putting modern shifters and a matching drivetrain can be costly, but many owners do it with great results.
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When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
01-10-14, 09:59 AM
#6
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Welcome to Bike Forums! There's a lot of good advice here, you also might want to check out the Classic and Vintage area as well as the mechanics section for more answers.
01-10-14, 11:18 AM
#7
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Welcome to Bike Forums!
That is a very cool looking bike...and this is coming from someone who doesn't even care for most vintage bikes. Definitely check the Classic and Vintage subforum.
That is a very cool looking bike...and this is coming from someone who doesn't even care for most vintage bikes. Definitely check the Classic and Vintage subforum.
01-10-14, 12:04 PM
#8
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there in lies the problem...im currently un employed...
i didnt think it would kill my pocket to "modernize" this thing...
i never had any attachement to it...i just want something to ride... but from what im reading it be better to just buy a new bike...
i live in l.a. so the traffic is an issue when it comes to shifting with the current set up...
i didnt think it would kill my pocket to "modernize" this thing...
i never had any attachement to it...i just want something to ride... but from what im reading it be better to just buy a new bike...
i live in l.a. so the traffic is an issue when it comes to shifting with the current set up...
01-10-14, 02:39 PM
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Now if you treated it as a single speed (pick your gear and don't bother shifting) in those high traffic areas you would be just fine. Unemployed can give you the freedom to schedule time to make this a really really fun ride. Check out the co-ops and get some volunteer bike time that might help you make connections to get a job.
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FB4K - Every October we wrench on donated bikes. Every December, a few thousand kids get bikes for Christmas. For many, it is their first bike, ever. Every bike, new and used, was donated, built, cleaned and repaired. Check us out on FaceBook: FB4K.
Disclaimer: 99% of what I know about cycling I learned on BF. That would make, ummm, 1% experience. And a lot of posts.
FB4K - Every October we wrench on donated bikes. Every December, a few thousand kids get bikes for Christmas. For many, it is their first bike, ever. Every bike, new and used, was donated, built, cleaned and repaired. Check us out on FaceBook: FB4K.
Disclaimer: 99% of what I know about cycling I learned on BF. That would make, ummm, 1% experience. And a lot of posts.
01-10-14, 03:39 PM
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Another option.
Not sure how easy it would be to find, but back in the day, there was an adapter available that would allowed you to mount down tube shifter up to the handle bar stem. Still requires you to take a hand off the bar, but a much shorter distance.
If the adapter is not available, you may find an old frame in the trash and cut the downtube and fashion your own with some hose clamps. Not pretty, but functional.
For what it's worth, I think I saw some one say that $900 for that bike with the Athena group was a reasonable price for vintage collectors (don't quote me). What component group do you have on that machine? You may be able to get more by parting out and selling on eBay. And get you enough cash for a decent bike.
If you are in the city, a more modern city cruiser would probably be better than a vintage road racer.
Hope this helps.
~Monkey~
Not sure how easy it would be to find, but back in the day, there was an adapter available that would allowed you to mount down tube shifter up to the handle bar stem. Still requires you to take a hand off the bar, but a much shorter distance.
If the adapter is not available, you may find an old frame in the trash and cut the downtube and fashion your own with some hose clamps. Not pretty, but functional.
For what it's worth, I think I saw some one say that $900 for that bike with the Athena group was a reasonable price for vintage collectors (don't quote me). What component group do you have on that machine? You may be able to get more by parting out and selling on eBay. And get you enough cash for a decent bike.
If you are in the city, a more modern city cruiser would probably be better than a vintage road racer.
Hope this helps.
~Monkey~
01-11-14, 11:55 AM
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From what I'm reading, and for what I want to do with it...it doesn't seem all that pocket friendly anymore... :/
Would it be safe to say it would benefit me to just sell and buy a new bike in which every upgrade would come standard?
Would it be safe to say it would benefit me to just sell and buy a new bike in which every upgrade would come standard?
01-11-14, 12:19 PM
#12
aka Phil Jungels
You have a lot of value there - keep it and ride it......... MHO
01-12-14, 09:42 AM
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I would not sell that bike. I mean... a lot of people will want to buy it but if it were mine, I would not sell it at all. It's a Colnago. If you look around here, sometimes you can find some pretty good deals or even stuff that generous people give away. A lot of people like to help others out here. https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...d-2013-Edition
01-14-14, 08:34 AM
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FYI. I just found this while looking for bits that I need...
As I mantioned before, there is an option to mount the shifters on the handle bar stem:
https://www.amazon.com/Sunrace-Stem-D...709127&sr=1-19
Sun Race also has thumb shifter listed, which mount on top of your handle bars. Not exactly brifter, but allow you to shift with out coming off the bars - and they are wallet-friendly.
~Monkey~
As I mantioned before, there is an option to mount the shifters on the handle bar stem:
https://www.amazon.com/Sunrace-Stem-D...709127&sr=1-19
Sun Race also has thumb shifter listed, which mount on top of your handle bars. Not exactly brifter, but allow you to shift with out coming off the bars - and they are wallet-friendly.
~Monkey~
01-14-14, 08:41 AM
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hello community,
the name is Steve.
im new to the whole riding world as far as whats what in parts and styles and what not. i used to ride a hand me down Bianchi Brava but i had to return it. Now i have a hand me down Colnago Superissimo that needs a ton of work
the one thing i definitely want to replace is the old shifter system with those kind that shift through the brake handles. if anyone can point me to the right direction. even if they are used they will be new to me and a definite upgrade to this old beast.
it also needs new pedals (the old ones have some old shoe to pedal things) it needs the rear cassette replaced as well since its rusted as well...
thank you for any help guys and gals...
the name is Steve.
im new to the whole riding world as far as whats what in parts and styles and what not. i used to ride a hand me down Bianchi Brava but i had to return it. Now i have a hand me down Colnago Superissimo that needs a ton of work
the one thing i definitely want to replace is the old shifter system with those kind that shift through the brake handles. if anyone can point me to the right direction. even if they are used they will be new to me and a definite upgrade to this old beast.
it also needs new pedals (the old ones have some old shoe to pedal things) it needs the rear cassette replaced as well since its rusted as well...
thank you for any help guys and gals...
I just have too say as already established... THAT IS ONE NICE HAND ME DOWN! ---- end of jelly.
01-15-14, 01:53 AM
#17
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as far as i could see, brakes and crank are all dura ace stuff... older model looking stuff but dura ace
Another option.
Not sure how easy it would be to find, but back in the day, there was an adapter available that would allowed you to mount down tube shifter up to the handle bar stem. Still requires you to take a hand off the bar, but a much shorter distance.
If the adapter is not available, you may find an old frame in the trash and cut the downtube and fashion your own with some hose clamps. Not pretty, but functional.
For what it's worth, I think I saw some one say that $900 for that bike with the Athena group was a reasonable price for vintage collectors (don't quote me). What component group do you have on that machine? You may be able to get more by parting out and selling on eBay. And get you enough cash for a decent bike.
If you are in the city, a more modern city cruiser would probably be better than a vintage road racer.
Hope this helps.
~Monkey~
Not sure how easy it would be to find, but back in the day, there was an adapter available that would allowed you to mount down tube shifter up to the handle bar stem. Still requires you to take a hand off the bar, but a much shorter distance.
If the adapter is not available, you may find an old frame in the trash and cut the downtube and fashion your own with some hose clamps. Not pretty, but functional.
For what it's worth, I think I saw some one say that $900 for that bike with the Athena group was a reasonable price for vintage collectors (don't quote me). What component group do you have on that machine? You may be able to get more by parting out and selling on eBay. And get you enough cash for a decent bike.
If you are in the city, a more modern city cruiser would probably be better than a vintage road racer.
Hope this helps.
~Monkey~
01-15-14, 01:55 AM
#18
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Anyone in l.a. area willing to look this over and help me out...
01-15-14, 08:49 AM
#19
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Go to the Classic and Vintage: What's it Worth section of the forum https://www.bikeforums.net/forumdispl...-and-Inquiries and see if people have ideas on what you can get for this bike. It may make sense to sell it and buy something more suitable.
Welcome to BF!
Welcome to BF!
01-15-14, 10:42 AM
#20
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01-15-14, 03:04 PM
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Stop by the SoCal regional forum. Someone there might be able to help you or point you to a cycling co-op.
01-15-14, 03:40 PM
#22
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When I saw your picture of your 'nago, I instantly knew it's a diamond in the rough. Seriously. Put some elbow grease into it and it'll turn into one hell of a bike.
Welcome to bikeforums!
I know for sure there's people over in classic & vintage more than willing to help you out restoring this.
Welcome to bikeforums!
I know for sure there's people over in classic & vintage more than willing to help you out restoring this.
01-15-14, 03:41 PM
#23
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A cycling co-operative.
It's a kind of bike shop that has a lower overhead and prices w/ tools and highly knowledgeably and willing people to help you for minimal cost a traditional bike shop would. Also, there might be older compatible parts for had for free or donation.
It's a kind of bike shop that has a lower overhead and prices w/ tools and highly knowledgeably and willing people to help you for minimal cost a traditional bike shop would. Also, there might be older compatible parts for had for free or donation.
01-15-14, 05:55 PM
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guess ill move the convo https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...5#post16414245
