Bike Forums - Hello

Hi there,

I'm Puma, I just got into cycling and have lots of questions so go easy on me. I raced BMX all through my childhood but now I'mm interested in Road Cycling. It's amazing how much I like it. I just got the idea to buy a bike and bought an old Puch Odyssey from a guy who had it rotting away in his garage. I cleaned the bike up and have been polishing away rust for at least a week. It's a heavy bike but that's okay for now. Mostly, I have questions about how I can improve this bike, parts compatibility and such. Meanwhile, I'll work on becoming a stronger cyclist within myself.

Details about my bike (that i'm aware of at this point);
58 cm frame, old school lug steel frame, built I believe in the 80's
Sugino Crank
Suntour derailleur G7
Diacompe Brake (front only), appear to be a centerpull style, not that I know what that is really. Single,centered hole mount
Five speed cassette
Two sprockets on the crank
Big, heavy steel wheels

I live in Houston, Texas where the roads are flat but I'd like to work up to trips to Austin (Hilly terrain).

Thanks in advance for all of your help,

Puma