Interesting input from all quadrants here.
...My advice to newbies:
- Accept curmudgeonly advice FWIW. (It's often worth a lot.)
- Ignore all the antipodal advice on fit. (Especially LBS advice.)
- Don't be dismissive of high-ten bikes (but upgrade asap to alloy wheels.)
- Resist the urge to repaint. (It robs value.)
- Educate yourself,then when you see a good deal, pounce on it!
- Your grease is likely as vintage as your bike, so service your hubs and bb before you destroy them.
- Always ride on good rubber.
- Read Sheldon Brown, My Ten Speeds, and Park Tool's repair help.
- Hang out here.
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- Auchen