First off, I'd like to thank everyone for the encouragement and welcoming! I didn't expect so many replies with such an entry level bike.
Originally Posted by
Roypercy
Hey, that's a really nice starter vintage bike. As I recall from the 70s when I first started getting into biking, Takaras offered a lot of bang for the buck. Enjoy it! You can't beat the price...
Yes sir, price was right! Thanks!
My first vintage bike is a takara too! Just made a post a couple days ago. Enjoy!
I'll definitely check out your thread. I might have a question or two for you along the way since I can't seem to find much info on them or many people working on one.
Originally Posted by
oldskoolwrench
You couldn't have picked a
better bike as a learning platform. Everything is basic but good quality, durable components.
Start with a good cleaning, de-cabling the bike and inspecting the cables. Pick up some basic brake shoes from the LBS,
some degreaser and chain lube and you're good to go. As you start to get deeper into the bike go slow, see how things
come apart, and if you get hung up on something definitely ASK!
Good Luck, and congrats!
Thanks! I was intimidated at first at removing the cables so I haven't done any of that yet. I have cleaned 95% of the bike as best I could. Now I just need to get some oxcilic acid or other Phosphoric acid based cleaner to remove the surface rust. Got the wheels removed to take the tires off and get the wheels trued. That is my next step before I put new bearings in the hubs.
Originally Posted by
randyjawa
Welcome to the Bike Forums.
First off, though not meaning to offend, the bikes looks to me to be entry, not mid level, but that is of little importance.
Your build plan is a good one but I would like to suggest modification...
Spend as little as possible to make the bike road worthy and then ride it. Do not go the whole nine yards, building and restoring, without first taking a test ride(ensure the bike is safe to ride). If you like the ride and the bike, then consider spending more money to complete the refurbishment/restoration build. I failed to do this on my first build and look at all the mistakes that I made on Big Green,
my first vintage road bicycle.
And, as for money, you will not make a penny fixing the bike up the way you want to and then selling it. You will, however, learn a great deal about the bike and that will be invaluable for this or your next build.
Good luck with the project and keep us posted.
Not offended at all, your right it's a very entry level bike. Good advise about riding it first. After the wheels are trued, new tires on, and new cables and brake pads I think I will get it back together and ride it. See if the shifting problem is fixed.
Originally Posted by
marley mission
regrease your hubs and bb
buy new tires, tape and saddle (i.e. - pimp it!)
then ride the heck out of it with mad grin
go with some white red or gold in your color scheme
btw - looks cottered - sweeeeet....
Yea the seat has a small hole in it, but I like the cross stitching in it. Might see if I can find a simple one that looks like the original. The bar tape is in pretty good shape so may leave it for the time being. I definitely agree with you on the white and gold in the color scheme to match the decals/emblems. Excuse my ignorance, but what does "cottered" mean?
Originally Posted by
Amesja
Welcome to vintage bikes and vintage bike wrenching.
Get yourself a
Glenn's and do some reading over at
Sheldon's place.
Thanks you sir. Already been to Sheldon's website and bought a Zinn Road Bike Maintaince how to book. Also picked up a nice Nashbar bike tool set.
Originally Posted by
oddjob2
Derailleur issues usually are result of too little cable tension or friction from old old cables. Go splurge $4.97 at Wallyworld or Sports Authority for a Bell 4 cable kit with housing. Grease the cables first.
I had a Takara to convert to SS. Heavy gas pipe frame. Ended up selling it as is after taking off the derailleurs.
I was surprised how affordable the cable kits are. Jagwire seems to be one of the better cables or are they all pretty much the same quality? Also what kind of grease should be used on the cables?
Thanks again for all the replies guys! I will be updating this thread soon when I actually have some progress to share...haha. One last question, how do you know the correct freewheel remover socket for your bike?