Originally Posted by
ostste
After taking it in, the cables and derailleur tensioners are in good shape. Just need some TLC and need to be cleaned up and lubed.
The wheels are tubular, and they mentioned it probably being better to swap them out for a new wheel set of clinchers. Agreed? I believe these are 27s, so any opinions on what/where to get? Or could I potentially use a 700?
Besides that, other plans include brake rubber, extended seatpost, new stem, reconditioning the Brooks Saddle, and new wrap on the bars. Anything else I should be considering as essential?
Also, they recommended against swapping to an 8-speed chain. Any idea pros/cons for that?
You can run an 8 speed chain; this is a 6-7-8 speed chain,
http://www.modernbike.com/kmc-x8.93-...ed-chain-7.1mm
You do want to replace all the cables and replace all the ball bearings. Wheels manufacturing makes grade 25 ball bearings:
http://www.modernbike.com/wheels-man...ring-bag-of-25
You will need some bike specific tools but you can pick them up as needed. Park makes good bike specific tools.
Wheels are easy. Tubulars are a bit of a pain. You can sell of the wheels and buy nice 700c replacement wheels. You could buy 27 inch as well but 700c is more common. The difference is right around 3-4 mm if memory serves me correctly and most brakes can handle that much movement down. If not, you can file a bit off the brake (where the brake shoe fits into the brake) to get the movement you need or you can buy a bit longer reach brake. You can always borrow a set of 700c wheels to see the fit. If you live Des Moines, you can borrow them from me to see if they work. I have a very good set of clincher rims (ambrosio elite durex rims) I should probably think of selling. Or you could pick up 700c wheels from velomine:
Sun CR18 Road Bike Sealed Bearing 700c Wheelset 126mm Rear [072774744381] - $120.00 Velomine.com : Worldwide Bicycle Shop, fixed gear track bike wheelsets campagnolo super record vintage bike
$120 plus shipping; these are strong rims. You'll need new tires as well. Panaracer makes good gumwall tires that will look good on this bike,
Panaracer Pasela PT Tire 700 x 28 Black/Tan Steel - Modern Bike