Originally Posted by
sloar
I couldnt do it! Once I started working on it I decided to leave as is. I installed a Brooks Pro, Blackburn rear rack and bag, new cables and bar tape. Once I figure out how wide of a tire I can go I’ll get those ordered.
Good move. While there is nothing wrong with updating these bikes with newer components, they're only original once. And if I'm taking out an old bike, it's fun to experience stuff like downtube shifting, if for no other reason to appreciate going back to modern stuff. If you want a project, do what I did with two Trek 400's and strip them down, clean up the parts to look like new, and reassemble with new wear parts like chain, cables, and brake shoes. Very rewarding.
- Mark