Originally Posted by no67el

Thanks nlerner--- it's been an interesting bike to get sorted so far, and the ability to ride smooth pavement at a decent speed combined with wider rubber to handle gravel and what Vermont likes to call "class 4 roads" (which are often just washed-out rocky stream beds) with a 38-year lower-level bike is just really, really fun.

I had to file down the upper limit stop tab on the Suntour BL rear mech to get it to travel far enough to cover the SRAM 8-speed cassette on the wheels, and it's using ALL the cable throw the Suntour ratchets have--- and even with that, it only comfortably shifts into the 32 sprocket when I'm on the little ring up front. Maybe a real 8-speed chain would help, but the one that came on the bike is so unworn that I hate to just take it off...

I know that some of the makers of leather bar wrap recommended wetting the leather before installing, so I may try that, thanks. I'm just the bane of vintage bar coverings lately--- I pulled some pristine Spenco rubber stuff off of a Motobecane earlier this summer. Tried to like it since it was so period, and in such good condition.... but no.

Tomorrow's ride plan: