Relatively new to the C&V scene, I'm looking for replacement and upgrade parts for my 60's and early 70's English 10 speeds and buying a whole bike seems to be as cheap if not cheaper than sourcing the individual components. Plus, there are always the bits and bobs that come in handy for projects down the line.
I'm perusing the local ads and find a number of bikes that seem to be good candidates. My first attempt was buying a well-stored mid-70's Grand Prix with Brooks saddle in supple condition and a period Pletscher rack. But it just needs a new FD which I have, and it's too nice to break up so I'll pass it along.
What I see mostly is Motobecanes, Univegas, Fujis, import Schwinns and some Puchs. All pretty cheap and have most of the parts I'd be looking for. But what bikes would yield the most parts that would fit my '60's Robin Hood Lenton Sports and '72 Dawes Galaxy? Seat posts seem to vary wildly. I know most Derailleur sets, brakes and 27" wheel sets (looking for a serviceable alloy set) should be interchangeable, but what about stems, cranksets (both cottered and cotterless for conversion)? French brands seem to have their own thread sizes that won't swap in, but what about the rest? Any brands or eras to avoid? Or should I go armed with measurements from my own bikes?