Originally Posted by
sfazio
Great information, thanks--I have seen UE 8's online that look identical to this except so far they have all had the Stronglight cranks, not the Nervar cranks that came on this one. Is there any way to be sure this is a U0 9?
It's funny you mention the seat, I have a spare Brooks saddle from a donor PX-10 that I was thinking of replacing this with--the seat is really the only thing on the bike I don't like--just looks cheap and out of place.
I will replace all of the consumables including bar tape--it's cool that the tape is still in decent shape but 40 years in an attic has made the tape pretty gummy and it has that funky smell plastic gets when it gets too old. I will put something tasteful on that won't clash too much.
I hear you on the wheels--I have never been a fan of the 27 inch wheel and putting nice 700c allow rims would improve the ride quality quite a bit. I have torn down wheels and built them back up for most of my builds but I have never replaced a hub or freewheel before. Is there a cassette you would recommend that would fit?
The UE 8 and UO 8s had cottered cranks. The UO 9s had cotterless cranks and steel rim wheels; the UO 10s had alloy wheels. At least that is how they were typically sold in the US. There's nothing wrong 27 inch wheels. There are fewer tire choices than with 700c which is why I suggested the latter. That said, there are good 27 inch tires available (Continental, Schwalbe, Panaracer, MIchelin, Kenda, etc. all make very decent 27 inch tires).
Alloy wheels--27 inch or 700c--will improve the braking particularly in the wet and they're of course lighter. You don't need a particular cassette. I'd hunt around for a set of cheap 27 inch or 700c alloy wheels which means used wheels. They're out there. Alternatively, just overhaul the hubs (Normandy sport hubs are pretty decent) and ride it as it. There's nothing intrinsically wrong with steel rims other than that you have to be careful braking with them in the wet.
This is my mid 70s UE 8 that I've never gotten around to rebuilding. It would make a fine commuter but I've been using a late 80s Stumpjumper as a commuter so I've never gotten around to rebuilding this bike. The braze ons for the light and rack are very similar to your UO 9 as are the fenders and the rack. These are good quality metal fenders and that is a strong steel rack. Plus the bike has a nice long wheelbase and slack angles. This is a well designed bike.
