Originally Posted by
late
1) Nice bike, buy it. I wish I could. Btw, how tall are you?
2) Take it to a bike shop and ask for a complete tune up, and have them work on the wheels. If you can, ask a cyclist for a reference to a good shop.
3) Now you can take it for a real ride. The fit may not be perfect as is, so you may need a shorter or longer stem. I'm a big fan of the Nitto Technomics Deluxe stem. If the fit is close, you can worry about that later when it's time to spiff the bike up a bit.
4) You will want new tires. If you are just getting back into cycling I suggest the
Rivendell Roly Poly or Ruffy Tuffy tires. They are 27c and have a nice ride.
5) There are a number of optional things you can do. I'd add bar end shifters so you don't have to reach so far. I'd also get a Brooks saddle.
*I'm 6' tall and the standover is close but still ok.
*Got a good bikeshop and will be getting said tune up as a matter of course. Cleaning the bike before taking it in is a habit of mine. (same as taking a shower before going to the doctor)
*Fits pretty well right now...but will probably have a fit done eventually at the LBS.
*Tires are still pretty new, but will eventually opt for a cushier ride.
*I'm not a fan of the downtube shifter myself....will be exploring options (have no problems with friction stem shifters).