Hello
I have a custom bicycle built in the 1980s with a Reynolds 522 double butted touring frame. I want to keep the frame and change most of the rest (except seat & post, pedals, mudguards and pannier rack).
The setup I have now is:
1a. Wheels: 27 x1.25, tandem spokes.
1b. Hubs: Bullseye.
(If the original wheels had been 700 I would keep them because in all this time I have never had to true or replace any spokes, rims or do anything with the hubs.)
2. Gears: 18 speed. Range 19-87. 6 back, 3 front. It was originally 19-100 but I had problems changing gears, so reduced the top front down to a smaller size. The sprocket set was set individually but I understand nowadays we have to buy a set decided by the manufacturer.
3. Derailleurs: Mountech originally, but this wore out and had to buy a Shimano set to replace it.
4. Handlebars: drop handlebars with gear changers (Suntour) on the tips, brake levers at drop.
5. Brakes: caliper (Shimano)
6. Bottom bracket/cranks: not sure of make but shall have to change that for new gearing.
7. Front forks: also not sure of make but people note how "antique" they look, along with the gear levers at the tips of the handlebars.
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My usage: I ride around the city commuting, socialising, shopping sometimes with heavy loads (use panniers and/or trailer), and take long rides in the country mostly on sealed roads but occasionally on unsealed/rough. The gear setup is generally too low for city cycling but I do use that really low gear when I am going up steepish hills. (Currently I walk up *really* steep hills.)
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What I want changed:
A1. Wheels: 700 x 1.25 (or thereabouts). Rebuilt with tandem spokes to take touring panniers and heavy shopping. What would be good rims (Mavic? Campagnolo?)
A2. Hubs: sealed. What brand would be suitable?
B. Gears: can anyone please advise what would be the best replacement for my setup, now that there are only pre-made rear sprocket sets. I am happy with 24 speed. Would like to keep the lowest speed, but would also like to have a higher highest speed, but this may not be possible.
C. Derailleurs: would appreciate some advice for replacement, probably an MTB type?
D. Handlebars: want straight handlebars with brake and gear levers more accessible than they are now.
E. Brakes: disc brakes
F, G. Front forks, bottom bracket/cranks: any suggestions for replacement suitable for usage.
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I want good quality and long lasting stuff. Sometimes the more expensive isn't really the best. My original chain was quite expensive but it wore out within a couple of years, but the cheap one that replaced it is still going strong.
Apologies if I have not given the correct terminology. Would *very* much appreciate any advice.
Thx
Merrie