Originally Posted by
purevl
I don't understand how the body could be in such bad shape if the cogs are still good, those bearings are only in use while you coast, after all. Perhaps the cogs have already been replaced at some point or the body has been rebuilt incorrectly or something.
I've wondered the same thing. I bought the bike used, and it clearly has seen a lot of hard use, but when I overhauled the hubs, BB, etc. they were in excellent shape and obviously had been well-maintained. The chain has no wear that I can detect with a Park chain wear indicator, so it likely was replaced not too long before I bought the bike. I suppose the cogs might have been replaced, too, but they look like they've been on there for a very long time. I was surprised at how little wear there was on the teeth.
I may try lashing a chainwhip to the bike and get my sons to help me try your suggestion.