Originally Posted by
steve-d
Just say no.
You'll spend a lot of $$, he'll get on it and then remember how absolutely heavy it is. He'll ride it twice and then thank you.
Look for a used lugged steel bike for a few bucks more than you'll spend. For example there is currently a thread here where someone is asking about a Team Fuji. Asking price was $350. Too much for the bike probably, but the point is you can get a good quality bike for a little more than you will need to spend here.
Cash is not a large issue with this bike, although I'm not doing a full blown restoration, I want to get the bike to full riding condition for a less than what it would cost for a new one. Also, I want to see if my dad will like to get out riding again, the bike he's had for so long is the perfect jumping off point. If he enjoys it we can clean and restore it fully or if he wants to advance get a new bike. But if he doesn't want to pursue biking I can just as easily hang it up on a wall without having spent a large stack of money and have another frame taking up space in the shed.
Originally Posted by
King of Kadence
It's not in bad shape. It needs to be disassembled, polished and regreased. The rims are probably too rusty and will need to be replaced.
Indeed, I'm definitely going to toss the wheels. Any tips on polishing or products to use?
Originally Posted by
Rabid Koala
Though heavy, they ride quite nicely.
If I were doing it, I'd get aluminum rims which would make a big difference in both weight and braking. I'd put Kool Stop brake pads on it so it would really stop well, then clean and grease everything up and see if your dad rode it very much before getting something lighter and more expensive.
He must have ridden it quite a lot back in the day. The Huret derailleur was replaced by one that actually worked, unlike most Varsities.
Have some fun fixing it up. You'll be surprised how easy it is.
Indeed, he went all over back in his day. Any recommendations on a replacement rim that'll fit? I've seen some on a recommended site Nashbar, but have no where to start. I'll probably get most stuff at a LBS.
Originally Posted by
curbtender
Hey JD, where do you live? Donor bikes are cheap and Varsity's are easy to work on. Good luck.
NYC, bikes are plentiful here as well as several reputable shops, I don't know about getting a donor, I was thinking about getting new updated parts.
Originally Posted by
wrk101
+1 Only way it makes sense is to find a donor bike. Then treat the various rusty parts in an oxalic acid bath. Wheels need to be tossed.
I've never heard of this, is the bath for the just the handlebar and stem or the gears and hubs too? Any links to a "how to" write up?