Plissken

I just bought a Bottecchia SLX '88 which according to the previous owner stands as original.

Pictures can be found here: https://onedrive.live.com/redir?resi...t=folder%2cjpg

Info:
Brakes: Mavic
Wheels: Campagnolo
Front and rear derailleurs: Mavic
Crank-set: Mavic
Gear levers: Simplex
Stem and handlebar: Bottecchia
Saddle: Selle San Marco Rolls

In general I think the bike feels nice (haven't ridden it yet though!) and the parts look to be in okay good condition. There is some damage to the paint and some paint flakes. Further, there is some rust on the chrome.

My questions are:

1) Any suggestions on what kind of pedals I should get for this bike (not clicks as I will mostly be using it for short commutes)?
2) Can I use any rust remover to remove the rust from the chrome?
3) When washing the muck off is there anything I should be vary about such as decals, paint flakes, etc.?
4) Is there anything I can do regarding a paint flake (small) which is a bit lose?
5) Can anyone recommend some good soap/wax product to get a nice shine?
6) Should I change the rubber around the brake levers. As you can see on one of the pics it is about to rip.

Sorry if these are rather simple questions. I would like to get as many tips as possible on how to make the bike as nice looking as possible again without damaging it on the way.

Thanks in advance!

randyjawa 

Welcome to the Bike Forums. I publish a website, MY "TEN SPEEDS", that tends to help people, new to the vintage bicycle interest, avoid making mistakes that such up time, effort and cash

1 - Pedals - I prefer clip in SPD pedals, which allow proper cycle shoes and still allow comfortable walking, well, pretty comfortable. Why - because without such a set-up, I can't spin properly. Apparently pedals and straps work well also, but I do not feel safe or efficient with that set-up.

2 - oxylic acid works well, so I have been told. Personally, I wash the crud, clean with chrome polish, then rub the chrome with aluminum foil(amazing results).

3 - be careful with any and all art on the bicycle.

4 - use a decent cleaning wax, such as McGuire's



5 - just did

6 - new hoods(the rubber of which you speak) and new bar tape will work aesthetic wonders.

SJX426 

If nobody has already said it, welcome to C&V!

That bike should clean up nicely! I like these years of this bike. OA will work wonders without destroying paint or decals. Do a search on Oxalic Acid on this forum, specifically reference wrk101. This bike needs full tear down and cleaning. Lately I have been using a paper towel soaked in OA and wrapped with saran wrap for 24 hour to address local issues of rust. wrk101 uses a wall paper tray to soak forks.

Have fun and give us pics as you go along including your discoveries and errors! That lets us know you are human.

jiangshi

I will disagree with previos posters and say don't use oxalic acid on that frame.

That is a very nice frame and components. Where are you located? There may be someone local that can help you out if you are new at this. I'm guessing Germany, from the decals.

I would recommend a complete disassemble and thorough wash with a good quality auto soap. I've found that a gentle rub with WD40 or equivalent does wonders prior to a wash and wax. Use the right tools so you don't bugger anything up.

Be gentle. You can not restore flaked chrome. Flaked paint should be removed, touch up with model or auto paint as needed, or just leave as is. Rust should be addressed, gently.


Nice bike and components. Not seen in the USA very often.

Fivethumbs

On my '89 Bottecchia, they sprayed the clear coat over the whole bike, chrome included. When I waxed it, all the clear coat came off. The paint is so fragile that If I look at it wrong the paint chips. But as a rider I like it.

ramzilla

If it's an 88 then it's probably past due for all new ball bearings & grease. Plus, new cables & housings. I would disassemble it down to the bare frame. Throw all the parts into a bucket of mineral spirits or diesel fuel to soak. Wash the frame with a sponge & soap & water. Then, move up to chrome polish & auto body wax. Chances are the surface corrosion will rub off & it will look fine afterwards. Be good & have fun.

Plissken

Dear all,

Thank you very much for your helpful comments and resources (great website @randyjawa!). I think I will buy some sort of bike tool set and take the bike apart, then clean and polish it. I will post pictures of the process! Hopefully it'll be on the road sometime during the summer.

I am based in Denmark, not Germany