Ride or Display-Modify or Restore?
09-13-18, 08:59 AM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Lacey, WA
Posts: 1,707
Bikes: Stevenson Custom, Stevenson Custom Tandem, Nishiki Professional
Mentioned: 35 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 367 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 196 Times
in
128 Posts
Ride or Display-Modify or Restore?
How do you decide if a vintage bike should be restored for display or modified to be ridden? Simply stated, a vintage race bike isn’t a vintage race car. While the motor of a vintage race car stays pretty much as it always was, the motor to a vintage bike is you, and you age.
Oh as I was young and easy in the mercy of his means,
Time held me green and dying
Though I sang in my chains like the sea.
Dylan Thomas-Fern Hill
Love that poem.
So here’s the rub, I have four Japanese racing bikes one has been restored but with a 42 x19 as my best hill gear this is more risk than I will take with older joints and muscles. So it is functional art in my office, but with the other three I have made modifications, bigger gearing/more gears/SPD pedals and ride them, but there is a troubling bit of doubt. A vintage race car is the experience of a moment in time. Sure, you can swap in modern brakes, engines, etc., but what have you lost, the experience. Yet unlike a vintage race car’s engine our body is a wasting asset. A Briggs & Stratton in place of a Cooper Climax would be an awful thing, yet, to date, you cannot rebuild yourself to 20. So you change the gearing and with judicious vintage/modern components (triplizers) you extend the years of use and the joy of another days ride.
But where is the edge? Where should you stop and hang up a bike of memories, rather than erase it with change?
I welcome your thoughts.
Oh as I was young and easy in the mercy of his means,
Time held me green and dying
Though I sang in my chains like the sea.
Dylan Thomas-Fern Hill
Love that poem.
So here’s the rub, I have four Japanese racing bikes one has been restored but with a 42 x19 as my best hill gear this is more risk than I will take with older joints and muscles. So it is functional art in my office, but with the other three I have made modifications, bigger gearing/more gears/SPD pedals and ride them, but there is a troubling bit of doubt. A vintage race car is the experience of a moment in time. Sure, you can swap in modern brakes, engines, etc., but what have you lost, the experience. Yet unlike a vintage race car’s engine our body is a wasting asset. A Briggs & Stratton in place of a Cooper Climax would be an awful thing, yet, to date, you cannot rebuild yourself to 20. So you change the gearing and with judicious vintage/modern components (triplizers) you extend the years of use and the joy of another days ride.
But where is the edge? Where should you stop and hang up a bike of memories, rather than erase it with change?
I welcome your thoughts.
09-13-18, 09:45 AM
#2
Veteran, Pacifist
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Seattle area
Posts: 13,328
Bikes: Bikes??? Thought this was social media?!?
Mentioned: 284 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3898 Post(s)
Liked 4,832 Times
in
2,229 Posts
Ride it.
It can hang on the wall tomorrow with my beausage.
It can hang on the wall tomorrow with my beausage.
__________________
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
09-13-18, 10:31 AM
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: San Jose (Willow Glen) Ca
Posts: 9,845
Bikes: Kirk Custom JK Special, '84 Team Miyata,(dura ace old school) 80?? SR Semi-Pro 600 Arabesque
Mentioned: 106 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2338 Post(s)
Liked 2,822 Times
in
1,541 Posts
I can't see myself every getting a bike as a wallhanger. Any thing I get I want to ride.
__________________
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can
(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can
(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)
09-13-18, 10:32 AM
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Berkeley CA
Posts: 2,536
Bikes: 1981 Ron Cooper, 1974 Cinelli Speciale Corsa, 2000 Gary Fisher Sugar 1, 1986 Miyata 710, 1982 Raleigh "International"
Mentioned: 97 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 930 Post(s)
Liked 1,291 Times
in
487 Posts
The only bike I'd display would be the one that Eddy Merckx or Greg LeMond won the Tour de France on or similar, or perhaps a bike of significance or curiosity from pre-WWII. Everything else is for riding. If we're talking post-war bikes, gearing was changed all the time to accommodate different conditions and riders. I therefore see no issue with altering gearing to facilitate riding. It can also be readily changed back to whatever gear setup that you consider to be "original".
09-13-18, 10:49 AM
#5
Señor Member
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Hardy, VA
Posts: 17,923
Bikes: Mostly English - predominantly Raleighs
Mentioned: 70 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1491 Post(s)
Liked 1,090 Times
in
638 Posts
My experience is that, unless you've got something that's old enough to be equipped with an obsolete derailleur (the use of which adds to the cachet, imo), you're not going to detract from the character and fun of the ride if you make upgrades. Try it on one, and see what you think. 
__________________
In search of what to search for.
In search of what to search for.
09-13-18, 11:23 AM
#6
Senior Member
A sprocket wheel isn't a core component of a bicycle. It's something to be replaced with wear, and swapped out for the situation. You want to hang on the experience of riding the bicycle? Then configure the bike so you can keep having it.
09-13-18, 11:57 AM
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Beaverton, OR
Posts: 14,744
Bikes: Yes
Mentioned: 525 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3230 Post(s)
Liked 3,868 Times
in
1,439 Posts
What are you erasing? Did you change the gearing by melting down the old freewheel and casting it into the new triplizer or something?
A sprocket wheel isn't a core component of a bicycle. It's something to be replaced with wear, and swapped out for the situation. You want to hang on the experience of riding the bicycle? Then configure the bike so you can keep having it.
A sprocket wheel isn't a core component of a bicycle. It's something to be replaced with wear, and swapped out for the situation. You want to hang on the experience of riding the bicycle? Then configure the bike so you can keep having it.
Purists might be reaching for their torches and pitchforks as they see the tripleizer and long cage on the rear derailleur, but most people -- even most vintage bike enthusiasts -- seem not to mind that. Frankly, the fact that some previous owner repainted it is probably a much bigger sacrilege than my gearing change. When I built this I was pondering how much riding it and risking wear and tear was a selfish act. Someone on this forum posed the question of who I was saving it for. How often does a bike like this appear in a show? How many people see it in my garage? Almost any bike is primarily shared with the world when you ride it. And as much as I enjoy looking at this bike, riding it is much more satisfying. So I built it in a form that I could ride, while attempting to preserve its history as much as possible.
__________________
My Bikes
My Bikes
09-13-18, 12:10 PM
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: The Urban Shores Of Michigami
Posts: 1,749
Bikes: ........................................ .....Holdsworth "Special"..... .......Falcon "Special".......... .........Miyata 912........... ........................................
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 702 Post(s)
Liked 672 Times
in
420 Posts
How do you decide if a vintage bike should be restored for display or modified to be ridden? Simply stated, a vintage race bike isn’t a vintage race car. While the motor of a vintage race car stays pretty much as it always was, the motor to a vintage bike is you, and you age.
Oh as I was young and easy in the mercy of his means,
Time held me green and dying
Though I sang in my chains like the sea.
Dylan Thomas-Fern Hill
Love that poem.
So here’s the rub, I have four Japanese racing bikes one has been restored but with a 42 x19 as my best hill gear this is more risk than I will take with older joints and muscles. So it is functional art in my office, but with the other three I have made modifications, bigger gearing/more gears/SPD pedals and ride them, but there is a troubling bit of doubt. A vintage race car is the experience of a moment in time. Sure, you can swap in modern brakes, engines, etc., but what have you lost, the experience. Yet unlike a vintage race car’s engine our body is a wasting asset. A Briggs & Stratton in place of a Cooper Climax would be an awful thing, yet, to date, you cannot rebuild yourself to 20. So you change the gearing and with judicious vintage/modern components (triplizers) you extend the years of use and the joy of another days ride.
But where is the edge? Where should you stop and hang up a bike of memories, rather than erase it with change?
I welcome your thoughts.
Oh as I was young and easy in the mercy of his means,
Time held me green and dying
Though I sang in my chains like the sea.
Dylan Thomas-Fern Hill
Love that poem.
So here’s the rub, I have four Japanese racing bikes one has been restored but with a 42 x19 as my best hill gear this is more risk than I will take with older joints and muscles. So it is functional art in my office, but with the other three I have made modifications, bigger gearing/more gears/SPD pedals and ride them, but there is a troubling bit of doubt. A vintage race car is the experience of a moment in time. Sure, you can swap in modern brakes, engines, etc., but what have you lost, the experience. Yet unlike a vintage race car’s engine our body is a wasting asset. A Briggs & Stratton in place of a Cooper Climax would be an awful thing, yet, to date, you cannot rebuild yourself to 20. So you change the gearing and with judicious vintage/modern components (triplizers) you extend the years of use and the joy of another days ride.
But where is the edge? Where should you stop and hang up a bike of memories, rather than erase it with change?
I welcome your thoughts.
09-13-18, 12:59 PM
#9
Shifting is fun!
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: South Holland, NL
Posts: 11,006
Bikes: Yes, please.
Mentioned: 280 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2198 Post(s)
Liked 4,600 Times
in
1,764 Posts
I'd love to ride all my bikes, but sometimes it would mean sacrificing their soul. Now I know that there's ample room for debate here, so let me give you an example.
One of my favorite bikes is this one, a fifties' Rochet. Dans son jus. Sat in my living room for longer than any other bike. I love just looking at it.
Would you touch this?
One of my favorite bikes is this one, a fifties' Rochet. Dans son jus. Sat in my living room for longer than any other bike. I love just looking at it.
Would you touch this?
09-13-18, 01:53 PM
#10
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Lacey, WA
Posts: 1,707
Bikes: Stevenson Custom, Stevenson Custom Tandem, Nishiki Professional
Mentioned: 35 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 367 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 196 Times
in
128 Posts
Thanks all for your comments. It's good to see the difference of opinions. Non-fixie like me has a bike that is just as it was and just having it to look at is a joyful thing.
But also the rest say modify and ride, but there are limits I think. Still down tube shifters, no modern brifters? Single over dual pivot brakes, no disc brakes? Triplizer's just make too much sense with the limitation built into 144 BCD cranks, a huge difference between a double chain ring 42T x 19T , or even a 42T x 28T and a triple with. a 26T x 32T.
What's the thought on cold setting to move out from a 5/6 gear freewheel to a 8/10 gear freewheel/cassette? Can you unset a cold set? Have you just re-manufactured a vintage bike into a modern bike?
As to poetry, it's autumn, wet paths, falling leaves, everything changing, poetry is everywhere.
But also the rest say modify and ride, but there are limits I think. Still down tube shifters, no modern brifters? Single over dual pivot brakes, no disc brakes? Triplizer's just make too much sense with the limitation built into 144 BCD cranks, a huge difference between a double chain ring 42T x 19T , or even a 42T x 28T and a triple with. a 26T x 32T.
What's the thought on cold setting to move out from a 5/6 gear freewheel to a 8/10 gear freewheel/cassette? Can you unset a cold set? Have you just re-manufactured a vintage bike into a modern bike?
As to poetry, it's autumn, wet paths, falling leaves, everything changing, poetry is everywhere.
09-13-18, 02:32 PM
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 4,704
Bikes: 82 Medici, 2011 Richard Sachs, 2011 Milwaukee Road
Mentioned: 55 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1949 Post(s)
Liked 2,010 Times
in
1,109 Posts
I have recently discovered for myself that I can climb more better faster at a higher cadence and therefore I am conflicted. I like to keep my bikes Catalogue Correct which means stupid high gears on my race bikes and I don't have a touring bike so on most of the hills around here, I am working harder than I have too. The only bike that I've considered hanging up and never riding was my Sachs before I built it.
Last edited by Classtime; 09-13-18 at 07:11 PM.
09-13-18, 02:48 PM
#12
Shifting is fun!
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: South Holland, NL
Posts: 11,006
Bikes: Yes, please.
Mentioned: 280 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2198 Post(s)
Liked 4,600 Times
in
1,764 Posts
Sometimes, when you're not that athletic anymore, and you still want to pretend you're Gino Bartali, compromises have to be made. 
Or, you can just HTFU and ride. Like this gentleman. Was riding the 75k route at this year's Retroronde. Ardennes hills, cobblestones, the works. He wasn't slow either.
Or, you can just HTFU and ride. Like this gentleman. Was riding the 75k route at this year's Retroronde. Ardennes hills, cobblestones, the works. He wasn't slow either.
09-13-18, 03:02 PM
#13
Veteran, Pacifist
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Seattle area
Posts: 13,328
Bikes: Bikes??? Thought this was social media?!?
Mentioned: 284 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3898 Post(s)
Liked 4,832 Times
in
2,229 Posts
There are exceptions to my 'Ride It' philosophy, and how often and how far you ride is open.
But for most of us, Nws+1 goes beyond 'pushing boundaries' and 'limited vertical sq footage';
where, Nws is the number of Wall Spacers you presently have.
I got indoor storage for the vintage, but if I said - Honey the baby pictures will have to come down because I've bought 2 old bikes no one will ever ride but are more precious to me than memories of our family. Well, ………………..IDK, haven't tried it...……….. yet! hehehehe
But for most of us, Nws+1 goes beyond 'pushing boundaries' and 'limited vertical sq footage';
where, Nws is the number of Wall Spacers you presently have.
I got indoor storage for the vintage, but if I said - Honey the baby pictures will have to come down because I've bought 2 old bikes no one will ever ride but are more precious to me than memories of our family. Well, ………………..IDK, haven't tried it...……….. yet! hehehehe
__________________
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
Last edited by Wildwood; 09-13-18 at 03:08 PM.
09-13-18, 03:53 PM
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: The Urban Shores Of Michigami
Posts: 1,749
Bikes: ........................................ .....Holdsworth "Special"..... .......Falcon "Special".......... .........Miyata 912........... ........................................
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 702 Post(s)
Liked 672 Times
in
420 Posts
I'd love to ride all my bikes, but sometimes it would mean sacrificing their soul. Now I know that there's ample room for debate here, so let me give you an example.
One of my favorite bikes is this one, a fifties' Rochet. Dans son jus. Sat in my living room for longer than any other bike. I love just looking at it.
Would you touch this?
One of my favorite bikes is this one, a fifties' Rochet. Dans son jus. Sat in my living room for longer than any other bike. I love just looking at it.
Would you touch this?
Nope, I wouldn't touch that one. Leave it as is. She's a beauty for sure.
The only thing I would do is maybe oil the chain and some of the pivot points. I'd then take it for a spin and probably get a lot of compliments, "hey, cool bike man !"
Once back home, I would possibly re-build the bb, hubs and headset and clean off some of the grime from the frame. While I'm at it go after the rust with some kerosene and steel wool. The spokes will be the biggest pain, so I'd have to remove the tires, tubes and rim tape so that I could unlace the rims. Some of the nipples will be frozen with rust so I'd have to cut them off and buy new ones. Just so they all match, I'd have to replace all of them. Now with shiny spokes, those rims should really get sand-blasted and re-chromed and while I'm at it, do the crank, bars, etc., etc., etc. It's cheaper if all done at once. Installing all of those shiny new components on a weathered frame just doesn't seem right. Will need to take some detailed photos and send it off for a complete new paint job to match the existing one. New rim tape, tubes, tires cables, handle-bar tape and a brand new Brooks saddle and we're in business.
Did I miss something?
09-13-18, 04:06 PM
#15
Banned.
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 27,199
Mentioned: 34 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 378 Post(s)
Liked 1,409 Times
in
909 Posts
I build them to ride, not display. I have neither the luxury nor the space for "display" bikes. I think if you build a bike or fix a bike or restore a bike with that in mind, you win both ways.
The first bike show I went to, the judges were much more biased towards the bikes that appear to have been ridden. Besides their Italian bias, this was the strongest.
And, it's cool to go to a show, see real winners, and then ride with the owners the next day, with the same bikes. That just makes the event, I think.
The "displaying" when I get among C&V folks and other friends, is kind of automatic, and makes sure I build a bike that looks decent and does not break down. Sometimes, I overlook things, and I'm working on that.
The first bike show I went to, the judges were much more biased towards the bikes that appear to have been ridden. Besides their Italian bias, this was the strongest.
And, it's cool to go to a show, see real winners, and then ride with the owners the next day, with the same bikes. That just makes the event, I think.
The "displaying" when I get among C&V folks and other friends, is kind of automatic, and makes sure I build a bike that looks decent and does not break down. Sometimes, I overlook things, and I'm working on that.
09-13-18, 06:06 PM
#16
Super Moderator
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Ffld Cnty Connecticut
Posts: 21,843
Bikes: Old Steelies I made, Old Cannondales
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1173 Post(s)
Liked 927 Times
in
612 Posts
I'd love to ride all my bikes, but sometimes it would mean sacrificing their soul. Now I know that there's ample room for debate here, so let me give you an example.
One of my favorite bikes is this one, a fifties' Rochet. Dans son jus. Sat in my living room for longer than any other bike. I love just looking at it.
Would you touch this?
One of my favorite bikes is this one, a fifties' Rochet. Dans son jus. Sat in my living room for longer than any other bike. I love just looking at it.
Would you touch this?
__________________
Bikes: Old steel race bikes, old Cannondale race bikes, less old Cannondale race bike, crappy old mtn bike.
FYI: https://www.bikeforums.net/forum-sugg...ad-please.html
Bikes: Old steel race bikes, old Cannondale race bikes, less old Cannondale race bike, crappy old mtn bike.
FYI: https://www.bikeforums.net/forum-sugg...ad-please.html
09-13-18, 06:22 PM
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: San Jose (Willow Glen) Ca
Posts: 9,845
Bikes: Kirk Custom JK Special, '84 Team Miyata,(dura ace old school) 80?? SR Semi-Pro 600 Arabesque
Mentioned: 106 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2338 Post(s)
Liked 2,822 Times
in
1,541 Posts
I'd love to ride all my bikes, but sometimes it would mean sacrificing their soul. Now I know that there's ample room for debate here, so let me give you an example.
One of my favorite bikes is this one, a fifties' Rochet. Dans son jus. Sat in my living room for longer than any other bike. I love just looking at it.
Would you touch this?
One of my favorite bikes is this one, a fifties' Rochet. Dans son jus. Sat in my living room for longer than any other bike. I love just looking at it.
Would you touch this?
__________________
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can
(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can
(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)
09-13-18, 06:46 PM
#18
my name is Jim
You asked for opinions. Wall hanger as in pretty much never ride? Yep I have more than a few of those. All are rideable and have been ridden but given the number I have many only get ridden very rarely. But for regular riding I simply can't see riding without indexed shifting, brifters and SPDs, not to mention more closely spaced (and many more) gears. You can certainly build a thoroughly modern steel framed bike and I have one of those so nothing against steel frames. But I like to restore bikes to original condition and I have the room to display a fair number of them although the number has been reduced quite a bit.
So to me I guess the question is if you are going to replace all the components with modern gear, which can be a bit problematic with dropout spacing, bottom bracket size and fixation method and wheel retention, then really all you have is an old steel frame, which is fine, but why not a new or newer steel frame with modern features like wider spacing, vertical dropouts (modern wheel retention systems - skewers - are not really designed to hold the wheel in horizontal dropouts), replaceable derailleur hangers, modern lighter tubing, modern bottom bracket sizing and threading, etc.?
Really I have no problem with people riding old bikes. Really. I don't go "ewww they are ruining that old DeRosa by riding it". It's just a bike. But I don't see the point as far as regular daily riding and it is not something that I do often.
So to me I guess the question is if you are going to replace all the components with modern gear, which can be a bit problematic with dropout spacing, bottom bracket size and fixation method and wheel retention, then really all you have is an old steel frame, which is fine, but why not a new or newer steel frame with modern features like wider spacing, vertical dropouts (modern wheel retention systems - skewers - are not really designed to hold the wheel in horizontal dropouts), replaceable derailleur hangers, modern lighter tubing, modern bottom bracket sizing and threading, etc.?
Really I have no problem with people riding old bikes. Really. I don't go "ewww they are ruining that old DeRosa by riding it". It's just a bike. But I don't see the point as far as regular daily riding and it is not something that I do often.
__________________
Flickr Albums
ebay: cicloclassico
70 Pogliaghi ItalCorse, 72 De Rosa, 72 Masi Gran Criterium, 75 Masi Gran Criterium, 77 Melton, 79 Bianchi Super Leggera, 79 Gios Super Record, 81 Picchio Special, 82 Guerciotti Super Record, 82 Colnago Profil CX, 83 Colnago Superissimo, 84 Fuso
Flickr Albums
ebay: cicloclassico
70 Pogliaghi ItalCorse, 72 De Rosa, 72 Masi Gran Criterium, 75 Masi Gran Criterium, 77 Melton, 79 Bianchi Super Leggera, 79 Gios Super Record, 81 Picchio Special, 82 Guerciotti Super Record, 82 Colnago Profil CX, 83 Colnago Superissimo, 84 Fuso
09-13-18, 11:56 PM
#19
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Lacey, WA
Posts: 1,707
Bikes: Stevenson Custom, Stevenson Custom Tandem, Nishiki Professional
Mentioned: 35 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 367 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 196 Times
in
128 Posts
I guess for me each of my vintage bikes gives me an experience. not of my youth, but of a different time. A time before cell phones and cycle/heart rate monitors, where you just rode a bike and looked around.
But when I go to my Stevenson Custom for a ride, a triple 10 speed with integrated brake/shifters that has already been revised from Campagnolo Comp Triple/Record 8 sp to Comagnolo Record Triple 10sp because you could no longer afford then find 8 speed components, I find that on this nearing 30 year old steel frame (a modern vintage?) with all those gears, all those choices, and everything at your fingertips no leaving the handlebars to shift or single pivot brakes, it's better, faster.
But more, it reminds me why I had it made, its experience is the passage of time that no other bike will ever share.
But when I go to my Stevenson Custom for a ride, a triple 10 speed with integrated brake/shifters that has already been revised from Campagnolo Comp Triple/Record 8 sp to Comagnolo Record Triple 10sp because you could no longer afford then find 8 speed components, I find that on this nearing 30 year old steel frame (a modern vintage?) with all those gears, all those choices, and everything at your fingertips no leaving the handlebars to shift or single pivot brakes, it's better, faster.
But more, it reminds me why I had it made, its experience is the passage of time that no other bike will ever share.
09-14-18, 12:40 AM
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Cambridge UK
Posts: 852
Bikes: 1903 24 spd Sunbeam, 1927 Humber, 3 1930 Raleighs, 2 1940s Sunbeams, 2 1940s Raleighs, Rudge, 1950s Robin Hood, 1958 Claud Butler, 2 1973 Colnago Supers, Eddie Merckx, 2 1980 Holdsworth, EG Bates funny TT bike, another 6 or so 1990s bikes
Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 331 Post(s)
Liked 332 Times
in
185 Posts
Change is like a holiday
I commuted 150 miles a week on a TT funny bike(24 " junior front wheel) 700c rear, 853 Reynolds fixed TT and a teardrop frame TT custom for 10 years flat back and flat out.
This summer I switched to a 1956 Robin Hood, a 1934 Raleigh Sports and am currently on a 1930s Sunbeam with Resilion cantilevers.
The transition was no problem. All these bikes were designed to be ridden for your whole life. The SA hubs come in a wide variety of ratios that can facilitate any fragility - real or imagined.
Giving up a full visor helmet was my biggest problem . The bikes can do whatever you want if you have the time.
This summer I switched to a 1956 Robin Hood, a 1934 Raleigh Sports and am currently on a 1930s Sunbeam with Resilion cantilevers.
The transition was no problem. All these bikes were designed to be ridden for your whole life. The SA hubs come in a wide variety of ratios that can facilitate any fragility - real or imagined.
Giving up a full visor helmet was my biggest problem . The bikes can do whatever you want if you have the time.
09-14-18, 01:29 AM
#21
Shifting is fun!
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: South Holland, NL
Posts: 11,006
Bikes: Yes, please.
Mentioned: 280 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2198 Post(s)
Liked 4,600 Times
in
1,764 Posts
Nope. Got it pretty much covered.
The result would undoubtedly be a very nice machine, but it would definitely lose some of its current charm, which includes the tilted bars. If it had been a couple of inches bigger I might have decided differently, though.
The result would undoubtedly be a very nice machine, but it would definitely lose some of its current charm, which includes the tilted bars. If it had been a couple of inches bigger I might have decided differently, though.
09-14-18, 05:04 AM
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Back in Lincoln Sq, Chicago...🙄
Posts: 1,609
Bikes: '84 Miyata 610 ‘91 Cannondale ST600,'83 Trek 720 ‘84 Trek 520, 620, ‘91 Miyata 1000LT, '79 Trek 514, '78 Trek 706, '73 Raleigh Int. frame.
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 685 Post(s)
Liked 370 Times
in
219 Posts
Nope, I wouldn't touch that one. Leave it as is. She's a beauty for sure.
The only thing I would do is maybe oil the chain and some of the pivot points. I'd then take it for a spin and probably get a lot of compliments, "hey, cool bike man !"
Once back home, I would possibly re-build the bb, hubs and headset and clean off some of the grime from the frame. While I'm at it go after the rust with some kerosene and steel wool. The spokes will be the biggest pain, so I'd have to remove the tires, tubes and rim tape so that I could unlace the rims. Some of the nipples will be frozen with rust so I'd have to cut them off and buy new ones. Just so they all match, I'd have to replace all of them. Now with shiny spokes, those rims should really get sand-blasted and re-chromed and while I'm at it, do the crank, bars, etc., etc., etc. It's cheaper if all done at once. Installing all of those shiny new components on a weathered frame just doesn't seem right. Will need to take some detailed photos and send it off for a complete new paint job to match the existing one. New rim tape, tubes, tires cables, handle-bar tape and a brand new Brooks saddle and we're in business.
Did I miss something?
The only thing I would do is maybe oil the chain and some of the pivot points. I'd then take it for a spin and probably get a lot of compliments, "hey, cool bike man !"
Once back home, I would possibly re-build the bb, hubs and headset and clean off some of the grime from the frame. While I'm at it go after the rust with some kerosene and steel wool. The spokes will be the biggest pain, so I'd have to remove the tires, tubes and rim tape so that I could unlace the rims. Some of the nipples will be frozen with rust so I'd have to cut them off and buy new ones. Just so they all match, I'd have to replace all of them. Now with shiny spokes, those rims should really get sand-blasted and re-chromed and while I'm at it, do the crank, bars, etc., etc., etc. It's cheaper if all done at once. Installing all of those shiny new components on a weathered frame just doesn't seem right. Will need to take some detailed photos and send it off for a complete new paint job to match the existing one. New rim tape, tubes, tires cables, handle-bar tape and a brand new Brooks saddle and we're in business.
Did I miss something?
... when you pull the wiring for the paint I’ll bet you’d find some points where the insulating is getting thin donto rubbing in the frame, probably should replace that wiring. When you open up the generator and lamp to do so, might have to clean out any oxidation. You’ll have trouble sourcing a bulb, but then on eBay (after 7 months looking) you’ll find a packet of two NOS for a BIN of 44.99 plus shipping. Well 50 bucks is a lot for a light bulb, but it comes with a spare...
“Qty 2”.
Well who knows when you’d EVER find another set of these bulbs, so you get both.
Now you’ve spent $100.00 dollars on light bulbs but it WAS all worth it when you ride in the 3rd Annual Vintage & Steel Ride, Peoria, IL on Sept 29, 2018 that’s coming up in 2 weeks.
Last edited by Chr0m0ly; 09-14-18 at 05:19 AM.
09-14-18, 05:48 AM
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Back in Lincoln Sq, Chicago...🙄
Posts: 1,609
Bikes: '84 Miyata 610 ‘91 Cannondale ST600,'83 Trek 720 ‘84 Trek 520, 620, ‘91 Miyata 1000LT, '79 Trek 514, '78 Trek 706, '73 Raleigh Int. frame.
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 685 Post(s)
Liked 370 Times
in
219 Posts
I tend to think of a bicycle as magic. It gets me where I need to go, it doesn’t need insurance, registry, or city sticker. I can ALWAYS find parking for it. With patience I can get amazing examples of craftsmanship at blow your mind bargain prices.
When I ride I instantly become 11 years old. It’s 1989, my family gets together and watches Night Court and Star Trek TNG. My best friends Jared and Jason from up the street show up and we take our bikes down to the beach. I have a Schwinn cruiser, blue metal flake, balloon tires and hub brake. I’m totally jealous of Jason’s BMX that he’s spray painted day glow orange! We bum around, hopping curbs. We get to the beach and see how fast the off shore wind will push us in the empty parking lot.
Its ‘89, high school is 5 years away, TV ads don’t have web addresses yet, we don’t have a home PC but we might get one eventually. The BetaMax side at our rental store “Pappies Videos” is getting smaller. We all have a couple paper lift tickets on our winter jackets from a trip 2 years ago. Dad’s taken the sandbox out of the yard so the cats stop leaving presents in it. We play on a steel geodesic dome jungle gym that we’re getting to big for.
Wait I’m sorry, what was the question?
Bikes!!
I was going to say ride it! Always ride it! That’s what the original designer had in mind, and I bet whoever that is would be THRILLED to see there bike still shiny and riding around -blank- years later.
If that beautiful French machine we’re mine I’d clean it, take the rust off and stabilize the rest. And ride it. But that’s me. I like the beausage.
And being 11
and to the OP, any race bike of punishing gear ratio can be taken on a Sunday jaunt down to get a paper and a coffee, you can keep it original and still ride it. A race car from the ‘40s even with its original motor, couldn’t compete with a modern racing engine. That doesn’t mean it’s any less of a race car though.
When I ride I instantly become 11 years old. It’s 1989, my family gets together and watches Night Court and Star Trek TNG. My best friends Jared and Jason from up the street show up and we take our bikes down to the beach. I have a Schwinn cruiser, blue metal flake, balloon tires and hub brake. I’m totally jealous of Jason’s BMX that he’s spray painted day glow orange! We bum around, hopping curbs. We get to the beach and see how fast the off shore wind will push us in the empty parking lot.
Its ‘89, high school is 5 years away, TV ads don’t have web addresses yet, we don’t have a home PC but we might get one eventually. The BetaMax side at our rental store “Pappies Videos” is getting smaller. We all have a couple paper lift tickets on our winter jackets from a trip 2 years ago. Dad’s taken the sandbox out of the yard so the cats stop leaving presents in it. We play on a steel geodesic dome jungle gym that we’re getting to big for.
Wait I’m sorry, what was the question?
Bikes!!
I was going to say ride it! Always ride it! That’s what the original designer had in mind, and I bet whoever that is would be THRILLED to see there bike still shiny and riding around -blank- years later.
If that beautiful French machine we’re mine I’d clean it, take the rust off and stabilize the rest. And ride it. But that’s me. I like the beausage.
And being 11
and to the OP, any race bike of punishing gear ratio can be taken on a Sunday jaunt down to get a paper and a coffee, you can keep it original and still ride it. A race car from the ‘40s even with its original motor, couldn’t compete with a modern racing engine. That doesn’t mean it’s any less of a race car though.
Last edited by Chr0m0ly; 09-14-18 at 05:54 AM.
09-14-18, 07:23 AM
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: The Urban Shores Of Michigami
Posts: 1,749
Bikes: ........................................ .....Holdsworth "Special"..... .......Falcon "Special".......... .........Miyata 912........... ........................................
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 702 Post(s)
Liked 672 Times
in
420 Posts
I agree with you, doing a complete restoration on that bike would erase every bit of the charm it possesses.
09-14-18, 07:31 AM
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Ontario
Posts: 2,648
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 478 Post(s)
Liked 634 Times
in
336 Posts
I'd love to ride all my bikes, but sometimes it would mean sacrificing their soul. Now I know that there's ample room for debate here, so let me give you an example.
One of my favorite bikes is this one, a fifties' Rochet. Dans son jus. Sat in my living room for longer than any other bike. I love just looking at it.
Would you touch this?
One of my favorite bikes is this one, a fifties' Rochet. Dans son jus. Sat in my living room for longer than any other bike. I love just looking at it.
Would you touch this?