I'm new to this forum but not new to almost everything else. I was looking for a winter project and restoration of vintage touring bikes is something that interests me. My questions are:
Is there a good website/book in rehabbing vintage bikes?
Is there a 'go-to' place to fine parts?
Is there such a thing as specific bicycle touch-up paint for minot scratches and chips?
Thanks in advance for any help you can provide. Just picked up a 1996 Trek 520 with what looks like less than 1000 miles. It was kept in a bike mechanics garage but she never got around to riding very much.
Moisture
10-22-21 06:18 PM
See if you can find a bike co-op / bike hub in your area. You'll find it to be tremendously helpful.
Parts - eBay is the big dog. It just is. Other sources include donor bikes, scrap yards, swap meets, local classified ads.
Paint touch ups can often be done with good results by using nail polish, Testors enamel, etc. Exact (or very close) paint matches can usually be done at paint supply places.
P!N20
10-22-21 06:22 PM
Originally Posted by IceTee2
(Post 22279695)
Is there a good website/book in rehabbing vintage bikes?
You're looking at it! Also, Sheldon Brown, Ray Dobbins, RJ The Bike Guy on You Tube, Disraeli Gears, bulgier.net, Retrobike...
Books - The Art of Wheelbuilding, Zinn and the Art of Road Bike Maintenance, The Bicycle Wheel...
Originally Posted by IceTee2
(Post 22279695)
Is there a 'go-to' place to fine parts?
Not really, but ebay and Craigslist are popular, Facebook marketplace is becoming more popular, there are online stores like Hilary Stone, Bike Recyclery and Cyclollector, but expect to pay premium prices. Don't forget this forum's trading section - you'll need to be a paid member, I believe.
Originally Posted by IceTee2
(Post 22279695)
Is there such a thing as specific bicycle touch-up paint for minor scratches and chips?
Not that I'm aware of, but there are some touch up tips here: After Touchup
degan
10-22-21 08:20 PM
The marketplace and ISO/Trade threads here are pretty good for parts. Does it need parts for sure or are you anticipating needing parts? The original parts are probably pretty decent and if it has less than 1000 miles like you said it probably just needs consumables like cables, brakes, chain, etc and a tune up.
Concur. I was fortunate to trade a number of emails with him over the years, and to visit him at Harris Cyclery while on a business trip in Boston. Always approachable and helpful, sorely missed by many of us here.
67tony
10-23-21 08:16 PM
I've taken a fork right into the local pharmacy, and held it up to the nail polish display to locate a match.
If you can imagine a color, it probably comes in a nail polish!
