meltron

I have a late 60's early 70's Carabela conversion that I'd like to revert back to it's original usage: classic geared roadie.

While I still have the original parts, I would like to get "nicer" parts to go with the new paint job. So I'm looking for a complete group set. But one thing I noticed, this bike doesn't have a derailleur hanger on the rear dropouts (edit: see pic below. [thanks yellow]).

Will I be limited in the group sets available because of this? What options are out there? Anyone notice any other problems I may have with trying to buy a group set? It should be noted that it doesn't have to be a new set either. Something "vintage" or older will do just fine.

Cheers.

yellowjeep

Nice Bike!

yellowjeep

https://www.bikeparts.com/search_resu...p?ID=BPC109497

SingeDebile

i would suggest selling your frame built up as a fixed gear, then buying a complete bike for two reasons. First fixed gear bikes sell for a disproportionally large amount of money in general, second from what I can see of the frame its lower quality (stamped dropouts, low end alloy crank). Dont get me wrong, built up I am sure your bike rides very well, and is as good a bike as most would ever need. However since you are looking for higher quality parts it would make sense to just buy the whole bike.... this is especially true as you can as a general rule get allot more for the parts of a bike then the whole thing (which works against you if your buying parts).

I am sure everyone here would be happy to steer you in the direction of a quality used road bike that may have been overlooked price wise because of its not being flashy, even if its as well made.

meltron

SingleDebile, that's exactly what I want to do: buy a new bike. The problem is trying to convince my wife. I'll pass this along to her; so she sees that I'm not the only one saying this!

While I love this bike and it has treated me well, it is time to move on to something better. I'm open to recommendations for a true classic roadie if anyone has ideas.

Cheers!

bigvegan

+1 on buying the new bike. Even if you were getting the parts straight from the distributor and bypassing the LBSs completely, it would still cost you significantly more to kit out a frame with modern parts than it would just to buy a new bike at bikesdirect.com or to buy a classic/vintage bike.

It is fun to build your own bike, but unless you live to shop for used parts, it's not usually nearly as cost effective as buying a complete bike.

If you've got a vintage lugged steel fixed gear, you should be able to sell it for close to enough to get you on a decent road bike.

Also, if you buy the complete bike, it will be ready to go, so there won't be issues about frames/parts sitting around while you're spending more money on a bike that can't even be ridden.

bibliobob

Always cheapest to buy a bike whole. And, hunting is half the fun. Ideally, you would try and find something right now, before the warm weather buying frenzy kicks in. If you can afford it, buy a bike now and sell yours in another month or two. Of course, that requires that you have the extra money to front the new bike, and a leap of faith on your wife's part. I'm above board with my wife on bike purchases, and it's paid off. She's seen me pass on a lot of deals, and consequently trusts that I'm not just buying every bike that comes along.

She actually came along with a friend and I to take a look at an early 70s Atala Record. It was close, but no cigar, so I walked away. Consequently, she'll trust me the next time when I tell her that the deal was too good to pass up.

Best of luck!

tatfiend 

Looking at the photo I do not see any cable braze-ons either which makes it more difficult to convert back to derailleur operation unless you retained all the original clamp-on guides presumably originally on the bike. These have become scarce other than possibly via ebay.

The local bike coop gets in a good number of older road bikes. If there is one close to you then check out what they may have.

wrk101

+3 Sell it for a good price, and buy a nice complete bike on Craigs List. Fixed gear bikes sell at a premium. So you should be able to buy a better complete bike than this one. And then sell the components on ebay (if you don't want to keep them). You should come out well ahead money wise on the entire transaction, as long as you shop for the replacement for a while (find a good deal).

meltron

Thanks everyone!
The wife is onboard with me buying something new!
But I'm gonna keep my conversion around. Lot's of sentimental value. The above photo was taken before I went to town and turned her into a classy daily ride. My baby.

This board is the business! Thanks for all the help people.
I need a roadie for these hills! New bike day soon!



Cheers.

SoreFeet

No don't buy new...Just throw on an old Shimano 600 or Record group. Its not going to cost that much.

I'd look into keeping it as a fixie and find another "new" vintage bike.