Hello there. At MKahrl's recommendation, I'm posting some pics and a description of my bike here. I keep waffling about tweaking on this one or saving the money--however small--I might spend doing this, toward a new ride. I'll keep waffling, I suppose, for now.

I bought this Windsor off CL in Cincinnati for $80. The gentleman had roughly 30 bikes in his garage, and this was easily the most attractive. I really appreciate the craftsmanship, e.g., the lugs at the frame joints. I was even more ignorant of bicycle use and care at the time, and so almost immediately took off the toe clip/straps, but I'm considering putting them back on.

I'd like to spiff it up a bit, start caring for it properly, and optimally (as, again, MKahrl mentions), keep it whether I buy another bike or not. I will at the least take the foam grips off and wrap with an attractive tape, though I admit the newer-style drops look tempting; the straight section of newer drops looks like it'd be more comfortable. However, I've found that the straight length at the end of the curve on the existing bars feels nice.

Under that crate, held on with six tactically placed zip ties, is a strong metal rack. I assume it's aluminum, but for all I know, it's steel. I don't think so, as a couple of weeks ago when I had the crate oriented orthogonally to its current position, the lateral torque bent one of the support spines leading to the rear axle. I wouldn't expect steel to be so malleable. Incidentally, you'll note I don't have the crate placed for optimal seating, but this is a compromise so that I don't have my backpack wagging the rack side to side.

What else might I do? It sort of depends. I have a new chain (from earlier this summer), but haven't done much else mechanically. I think I am probably due for some new tires (still riding the same ones I bought it with, approaching two years ago). My commute is about 11 miles RT, and there is a fair amount of road wear + glass + rocks along the way. For anyone curious, here is my iMapMyRide profile; I'm using the iPhone app (via GPS) to track and upload my route. I think there's some play in its accuracy, but it's a good-enough approximation for me. And I'm likely to get a new saddle, though it will behoove me to change up my cargo situation if I'm to get full use out of it.

Much as I think I'd prefer to keep this bike, it occurs to me that something with newer components, even something a little lighter (though this isn't much of a concern), might be nice. Of course this depends on my needs, and at the moment I'm approaching the point where I seriously want to take long, languid (or faster-paced) rides, more in the 30-50 mile range. I've done it before, though not regularly, and certainly only on commodity bikes. However, I wonder what the experience is like on a nicely outfitted, modest new steed. To that end, I wonder if there are $80 or more dollars to be had selling this one on the way to (or shortly after) purchasing a new bike. Anyone have thoughts there?

Okay, enough babbling. Here are some pics, which link to my Flickr group for them.

Cheers,

Daniel









The whole Flickr set.

yes it looks like an '80s Windsor, probably a Super Carrera model. maybe a Carrera Sport. Is there any kind of tubing decal on it? Often these later Windsors were made from Tange tubing (an improvement over the gaspipe of earlier Carrera models) and some frames were even made in Japan, then exported to Mexico for assembly...or so it was rumored. It looks to be a decent mid-grade bike and perfect for a commuter, you could give it a few upgrades, but probably the best thing would be a thorough clean-and-repack of all the bearings. The rack looks to be a Pletscher (or one of the copies) and is cast aluminum.

I sold one of these this year. I changed the handlebars. Pictures here. I don't remember the model name.

How much, if you don't mind my asking, did your Windsor sell for? Just wanted to her a sense of how much I might be able to out toward a new bike. My sense is, cleaned up and tuned up, I could push it to $100 or so, but not much more. New tires and breaks, maybe a bit more. But I just don't know, and don't see them selling anywhere to get a benchmark.

I'm not sure. I think it was about $170. I like to get $200 for a bike with ordinary carbon steel frame and aluminum rims, but the condition and quality of the Windsor were a bit substandard.

I charge extra for switching to upright handlebars.