fixed or geared? These bikes can bring good money on eBay.

^^^ off topic, but love the avatar. "Wish you were Here" and "Animals" are two of my all time favs... They made a cycling jersey with that pic on it a few years ago... i'd love to find one!!

I saw Roger Waters in concert back in the 80's but I'm afraid i only remember that i was there!!!

andy

Thanks. Just made it last night. I've always loved the image. Thought it would make a sweet tattoo.

I sprayed on some degreaser/cleaner, washed with soap & water, wiped it off, sprayed some WD40 all over, wiped that off. Spray some oil all over mainly on chain and components. So far, the bike seems to work. While the bike is on the stand, I shifted all the gears on the lower chain ring, and it shifted good. The brakes work too. However, the bigger chain ring, the shifting lever is frozen. Tomorrow I will see if I can loosen up the big chain ring shift lever on the left. I got some tires and tubes that I took off other bikes laying around. Will put those on and see what happens. Right now, I am going to keep the expense on this bike a ZERO. Putting on the tubes and tires won't cost me a dime. Now, if everything starts looking good, then I will start thinking about putting some money into this bike, as far as getting the frame powder coated, etc.

I keep laughing about how the seller told me on the phone, that the little rust it has on it came from him sweating when riding!!

Like it somehow makes a difference how the rust gets there. . .

That bike is worthy of some Naval Jelly and spray paint. Total cost under $10. Results will be great!

Looks like it is ready for the takedown and cleaning ritual. As many of us have noted, this bike is a prime candidate for learning basic mechanics, with the added benefits that come with a re-build (i.e. running smoothly, being tidy, etc.

IMO, it would be more of a headache to try to tune it up as is - better to break it down, clean everything, relace what needs replacing (cables and housing come to mind, perhaps brake pads), then build it back up.

Remove the cables and housing first, then it is essentially easy work with some hex wrenches and the odd 8mm,10mm or 12mm open-ended wrench, phillips and./or flat screwdriver. If you aren't wanting to spend too much, you can forego removing the crank, BB and headset, though I'd recommend it to do a thorough job.
I'd also recommend re-packing the hubs (and headset) bearings.

Without too much effort and expense, that could be a really great bike.

Tear it down already, Howard.

The next pic we see shall be a nekkid frame.

Or else.

Well, you know some people you can tell them the "moon is made of cheese", and some people will rush to get some crackers.. I am one of those people!!

You mean I got to strip it????

I got some decent tires and tubes laying around. My next move is to put them on, put some air in the tire, and ride it on the small chain ring, and see what I got.

Than I will some my next move..

Before I go with spray paint, I will leave it like it is. It is going to be powdercoat or nothing.

What will the Naval Jelly do?

Going to ride it first...

Wow, that's a lot on the plate!! I am all thumbs..But, going to give it a go. However, I am going to ride it first, then go for the takedown...

+ 1 part out and sell frame for repaint and fixie

Going to see after I ride it.

BTW, the wifee always trying to out due me has suggested she might could fix it up... My wife is Superwoman!!

Naval Jelly will remove the rust before you spray paint it. <-- that was the concept.

To me, it looks to be very worthy of saving, now that you own it. With no paint, it will continue to degrade. Protect it cheaply until you can get it powder coated or properly repainted. If you decide to powder coat it, the rattle can paint will strip off very easily, having served its function in the interim.


Hmmm,...??? I thought you said you didn't want to spend any money on it. Powder coat costs money.

And the frame has to be nekkid first, too. . .

i bought a Lambert, with the first gen death fork, with a bad FD, BB, main chain ring, and everything chrome was pitted/rusty. last time i go check out a bike in the dark without a flashlight. Lucky the frame fits and is worthy of a rebuild but clearly not worth $70.

Dude... if you can get your wife fixing bikes... your will have a long happy marriage and lots of bikes...

At best my wife tolerates my bike hobby

Heh. Just get the wife fixing dinner. . .

Q. Why did the woman cross the road?

A. Why is there a road in the kitchen?

Update..The bike rides good...
Yesterday, I put the bike on the stand, and decided to put air in the tires to see if they were rideable. The front was a 700-25 and the rear was 700-28..I put air in the tires, and they held. I took out the seat post, lubed it and adjusted the post and seat. The stem, although I could unloosen the nut, it wouldn't budge. Can't win them all. Also, I was able to unfreeze the big chainring shifter. Went for a ride, and to my suprise, the bike rode well, and stopped good too. I went fast, slow, stopped. Very little traffic in my neighberhood, so I rode two blocks with no hands..



Also, I noticed the wheels were mismatched. Okay, here comes the fun part.

I had some Araya wheels that I took off my 85 Raleigh Prestige laying around. They had some dings in them, but, they were cleaner than these, and they were a pair. Also, I had some Continental tires that came off my 88 Centurion which were good. I think it took me a couple hours, but it was fun. The orginal rear wheel had 6 cogs, and the Araya rear wheel had 7 cogs. Oh, well, I put the Conti tires on the Araya wheel. I did the front first. Got that in. Went for the rear. I remember the vid on youtube on putting the chain on the smallest chain rings. Okay, it took me a while but I got it done. And that was fun too.. The Arayas have sealed bearings hubs too. The BB on the bike has sealed bearings also.

The 7 cog wheel worked. Took it for a ride. Oh boy, she is riding good. I took it 5 miles.. Really good.

Come this morning, looked like rain and a sprinkle coming down. I took the Grand Prix for my commute this morning. The 5 miles to the subway was just as sweet as my other bikes, and my sweet Prelude was smiling because the Grand Prix is now the official beater bike..

Got off the subway a couple stops before my stop.. More miles and more fun. If it wasn't for a sin and a shame, I would have taken off today, just to ride this bike... Here are some pics during my morning commute when I stopped for breakfast..Notice no mismatched wheels, and it is even trying to look good with the rust..








I feel really comfortable on this bike, and it is a keeper. I am a fan of original paint jobs. And the rust is really a eyesore. I was thinking about getting some clear coat, and paint it on the rust spots. I am crazy about the looks of this bike. I already have the Raleigh 85 Competition and the Prestige, and I am on the hard lookout for a 85-89 Grand Prix now.. I want a Professional, but they are just like the Paramounts, hard to find, and the people want an arm and a leg for them. Whereas, I catch me a nice Grand Prix in my size, and IMO, I be just as happy with it as I would be with a Professional.

Oh, it was big fun working on the bike... Sheesh, it took me almost an hour just to get the seat back on!!

I'm glad it is working out for you! At times I am sure things happen for a reason.

If the rust is an issue, spot treat with naval jelly.

Sand those areas well and give them a clear coat with something.

That sounds like just the ticket. I like the original paint and decals. Although a lot of the finish is gone, the remaining still looks good to me.

It rides good enough for me to do a 20 mile commute and the bike feels good under me..Like I said a keeper. And hunting for one in better shape too..

Will try to go after adjusting the brakes this evening.