While I'm using a hodge podge of period parts on my rat racer, I'll need to spec some new stuff, well, because used won't cut it.

Tires: I live in the desert. Sharp cactus spines and sharp rocks. What is a good 27x1, 27x1 1/8 tire that would be cheeep enough to change out on a regular basis? I'm done trying to nurse cut tires. Good source?

Chain: I always rode Sedis because it was good and I could change it out a couple of times a year. Is there an equivelant modern 7-speed chain?

Handlebar tape: I always relied on the chevron woven cotton stuff. Is that still available? Not a fan of padded.

PS, I HATE that the browser here doesn't have spell check. Please ignore my misspellings.

Brake pads: I'm getting a set of Surperbe calipers but the pads look to be the same age as the brakes. Does Coolstop still make pads for the old stuff?

Finally, I know I'm looking for some shoes for slotted cleats in another thread, but walking up the stairs this AM gave me some data that I may NOT be able to lolerate them. I rode Speedplays on my last bike back in the early '90s but would like to stay away from the lollipops for esthetic reasons. I had some earlier Look pedals that floated a bit...do they still make the floating cleats for those?

Thank you for indulging the whims of this old geezer.

You might enjoy looking in the Gravel Grinder thread for inspiration.
I also need to be mindful of flats from goathead thorns. I run thicker tubes, and select flat resistant tires. If you're on 27" wheels, go as wide a tire as you can fit on your frame. Panaracer Pacelas get high marks. Not too expensive either. They make a Tour-Guard version, but people say they feel dead over the road.

Ah, the great Sedisport....closest heritage chain would be a SRAM chain. Any of the 8xx models would be good.
KMC makes a good chain too. And you can always go Shimano like a HG50.

Cloth bar tape is still available. I no longer use it myself, but there is one brand many here prefer for its ease of installation.

Koolstop still in business....I would try cleaning the blocks with sandpaper first, and see if they still stop well. Otherwise, Koolstop is the solution. Superbe Pro calipers are great! I have a pair of each generation.

They still make Delta-spec cleats...the floaters are red ARC's.

If you wish to walk in cleated shoes, SPD is the basic choice. Low cost pedals....lots of shoe choices.


BTW, old geezer or not, get back on your bike and ride! It IS the fountain of youth.

Thanks! The pads on the Superbes look to be worn in an odd pattern I don't know just how much I'll need to take off to get a flat, paralell surface. I'd rather start with new pads if possible. I'll search for coolstop on the web and on ebay.

Now for the H word. Hoods. The Record brake levers I got last night have servicable but worn A'ME ergonomic hoods. They're still soft and not torn so they'll last a bit, but what then? I'd sure love another set. This is EXACTLY the lever/hood combo I rode prior to going aero.

What is the name of the cloth tape people here use? I believe the stuff I used was made by a company that made rim cement (Clement?)

Cyclometers: I can't remember who made the little, kind of squat U shaped black one with two large buttons. This probably would have been in the mid '80s. Simple and I loved it.

Thanks all! Can you guess I'm really digging this?

Then it's time for new brake pads! Just go for the Koolstop pads and revel in stopping power.

As for hoods, you're SOL. Just like the rest of us. AME went out of business decades ago. They made a great copy of the Modolo anatomic hoods. The are a few knockoffs being sold of the original Campy Record hoods. Quality is an unknown. The alternative is from Cane Creek. They sell several models of brake hoods, conventional and aero levered. The conventional one is more squared, like the old Weinmann or Dia Compe levers, not the Campy/Gran Compe/Superbe levers. But it's been made to work some what.

Too bad no one out there is stepping forward to make some silicone rubber replacement hoods. They'd last the life of the bike.

I think the cloth tape is from Newbaums. More flexible and a lot of colors.

That computer sounds like the original Avocet from the mid 80s. CatEye makes some with that simple retro look.