rookgirl

I seem to have issues almost constantly with my bikes. There are always issues. Right now my mtn bike is out of action and I can't figure out why. My Raleigh Superbe (supposedly a reliable bike) seems to always have something wrong with it.

Next year I will be relying on a bike for commuting a further distance, so I need something that is more reliable (if my bike breaks down now I can walk the rest of the way - I leave early enough to do this!).

I think I want to take one of my existing frames and replace all the components with new gear so it actually rides like a brand new bike. I want reliability.

Here are my musts:
-fenders
-good brakes
-alloy rims
-tall stem for upright riding
-rack

Here are the bikes I have to choose from:
-Nishiki Mixte (has fenders, brakes are still not great, but it's my favorite frame right now)
- Raleigh Superbe - fave on looks, but reluctant to piece it out as it is in great condition. Otherwise, if anyone wants to partial trade me for a Sport, I'd be willing.
- '89 Bianchi sonething road bike. little clearance for fenders, no rack eyelets etc

The bianchi would need the least work in terms of replacement stuff because it's relatively new, but I am worried about fender and rack attachment. I'd put upright bars on it (gasp!).

The other annoying thing is that I have just bought a set of studded tires for my mtn bike which isn't currently working. I think this might remain my winter bike, if I can get it going again.

What would you do? Husband is keen for me to thin the herd.

sailorbenjamin

We don't hear that one every day.
I vote for the Nishiki. Those Japanese bikes are compatable with everything. Usually I prefer Superbes but if you're in the mood for a makeover, these can be a pain, thought they do usually have those pretty Raleigh racks.

Captain Blight

Simple. You need a new husband. C'mon... get rid of him and ride away with me to the Casbah!!

mkeller234

New components don't always equal better reliability. I'd spend some time and think about what your commuting needs are. Then think about the simplest way that you can make that bike. For instance, you could set up a single chainring in the front and do a 1x drivetrain. Maybe a modern IGH would be a good option.

Really just anything to simplify your bike should help.

Once you know what you want, the choice of frame may become more obvious. Which frame has the best combination of tire clearance, braze-ons and fits modern components? I bet that rules out the superbe.... which among other things probably has a goofy 26tpi headset and bottom bracket.

bibliobob

Generally speaking, the Nishiki (assuming decent parts and frame material) would be the best candidate, but it really depends. What types of issues are you concerned with? Where are you located? I'm sure there's a forum member near you that would be glad to help out with parts, advice, or suggestion on a good bike co-op. A well put-together old bike (with quality parts that have little wear and are properly adjusted) will be just as maintenance free as a new bike.

As always, photos are a must!

wrk101

Nishiki is an easy choice, or buy a rigid frame MTB, and expand the fleet. OK, I see you already own a MTB, so no expansion necessary!

No reason a Japanese bike with good mechanicals should not last a long, long time and be every bit as durable, probably more durable than a new bike (simpler shifting mechanism, steel frame, etc.). Get someone to look at the brakes, stopping is pretty important. On vintage bikes I ride a lot, I prefer aerolevers and dual pivot brakes. Good wheels are a must, but that is easy enough to address if you have some issues there.

It really sounds like you need to find a mechanic you can trust. Many of us do our work ourselves. But it is not for everyone. I have found vintage MTBs to be very reliable, the only routine issue I see is that the shifters (either grip or trigger) can be trashed. Fortunately, MTB shifters are readily available and I usually just install new Tourney trigger shifters, cost me $13 a set.

photogravity

What kind of issues are ongoing with your various bikes? Some specifics would be helpful.

With that said, if you want reliability in northern climes where you need to deal with salt, snow and whatnot, an IGH is a natural fit atmo.

rookgirl

OK. You asked for it. I didn't post pics because I've posted these same pics so many times that I was getting embarrassed!


The Nishiki. Mostly reliable, but terrible brakes (tried adjusting as per other thread). Also has a Positron shifter, so I ride it as a single speed, LOL. Would either need to be a single speed or have a new derailleur. Some gears would be nice The chain actually broke during a commute, so now it's one link too short.
Good frame fit, nice fenders.

The Superbe, which now has cream tires and some comfy cork grips. Wondering if I just change the wheelset with a new IGH whether this will be totally awesome.


Bianchi, which is in great condition. I feel that it would be mechanically A1 if I stripped it down and serviced the BB etc. But fender clearance is an issue!


Lastly, the mtn bike which is up the creek right now. The RD froze last time I rode it and now it seems to be all out of whack. I'm going to try and fix it for this morning's commute and put my new studded tires on it.

So, there we are! I can do some bike related things, but I think I just need to get one thing up and running really well. My plan is to sell off what I don't "need" to fund fixing up one summer and one winter ride. Anyone wanna bike?

photogravity

Based on what I see, the Bianchi will not be a suitable commuter with mudguards. You'll have toe overlap which will be unsafe. I'm actually surpised the Nishiki doesn't have toe overlap issues. Maybe it does and you just haven't mentioned it. With that said, I'd think about doing a little work to get the MTB fixed (I personally would convert it to an IGH) or use the Superbe. I understand the Raleigh is minty, but may be the ideal solution. You'll just need to be somewhat fastidious in it's care to keep the elements at bay.

Beach Comber

Inform your husband that "4" is hardly a heard, remind him Valentine's Day is coming up - and a new RD, Koolstop pads, and chain would be very appropriate.

photogravity

Is Valentines Day a Canadian Holiday?

Beach Comber

Its a religious holiday, not a national one.

rookgirl

This, I tell him (I have another not mentioned here). 5 is not many. Oh and there are a few in there that really aren't mine. They are just looking for a home, LOL. He has 2 and thinks this is plenty. Grr.

Anyone looking for a new partner? Must have a lot of garage space.

RobbieTunes

I vote Nishiki. It can handle modern components, including calipers, with very slight modifications.

There's also this, not a bad idea on the Superbe...
https://raleigh.craigslist.org/bik/2841734612.html

photogravity

Tell that to the greeting card industry!!

photogravity

Sheesh, Robbie, are you kidding? A Shimano hub? Your cred has been substantially eroded in my eyes lately. First, your support of the new "Centurian" and now this. How far are you going to go with this?

photogravity

For those interested in this offer, can you please post pictures?






Of the bikes, that is... Ones with even more detail. Any offers here will surely be on that basis, so you might as well get that out of the way now.

repechage

It reads to me you need a new mechanic, or buy a bike from a shop that has a good mechanical dept. You also stated you want to place studs on a bike, this translates to be a extreme weather riding, things need to be kept clean.

Ditch the Positron. Rear brake on the Nishiki will always be weak due to the length of the straddle wire. New pads and alloy rims perhaps. From new or a donor bike.

You have inferred the Raleigh 3 speed hub is problematic, not normally a problem, repairable, but there were a few models that had issues, only problem might be getting parts. If you don't like the Nishiki brakes, I can hardly see this one stopping better.
Maybe a Sun s speed "Sturmey" hub w/ a integrated brake, I think those are made.

No idea what the mtb trouble is other than it got mucked up with crud and you paid the price.

Roll-Monroe-Co

I see why. These bikes are embarrassing.

clasher

I'd upgrade the nishiki... get ride of the steel wheels and throw something newer on there... might be able to find some 27" aluminum wheels used, or new ones are available... ditch the positron and pick up some other vintage shimano derailler, if you're close to a community bike shop they'd be the place to go. I imagine with a new chain, new freewheel and RD you'd have a much more reliable machine... run friction shifters and a hyperglide cassette and shifting will be pretty nice. New brake pads and new cable housing should improve braking performance as well without having to invest in new ones.

I'm finishing off a canadian-built peugeot mixte as a winter/rain bike and it seems alright so far. Drum brakes and 5 speed IGH with new VO fenders. This was originally built up for a 10km night and all-weather commute but it's a bit overkill. If I were doing it over again I think I'd just get a vintage SA AW for the rear and forget about the drum brake on the back too. I also need to fix the struts on an old pletscher for this ride. (sorry for the crappy pic)

kroozer 

My wife is into gardening and she uses basically the entire house for her hobby. We park our car in the street so she can have more gardening space. That's fine with me-- it's a cheap, healthy addiction that makes her happy, and that's good for both of us. My wife is the same way with my bikes. Message to your hubby: chill.

Bikes always need attention, even if it's just a little. You need to get some tools and learn basic mechanics: how to adjust the brakes and derailleurs, fix a flat and change a tire, adjust the handlebars and saddle, etc. It's pretty easy to learn.

As to the bikes themselves, I'd say the MTB is the best candidate for a short commute. Rugged, lightweight, versatile, easy to work on and get parts for. You have a huge variety of 26" tires available. The Nishiki looks like a low-end bike that you shouldn't bother with. I'm not into old Raleigh's, they're heavy but supposedly reliable, and I'd think it would be OK for a short, flat commmute. If you have a longer commute then you'd want a faster bike like the Bianchi, but something with eyelets for racks and fenders, and lots of tire clearance. The 10-speeds from the 1970's are perfect for that, get a mid-range model or better (chrome-moly frame, alloy components).

wrk101

Complaining about brakes on the Nishiki while it still has steel rims? Forget it, get a used alloy set now.

+1 That Nishiki mixte is really bottom of the barrel. Crankset, steel wheels, claw RD hanger, etc., all scream entry level. Unfortunately, most mixtes are bottom end. Finding one higher up the product line can take a while, and cost serious $$.

Bianchigirll 

I have to agree the Nishiki for warmer weather but the certainly the MTB has got be repaird for the winter.

I would try and diagnose the RD problem better. are the housing stops split? if so try and slip the cable out and see if the cable runs freely through the housing. if it does then chack the limit screws on the RD. and as recomended new koolstop pads for both the MTB and the Nishiki

That Raleigh is too nice to commute with in bad weather.

squirtdad

How far is the commute going to be? Flat or hills? This could make a difference on recommendations and set up.

without knowing more I vote Nishiki, but if you really want to fix it up, it might be cheaper to look for another bike that already has some of what you want, replacing lots of components gets fast

as noted just finding a used wheelset with allor rims will be big start

I will admit to being biasd as I have a Nishiki and rebuilt it, here is my nishki rebuild (and yes it't been posted many time so don't feel bad about posting your stable)

lostarchitect 

What about a new IGH 3 or 5 speed wheelset for the nishiki, and new dual pivot brakes to go with it? That would be a pretty bombproof setup.