Full On Newbie Here
#1
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Full On Newbie Here
Hi fourm!
So my bro-in-law gave me a bike yesterday. Am totally oblivious to the biking world. I've done a little bit of researching since last night, but still so clueless. All I know is that it's a Univega (judging from the decals). Don't know the size, but it does look a little vintage to me.

I can tell that it needs some parts replaced, so I went to a local shop. His parts were affordable, but probably some cheap brands, but hey, I'm a newb and not quite yet an enthusiast. Besides, I'm only looking for a commuter bike and nothing more at the moment.
I bought some new cork handlebar tape, a new saddle, new Duro tires (probably not the best brand out there
), tire levers to swap the tires, and spoke wrench to adjust the truing (is that what its called?). All the replacement parts are yellow because I wanted some bold contrasting color to go with the aqua frame.
I will post up updated pics after I install all the parts.
Any advice or suggestions for this newb?
So my bro-in-law gave me a bike yesterday. Am totally oblivious to the biking world. I've done a little bit of researching since last night, but still so clueless. All I know is that it's a Univega (judging from the decals). Don't know the size, but it does look a little vintage to me.

I can tell that it needs some parts replaced, so I went to a local shop. His parts were affordable, but probably some cheap brands, but hey, I'm a newb and not quite yet an enthusiast. Besides, I'm only looking for a commuter bike and nothing more at the moment.
I bought some new cork handlebar tape, a new saddle, new Duro tires (probably not the best brand out there

I will post up updated pics after I install all the parts.
Any advice or suggestions for this newb?
Last edited by p00kienrayray; 04-25-12 at 03:15 PM.
#2
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Welcome to Bike Forums.
Post in The Classic and Vintage forum for help.
Post in The Classic and Vintage forum for help.
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Fred "The Real Fred"
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#4
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Installing new tires, handlebar tape, and the saddle was super easy. However, truing the wheels is a bit more difficult than I imagined, so I had a shop do it for me. Now it rides like a dream, doesn't even need a tune up, though the rear break is a little softer than I'd like it to be.
Updated pics as promised. I didn't imagine the yellow handlebar tape to get dirty so fast. So far, I've only put about 10 miles of commute on it.


Up next is a good wash and lube whenever I can find some free time.
Updated pics as promised. I didn't imagine the yellow handlebar tape to get dirty so fast. So far, I've only put about 10 miles of commute on it.


Up next is a good wash and lube whenever I can find some free time.
Last edited by p00kienrayray; 04-27-12 at 12:38 AM.
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trueing wheels is a learned skill, you should probably not attempt it yourself. you can tighten your rear brake either by loosening the set nut, squeezing the brake untill almost touching the rim, pull the cable taught, then re tightening the set bolt, OR simply cranking the cable stop adjuster on the brake itself. you can keep those yellow handlebars looking nice by wearing a pair of cycling gloves. simple green does a decent job of cleaning tape and tires.
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1997 Trek ZX6000, 6061w/manitou spyder, xt/xtr, time atac
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trueing wheels is a learned skill, you should probably not attempt it yourself. you can tighten your rear brake either by loosening the set nut, squeezing the brake untill almost touching the rim, pull the cable taught, then re tightening the set bolt, OR simply cranking the cable stop adjuster on the brake itself. you can keep those yellow handlebars looking nice by wearing a pair of cycling gloves. simple green does a decent job of cleaning tape and tires.