Repair or replace old road bike?
Discussion
Hello,
I guess you'd describe me as a newbie or born again cyclist
I used to do a lot of cycling 15 to 20 years ago, but then stopped for one reason or another. Now a couple of mates have been encouraging me to come out on some road rides in the Dorset countryside once Spring has arrived.
Back when I used to ride a lot, my steed was a 1996 (I think) Giant Peleton Superlite. In fact, after 2 house moves, its still sat on a rack in the garage. But its not been ridden in over a decade, and a quick check over reveals that its in a pretty sorry state. The brake lever gear shifters (Shimano RSX?) no longer shift, the frame has surface rust around the joints and the brakes appear to be seized. I'm quite handy with a spanner, and have some bike tools, so I could potentially do some work on it.
But, I've also been weighing up the idea of buying a new bike, and have been looking at some of the 2015 model year bike offers around at the moment. I'm guessing things have moved on a lot since 1996!
Would anyone have an opinion on whether it's likely to be worth spending time and money on fixing the Giant, or would I be better off cutting my losses and buying a new bike? I've been looking at the 2015 Specialized Allez - http://www.wheelies.co.uk/p73383/Specialized-Allez... , which looks like a fairly a decent entry level bike?
And any other tips for someone who's been out of the saddle for getting on for 2 decades, and now prefers running to cycling? Is it going to be hard work to start with?
Cheers,
Steve.
I guess you'd describe me as a newbie or born again cyclist
I used to do a lot of cycling 15 to 20 years ago, but then stopped for one reason or another. Now a couple of mates have been encouraging me to come out on some road rides in the Dorset countryside once Spring has arrived.Back when I used to ride a lot, my steed was a 1996 (I think) Giant Peleton Superlite. In fact, after 2 house moves, its still sat on a rack in the garage. But its not been ridden in over a decade, and a quick check over reveals that its in a pretty sorry state. The brake lever gear shifters (Shimano RSX?) no longer shift, the frame has surface rust around the joints and the brakes appear to be seized. I'm quite handy with a spanner, and have some bike tools, so I could potentially do some work on it.
But, I've also been weighing up the idea of buying a new bike, and have been looking at some of the 2015 model year bike offers around at the moment. I'm guessing things have moved on a lot since 1996!
Would anyone have an opinion on whether it's likely to be worth spending time and money on fixing the Giant, or would I be better off cutting my losses and buying a new bike? I've been looking at the 2015 Specialized Allez - http://www.wheelies.co.uk/p73383/Specialized-Allez... , which looks like a fairly a decent entry level bike?
And any other tips for someone who's been out of the saddle for getting on for 2 decades, and now prefers running to cycling? Is it going to be hard work to start with?
Cheers,
Steve.
Quite common, met loads of riders at our club who are returning from a 10-20 year break
Tech has moved on a lot!! But its you the rider that powers it, gears, brakes and lightweight materials have moved on a lot!
Having said that a solid decent bike , is a solid decent bike, I ride older bikes at times and think in some ways they are better built if a bit dated, depends on bikes though
Alez is a good bike, the go to for beginners , you might get better spec for the price, but its a good overall package.
New bike is great, just have a think whether you will actually ride it, look on ebay there are hundreds of nice road bikes "ridden once" then sat in a garage for 2 years!
Trouble with fixing old bikes, is it probs needs 4 x new cables, 4 x new pads,2 x new tyres , 1 x new chain, the seatpost might be stuck etc, depends how much time you have a reckon you could get it on the road for under £100 if you shop about
Tech has moved on a lot!! But its you the rider that powers it, gears, brakes and lightweight materials have moved on a lot!
Having said that a solid decent bike , is a solid decent bike, I ride older bikes at times and think in some ways they are better built if a bit dated, depends on bikes though
Alez is a good bike, the go to for beginners , you might get better spec for the price, but its a good overall package.
New bike is great, just have a think whether you will actually ride it, look on ebay there are hundreds of nice road bikes "ridden once" then sat in a garage for 2 years!
Trouble with fixing old bikes, is it probs needs 4 x new cables, 4 x new pads,2 x new tyres , 1 x new chain, the seatpost might be stuck etc, depends how much time you have a reckon you could get it on the road for under £100 if you shop about
So I've spent my lunch time looking at it. Brakes now work, tyres pumped up, the wheels spin and are still true, the chain/crank turn with a nice clean "whir". Quite surprising since its been sat for so long.
The biggest issue I have to fix (other than mainly cosmetic stuff) are the gear shifters. Both front and rear don't do anything - the shifters just move to the full extent of their range without clicking/indexing. Have soaked the innards with penetrating oil, but if that doesn't work, I think that could be the end of the road for it - because direct replacements look rare and expensive. Unless anyone has any ideas on how I might replace it with compatible newer Shimano kit? (Shimano RSX 105, 2 speed front, 7 speed rear).
Yes, one fear in spending £400 on a new bike (or £?? on repairing the old one) is how often I'll get to ride it. Its a tough dilemma
The biggest issue I have to fix (other than mainly cosmetic stuff) are the gear shifters. Both front and rear don't do anything - the shifters just move to the full extent of their range without clicking/indexing. Have soaked the innards with penetrating oil, but if that doesn't work, I think that could be the end of the road for it - because direct replacements look rare and expensive. Unless anyone has any ideas on how I might replace it with compatible newer Shimano kit? (Shimano RSX 105, 2 speed front, 7 speed rear).
Yes, one fear in spending £400 on a new bike (or £?? on repairing the old one) is how often I'll get to ride it. Its a tough dilemma
Fix it and buy a new one... 
1 x 1996/1997 Falcon Pro-Line. We fell out for six years, during which time I long term borrowed a Giant SCR 3.0, and owned a Merida Road-Race 905.
Then the Merida was killed to death in a crash, and I needed a 'new bike'. I convinced myself that this old Falcon was "beyond economical repair" and set about ordering a new one (Trek Emonda, lovely modern carbon fibre bike).
Then I took a good long look at the Falcon, gave myself a stiff telling-off, and set about sorting it out. New brake calipers were the big expense. Plus new tyres. New brake cables were needed, but the gear cables were fine. I've rebuilt the hubs with new bearings, and replaced the rim tape, and it needed a new headset bearing too later in the year. But I've done nearly 2,600 miles on it since it was brought back to life in February last year, and I'm loving it. It was also treated to some mudguards to make it more 'winter friendly'.
I haven't got a figure for how much was spent on it, but it wasn't in the hundreds, and I had the fun and satisfaction of doing the work myself. I'd certainly advise going down the refurb/repair route prior to buying a new bike, "They don't make 'em like they used to..."
1 x 1996/1997 Falcon Pro-Line. We fell out for six years, during which time I long term borrowed a Giant SCR 3.0, and owned a Merida Road-Race 905.
Then the Merida was killed to death in a crash, and I needed a 'new bike'. I convinced myself that this old Falcon was "beyond economical repair" and set about ordering a new one (Trek Emonda, lovely modern carbon fibre bike).
Then I took a good long look at the Falcon, gave myself a stiff telling-off, and set about sorting it out. New brake calipers were the big expense. Plus new tyres. New brake cables were needed, but the gear cables were fine. I've rebuilt the hubs with new bearings, and replaced the rim tape, and it needed a new headset bearing too later in the year. But I've done nearly 2,600 miles on it since it was brought back to life in February last year, and I'm loving it. It was also treated to some mudguards to make it more 'winter friendly'.
I haven't got a figure for how much was spent on it, but it wasn't in the hundreds, and I had the fun and satisfaction of doing the work myself. I'd certainly advise going down the refurb/repair route prior to buying a new bike, "They don't make 'em like they used to..."
I guess you can go for Shimano Tourney shifters which will be circa £60 if you can find somewhere selling them - they're the only current 7 speed stuff available.
As for a replacement, I'd be hitting Decathlon, alternatively this had decent reviews too http://www.wiggle.co.uk/verenti-technique-claris-2...
As for a replacement, I'd be hitting Decathlon, alternatively this had decent reviews too http://www.wiggle.co.uk/verenti-technique-claris-2...
JuniorD said:
You don't need 7-speed shifters to replaced your RSX ones. You can use "modern" 9 or 10 speed shifters. The only difference is you'll have a few spare clicks at the lever.
{I have RSX on a bike and the're still going strong 20+ years on)
You'd probably encounter some setup / indexing issues as there are travel and spacing issues. 7 speed hubs use 126mm spacing, while 8,9 and 10 speed use 130mm. The spacing between cogs is progressively smaller on 8, 9 and 10 speed systems, so a 9 or 10 speed shifter is not going to pull as much cable per shift as a 7 speed shifter will. It MAY work for you (see Sheldon Brown's site for articles on what will and won't work together), but is not an optimal setup.{I have RSX on a bike and the're still going strong 20+ years on)
Steve, take the RSX brake/shift levers off the bike & give them a PROPER flush with wd-40 or gt-85, I bet you they come back to life. Flush & click up and down.
http://youtu.be/8MyQGB1gudw
http://youtu.be/8MyQGB1gudw
Edited by Barchettaman on Tuesday 9th February 19:01
stevesuk said:
Thanks for the advice all, I will have a ponder
If you google 'Shimano RSX Shifter' there's a couple of interesting videos detailing disassembly and reassembly - there are lots and lots of bits inside but they could be serviceable?!FWIW, the Raleigh Milk Race Special I restored last year set me back about £100 all in for parts mostly off Ebay and the fixie project I just completed has come in at about £275 but that's basically buying a whole bike in bits including some deep rimed wheels at £75 the pair!
I got back into cycling 18 months ago and started on my 13 year old Universal City Slicker which was too big and bloody awful to ride! I'm glad I did it that way though as the bike I bought (Dawes Galaxy AL) is very different to the bike I was looking at before riding the old snotter too much! (I nearly bought a Dutch style bike which might have been ok but really would have been a bit of a waste)
In terms of 'getting back into cycling' yourself, I guess that depends on your reasoning and motivation. I was fed up with being fat and unfit, also I have become disenchanted with cars and driving and all the hassle and money that goes with them. - how much hard work it will be is ultimately down to you...
I'd forgotten how much I love physical exercise and how competitive I am... if you're not already on it with your running, have a look at Strava etc. (I often compete against myself on my commute)
stevesuk said:
There's a pair of working RSX shifters on eBay at the moment, so I've put in a bid and will see if I win them If I do, the bike will live.
OK, the eBay auction went somewhere north of what I wanted to pay for a couple of used and abused looking 15 year old shifters. If I do, the bike will live.So instead, I've ordered (for not much more) a brand new set of the Shimano Tourney equivalent - which apparently come with a full set of brake and gear cables/outers. Was a bit concerned that Tourney is bottom of the range, but the reviews look OK for them - and at least they'll fit/work. Have also ordered some new bar tape and some bar end plugs - no idea how to fit bar tape, but I bet there's any number of YouTube videos.
Having had a search in the garage, I found a Specialized tyre, some inner tubes - plus 4 Shimano brake blocks. So for the princely sum of £65, I hope that is all I'll need to get it back on the road initially.
Will post up some pictures when its done
Its worth noting while things have moved on a lot technically you shouldn't discount renewing older machines. I myself run a Steel frame (531) Carlton 40 years old as a Winter/Sportive bike. While it may give away a couple of KG to my newer Carbon steeds it rides beautifully especially on UK's poor roads and doesn't feel particularly dated to ride even with down tube levers. Even the 6 speed cassette doesn't feel shortchanged compared to my other 10/11 speeds for the majority of rides.
The one problem is getting parts as you have found, especially good quality parts including solid axle wheels for example. If you can source older diameter parts they can also be more expensive to replace.
Interestingly I have recently purchased a full carbon mountain bike to replace a steel MTB, both have top end group sets and yet the steel bike is lighter, so while the addition of larger forks and disc brakes etc are all well and good technology, they ultimately weigh in more and don't always add to the overall ride experience.
I find theres room for both but wouldn't be disappointed if I had an old stable. Ally bikes are cheap a plenty so theres no reason to stick to older stuff either if parts are an issue
The one problem is getting parts as you have found, especially good quality parts including solid axle wheels for example. If you can source older diameter parts they can also be more expensive to replace.
Interestingly I have recently purchased a full carbon mountain bike to replace a steel MTB, both have top end group sets and yet the steel bike is lighter, so while the addition of larger forks and disc brakes etc are all well and good technology, they ultimately weigh in more and don't always add to the overall ride experience.
I find theres room for both but wouldn't be disappointed if I had an old stable. Ally bikes are cheap a plenty so theres no reason to stick to older stuff either if parts are an issue
Steve,
I purchased a 30 year old bike on ebay last year. It was £275 (not cheap) but it was a top end mountain bike of it's day - carbon & alloy frame with Shimano XT groupset etc.
It needed a couple of hard to find parts (genuine XT headset, XT pedals, crank dust cover & new HG chain) but good old ebay found a small selection to choose from and both delivered in excellent condition. About £85 quid all in.
Two days effort stripping, greasing and rebuilding. Two new Conti tyres (less than half price at Wiggle) and I reckon I have a fantastic bike. It has genuinely surprised me at how good it is and questions whether new bikes are as good as 80's & 90's kit.
Also I'll probably get my money back at any point I sell it - don't think I ever will though. Retro bikes are like classic cars as they tend to appreciate.
Take a look at this video, it's really interesting : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtYX0T7FnZ8
I purchased a 30 year old bike on ebay last year. It was £275 (not cheap) but it was a top end mountain bike of it's day - carbon & alloy frame with Shimano XT groupset etc.
It needed a couple of hard to find parts (genuine XT headset, XT pedals, crank dust cover & new HG chain) but good old ebay found a small selection to choose from and both delivered in excellent condition. About £85 quid all in.
Two days effort stripping, greasing and rebuilding. Two new Conti tyres (less than half price at Wiggle) and I reckon I have a fantastic bike. It has genuinely surprised me at how good it is and questions whether new bikes are as good as 80's & 90's kit.
Also I'll probably get my money back at any point I sell it - don't think I ever will though. Retro bikes are like classic cars as they tend to appreciate.
Take a look at this video, it's really interesting : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtYX0T7FnZ8
Last year I was donated a 12 year old Hard rock which had spent the last 5 years locked up unused in a bike shed. It's weathered, but I replaced the full brake set, New chain and cassette and serviced everything else before giving it a good clean. I can't take the corrosion out of the paintwork but it now shifts smoothly and brakes well. Surprisingly the Rockshox forks were still decent with no marks on the tubes.
Anyway the shifters on this wouldn't shift. Clicking up and down did nothing. I read the advice to soak in WD40 and then work them up and down countless times. I did just that and a couple of days after soaking them, I started clicking up and down and after about 15 minutes of doing so, the shifting continually improved to the point where they now work perfectly. The front derailleur was in a bit of a state too but a wire brush in the spring and plenty of movement with a screwdriver and it's also working a treat. I've probably spent about £70 - saddle, chain, cassette, brake system and cables and pedals and it's now working well. It still looks a bit rough in places but it's fully functioning with smooth shifting and decent brakes. The wheels are ok too. Might regrease the cone hubs. I've offered to buy her a new bike but she doesn't really get that much use except for the odd short ride when we take it away camping.
I'd rescue yours initially and then if you're still keen, buy another. It'll give you an idea of what you want out of the next one. It'll also make yours a better option to buy if places on gumtree or the like.
Anyway the shifters on this wouldn't shift. Clicking up and down did nothing. I read the advice to soak in WD40 and then work them up and down countless times. I did just that and a couple of days after soaking them, I started clicking up and down and after about 15 minutes of doing so, the shifting continually improved to the point where they now work perfectly. The front derailleur was in a bit of a state too but a wire brush in the spring and plenty of movement with a screwdriver and it's also working a treat. I've probably spent about £70 - saddle, chain, cassette, brake system and cables and pedals and it's now working well. It still looks a bit rough in places but it's fully functioning with smooth shifting and decent brakes. The wheels are ok too. Might regrease the cone hubs. I've offered to buy her a new bike but she doesn't really get that much use except for the odd short ride when we take it away camping.
I'd rescue yours initially and then if you're still keen, buy another. It'll give you an idea of what you want out of the next one. It'll also make yours a better option to buy if places on gumtree or the like.
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