tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post1431094613771255638..comments2024-03-18T08:41:35.438-04:00Comments on Lovely Bicycle!: Refurbishing Vintage Bicycles: Different PerspectivesVelouriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comBlogger67125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-15189614635011398392016-08-30T18:02:11.654-04:002016-08-30T18:02:11.654-04:00Even though this conversation is almost 6 years on...Even though this conversation is almost 6 years ongoing, it is at the front of my mind now. I don't think there could be a better written, more true grouping of thoughts on this subject.<br />A few years ago I bought some '50s Schwinn hornets to restore to "like new". I bought a guide, but got turned off by the talking down on full restorations. It actually started to cloud my thinking. I put the bikes in a corner of the basement and forgot about them until a few weeks ago when I came across an article about a guy that bought a bike at a rummage sale and did a full restoration + added a few parts that would have been options back in the day. It is now a beautiful bike. I then saw a few more pictures of complete restorations and loved them all. So, I decided that it is time to start my projects. I went online again to look for sites and found a review of the same book. one person had to write two separate reviews slamming "like new"ers. The exact words, "As we all know, many collectible bikes (and collectibles of any kind!) have been ruined by over-enthusiastic owners wanting to make them "like new." I started getting upset. I can appreciate some patina, but "rust red" and "oxidation orange" are not colors. Then, I thought about all of the classic cars that are at shows in the area during summer. I don't think I've seen one that has patina. They are all restored and all are beautiful. So, yesterday I contacted an old friend that used to work in a bike shop to see if he could help get me started. As I described the bikes and what I wanted to do, he said "Let me look at them. I bet we can get them working to the point you won't need to paint them." Arghhh!!! Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-84780910692498247952014-09-17T17:34:21.147-04:002014-09-17T17:34:21.147-04:00I have a 1950's Schwinn bicycle and would love...I have a 1950's Schwinn bicycle and would love to have restored (needs quite a bit). Any suggestions ??<br />Thanks.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-61966819504138555732014-05-19T03:38:41.518-04:002014-05-19T03:38:41.518-04:00hi I have a 1950s tricycle I want to restore I hav...hi I have a 1950s tricycle I want to restore I have little info on it were can I post a picture,, any help appreciated <br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-3962688837082997992014-05-02T18:59:48.741-04:002014-05-02T18:59:48.741-04:00Even us humans renew our cells every few years (I&...Even us humans renew our cells every few years (I've heard) but somehow we retain our identity.<br />I think a bike as a museum piece is kind of sad, like a taxidermed animal. <br /><br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03714550705058046111noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-28618189875025853172014-04-08T22:22:04.604-04:002014-04-08T22:22:04.604-04:00Enjoyed your post and the comments. Restoring a 1...Enjoyed your post and the comments. Restoring a 1949 Schwinn B6 straight bar ballooner with locking springer fork for my 15 year old. Enjoying the project and rescuing this bike from further destruction. Amazingly it is all original. Some parts have to be replaced as they are worn out. Other parts are being rechromed and the frame will be painted painted like new using stencils found on ebay.<br /><br />Yes there are various schools of thought. But this bike was just to beautiful to leave as a worn beater bike. It deserves as second life.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-3610931671650029652014-02-14T11:32:26.539-05:002014-02-14T11:32:26.539-05:00I'd say take a look at the hotrod hobby. Car ...I'd say take a look at the hotrod hobby. Car guys do everything from leaving a historically significant race or production car completely original, to taking a car to places it was never intended for - i.e., lowriders, drag racers, etc. Seems like the bicycle guys are doing the same thing. I'm with you, everyone's different, just realize that and go with it.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05550027788946783614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-56209180015722276812013-11-01T22:58:25.892-04:002013-11-01T22:58:25.892-04:00Great post! I recently, last spring renovated my P...Great post! I recently, last spring renovated my PX - 10 LE, "the Steed for Speed". With new components from Velo Orange, headset, hubs, sealed bottom bracket, she is faster and smoother than ever! I love riding her, the frame soaks up the bumps and the new bottom bracket makes hill climbing smooooth! No flex in the bottom end like with the old cup and cone BB. I enjoyed reading everyone else's thoughts. Thanks!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-70044681002075121752013-03-11T10:09:34.676-04:002013-03-11T10:09:34.676-04:00My favorite "exercise bike" is a 1975 Pe...My favorite "exercise bike" is a 1975 Peugeot UO8 that rolls about 30-50 miles a week. I've had it since I was 15, and . . . we'll, I've pedaled a lot of miles since then. This bike is a joy to ride, with its comfy geometry. Long gone is the cottered steel crank, replaced with Sugino. The cup-and-cone bottom bracket has been renewed. The Ava "stem of death" is Nitto Technomic now. The original rear derailleur is now a Shimano Deore, and the wheels are modern alloy. Really, the only things that are original are the Mafac Racer centerpulls, frame and forks, headset, and pedals. I think that those who designed the UO8 meant to make it affordable for big sales in America, and there's evidence in the Peugeot line of that time that you could turn low-end 10-speeds into pretty nice bikes with a few good component choices. We can make those choices today and make some older bikes what their designers knew they could be. I can't see this being a sin, though I might think twice before "upgrading" a mint PX-10.LogdOnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10046672547640217077noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-53002781361633647062012-10-24T09:31:54.732-04:002012-10-24T09:31:54.732-04:00Greg Softly, Austrialia
gts753 eBay name.
or
Llo...Greg Softly, Austrialia<br />gts753 eBay name.<br /><br />or<br /><br />Lloyd's in England<br />http://hlloydcycles.com/poppihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06974492821206945226noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-11478790283233021032012-10-15T19:27:33.434-04:002012-10-15T19:27:33.434-04:00I enjoy restoring classic, Italian, steel racing f...I enjoy restoring classic, Italian, steel racing frame-sets. The ones I can generally find and afford are not (yet) highly collectable. The restoration candidates are WAY beyond the patina stage and often have been poorly repainted. I refinish them in original colors I see on the same models. Often I re-plate the fork partially or entirely. Reproduction decals are accurate and far more durable than original, as is the paint. I used to do complete rebuilds with later-model Campy components but that has become uneconomic. There is also a high liability associated with selling bikes. <br />The satisfaction of bringing a fine Italian frame-set back to its original beauty is fun. I just picked up an Olmo Pista from the painter this past Saturday and got a kick out of the assembly, applying the decal and filling the lug openings with a complimentary color.<br />Finding customers who appreciate the artisan uniqueness and riding qualities of these frames is also heartening. How they eventually build them or don't is not my concern. Everyone who has built them to ride has been very happy.Ford Kanzlerhttp://www.classicitaliansteelframesets.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-27203582425602198762012-10-15T18:49:57.366-04:002012-10-15T18:49:57.366-04:00I think your final sentence summed it up well - al...I think your final sentence summed it up well - all approaches are valid. My 1973 Alex Singer is a bike I ride, so it features a SON hub and Edelux headlight, as well as clipless pedals. I tried to keep all components silver to match the originals. I also converted it from a triple to a double (but with a classic TA crank) to suit my riding style.<br /><br />On the other hand, when we feature a bike in one of our books, I want them to be all-original, as much as possible. <br /><br />The 1965 Cinelli on the cover of our 2013 calendar <br /><br />http://www.bikequarterly.com/images/books_calendar_2013_front.jpg<br /><br />does have its original handlebar tape, but I reglued the ends before it went to the photo shoot. I also helped the owner find a correct rear derailleur instead of the one that it wore when I first saw it (a plastic Simplex that is period-correct but not original).<br /><br />The Singer is great for riding, but never would make it onto a calendar. The Cinelli also is great for riding, but deserves to be preserved in as it was when new. It's a bike you can look at and know "that is how they were back then." If anybody ever wants to restore one, they can use it as a template. I am glad it is being preserved like that.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-61079557079486059002012-08-19T17:55:17.132-04:002012-08-19T17:55:17.132-04:00Great discussion. I just happened across it as I w...Great discussion. I just happened across it as I was trying to decide whether to put the carrier (rack) back on my old 1930's British 3 speed. I bought it complete with sturmey quadrant shifter, working dynamo lights , with front and rear drum brakes. However everything was rusty or dirty and had been hand painted before. The period approach to make a daily ride to work bike (as I believe it was) has resulted in a bike that should last another fifty years. It's not that special because thousands were made, but it should now remain intact rather than broken and sold in pieces. I have several other projects and think that all of the above options have merits, anything that preserves a machine that can be appreciated , even on the wall of the workshop. IMHO Gregphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00769114456965864649noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-6134222741244590462012-07-16T18:57:31.182-04:002012-07-16T18:57:31.182-04:00Well, I usually take a preservation/restoration ap...Well, I usually take a preservation/restoration approach. If the bike is in poor condition, I would restore it, but if its in serviceable condition, I would clean up the original components and service the bike. (New grease will still protect original bearings) I departed with that philosophy on a my dream bike, which I've been planning since I was a kid. It is a 1923 Mead Ranger Motorbike, that I would describe as an "Adaptive Rehabilitation," borrowing a Historic Preservation term used on buildings that have been partially preserved, and partially modified to suit a new use. The Mead Ranger was one of the top of the line bicycles in its day, being electrically equipped, with high end saddles, half inch pitch chain, tank, carrier, pump, etc. I removed the wood wheels (but kept them, of course), and the probably non original handlebars, and added a set of 28x1 1/2 Roadster Wheels with cream tires, mated with Dynamo Drum Brake in the front, and a Nexus 8 Speed coaster brake in the rear. I added a set of reproduction wide handlebars to give a more original appearance, as the ones that came with the bike were too puny. I also saved the original saddle (A Troxel Aristocrat, which is exceedingly comfortable, but not in fine shape) but added a quite springy Dutch saddle for upright comfort. If you're interested, check it out. It's awesome flying down the road on an 89 year old bike. <br /><br />http://s1183.photobucket.com/albums/x479/elginkid/1923%20Mead%20Ranger/Preservationistahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11328397691757864133noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-71689015316814421152012-06-15T07:55:33.219-04:002012-06-15T07:55:33.219-04:00hello
i just came across your blog just today and ...hello<br />i just came across your blog just today and i must say i like it. i have a personal request if i may: can you please point me to some internet sites where i can find original or replica decals? i have an '87 peugeot PHE20 that i want to restore :) thank youAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-68177740751595982652012-02-04T02:13:27.946-05:002012-02-04T02:13:27.946-05:00If I owned a bike that had won a stage of the Tour...If I owned a bike that had won a stage of the Tour de France, I'd keep the ratty old handlebar tape that soaked up a champion's sweat. But I don't own such a bike and that kind of exaggerated reverence for the ones I do own would be silly. <br /><br />I've hung onto and enjoy riding a popular, now somewhat collectable French racing bike I bought new in the 70s. I plan to keep it original, meaning neither strictly OEM nor merely generic, neither free of anachronism nor tastelessly re-mixed, neither obsessively over-restored nor compulsively untouched. <br /><br />When I first bought the bike, I upgraded as many components as I could, as fast as I could. Too late to change that now, and the bike would be decidedly unoriginal--to me, at least--if I did. It wouldn't be the same old bike at all. I despised the Mafac centerpulls that were noisy, crude, fiddly, and anything but self-centering, so I replaced them with Italian sidepulls within a year of purchase, and eventually swapped in KoolStop pads because stopping shorter seemed like a Good Idea. I loathed the plastic Simplex Criterium derailleurs and quickly replaced them with alloy Simplex Super LJs. I always felt bad when I chipped or scraped the paint. <br /><br />What would it mean to undo 39 years of deliberate improvements? It would mean spoiling an original to fake an original. On the other hand, what would it mean to undo 39 years of chips and scrapes? It would mean re-experiencing the original joy the bike gave me just to look at. I haven't decided to go "period appropriate" but to respect choices appropriately and originally made in the period, not at all the same thing. I have no fetish to leave the material object untouched, however; the last time I believed it was bad luck to step on a crack in the sidewalk was, oh, dunno, about the time I learned to ride without training wheels. <br /><br />What I won't touch or change is the way I originally went about using and caring for my first quality bicycle. I'm going to have it painted but I'm also going to keep it original in the sense that the way I always maintained it is the way I will continue maintaining it, first and last.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-41851934863488556742012-01-21T21:45:17.895-05:002012-01-21T21:45:17.895-05:00I only skimmed the other posts so forgive me if I ...I only skimmed the other posts so forgive me if I am repeating something here. I think it is great that you can buy a 50 year old steel framed something or other and upgrade it with modern parts. Undoubtedly modern components are better if for no other reason than that they are newer and should have tighter tolerance than their vintage counterparts. I personally take pride in the fact that I resurrected a 25 year old Miyata 112 and have ridden it to and from work for the last few years putting over 12K miles on it. It was just a frame when I bought it but with fresh wheels and components that look period correct it is basically a brand new bike ready to serve me for many years to come.Don in Boisehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10090611155811161331noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-62053093008757138262011-10-15T23:08:56.857-04:002011-10-15T23:08:56.857-04:00While I have yet to start on any,I have a few vint...While I have yet to start on any,I have a few vintage projects. None of them are particularly rare or significant though,so I will most likely go the period correct where I can.<br /><br />I enjoyed this post (as I do most vintage refurbish/restore/leave it alone bike posts across the web),and enjoyed reading all the comments as well :)<br /><br />SteveAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-58647616736535721232011-07-12T21:56:30.211-04:002011-07-12T21:56:30.211-04:00I recently picked up my first set of Vintage bikes...I recently picked up my first set of Vintage bikes. 1) 66 Mercier Mixte 2) 85 Schwinn Passage. Passage for my boyfriend and Mercier for myself. I am letting him "update" his bike however he likes but here is my approach...<br /><br />1) I cleaned up my bike as as well possible then assessed what I needed for it.<br /><br />2) I tried to find the original replacement/upgrade parts for the bike.<br /><br />3) If I could not find the original I tried to find time period appropriate parts for the bike, that would look nice.<br /><br />4) If all else failed I purchased new parts or accessories that I liked, possibly not even looking vintage at all. (Really only the bell and basket... because I could only find unattractive vintage ones)<br /><br />Personally I would not consider re-painting my bike. Yes, it's does have some scratches/wear. But I like that, I only tried to do necessary repairs/upgrades. However I do agree with people who re-paint there bikes. Especially when they are covered in scratches, dings and rust... mine just seems to be in "perfect" used shape for me, it adds personality.<br /><br />I am not going to lie though, it does make me a little sad seeing an amazing vintage frame, repainted some unfitting color, gutted, turned into a fixie and replaced with all new components.... I think "wow that would look gorgeous in all it's 10 speed glory" however I still have respect for the people who do that, and they do look nice. It just seems like a downgrade to me...Katiehttp://myspace.com/nnoonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-52677031942116113852011-06-18T07:45:22.918-04:002011-06-18T07:45:22.918-04:00If I were putting a really old bicycle back on the...If I were putting a really old bicycle back on the road, I'd prefer to retain its external patina (unless it qualified as a total rustbucket) while making sure that all the bearings were spot on. As the latter would hopefully have been kept greased or oiled, I'd even prefer to retain the original ball bearings, if they were serviceable, as they'd probably be of better quality than new equivalents. New tyres would be chosen to be inconspicuously new, as would any new cables, etc. I don't cycle in the rain nowadays, so I don't share some people's horror of steel rims. If I get caught in a shower, I just adjust my speed to the conditions until I get home. Aluminium rims would be prejudicial to the appearance of a vintage bike, unless it had them originally. I once bought some new steel wheels which, in an attempt to improve their braking efficiency, had little diamond-shaped grooves punched in the rims all around the braking surfaces. These did stop better. However, when you applied the brakes in dry weather, they emitted a howling sound so loud that everybody within a quarter-mile radius looked around. They went through brake blocks rapidly as well, and created lots of red dust.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-3208790550586751802011-05-19T14:06:03.566-04:002011-05-19T14:06:03.566-04:00I enjoyed reading this article and the different &...I enjoyed reading this article and the different "methodologies" for bicycle restoration. Indeed, I'm not sure which one I would be - probably a bit of updated remix meets period-appropriate (depending on my budget and availability of needed items).<br /> <br />I have only just begun revisiting my childhood love of cycling. By no means am I an avid cyclist - I am more a "fairweather" local bicycling person. I was very lucky to find a deal on a 1984 Raleigh 3-speed in very good condition. As fate may have it, a few weeks later it was our town's "Spring Cleanup" and while driving around I spotted the big brother of my bike - same colour, similar decals and age! Sadly, he had apparently lived near the waterfront and must have been stored outside for many, many years. He had heavy rust in so many places, and the tires were literally crumbling. I had doubts the 3-speed hub was in any better shape than the rest of the chrome. This put the project beyond the reach of my amateur ambitions! Even the metal parts on the seat were covered in rust, although later I realized I may have been able to salvage that to some extent. After cannibalizing the bike for a Pletscher rack and a couple of other spare pieces to use on mine, with a heavy heart I put it back out on the sidewalk (from where someone promptly collected it!). I figured it was far too big of a project for this amateur to take on, and sadly in its All-Original state I doubt the bike was ride-able. To me, a bike needs to be ridden (perhaps with the exception of those rusty oldies that people occasionally use for odd garden decorations).<br /><br />I really regret not being able to take on the project. At the time I had only just started to read a few articles on bikes and even now I still don't know where to go for tips and hints on restoration. <br /><br />Did I do the right thing? I am hoping that bike was taken by someone who had the intent to restore it - and would have loved to have seen what it looked like when finished! The thought that it may have gone to the scrappers just makes me feel so guilty!Tayanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-84330710654663640462011-04-28T23:12:51.977-04:002011-04-28T23:12:51.977-04:00If you're really lucky when you buy an untouch...If you're really lucky when you buy an untouched original-state bike, you might even get the original handbook. In that book it'll say to keep the pain & chrome clean, oil & grease various doodads, and REPLACE WORN PARTS AS NECESSARY. So you could argue that when parts become worn/broken/unsafe, the most true-to-original approach to an old bike is to take it to pieces, give it all a damned good clean,and put it back together, using new or at least more modern parts where the originals are too far gone. That way at least you can use the thing. After all, if a bike sits unridden in a shed, it it really still a bike, or a pile of worn bike parts?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-50008330888500931422011-04-19T11:50:03.640-04:002011-04-19T11:50:03.640-04:00I have many bikes, all of which fall into differen...I have many bikes, all of which fall into different the categories, depending on how I wished to use it. So long as a bike is being used and enjoyed, does anyone really give a shit about the paint scheme or the components used?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-77050448776734641632011-02-18T23:52:51.559-05:002011-02-18T23:52:51.559-05:00I work as a mechanic at what Ai like to think of a...I work as a mechanic at what Ai like to think of as Minnesota's biggest vintage Raleigh 3-speed dealer (Sunrise Cyclery). Your observations AFAICT are spot-on. I would like to tell readers of your blog that the details you espouse (and we have it on good authority that both God and the Devil are in the details, which is theologically unsound but personally interesting) are well-advised and widely available.<br /><br />So you want to buy a bike, you see one on the local CL, and you want to get it tuned up. How do you find a good LBS? Call them up and ask if they have anyone on staff who can rebuild a Sturmey AW. It will take 30 seconds out of your day; and if they dither, you have your answer. It is an everyday acid test that will convey volumes of information.J.R.https://www.blogger.com/profile/08657151179353987487noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-55608590337396321902010-12-17T00:28:32.006-05:002010-12-17T00:28:32.006-05:00Great posts. I love all types of bikes. I ride a...Great posts. I love all types of bikes. I ride an 1899 Bellingham Bike with wood rims. Had to make my own tires out of old dutch tires (back then the tires and tubes were one) just so I could ride it in the parades and tweed rides. I also just got back my old 1899 pope rear steer tandem. Back then the lady went first but the gentleman had to have the control.I just put newer tires on it so I could ride it in the next tweed ride. I still ride my 1955 Libertas that I have had since I was 12 now 55. I have updated the tires and rims at least 10 times over the years now has woobler rims with vintage phil wood hubs and campy skewers, just rode it in the Tour du whatcom. I think the important thing is to enjoy them whether you just like to look at them or ride them and remember what it feels to be 12 again. Dean Bellingham, Wa. Our motto Welcome to Bellingham Now get on your BIKE.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-71286200204390691532010-12-07T07:17:20.538-05:002010-12-07T07:17:20.538-05:00An important part of this discussion is "Inte...An important part of this discussion is "Intended Use".<br /><br />Are we talking about a day-to-day rider or a sunny-day-ride-along-the-Charles machine?<br /><br />If the latter, I say keep it as original as possible while maintaining a safe ride.<br /><br />At a bike show, I’m always drawn to original cycles with faded decals and a natural patina.<br />It’s only original once.Menotomy Vintage Bicycleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15636261640251435592noreply@blogger.com