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Conference noted::bicycle

Title: Bicycling
Notice:Bicycling for Fun
Moderator:JAMIN::WASSER
Created:Mon Apr 14 1986
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:3214
Total number of notes:31946

1019.0. "questions and sources needed on parts" by TALLIS::HUDSON () Mon Feb 27 1989 20:49

    	I haven't been riding for about 12 years and it is 
	time to pick it up again. I used to be able to manage
    	averaging 25 mph for an hour over a course through
    	Concord, Lincoln and Sudbury. I don't think I can 
    	do that again especially after a few extra pounds. 
    
        I have been away from it for so long that when looking 
	at the current products through a NASHBAR catalog, it
        seems like a totally different sport. I can't believe
        what some people are paying for bikes and parts these
        days. But since my bike needs some work and parts, I am
        afraid that I am about to rejoin the ranks.

	The last time I did a major update to the bike was in 
	'73 (replaced the frame, rims) and in then in '76 
	(replaced brakes, a derailleur, handlebars).

	Here is a list of what I need this time around and
	along with any problems I may be having in getting what
	I need:

	1) wheels -  
 	   my gold Mavic rims are cracked, I read somewhere
	   in this notes file that MAVIC will replace rims
	   that crack. How do I get them to make good on their
	   offer? The bike shop that sold them to me is not
	   in business any longer. The type of rim I'm sure 
	   is not around anymore either.
	
	2) hubset -  
	   The Campy hubs I have now are twenty-five years
	   old, and still good but I want sealed bearings. 
	   However, the NASHBAR catalog carries only
	   one 5spd hubset and that one is not Campy. I
	   definetly want Campy. Does Campy make 5spd hubsets?
        
	   The width of the rear dropouts on this frame is 4 3/4" 
           which is the width for a 5spd hub. I would like to
	   add a couple of more speeds by going to an ultra-six
	   freewheel. But there again NASHBAR doesn't carry any
	   ultra-6 freewheels. Can I force the width of the
	   rear dropout to accept a regular 6-speed hub without doing some
	   kind of damage (it needs to be 5" wide)? Also do the 
 	   seals on the new freewheels really keep the dirt out?

    	3) Need new chainrings for my 6-spoke STRONGLIGHT magnesium crank,
    	   this also is twenty five years old and I can't part with 
           it. I read in another note that a fellow George
	   Gamache or BI-EX may have parts for it.

	4) New bottom bracket -
	   This is worn and I would like to replace it with another
	   Campy unit. The Athena BB in the NASHBAR catalog goes
	   for $42 less than the C Record. They are identical in
	   weight, so does anyone know what the difference will be?
	   Do all the Campy BB's have sealed bearings?
           
	
	I have been out of the bike scene for so long I don't know
	where to find the deals out there. I am going to try to 
	keep the price down (plus there are a lot of other incidentals),
	and will probably use NASHBAR catalog as a guide on prices to 
        expect to find. Also in purchasing parts can I assume that 
	places like BI-EX, INTERNATIONAL, and WHEELWORKS will give me 
	a higher price than NASHBAR on most things or are the deals going 
	to vary widely from place to place?

	I will also consider used parts (as long as they aren't
	too used) so if you have anything that is on the list 
	please let me know.

	Thanks, Steve

T.RTitleUserPersonal
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1019.1There's a reason why this kind of upgrade is hardCESARE::JOHNSONWanted to be an astronaut, but settled for space cadet.Tue Feb 28 1989 07:3417
    It sounds like you have a fairly classic early-'70s bike.  Why mess
    with it by trying to force a six-speed into it?  Why upgrade to sealed
    bearing hubs (that will be nearly impossible to find in your size
    anyway) when you have beautiful old Campy hubs? And about those rims --
    after twelve years, are you really going to demand that Mavic replace
    them?  Save yourself some headaches and money by simply buying some new
    rims, an Athena (or even Record) BB, and a 5- or Ultra6-speed cogs.
    (The latter should be available in local shops, even if Nashbar
    doesn't carry them.) 
    
    The crank is another matter.... If Gamache or BI-EX don't have it, you
    might take a look at the Athena.  Sure, it doesn't have the same
    nostalgia;  but considering that you were willing to part with your
    Campy hubs, I doubt that it would be too difficult to change your mind. 
    

    MATT
1019.2WITNES::HANNULACat Tails & Bike Wheels Don't MixTue Feb 28 1989 11:4218
    My SO has a classic early-70's racing bike and he strives to keep
    his bike that way.  He has had good luck finding alot of the old
    campy parts by walking into new bike shops all the time, usually
    the smaller stores, and striking up conversations with the owners.
    Alot of these stores have this classic stuff sitting around in a
    back room, can't put it on the shelf because of the limited demand,
    yet can't bear to throw it out.  WE had real good luck this summer
    finding some stuff at Happy Time Bicycle Shop in Milford, NH - the
    store probably doesn't sell a bike for more than $250-, but we were
    both really amazed at the components this guy had sitting around
    in his back room.  We ended up spending a couple hundred dollars
    there.
    
    If you want to keep your bike in the classic style, there is really
    alot of good stuf out there, all brand new.  You just have to make
    shop keepers aware that you're interested in it.
    
    	-Nancy
1019.3Bob and Jan need the plugNOVA::FISHERRdb/VMS DinosaurTue Feb 28 1989 15:276
    I bought a $800 bike from Bob at Happy Day Cycles in Milford in
    1983, and replaced the frame from him the following year (auto wreck).
    
    Glad he had the stuff you wanted.
    
    ed
1019.4Randazzo returns!EUCLID::PAULHUSChris @ MLO6B-2/T13 dtn 223-6871Tue Feb 28 1989 15:4811
    	One of the best resources for bike knowledge and odd parts in
    the Western suburbs was Paul Randazzo and his Category One Cyclegoods
    shop in Tyngsboro.  Paul has been out of it for a few months, but
    is (as of a week ago) back to operating out of his shop at his home.
    The shop number was disconnected (It was (508) 649-7599.) but you
    might try it anyway.  I'd rather not post his home phone - call
    me and I'll give it to you.
    	Paul has the full set of Campy tools, and has worked with N.E.
    Cycling Academy developing the Fit Kit and Frame Alignment systems.
    I, for one, am Very glad that Paul's expertise is again available
    to us bike nuts.  - Chris
1019.5AMUN::CRITZA noid is annoyedTue Feb 28 1989 17:2711
    	I was in his house week ago yesterday. He had a Marinoni
    	in the stand and was making up a set of wheels. Seems to
    	be back at it.
    
    	He's also a ham (as in shortwave), and all the equipment
    	is on the other side of the basement.
    
    	He mentioned that he had just returned from teaching a
    	class at NE Cycling Academy.
    
    	Scott
1019.6WLDWST::J_POLLARDTue Feb 28 1989 22:448
	I have a bike of the same age.  If you are replacing the bottom
    bracket because only one part is worn, you may not have to.  Recently,
    I was able to buy only the fixed cup for an old Record B (pre-Nuovo
    Record), and a bearing race for a Record hub.  Everything is serviceable!
    
    	If you really don't like the old Campy stuff and feel a need
    to replace it, I'm sure that I can take some of it off your hands.
    ESPECIALLY the hubs.
1019.7Ultra six mail orderNANOOK::BRALEYEd Braley DTN 263-6085Thu Mar 02 1989 20:2419
    
    
    	I just had a set of Campy Record hubs laced up to MA40s by
    Fred at Haggert's in Concord NH.  He the 5 speed hub out back,
    new in the box just like a previous note mentioned. 
    
    	I picked up an Ultra Six freewheel mail order from The Colorado
    Cyclist for $26 with shipping.  You'll find their advertisement in the
    magazines.
    
    	If you like your old bike, keep it and fix it up.  I have found
    that the better shops seem to enjoy working with the better older
    model bikes, especially now that everthing Japanese is so similar.
    
    	If you look around you can get some truly great deals on older
    components that aren't "cool" this year.  And you'll have a bike
    that's different from everyone else!

    	Ed.