Early 1980s Orbit tourer

[Rhythm Thief]

I picked this bike up in a sadly neglected state as part of a 'three bikes for fifty quid' Facebook Marketplace sale local to me. I spotted it immediately as a potentially nice bike which was really just in need of a good clean and a service. I uktrasonicked all the oily bits, polished the frame, rebuilt it with new bearings everywhere it has bearings and fitted the Suntour Power shifters in place of the original stem mounted items.
I really like this bike, it rides beautifully and is perfect for bimbling around town on. I thought about fitting drop bars, but everything else I own has drops and there seemed little point. This might be up for sale soon as I don't really have a use for a bike to potter about town on (I tend to walk everywhere), but I genuinely can't bring myself to strip it for parts and for what it's likely to fetch I think I'd rather keep it. Anyway, here it is, complete with a few "before and after" shots of the oily bits.

 

[Jameshow]

Stunning transformation!

I should give you a few of my bikes!

 

[lostinthought]

That ultrasonic bath is really something isn't it! I've been mumbling about getting one for ages, this isn't helping..!

 

[Rhythm Thief]

That ultrasonic bath is really something isn't it! I've been mumbling about getting one for ages, this isn't helping..!

Yeah, it's great. Easily my favourite workshop tool. If you do get one, just be a bit wary of using it for anodised parts, especially with heat on.

 

[Rhythm Thief]

Stunning transformation!

I should give you a few of my bikes!

I appreciate the compliment, but I have enough of my own to be getting on with!😂

 

[biggs682]

Looks good

 

[wafter]

What a transformation - great work!

Looks like a really nice bike too

 

[rogerzilla]

A Gold Medal? It's made in Dudley based on the logo.

 

[Jameshow]

That ultrasonic bath is really something isn't it! I've been mumbling about getting one for ages, this isn't helping..!

What size would you recommend?

 

[lostinthought]

What size would you recommend?

I don't know really, what say you Rhythm Thief? I was thinking of getting a 6L one along these lines for cleaning records, a use I'd probably get bored with immediately, and then could start dunking grotty bike bits in it. Damage to anodising would be a concern though.

 

[wafter]

What size would you recommend?

How tall are you?

 

[DCLane]

What size would you recommend?

Son no. 2 got me a 2.5 ltr one a few years ago. It's useful for cassettes and similar small items but wouldn't be able to do a crankset.

 

[Jameshow]

Son no. 2 got me a 2.5 ltr one a few years ago. It's useful for cassettes and similar small items but wouldn't be able to do a crankset.

Maybe 6l then.

I'm not thinking soon just in future...

 

[Rhythm Thief]

Maybe 6l then.

I'm not thinking soon just in future...

Yeah, 6l is a useful size for bike bits. I was going to go for a smaller one but I'm glad I didn't. They're generally ok with anodising as long as you don't have the heating on: I tend to warm the fluid up only for chains and cassettes. I use Screwfix "No Nonsense" degreaser, about 500ml in a full tank.