How do I refurbish a six speed road bike?

[ludfic]

Hi
New to these forums and road cycling, so please bear with me.

I recently bought a 1989 Falcon Team Banana. It is a six speed bike with freewheel and bolt-on brakes. I am happy with the front and the rear derailleurs at the moment. However, I need to change the wheels and the brakes as they are in a pretty bad state.

Could anyone please help me find the right components?

Thanks.

 

[swee'pea99]

Go and have a poke around on ebay. Any 'caliper' brakes will do - the more you pay, the better you get, but you should be able to get perfectly serviceable ones for a tenner or less, including p&p. Wheels are slightly trickier - mostly only pretty good ones get sold, and they tend to fetch a fair price. But if you're patient you can get lucky.

 

[PpPete]

Depends how much you are prepared to spend... although TBH there is very little quality kit around now for a 6 speed freewheel.
One thing you need to know is are the existing wheels 700c or 27 x 1-1/4" ?

As for the brakes - can the existing ones be improved with a bit of cleaning/lubrication and new brake blocks? If you really need new ones you need to figure out what drop you need.

Ebay is probably going to be your friend, but post in the Wanted section on here when you have some more specific info on what you need.

 

[jimboalee]

When I get home, I will go look for a pair of Weinmann sidepull calipers in my treasure chest. Unused.

These brakes are LIGHTER than C Record.

 

[gbb]

Where do you live ludfic ?

I saw these the other day in our local Friday ads...
http://www.friday-ad.co.uk/AdRef/YI...B,2K/Page/7/SArea/Local/Web/FullAdDetails.asp

I always recommend looking in your local advertiser..there's occasionally something pops up.

 

[ludfic]

Thank you all for replying. It seems that I won't be able to find new wheels or brakes for my bike. I have been offered Shimano Dura-Ace 1979/80 six-speed groupset for £270 (http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r77/hilarystone/Shimano-Dura-Ace-groupset.jpg).

Also, somebody is offering to sell Shimano arabesque (without cranks) for £115(see attached picture.) Dura-Ace is well above my budget, but arabesque is a possibility.

The wheels currently on my bike say 1700 x25CL. Also, the rear derailleurs are shimano light action.

Let me know if it is worth buying either of the above groupsets.

Thanks again.

 

[ludfic]

Hi jimboalee
I am based in East London. Would you be able to post them? How much will you charge for them?

Thanks.

 

[jimboalee]

Hi jimboalee
I am based in East London. Would you be able to post them? How much will you charge for them?

Thanks.

I'll PM you a couple of photos.