total beginner after some basic advice?

[Randochap]

Hi

Forgot to say, how do you measure ready for a frame, I am about 6 foot tall, and have a leg of about 33/34"?

Cheers

Dave

Read and learn.

 

[HJ]

I you have an organisation in your area that recycle bikes like The Bike Station in Edinburgh, you should be able to pick up a reasonable bike secondhand

Or for those unfortunates who live far from the Athens of the North, there are a number of other places similar to the aforementioned Bike Station listed here...

 

[buzzy bee]

Where abouts in South Cheshire are you? I have an aluminium frame/forks you could have - unfortunately the Bottom Bracket needs cutting out so if you fancy spending some time on it you could have the frame in exchange for a jar of honey.

It's 56cm centre to top,has no manufacturers name but was bought from Dave Hindes in Northwich about 10 years ago.

The only problem is that the rest of the kit, -you will need the handlebar type shifters - will cost you more than £100.

Hi

Well, thanks to accountantpete's generosity (I hope you like the honey and related goodies), I have a nice frame in the shed, but will be needing to look for all of the different parts over a month or two, to spread the cost. So what do I need to be looking out for?

Obviously, bottom bracket, wheels, handlebars, brakes, chain, gears, tyres etc, but what are all of these things called in correct terms, to aid my searching?

Any makes to avoid etc?

Does anyone have any bits cluttering up there shed/garage?

Cheers

Dave

 

[swee'pea99]

Being on a brutally tight budget, I've always done my upgrading by buying good old bikes in bad nick, preferably badly listed, then stripping off what I needed. I just got outbid on this one, eg, which I had planned to strip and use to build up an old frame I've just got fixed, taking any leftovers to the recycling.

You need some mechanical skills/enthusiasm, and it takes homework and patience, but you can get a lot for a little.

 

[simon_brooke]

Yes, sti are more fragile, and impossible to repair. Thus, many classic touring bikes are equipped with bar end shifters, and in the audax community these also have a strong following.
Willem

Some Shamano STI levers are indeed fragile and all are impossible to repair. Campagnolo Ergolevers, however, are neither fragile nor difficult to repair, and all the spare parts you need are available. You pays your money and you takes your choice. Oh - did I mention that quality for quality, Ergolevers are generally cheaper? I haven't yet had a SRAM road lever to repair, so I don't know whether they're user-servicable.

Downtube shifters are definitely the lightest and the mechanically simplest solution, with bar-ends coming second. But I wouldn't consider reliability an issue, so long as you get your kit from cycling companies, not fishing-tackle makers.

 

[SimonC]

Why on earth would you want down tube shifters - ergopower are so much better, changing gear when climbing out of saddle, instead of sitting back down + far more accurate shifting.

Yes they are simpler mechanically, but how often do ergopower levers break (or brake) to justify not using them

 

[Sittingduck]

Well, my mind is set at ease then... as I have Campag Ergo's

 

[on the road]

I commented on it, and he said he bought it second hand for about £100, but hasn't used it much recently as he has no one to cycle with.

Does he need someone to hold his hand

 

[Amanda P]

Campagnolo Ergolevers, however, are neither fragile nor difficult to repair, and all the spare parts you need are available.

Where from? I need to know.

 

[buzzy bee]

Does he need someone to hold his hand

Far from it, if you saw him, you wouldn't want to get on the wrong side of him! hehe

I think cycling in company who have simmilar interests, is nice at times though, unless like me sometimes and feel like being a hermit.

Cheers

Dave