Trying to keep going.

[chillyuk]

I am nearly 63 and my health isn't the best in the world. I have a Ridgeback Adventure. Very much a base or entry level hybrid, with Shimano SIS gears. I get a lot of pleasure from riding and am often to be seen puffing around the lanes around here on rides of between 20-30 miles. I love my bike. It is heavy, but so am I, but the bike is the most comfortable one I have ever had. I want to keep it on the road for as long as possible. Due to severe financial restraints I have no prospect of replacing the bike unless I find a bargain at a bootsale (where my Ridgeback came from for £30). In all probability, all else being equal, I will probably have another 5 years cycling before arthritis catches up and puts me off the road. SIS equipment is beginning to dry up. It isn't a problem yet but I can see in a few years it could be. I now buy new bits when I see them cheap and put them aside for future use. I have bought a couple of 6 speed freewheels, a couple of chains, have changed the BB from cup and cone to a Shimano sealed unit. I have new gear shifters in case mine fail. 6 speed shifters to match seemed as rare as the winning lottery numbers, and I had to get one from America in the end. All this kit is put away for future use. I also have just purchased a new Shimano rear mechanism. The wheels are not too old, I bought them new a few months ago. Are freewheel hubbed wheels likely to be available for a while yet do you think?

Sorry for the ramble

 

[killiekosmos]

Your bike sounds a bit like my old Raleigh Firefly. I changed BB to a sealed Shimano unit (£16). My front mech broke and I got a Shimano upgrade (£15). Revo shifter broke (6speed) got a pair of Shimano 7 spds for £17 and a 7 speed cassette from Halfords for £11. Replacement rear wheel was £24 about 5 years ago.

I don't think you'll ever have a major problem with spares. Looks as though you've got a good stock anyway.

I hope you have many more years' cycling ahead.

 

[bauldbairn]

I think it's a good idea picking up the bike bits before they become obsolete. Anything that will prolong the life of your bike.
I'm affraid I don't know if there'll be freewheel hubbed wheels available for the forseeable future but I don't see why not.

Sorry to hear about the arthritis catching up on you - one of my friends has it quite severe. We go for walks on a Sunday morning if he feels up to it(around the Falkirk Wheel/Rough Castle), to try to keep him mobile. He's the same age as you and is still working after having 5 years off to get his hips and knees replaced. He's also thinking about taking up cycling as it's none weight bearing. I've been looking out for a suitable womans bike for him - as he thinks the low bar will make it easier for him to mount and dismount.

Good luck finding the parts you require and good luck with the arthritis.

 

[chillyuk]

Sorry to hear about the arthritis catching up on you - one of my friends has it quite severe. We go for walks on a Sunday morning if he feels up to it(around the Falkirk Wheel/Rough Castle), to try to keep him mobile. He's the same age as you and is still working after having 5 years off to get his hips and knees replaced. He's also thinking about taking up cycling as it's none weight bearing. I've been looking out for a suitable womans bike for him - as he thinks the low bar will make it easier for him to mount and dismount.

Good luck finding the parts you require and good luck with the arthritis.

If I don't ride for a week my hips and knees become very stiff and painful. A couple of good rides and the pain diminishes, I can walk normally and ride easy. Probably doesn't work for everyone, but sure does for me, and dramatically reduces my pain killer intake.

 

[swee'pea99]

Well done. A lot of people in your situation would simply veg out and moan, so all credit to you for sticking with it. In practical terms, you're doing the right thing by putting things away for when you need them. As to freewheel wheels, don't worry - there were so many made that I'm sure there's be plenty around long after me & thee are long gone. One thought: have you checked out your local freecycle group? Bikes come up quite often - it can be a good way to get bits, if you're strapped. Get a bike & break it down. You might even get yourself a nice bike! Keep pedalling....

 

[raindog]

Just want to echo other's replies and say well done chillyuk. I'm amazed that riding actually helps with your arthritis. I'm sixty and still do alot of riding and intend to continue as hard as I can untill I drop. Loads of old guys riding around here well into their seventies. Gives you hope it does.
Good luck.

 

[tyred]

Fair play for keeping going.

If I'm able to buy bits for a 60 y.o. Rudge, you should be able to buy bits for your bike for a while yet.

 

[chillyuk]

I received a BSO mountain bike off Freecycle a short while ago, an absolutely as new Universal. Oversized tubing and no suspension to go wrong. The donor had bought it, "assembled" it, then it had been forgotten in his garage for some time. I spent a fiver on Ebay for a cheapo sealed BB to replace the keep coming loose cup and cones, and the bike is just the job to hack around town on. It has the advantage that if it gets stolen I wont lose any sleep, and the big tyres soak up our crappy bike paths nicely. Last year I also received a Peugot racer from the eighties vintage. A friends son started college and they wanted a cheap bike for him to get to college, so I gave it to him. He is still riding it!

 

[chillyuk]

I have been watching this Ridgeback on Ebay, Item 330419090009.

It is an ally frame against my steel one so is probably a fair bit lighter. Other than that it is the same size and geometry as my Ridgeback. I though I could put my new drivetrain and gears on, I would change the grip shifts for thumb levers and generally build one good bike out of the two.

Just got to wait and see who else has the same idea!!