Out of date Update: Bought a Genesis DayOne in early September, now running it fixed, rawr. Winterising it the now.
Actual Update: at Sunday's car boot sale I bought a 1976 Raleigh Esquire, a big old grandpa roadster. Restoration Project: begin!
The frame only has a couple of rust spots, but one is at the toptube/saddle lug, which is a bit of a worry if it's gone far under the lug, I would imagine. On a shoestring budget I've read that oil-based enamel model paint from Wonderland is a good shout to cover them. Anyone disagree/agree? I'm not hugely concerned about the colours matching.
Tyres are epic in their old and knackerinity. Good enough to ride very gingerly along the canal, but I suspect they can't take proper pressure or anything that even resembles every day riding. Replacing with some regret.
Rims are pretty speckled with rust, but are true and have around four tonnes of metal in them. Not sure what to do with them; they look like they've got decades left, but I know I know naathing.
The chain was a work of modern art decrying the despoiling of the ecosystem, but is now a degreased and lubed thingy for making wheels turn.
The Sturmey-Archer 3-speed (what else) is oiled up and working okay, but the freewheel is absurdly frictiony despite all efforts so far to slicken it.
The headset's alright.
Handlebars are slightly pitted but otherwise fine, grips are falling off. Cork replacements are on the cards.
Need to regrease and almost certainly replace the bearings in front hub and bottom bracket. What tools do I need for that?
Brakes are intrinsically rubbish, although the pads look like they've been replaced not too long ago. I suspect the state of the rims isn't helping. Recabling and adjustment is on the cards.
But before all that I need to finish off cleaning it...
posts
