Hi everyone,
I have been into fixed gear bikes from my early teens, but unfortunately my studies and commuting larger distances have separated me from cycling.
I got handed down a couple of bikes from my Grandpa, who used to do it for competition, and now that I have the tools, I would like to pick up cycling as a hobby again.
I would like to ask a couple of things, firstly about the bike, and then cycling itself.
- Can someone tell me about the frameset and other major components?
(Types, name, also maybe year, and anything that you think would be useful) For example ig something on it is completely outdated and I should change it for a newer part?
- Does this bike worth anything other than the intrinsic value it has for me and my family?
(Dont get me wrong, it is not for sale, but it would be good to know what I am dealing with, should I be worried of it getting stolen etc.)
- It has been sitting for a long time, what should I get greased, cleaned changed before use?
(Brakes, bowdens, shifter, etc.)
Cycling
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Before getting started, should I get any special gear like apparel for example padded shorts, a helmet etc?
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What type of lock should I use to kerp it safe for when I go into buy water to a shop?
(I wouldnt keep it outside for a night, so just for couple minute timeframes, I would need something)
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What are reccomended starter distances and inclines that a healthy person can start with, and how long is an average training session for you who go out 1-3 times a week?
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Will I get addicted to cycling? 😀
I know some of these questions are common sense and I can answer/decide for myself on these,
mostly I just want to hear a couple of opinions or tips, tricks, anything that can be useful for someone starting their journey.
by That-Show763
6 Comments
Nice looking hand-me-down! Would ride!
>Can someone tell me about the frameset and other major components?
That’s a weapon of a bike. Yes, it’s a bit dated now – rim brakes, limited tire clearance, but everything on it was good at the time and IMO, holds up well today. It has a few upgrades/modifications. I’d guess it’s early to mid 2010’s, probably 2011ish.
Chorus is a good Campy group, which is a bit niche now but still great. Wheels are from Pinarello, probably tubs which are a little less user-friendly than a standard clincher. Looks like some carbon finishing kit.
>Does this bike worth anything other than the intrinsic value it has for me and my family?
Yeah, it’s still a good bike and would be worth whatever a good carbon road bike from that era sells for in your area. For me, people would still ask well over $1,000CAD for it, but my market is inflated.
>It has been sitting for a long time, what should I get greased, cleaned changed before use?
A good tuneup/clean/maintenance is a good idea. Fresh bartape, cables, etc. can make it feel new. I’d bet there’s a spare wheelset kicking around somewhere as well – probably alloy clinchers, which may be easier to live with (and will need brake pads swapped.)
>Before getting started, should I get any special gear like apparel for example padded shorts, a helmet etc?
Yes, helmet, kit is a good idea (shorts, jersey, shoes if you want to use those clipless pedals – otherwise, different pedals.) Water bottles.
>What type of lock should I use to kerp it safe for when I go into buy water to a shop?
Never lock up a bike like this. It stays within your sight. A lock has never touched any of my carbon bikes – only aluminum or steel beaters. Bring enough water, or only stop at places where you can get water while still keeping a close eye on the bike.
>What are reccomended starter distances and inclines that a healthy person can start with, and how long is an average training session for you who go out 1-3 times a week?
How long is a piece of string? It depends. This bike is made to go fast and is similar to what I ride on my usual 70-120km routes. I wouldn’t get on a machine like this unless I was doing at least 30kms+, or about an hour minimum. YMMV.
>Will I get addicted to cycling? 😀
Maybe. 😉
Awesome! I got a hand-me-down 1970s Sakae Ringyo if you wanna trade. Kidding of course, i love my bike. enjoy your new ride!
One additional thing. The cassette on the rear wheel has a pretty narrow range of mostly high gears, fairly typical for this bike’s time. I’d talk to your bike shop about swapping it for a cassette with a wider range of gears, which will make getting up hills much easier. Or you could also swap the front chain rings for smaller ones. Same effect. You might not be able to do so with the rear derailleur you have, or you might live in a flat area and it won’t matter much. But wider easier gearing will make a huge difference as a beginner.
That is a nice fast bike enjoy!!
Awesome steed. Ride it like you stole it!
This bike is definitely worth taking to a local bike shop for an inspection and overhaul. If you know where your grandfather bought it, take it to that shop. They’ll be happy to see it come back.
It definitely needs its drivechain lubed and the various cables (brake, shifters) adjusted. It needs its shifters “indexed” (adjusted). Depending on how long it’s been sitting around it may need tire replacement.
Your grandfather is a very strong rider, or he lives in a flat area. That cassette (cluster of gears on the rear wheel) is not something I would try to use to climb the 14% hills around here. You could change it for something with bigger gears, but you’d have to change the derailleur (rear shifter) too, because that one won’t handle the longer chain required for bigger gears.
Read this for a good intro to road biking. https://www.roadbikerider.com/road-biking-101-a-beginners-guide/
Will you get addicted? I’m counting on it.
See you on the road. I’ll be the old guy riding my own Tarmac.