On 18 Aug 2004 06:42:28 -0700, emma middlebrook
<
[email protected]> wrote:
> Hi
>
> Opinions please!
>
> I have one of these. 18 years old, all-original spec': gents 19" 501
> frame, gold bits and bobs etc etc.
>
> Is it worth bringing up to date (I think the frame and wheels are OK
> so will keep these but potentially everything else would be replaced)?
>
> If so, what would people recommend for compatibility parts-wise and
> would it be worth it anyway? Would it be worth to stick to the
> original positions of the shifters and so on?
>
> Thanks
>
> Emma Middlebrook
Hi Emma
If you like the bike, why not? So long as you're happy with the fact it
will never be worth a lot of money. Think I saw one on ebay the other day,
hang on...
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=72573&item=3693899186&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW
Don't know if it's got traditional 27x1 1/4 wheels, or if they're
"metrificated" at 700c - look at the sides of the tyres to find out. Tyres
are a bit harder to find for the traditional type, but not impossible. If
I were fixing this bike I would do it as cheaply as possible. A good clean
then oil the cables or replace if you have to, a bit of oil on the chain
and new bar tape, tubes/tyres if you have to and Bob's lour lobster - a
working, rideable bike. This will probably going to cost as much as the
bike is worth. But it is great fun. I love spending a day messing about
fixing bikes, although I don't tend to get the chance anymore. ):
The downtube shifters (as they're called) are actually quite nice to use,
once you get the hang of them. You could get modern "barend" shifters that
fit in the ends of the handlebars, but at £40 a throw it really isn't
worth it unless you really feel you have to.
BTW if you wanted something that was infinitely better there's this one:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=3693317723&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT
531 tubing is much, /much/ better than 501, and the Dalesman is a classic,
well regarded frame. I was tempted to buy it, but now I have my new bike I
don't need to. This frame would probably justify the expense of new parts,
although the ones already fitted seem quite serviceable. It's £50 as I
write this.
Let us know how you get on.
Chris
BTW I have nothing to do with either of either of these ebayers.
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