Hi,
A common question I suspect, but I have an 80's Bennett 24spd Touring bike that has been used as a commuter.
I had it cleaned up earlier in the year and rides fairly well. The trouble I'm having with this bike is that the stem levers constantly need tightening! Being stuck in the granny ring down Pacific Hwy probably isn't for the best.
I'm not hugely attached to the bike but was thinking of revamping it with some more modern gear might help.
I've yet to find a pair of used shimano soras and the buying new seems to be a little expensive. Even then, I'm 100% sure that the modern groupset would fit on the frame. Do i simply take off the components and measure the width of the rear frame to get an idea?
Am I better off getting rid of this steel rattler than wasting time looking for all the bits and bobs?
Revamping an 80's bike
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Re: Revamping an 80's bike
Postby slidetaker » Tue Apr 29, 2014 1:20 pm
Excuse to upgrade just because of a poor stem mounted shifter.
The obvious answer is to get a better quality shifter or new cable. Cheap enough.
The obvious answer is to get a better quality shifter or new cable. Cheap enough.
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Re: Revamping an 80's bike
Postby mr_bopperleaner » Tue Apr 29, 2014 2:14 pm
Thanks Slide.
Are you suggesting to switch out the stem lever for another or simply changing this to brake/gear levers?
Are you suggesting to switch out the stem lever for another or simply changing this to brake/gear levers?
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Re: Revamping an 80's bike
Postby bychosis » Tue Apr 29, 2014 2:48 pm
Possibly disassembling the shifters, cleaning and putting them back together may solve the issue or Maybe a switch to down tube shifters? Still retro enough, should be easy/cheap to find, someone around here probably has some spares.
The alternative is probably look for a complete upgrade to new or newer 2nd hand.
The alternative is probably look for a complete upgrade to new or newer 2nd hand.
bychosis (bahy-koh-sis): A mental disorder of delusions indicating impaired contact with a reality of no bicycles.
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Re: Revamping an 80's bike
Postby Stuey » Tue Apr 29, 2014 3:03 pm
If they're the levers I'm thinking of, loctite on the centre bolt will stop them loosening. Job done.
- KGB
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Re: Revamping an 80's bike
Postby KGB » Tue Apr 29, 2014 6:17 pm
Loctite FTW. Even a dab of nail polish on the threads would possibly do the trick.
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Re: Revamping an 80's bike
Postby slidetaker » Wed Apr 30, 2014 1:21 pm
Stem shifter is mostly used when the frame does not come with down tube shifter mounts.
As said, try Loctite or just get a new one.
As said, try Loctite or just get a new one.
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