Parts for retro bike

[gururug]

Hi All,

Just got my hands on a retro steelie for rainy days / public parking (anti-theft measure).

It's a 5 speed rear cassette column shift.

One day the gears will wear out / rims get bent etc.

The question is,

a) Do I / can I upgrade to newer gear, 700c / 8-9 speed (newer groupset etc)
b) Do stockpile older bikes/parts with 27" rims and 5speed cassettes etc for parts in the future.

[heavymetal]

Start stockpiling I know someone over here in the West with a huge stockpile of retro stuff. Where do you think I get my friction shifters from?

[timbo]

By all means, start stockpiling parts (in good condition), as 5 speed parts are no longer available. Have a good look at ebay as people try and offload their bikes like this for whatever money they can get, otherwise it goes to the tip. 8 and 9 speed parts will not fit your bike due to the difference in axle and hub widths to fit the extra gears. Perhaps invest in some new gear and brake cables to make shifting and braking smooth, and just keep the bike properly adjusted. Don't worry about the cosmetic appearance of the bike as this will only attract the undesirables.Enjoy the bike.

[MJF]

Six speed clusters will fit... you just have to spread the frame very slightly.

[mikesbytes]

Six speed clusters will fit... you just have to spread the frame very slightly.

'

Won"t 6 speed fit without spreading the frame?

Burn plenty of Glycogen
Frame Size Calculator

training log

[europa]

Six speed will fit but the small cog will foul the frame and the derailleur will foul the spoke guard on the large cog.

Answer? Place a washer on the axle to move the frame away from the rear cog and remove the spoke guard. The derailleur and shifters will still cover the full range - at least, that's how it worked on the lad's seventies Gitane - it'll be a suck it and see effort with any bike.

Richard