Why do I do this to myself? Another Malvern Star
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- Location: Cranbourne, Victoria
Why do I do this to myself? Another Malvern Star
Postby wombatoutofhell » Sat Dec 15, 2007 1:29 pm
Last month I stripped that bike right down for a respray-just a tidy up. I bought the cheapest possible paint-and have found out why it's so cheap. Being a little disillusioned, I was having a look on Ebay and I came across this
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll ... 0188422267
I remember as a 16/17 year old drooling over one of these in the LBS. I used to walk past the shop just to have a look. So when this came up, heart won over head and I bought myself another retro. Can't really go wrong for $56! As bonus, I think it's even the right size!
I haven't picked it up yet, but I'll post some pics when I do.
Now here's the point of the thread. My memory is bad so I dont remember much about the original specs. This has recently been fitted with a Shimano Tourney rear derailleur. I would prefer to keep it as original as possible-but I have no idea what was original equipment was. Does anyone remember, or maybe know where I can get the original specs? Thanks.
- LuckyPierre
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- Location: Canberra, ACT
Postby LuckyPierre » Sat Dec 15, 2007 2:35 pm
It looks like it will come up well.
Alchemy Diablo - Columbus Zonal tubing, Ultegra 9-speed groupset, UltraGatorskins
Gitane Rocks T1 - U6 tubing, Deore/XT groupset, CrossMarks
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- Location: Cranbourne, Victoria
Postby wombatoutofhell » Sun Dec 16, 2007 11:14 pm
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Postby wombatoutofhell » Tue Dec 18, 2007 10:18 pm
I was surprised by this thing. It's in pretty good nick. The bloke I bought it off is an enthusiast and has looked after it. Over the last couple of years it's had new bearings in the back wheel, the crank bearings replaced, the bar tape redone and a new rear derailleur. The tyres aren't terribly old and are Vittoria Zaffiro's (no idea if that's good or bad). The chain was replaced with the derailleur. Everything has been kept lubed and runs very smoothly. The wheels run fairly true.
There are chips and scratches in the paintwork-the worst being under the chain-see photo. the only other thing i can fault is the bottom bearing cap in the headset is just starting to lose it's chrome. I had to search hard to find that defect.
All I need to do to make this an everyday bike is tighten the wheel bearings a little. Thats it. I'll buy a cone spanner tomorrow!
The pedals are pretty ordinary-they work fine but are chrome coloured plastic in the middle. I have a new set with toe clips I bought for the other bike, so I'll use them. I'll probably replace the seat as well. I will keep the origonals just in case I want to return it to factory specs one day. If I ever find out what factory specs were.
I think I did OK for my $56 and a drive to Altona!
Thanks to Kid Carbine for loading the pics for me. I couldn't remember how to do it.
- Kid_Carbine
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Postby Kid_Carbine » Tue Dec 18, 2007 11:47 pm
Now that's AUSTRALIAN to the core.
- europa
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- Location: southern end of Adelaide - home of hills, fixies and drop bears
- Kid_Carbine
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- Joined: Tue Aug 14, 2007 11:35 pm
- Location: Southern Tablelands N.S.W.
Postby Kid_Carbine » Tue Dec 18, 2007 11:52 pm
Have you been looking in my bedroom again? Actually it's two Brooks'. A pre 1937 B17 & my recently returned C1950 B37. Ohhhh, that lovely leather smell.
Now that's AUSTRALIAN to the core.
- europa
- Posts: 7334
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- Location: southern end of Adelaide - home of hills, fixies and drop bears
Postby europa » Wed Dec 19, 2007 12:06 am
Now, back to the Malvern Star
Richard
- Kid_Carbine
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Postby Kid_Carbine » Wed Dec 19, 2007 12:26 am
For a paltry $56 I think you did fantastic, & lets face it, what the hell does $56 buy these days, not even a tankfull of fuel in my little Datsun 1200. [but it's close]wombatoutofhell wrote: I think I did OK for my $56 and a drive to Altona!
Now that's AUSTRALIAN to the core.
- Mulger bill
- Super Mod
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Postby Mulger bill » Wed Dec 19, 2007 12:33 am
*Wanders off down memory lane...*
Shaun
London Boy 29/12/2011
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Postby wombatoutofhell » Wed Dec 19, 2007 7:44 am
I've only ridden it around the block and it was great-gears all change smoothly, brakes work well, although I have to learn not to be so heavy handed with them. I haven't had a road bike with brakes that will lock the wheels before. The front brake squeals, but I'd say thats due to !! BAN ME NOW FOR SWEARING !! on the rim-I'll clean it tonight. Maybe even some new brake blocks.
I haven't ridden a 700c bike, but this is probably the nicest 27 inch I've ridden. Might change the seat yet-we'll see how it goes.
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Postby 531db » Wed Dec 19, 2007 10:48 am
And the ebay description of 'Shimano Takagi' cranks - aint no such animal. They will be Takagi, quite possibly with the strange bb axle taper (as late 1970's Takagi cranksets have) - don't junk the bb axle before confirming, you may never find another one to suit.
- Kid_Carbine
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- Location: Southern Tablelands N.S.W.
Postby Kid_Carbine » Wed Dec 19, 2007 3:51 pm
Yes, I thought so too. Fortunately, this is an easy fix.531db wrote:Might be the camera telling lies, but that front derailleur looks as if it's mounted way too high on the seat tube.
Now that's AUSTRALIAN to the core.
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