Renewed!!
 

Unlike some (many) of you, I am pretty much a utilitarian when it comes to things like bicycles. If it works OK, I leave it alone. I don't do any mechanical work, and besides lubricating and wiping my chain, keeping the tires at my preferred pressure for the bike I am using that day, making sure the tires are safe and the brakes are working, and carrying proper tire changing tools and tubes, I pretty much leave the bike alone, except for a much-needed Selle saddle and a change in stem to fit my changing 75yo body.

I discovered that a local long-term (30 years) LBS had what they called a "Major Tune Up" for $150.00 which included recabling brakes and shifters, taking the drive chain off with an excellent cleaning, inspection and adjustment, wrapping the bars with my preferred color, and other things one does during a tune up which included a pre-inspection of the chain, cassette, chain rings, and wheels. So, I took my 1999 Lemond BA in for a tune up. Upon inspection of the wheel it was discovered that there were cracks in the wheel near the spoke holes, so I got a new wheel.

Total:

$150 tune up on special for $105 during the winter season.
Ex military discount of 10% on parts (wheel and brake pads)
New wheel

Total - $208.

It looks beautiful.

Due to some extreme family emergencies, I have not had time for a real ride, but got out for a few miles today. It shifts, brakes and rides like a new 1999 Lemond BA, which is a wonderful ride. So, another 40,000 miles on this bike will make me quite happy and last me into my 80's.

Well done. Several years ago I had my Hard Rock overhauled for about $300. Some of the best value I've gotten for the money.

Agree - there's nothing like a real overhaul once in awhile - took my 7 year-old bike in to MEC (our equivalent of REI) and it ended up needing a new rear wheel, cassette, chain, cables & housings, etc. Spent about 400 bucks but like you say, I'd forgotten what a sweet ride this bike is when it's all tuned up.

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=421324

New life! Well worth the dollars spent.

Or---------------if you have the mechanical skills and tools as I do, do your own major overhaul. I do this every winter. The advantage of doing it yourself is you have the time to go over every single nut, bolt, and part on the bike. My winter full cleaning and overhaul takes place over several days. Not to say a good LBS mechanic wont do a good job, but to make a profit for the shop, he has limited time. OTOH I have the time to examine every single part and poke and prod untill I feel everything is perfect.

With my winter overhaul I have never had a summer riding season break down.

My hats off to you that you have the aptitude, skills, and time for this project.:thumb:

Although I can build wheels amongst various bike "stuff", I generally just replace & lube the wheel bearings and lube the cables.

That's a relatively low "skill" requirement about equal to patching/changing a tube/tire.
Only a few tools required that will pay for themselves relatively short term.

I wish we as people could reap the same benefit from a tune-up.

This is my philosophy, as well. Plus if you do have an “issue” on the road, more than likely you’ll know how to quickly resolve it.

Again - My hats off to you that you have the aptitude, skills, and time for your project.s :thumb:

Good for you Dnvr and glad to see you back. :thumb:

Hope the family emergencies are working themselves out, Denver. Glad you got your steed back and are pleased with the results.

Congratulations Denver, and many happy returns to both you & your LeMond!

My son Andy almost died with a blood sodium level of 173 - highest the nephrologist has ever seen - (acute renal failure)caused by dehydration in his Host Home - we lived in the ICU for 6 days with him. Searching frantically for a long-term solution, negligence all around. He lost all muscle tone and is now recovering slowly. But then, perhaps I should have been greasing my bicycle hubs instead of the ICU bit? :)

I had no idea that Andy was so sick, of late, Denver. I will put all of you on my prayer list. Glad that the tune up made your bicycle more enjoyable, no matter who the work was done by. If it lets you ride and is how you want things done, that is great that you are riding and working out. ICU, man I shudder thinking about sitting outside of them, or being in one. Both ways it is never soemthing you want to face. You, Nora and the young men are in my prayers.

Bill

These comments about who does what on a bike bring to mind one of my Life Mottoes:

Whatever you do;
Do it for Fun,
Do it for Survival;
Or, Don't Do it at all.

Whenever I'm miserable I pause and realize I'm breaking my rules. The off I go...............

I got my "new" bike out for 1.5 hours today. There is a slight up incline leading for many miles , and I zoomed up - thinking - did they put a motor in the drive train? It wasn't until I turned around into the headwind that I realized I had a good tailwiind all the way up.

All told, it was smooth, much improved, and I really enjoyed the ride. I had to get back, but told my wife I could ride all day, which I could have.

More tailwinds for the rest of the year and into 2015 Denver!
Sending you some of our excess sunshine (only mid-70s today).
Do majority of my own bike stuff; sealed bearings sure make life a lot easier than back in the 'old days!'
Pedal on!
Rudy and Kay/zonatandem