rebuilding an old mt bike
05-29-16, 09:48 AM
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rebuilding an old mt bike
(If this is posted on the wrong forum, can someone direct me to the right place?)
I have an old Hoo-Koo-e-Koo from my college days, no suspension. I want to take the frame and re-build it into a commuter bike, w/slicks. Though I work on my bikes I need some direction how to select replacement parts. Can someone suggest an adequate component set? I need to immediately replace the gears/chain/derailleurs/shifters.... Eventually the headset, bottom bracket and cantilever breaks. This question is really only to find the first immediate needs
Alternatively, can i just replace the chain rings, gears and chain? and what would i have to know to only do that?
thanks for the help!
cs
I have an old Hoo-Koo-e-Koo from my college days, no suspension. I want to take the frame and re-build it into a commuter bike, w/slicks. Though I work on my bikes I need some direction how to select replacement parts. Can someone suggest an adequate component set? I need to immediately replace the gears/chain/derailleurs/shifters.... Eventually the headset, bottom bracket and cantilever breaks. This question is really only to find the first immediate needs
Alternatively, can i just replace the chain rings, gears and chain? and what would i have to know to only do that?
thanks for the help!
cs
05-29-16, 09:59 AM
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In addition to the information that you'll get at this forum, you can also get some good info and specs at Sheldon Brown's website.
Last edited by tjkoko; 05-29-16 at 10:08 AM.
05-30-16, 09:14 PM
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I've got an old HKEK myself in commuter trim. A lot depends on just which year's model you have, that name's been around for decades. If it's an oldie like mine I would replace with things that are relatively similar to the original.
Do look into servicing the bottom bracket, hubs and headset before just shopping a replacement.
You can definitely replace just the worn components. Cassettes and freewheels are pretty easy as are the chainrings.
Do look into servicing the bottom bracket, hubs and headset before just shopping a replacement.
You can definitely replace just the worn components. Cassettes and freewheels are pretty easy as are the chainrings.
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05-30-16, 09:16 PM
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vintage bikes make great commuters and parts are readily available. I commute on a 1988 specialized stumpjumper comp.
Why do you need to replace the derailleurs? I'd focus on the consumables first. I'd overhaul the hubs, BB, and headset; I'd replace all cables and housing, the chain, and cassette; and I'd replace the brake shoes. I'd try to replace as few parts as possible though to keep the costs down.
Why do you need to replace the derailleurs? I'd focus on the consumables first. I'd overhaul the hubs, BB, and headset; I'd replace all cables and housing, the chain, and cassette; and I'd replace the brake shoes. I'd try to replace as few parts as possible though to keep the costs down.
05-31-16, 11:40 AM
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Many of us do just what you're describing, and your bike is an excellent platform to build any way you want.
Bottom bracket, headset, hubs should be overhauled. Replace the chain and cassette, and chainrings if you can. Finding replacement chainrings may not be as easy you you think, depending on what's on there, but a good bike shop can help. I usually replace shifters along with the drivetrain also, and of course brake pads and all cables and housings.
If and when you need to replace derailluers, you need to find compatible hardware (5/6/7 speed, presumably). I run all 7-speed drivetrains (technically they're 21-speed mountain triples). eBay is your best bet for period-correct stuff, although the current Shimano Acera line (7-speed) should work also and is available from Amazon.
As far as tires (slicks), I run Continental Travel Contacts but you'll get a lot of good suggestions.
Bottom bracket, headset, hubs should be overhauled. Replace the chain and cassette, and chainrings if you can. Finding replacement chainrings may not be as easy you you think, depending on what's on there, but a good bike shop can help. I usually replace shifters along with the drivetrain also, and of course brake pads and all cables and housings.
If and when you need to replace derailluers, you need to find compatible hardware (5/6/7 speed, presumably). I run all 7-speed drivetrains (technically they're 21-speed mountain triples). eBay is your best bet for period-correct stuff, although the current Shimano Acera line (7-speed) should work also and is available from Amazon.
As far as tires (slicks), I run Continental Travel Contacts but you'll get a lot of good suggestions.
Last edited by Jeff Neese; 05-31-16 at 12:10 PM.
06-02-16, 07:06 AM
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agreed, thanks for the input. at first i thought the deraileurs would go hand in hand with shifting operation if i replaced gear and chains, though that does not make sense now that you mention it.
06-02-16, 07:07 AM
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vintage bikes make great commuters and parts are readily available. I commute on a 1988 specialized stumpjumper comp.
Why do you need to replace the derailleurs? I'd focus on the consumables first. I'd overhaul the hubs, BB, and headset; I'd replace all cables and housing, the chain, and cassette; and I'd replace the brake shoes. I'd try to replace as few parts as possible though to keep the costs down.
Why do you need to replace the derailleurs? I'd focus on the consumables first. I'd overhaul the hubs, BB, and headset; I'd replace all cables and housing, the chain, and cassette; and I'd replace the brake shoes. I'd try to replace as few parts as possible though to keep the costs down.
agreed, thanks for the input. at first i thought the deraileurs would go hand in hand with shifting operation if i replaced gear and chains, though that does not make sense now that you mention it.
06-02-16, 09:57 AM
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I'd replace index shifters with friction shifters. I've used these before and they work better than trying to resurrect old gummed up indexed shifters.
https://www.amazon.com/Sunrace-SLM10-...ction+shifters
https://www.amazon.com/Sunrace-SLM10-...ction+shifters
