chobbs77

How difficult is it to rebuild a vintage bike from the frame up.

noobinsf 

Understated answer for an understated question. It depends on the bike, your skill level, your access to parts, and your interest.

Wileyone 

And the size of your wallet.

fleslider 

I would add including all that, it depends on the condition of the bike and its completeness. If it needs alot of parts and you are keeping it original , finding replacement parts can be difficult especially if you are trying to keep it correct down to date code on the components that can be tough.

non-fixie 

Not difficult, but a certain level of determination is required to get the desired result.

delbiker1 

Too broad of a question. If you want to go period correct, model original correct, the hardest 3 steps, IMO, are: finding the components/parts that are needed, paying for the items plus shipping, and the patience to get through the first two. If you do not have mechanic skills/knowledge, or the proper tools, it is going to be very challenging. If you already have those things, you probably would not have posted the question to begin with.


I rebuilt a late 80's Ochsner road bike in spring of 2019. I have owned the bike since buying it brand new in 1992. I had never done this before and did not have tools or the skills at the start. I purchased a basic tool kit that covered a lot of the maintenance/fixes for bikes, and added to them as the need came up. Videos on Youtube and Park Tools web sites are a huge help. Generous, helpful members of BikeForums were also a huge help, sometimes just with suggestions or words of encouragement, finding or identifying a tool or part that was needed, and the how-to info on the working of repair and replacement.


I was not looking to restore the bike to original, or to be period correct. Ergo, I have a bike that is a combination of original, used that I had on hand, and purchased new/used stuff. I was doing the rebuild to mostly to challenge myself/ I spent more money than I intended to, including powder coating, but I really like the way the bike came out. It is again one of my faves to ride. I had a good amount of frustration, some "AHA" moments, and a lot of self satisfaction. I have learned a lot and have now rebuilt a few bikes. I now do all the work on my bikes.


I say go for it.

iab

I believe the technical phrase is easy peasy one two threesy.

Wildwood 

Good pics get good advice on this forum.
The right tools get the job done.
Money buys the parts. Friends help.
Patience gets the build finished well. Friends help.
Skills required - basic, with the tools and support.
Strong hands for tires (and a few other tasks) help..

Satisfaction level on a job completed = sky high.
Most of my bikes came to me as framesets.

chobbs77

I was interested because of a Peugeot PX10 frame I found. It needs to be repainted, and new decals. I have a large amount of normal hand tools, plus some specialized bike tools.

SurferRosa

If you can turn a screw ...

non-fixie 

With that frame and those tools you have an excellent starting point, as well as my attention.

Looking forward to the build thread!

Wildwood 

there are many threads on stripping/painting.

From DIY, to powdercoat, to full pro level paint.

noobinsf 

Do a little reading about French bikes before you launch in, just so you know what you're getting into: https://www.sheldonbrown.com/velos.html

But yes, a PX10 is definitely a frame worth taking the time to do right. You will define "right" for you, whether that means a period correct build or one with functional modifications, but if it fits, the PX10 is worth holding onto, even if you take other simpler projects in the meantime to learn more. That's what I did with my Motobecane, which started as a bare frame and has been built up twice so far: https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...new-hobby.html

USAZorro

It takes a bit of contemplation and the realization that there are different measurements for some components of French bikes of that era from the components used on British, Japanese and Italian bicycles. The rest of it is very do-able with a couple bicycle-specific tools. A crank fastener, proper freewheel tools, bottom bracket spanners, pedal wrench, chain tool. You can get by with those and a pretty much standard wrenches and allen keys.

branko_76 

These threads will give you some idea of what to expect, I spent relatively very little money ( tires, tubes, cables, brake pads, hb tape), but LOTS of time...

https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...1-headset.html

https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...ket-crank.html

https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...-3-brakes.html

https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...railleurs.html

https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...alignment.html

https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...-6-pedals.html

chobbs77

I already have a 1986 Peugeot Triathlon. I was looking for a replacement that didn’t have a quilled seatpost.

branko_76 

randyjawa 

First, when you say from the ground up, I hope that that does not mean starting with a frame/fork set only. That would take a great deal of the fun out of the project which you just might never complete.

No, start with a complete bike that you can disassemble, learning as you do so. Take pics to assist with proper reassembly. Clean, lubricate, replace cables, cable casings, brake pads and, of course, tires. Then start putting the bike back together. Tuning is the last thing you need to learn how to do. Learning..?

You are at the right place to learn right now. The Bike Forums is a great place to glean information and seek assistance. Parts and accessories can also be found on the For Sale forum, a more than worth while forum to join.

But, before you buy, make sure the bike fits. If you don't know to determine that, then, once again - you are in the right place. Just ask and you just might be surprised at how much information can come back.

Best of luck and show us what you find, once you have your ten post limit reached.

chobbs77

the seatpost screws are starting to strip and the actual post weighs a ton. Just a headache I am not interested in

branko_76 

good luck with your project...

merziac

Engage

branko_76 

That's the word I was looking for

Flying G

Building a bike is fun and a great learning experience only exceeded by riding it!

You won’t find a better support community than the BF crowd - incredibly knowledgeable and generous with ideas, advice, feedback and frequently, parts.

Only suggestion would be to make sure that you post photos before, during, and after so that the rest of us get to watch the magic happen!

Millstone

DONT replace that bike, if it fits. You only need to adjust the seat so many times... If it's dialed in on your size you're good to go.
I've sold mine (a 1987 one), still have some regrets.

bwilli88 

It is easy if you are mechanically inclined, have a good reference and lots of money.
I started with this


to this

then this

needed the parts for another project and ended up making a single speed.


Searching Ebay for parts will save some money and browsing the for sale forum here works also.