yxcvbnm

I own an old road bike from the 80’s I quite like. To this day, all the original parts are still on the bike, except the last mudguard that broke this year. The wear and tear is getting more noticeable lately, especially the wheels and the breaks. Shifting is not as smooth as it used to be, but it’s not a major concern. The wheels are probably the biggest problem since the wheel ring is not totally straight so the brake pads need to be further apart which is reducing the braking performance. Also last month 3 spokes broke. I am thinking of upgrading the bike for some time now, but I don’t know if new parts will fit on the old bike or if it can be achieved without spending too much money.

So I would like to replace the wheels because I don’t think it is worth repairing them. The current size is 27 x 1 1/4. I read a lot they can be replaced with 700c wheels. But when I look at 700c wheels I find a lot of different sizes mostly 29 inches. I don’t wanna buy wrong ones. My current last wheel has 5 gears. So should I look for a wheel with 5 gears as well ? A lot ot rear wheels online do not seem to have any gears.

The breaks are not the best anymore and it’s not easy even to adjust them. I am wondering what kind of brakes can I install on an old bike. Can I install something like Shinamo sora brakes? They are quite cheap for around 20€.

Tried to add pictures as links and attachments, but couldn't sine I don't have 10 posts !?

horatio 

Try posting in the Classics and Vintage sub forum. Lots of us there have upgraded 80s (and older) bikes.

yxcvbnm

Will do, thx.

yxcvbnm

I own an old road bike from the 80’s I quite like. To this day, all the original parts are still on the bike, except the last mudguard that broke this year. The wear and tear is getting more noticeable lately, especially the wheels and the breaks. Shifting is not as smooth as it used to be, but it’s not a major concern. The wheels are probably the biggest problem since the wheel ring is not totally straight so the brake pads need to be further apart which is reducing the braking performance. Also last month 3 spokes broke. I am thinking of upgrading the bike for some time now, but I don’t know if new parts will fit on the old bike or if it can be achieved without spending too much money.

So I would like to replace the wheels because I don’t think it is worth repairing them. The current size is 27 x 1 1/4. I read a lot they can be replaced with 700c wheels. But when I look at 700c wheels I find a lot of different sizes mostly 29 inches. I don’t wanna buy wrong ones. My current last wheel has 5 gears. So should I look for a wheel with 5 gears as well ? A lot ot rear wheels online do not seem to have any gears.

The breaks are not the best anymore and it’s not easy even to adjust them. I am wondering what kind of brakes can I install on an old bike. Can I install something like Shinamo sora brakes? They are quite cheap for around 20€.

Tried to add pictures as links and attachments, but couldn't sine I don't have 10 posts !?

The bike
Front brakes
Front brakes 2
Rear brakes
Rear brakes 2

bikemig 

Yeah post on C&V with some pics of the bike. There is a wealth of experience there when it comes to upgrading older bikes.

Going from 27 inch to 700c is no big deal Velomine sells decent 700c alloy wheels at reasonable prices.

You may have to spread the frame since it sounds as if the bike is set up for a 5 speed.

bikemig 

I responded on your previous post as well.

Once your pics are up, it will be easier to give you advice.

Going from 27 inch wheel to 700c is no big deal. It will be a bit harder in this case because your frame is likely set at 120 OLD (5 speed) and you will want to go to 126 mm OLD (6-7 speed). This will likely require that you spread your rear triangle. Not a difficult job and very doable.

These are good wheels from Velomine at a very reasonable price:

https://www.velomine.com/index.php?m...oducts_id=3135

yxcvbnm

Thank you for giving some advice. I tried adding some pictures but the stupid 10 posts rule is not allowing me to include them as a picture, attachment nor as a link.
Should I get wheels with the gears already on or is can they be bought separate and them assembled together? Aren't there any 700c wheels with 5 gears ? Sorry maybe these questions seem a bit odd but i didn't deal much with bike repairs before.

Trueblood

You can also purchase newer 27" alloy wheels for not too much money with hubs already set up for freewheel or cassette, Amazon, etc.. If you go with 700c you may need different brakes as 700c are just slightly smaller. Some brakes have enough adjustment for the pads to lower far enough, but not always.

yxcvbnm

Just posting so i get to 10 posts and can include pictures in the thread

yxcvbnm

Just posting so i get to 10 posts and can include pictures in the thread so you can see the bike

yxcvbnm

4 more

yxcvbnm

3 more

yxcvbnm

2 more posts

yxcvbnm

I will post picture to the thread in the classic and vintage section. Thanks for understanding of this spamming

dedhed

Take a stroll through this thread to see the possibilities.

https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...i-s-ergos.html

bikemig 

Not a dumb rule; it keeps the spammers at bay.

Freewheels are easy to find. Amazon has them.

5 speed wheels are obsolete and hard to find replacement wheels. You could have new wheels built on your old hubs assuming that the hubs are worth keeping.

6-7 speed wheels are a better choice but the hub will be wider (126 OLD rather than 120) which means you will have to spread your rear triangle.

yxcvbnm

The pictures are up. That is true. I was thinking also about that, but I can't find any wheel in same size from where I am from or neighboring countries. I would like to replace the brakes with newer ones anyway, but I am not sure if new brakes fit on the old bike.

yxcvbnm

If I get a wheel with5-7 speed will I be able to keep the current rear derailleur ? And how would one spread the triangle?

bikemig 

Yes you can keep your current RD. Are you in the US? If not, the velomine wheels won't do you much good.

Going from 27 inch to 700c means that the brake shoes will have to move down a bit (4 mm). That is usually not an issue and in any case brakes with a bit longer reach are easy to find.

Instructions for spreading a frame:

https://www.sheldonbrown.com/frame-spacing.html

cb400bill

Duplicate threads merged.

yxcvbnm

Thanks for referring it, it has a lot information in it!

horatio 

Not seeing any pics.

The Golden Boy 

Wheel sizing is kooky.

For whatever reason 700c wheels are (nowadays)(sometimes) called 29rs which is smaller than 27".

https://www.sheldonbrown.com/tire-sizing.html

IMO- I used to advocate staying with 27" as there's good tires out there- namely the Paselas and the Sand Canyons. (there's also the Continentals that I haven't used). But, really, it's just a handful- tires REALLY change the complexion of your ride- and it's a shame to limit your ride because of an obsolete wheel size.

You've got a while before spring, do a ****-ton of reading- watch some RJ The Bike Guy videos on the YouTubes. Look out for the problems that people have in upgrading and swapping parts.

IMO- you NEED new wheels- you're running steel rims. Not only is that going to significantly increase the weight of your bike, but most brakes have difficulty grabbing on steel rims (hence the 'grippy' tread on the rims, which helps a little.) Looking at your pix, you definitely have enough room on your front brake to go down the 2mm. You should have enough on the rear as well- but more experienced people should be able to give you a better answer.

IME- if you decide to get used 27" wheels off eBay for a good price- don't forget to factor in the cost of shipping. Check Craigslist of FB for some used 27" wheels- a lot of people have a lot of extra 27" wheels after changing to 700c. ONLY get aluminum rims.

Again IMO- don't go throwing a whole lot of money at this bike- you have an excellent 'get around' bike, but you'll never turn it into a racing machine. New/different wheels, new brake pads, new tires, new cables/housing and fresh grease all around... you'll have a really slick, fun bike.

bikeaddiction1

Looking at your pictures the bike appears to be a entry level bike. I believe the wheels are steel by looking at the knurled braking surfaces and the other components are entry level as well. For me personally it is not worth putting money into new wheels and components and I would look for a bike that has the components and wheel size you want.

Miele Man

I must have missed it. Where are the images?

Cheers