jyung

I have a 2005 Bianchi Vigorelli which has been in storage for about 7 years. Considering getting back in the saddle and wondering what needs replacing. I've already replaced the brake cables (exposed part of cable looked slightly rusty) and tires are on order (sidewalls were showing signs of cracking). Shifting seems fine so I've left those cables alone for now.

Is it worth getting a new wheelset for this bike? Recommendations? Any other significant upgrades that wouldn't be out of line with what the bike is worth? The bike has the original Ksyrium Equipes and full Ultegra 6600 triple.

My riding: I (used to) love climbing, mostly 2-4 hour solo rides and not competitive in any way. I now weigh about 160lb.

seymour1910

I was going to suggest tires but you already have that covered. I also thought cables and housing initially but if you have no shifting issues then that's fine too. How is the chain? Are you able to salvage that as well?

The bike maybe just needs a good cleaning/re-lube, install new tires and get rolling.

dtrain

Hit the brake pads with a bit of sandpaper or replace them with fresh Kool Stops. The wheelset is fine. 6600 group is fine and nice that it's complete (cranks and calipers). I have a 'cousin' bike with virtually the same frameset.

calgarc

CHAIN! make sure your chain is not stretched or rusted. they are pretty cheap to replace these days a bit of grease on the bearings (BB, Headset etc...)

surgeonstone

Chain , cassette. , cables.

goenrdoug

Sounds like you need to go over and check the tightness of nuts & bolts and douse the moving parts with a bottle of this:



Wipe off the excess and get out there!

AndyK 

I think it depends on how the bike was when it was mothballed. If it was well maintained, and performing fine before you stored it, just dust it off, replace what you replaced (tires), lube and ride. The brake cables are probably fine, but replacing them can't hurt.

If the bike was falling apart 8 years ago - that's another story.

PS--Of course if it was me, I would rationalize how I needed a new group, for safety !

jyung

Thanks everyone for your inputs. @AndyK, close, I was hoping to 'justify' a new wheelset, and I've been looking at a Blackset Race from Bicycle Wheel Warehouse. From my reading ultegra 6600 freehubs/cassettes have some slightly different splines so further investigation is needed.

Kopsis

On an old bike I replace brake cables and brake pads whether they look like they need it or not just because the peace of mind is well worth the few dollars. Tires and tubes usually get replaced because they are typically dry rotted and I don't care to risk unnecessary flats. I clean and re-grease all non-cartridge bearings and clean and lube the drivetrain. I'll replace the chain and shifter cables if there's significant rust. If you don't replace the chain, check for "stretch" after the first few rides as rust being ground off the pins and plates can cause rapid elongation.

Caribou007

Buy a new bike.

Elvo

Are you mad? Troll harder.

banerjek

Your wheels are crap. Send them to me and I'll dispose of them properly. You don't want to deal with the toxic waste -- you can't just dump grease in the trash and there will be plenty in the hubs...

AndyK 

You need to amp-up your rationalizing!! New wheels AND a new groupset! The "old" stuff isn't safe (you tell your wife)!

coasting 

clean it, lube it, ride it.

StanSeven

Two bikes then - a mtn and a road.