Glennr134

Was able to get a few moments to myself and take the Bridgestone out for a short ride again. It's a 1987 300 sport touring. I know it's not very far up on the food chain but this bike really puts a smile on my face. In the end I think that's what it's all about. I fiddled with the bar height and seat position and it really felt nice. The bike just glides along and is so much more comfortable than my 1971 Raleigh grand prix. This pic does not show the new seat or bar heights and position.

Kabuki12

Your bike is great. It doesn't matter about the level of of that model if it makes you smile then you're on the right bike. A couple of suggestions though , maybe try the brake cables behind the handlebars, and some toe clips to stabilize your feet. I don't know if you have a bike stand , but they are very helpful in tweaking or maintaining your bike. Just keep on pedaling and smiling , that's what it is about. Joe joesvintageroadbikes.wordpress

SurferRosa

Yes, I'd go with clips and leather straps, remove the chainring guard, tip up the saddle nose, center the tire labels over the valve stems, and shorten the rear derailleur housing.

Glennr134

Thank you, I was back and forth on the cables. That is how the originals were ran when I found the bike.

Glennr134

Thank you, yes I already tipped the seat up since this picture was taken. Did not think of centering the tire labels. Great idea. What do you mean by shortening the rear derailleur housing? Chain ring guards are they in the same category as dork disks?

SurferRosa

Looks too long. Let's say it's 40cm. Make it 25cm. That's "shorter."

It will still work if it's 10cm longer. But there's an optimum length that works, isn't too long, and looks best. The only way to determine that length is to test fit it.

There are different ways to do that, too. I have several lengths of spares I use. But you can do it with the housing already in place. Just remove the cable...

artclone

Pretty bike! Striking colors, I like it.

I actually dig the chainring guard - - is it Sugino? Very Practical. I think Campagnolo made a similar aluminum for cyclocross racing.

The rear housing near the rear derailleur is a bit long and might affect shifting crispness, but, more importantly, it looks funny . You always want the shortest housing you can get away with without causing trouble (too sharp bends, pulling cable when turning bars, etc.). Try removing 2-3 inches.

Thanks for the pics!

Glennr134

Oh yes, the cable housing, got it, that I will take care of that. It does look a bit long now that you mentioned it.

Glennr134

The crankset is Shamano 600 Arabesque, as are the shifters and derailleurs. I love the look of them and had a set in storage. The bike had suntour index shifters and derailleur when I got it.

KLiNCK

Perhaps some premium rubber? A pair of Continental GP 4000s2’s in 28mm would work well...

Glennr134

Yes I plan on getting new tires for this bike, was on a tight budget when i bought the tires on it now. Continental tires are exactly what I am looking into getting.

ryansu

I give you a counter to the toe clips and straps personally I like my foot to be free to move around a bit and have equipped most of my rides with MKS Sneaker (RMX) platform pedals, they have some nubs that help with grip but you can still move your foot around if yon need to change positions. I would also op for some plush rubber as wide as the frame can take - looks like 32s might fit or at least 28s YMMV

The most important thing is to continue to ride and smile.

zukahn1 

As for the cables maybe change the housing from the RD to the frame to a bit shorter shifter specific housing. As for pedals maybe some nice MKS half clips in your size added to the fairly nice pedals on the bike.

Glennr134

The pedals are SR - SP100BL's I found at a yard sale very cheap.

Glennr134

The bike had a badly bent rear rim and derailleur drop out when I found it out for trash while working. I replaced the rims with sun cr18 hoops built up on Normandy high flange hubs I had. Black stainless steel spokes finished them up. I used Sheldon Browns page to lace them up. I replaced the drivetrain with shamano 600 and am very pleased with how they function.