Ronsonic 

Fix that front skewer first.

Then ride.

Cycle Tourist

Restore is a broad word. If you mean tearing it down, replacing or renewing any lube after cleaning the bearings and new cables, if needed, then it's the cost of minor parts or about $50 plus tires if needed. The experience, if you haven't done it before, will be invaluable. When you get into painting a frame and getting decals then, even if you give it a rattle can spray done in a "professional" manor, it'll raise the price an additional $70. I know rattle cans aren't that expensive but all the prep work to get a decent job cost money.

roadbikeChris

Please elaborate..

rhenning

The skewer release is on the wrong side and closing the wrong direction. Basically an accident waiting to happen. Roger

roadbikeChris

That thing would not tighten. I had to loosen by a few revolutions to secure it. Thanks

sovende

ABSOLUTELY!!! The lever is is the "OPEN" position which can only mean the the lever was used like a wrench to tighten the nut rather than the cam action as designed. Can't imagine mounting the wheel this way!!! Additionally, (and it might be just me but) I ALWAYS have the cam levers on the left hand side of the bike. I'm pretty sure that is the way they are designed to be used. When positioned on the "drive side" of the bike, there would be a tendency / possibility for something to catch the lever and release the cam! Losing a front wheel while riding never results in a good outcome.
I can't tell for sure from the photo but I'm wondering if that top mount SunTour friction shifter on the down tube is the "Symmetric" model? Interesting concept. I have one on a bike of mine of a similar vintage. I don't believe that I have it set up properly (yet) but I'm working on it.
BTW, I too, have a Nashbar bike, a Terra XT mountain bike that I picked up for $50 back in the early 90s. I keep it around for guests that may want to go for a bike ride.
Sovende

roadbikeChris

here is a pic....

sovende

Those "Symmetric" shifters are interesting in that they automatically position the front derailleur (when set up properly) to keep the chain from touching the cage as the the rear derailleur moves the chain up or down the cogs on the freewheel! Whatever you do DON'T disassemble it unless you researched the proper reassembly instructions!!! Trust me, I know this from experience. As the old saying goes "good judgement comes from experience, experience comes from bad judgement"!
RE: the non functional "quick release" lever, I would soak that end of the skewer in some sort of "rust solvent" to loosen it up then disassemble it to fully remove the rust that's keeping the cam from functioning properly.
I agree with the others that think that you did well with this purchase. You got a lot of bike for $40! I would resist the urge to modernize it too much. New tires and tubes for sure. The shifter and brake cables should probable get replaced too. Maybe get new pads for the brakes. You will learn a lot if you do it yourself and will be extra proud of the finished product! Once things are back to the original configuration, ride the heck out of it. Learn how to use the friction snifters. Index shifting definitely has advantages but I've found using the friction shifters quite adequate for the riding that I do.
Have fun with your new project bike!
Sovende

ryansu

Not sure you could do much better for $40, the Nashbar bikes from bitd go under the radar but they were a great value back in the day have fun with it, and +1 on leaving the symetric shifters alone I wish I had lol

billnuke1 

I have their “Tourer” model and it is a favorite ride.
I left everything just as it was built.

roadbikeChris

I rode it for the first time yesterday and I gotta say what a smooth ride it was!

billnuke1 

Yes! Yes! Yes! These bikes are awesome!

cbtuttle

Just started looking to see if there is a similar Nashbar I had. I think mine was an '85 because that was when I started moving to racing bikes. I kept mine indoors, and was in great condition, but it was burned.. The teammates at Texas A@M College Station used to give me a hard time because I had only 6 speed cassette and 22 lbs at least heavy. But it my fastest bike ever, it did a fast TT on our 10 mile course, with a Bell helmet (round, white ugly ol thing)

Would you still have the bike? And is it in good condition? I might like to buy it if perhaps you've changed your mind. I would pay several times what you paid. I can't message o here due to < 10 posts.

Craig

steelbikeguy

I just finished scanning the March 1985 issue of Bicycling Magazine, and thought that this thread was a good place to share the advertisement for Nashbar bikes....













In retrospect, these seem like a heck of a deal!

Steve in Peoria

top506

I had a Toure MT in absolutely pristine condition.




A size too big, it found a new home last summer.

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