suburbanbeat

Hey all, just wanted to share a restoration project I recently finished. I originally bought this 1993 Novara Randonee from Craigslist in 2012 for $60 - a steal of a deal. I've put it through the wringer since then, and realized recently that it was long overdue for a complete overhaul. I stripped the frame, had it powdercoated, and cleaned all of the components that didn't need replacement. In fact, the only components I ended up replacing (aside from cables, housing, bar tape, etc.) were the canti brakes (upgraded from Shimano LX to Tektro CR-720), the bottom bracket (replaced the old UN-55 with the UN-55), and the pedals (crappy no-names to the MKS Sylvan Touring Pedals).

This was at times a frustrating, but ultimately worthwhile experience. I've never completely rebuilt a bike before, but I'm glad that I was able to work through it with the help of folks on this forum and plenty of YouTube videos.

Before:




After:

bradtx

Nice job, suburbanbeat.

One of the nice things with touring bikes of almost any vintage, is that if they're still sound structurally they're worth updating and renewing. Before I rebuilt my first touring bike a few years ago (a '95 model), I used a lot of good advice from this forum. Even now-a-days when I often carry 20 lb. or less, it's still the right bike for the task. Not too bad for casual unloaded riding either.

Brad

mstateglfr 

Fantastic color. The old headbage was 90s-riffic, but its a small price to pay for such a sharp looking PC'd frame.

nickw

Nice work. I love seeing well used parts continued in service. Battle scars tell stories and remind one of memories. Nice color, looks similar to Bianchi Celeste.

gerryl

Excellent job. No reason those components won't last another 20 yrs - looks like you're set.

bwgride

Excellent restoration.

It's great experience to assemble or reassemble one's own bike.

look566 rider

Well done! Love the color. Sort of Celeste with a touch more green than blue.

bikeclub

Very pretty, clean build. But how does it ride?! Are you happy with the choices that you made in restoring it?

shipwreck

Nice color. Its very nice to tour on a bike that you have had completely apart and back together again like this. Particularly if its one you already know fits and rides nice! Are you going to put the front low rider rack back on?

1Mule

Lookin' good!

Happy Feet

Nice rebuild

suburbanbeat

Thanks for the kind words, everyone!

In general, yes. The one regret I have is not replacing the standard sized stem with one of those extra-long stems that allow for a more upright riding position. Many 90s road bikes, even touring bikes, feature relatively aggressive, or race-y, geometry. I now prefer a more comfortable and relaxed riding position, and unfortunately can't achieve that with the stem being as low as it is, even when I put my seat low.

I was considering having some reproductions made to keep it even a little closer to the original! I decided that was a bit overkill, though. I will miss the awesome decals. Thanks for the kind words!

I agree. I feel so much more confident in my understanding of bike mechanics, now. I'm sure it will feel great to have that peace of mind when I take this thing back out on the road. And yes, the low-rider will go back on eventually. I currently have this set up specifically for light/weekend touring. Keeping the front rack on makes it kind of a pain to lock up sometimes, so I only put it on in preparation of tours longer than a few days.

fishboat

Nice job. The color looks like Bianchi's "Gang Green". I recently picked up a Bianchi Volpe in that color..they used red as an accent color..nice combo..

bikeclub

Oh gee, I have the same problem! Now that I've learned how to put everything together a bit more, even if it is a small fix, I am still rather reluctant to tear everything apart just to get it dialed in *perfectly*. I built a bike this winter with a short stem, which is now just about 10-20 mm too short, but the idea of taking off the tape, brifters, and everything else is just too much to bear. Maybe next winter I'll do it, but I'd rather just ride this summer while I can.

suburbanbeat

Yeah, exactly. The brakes and shifting took so much trial and error to dial in that the idea of having to redo the entire thing just doesn't seem worth it. I may keep this bike reserved for light touring and still buy a modern, more off-road capable touring bike (like the Salsa Marakesh) for that reason. Besides, I think I want something with flat bars for super long trips, and that is a can of worms I am absolutely not wanting to open right now.

antokelly

class job your a credit to the touring profession ten out of ten.

gomadtroll

I had the same desire, raise my handle bars. Rivendell has a quill stem that is 220mm long. Even that was not enough so I went with the albatross bar.

jefnvk

Love the keeping a vintage bike alive, and the color!