Originally Posted by
CraigRB1
I may slap on the old chain as a test while I shop for a modern bike. This is why we can't have nice, old things :-/
Thanks for your Knowledge All !!
Your call. And if you need a bike you can ride right away, getting an inexpensive one might be a decent option for short-term use.
But I'd recommend hanging onto the RB-1 and putting the time/effort/money into rehabbing it. The RB-1 is an extremely highly regarded bike - a classic even - with wonderful ride quality. (Disclaimer: I've never owned one, so the part about the wonderful ride quality is based on hearsay.) If it were mine, I'd consider re-doing it with a generally period-correct or even modern groupset.
You might not even have to go that far. If you're OK with friction shifting and the existing brakes/derailleurs/shifters are in good working order, a new Shimano-Hyperglide-compatible rear wheel/chain/cassette, new tires/tubes, new cables, and a general servicing might be all you'd need to end up with a
very nice ride.
Again: your bike, so your call.