Bicicletta89

I bought a ‘79 Fuji Gran Tourer in 2020. It’s feeling significantly slower the last year or so. I can hear some clinking sounds when I turn the cranks with the chain off. Guessing I need a new bottom bracket? Would getting new drivetrain components like chainrings or freewheel or derailleur help? I love the bike but yeah it feels heavier than it used to. Am I just being stubborn and nostalgic in sticking to an old steel bike?
btw I don’t need it to be super fast. I’m not racing. I use it for transportation, exercise and recreation. Still, I’d like it not to be quite so much effort. Appreciate any advice. Thanks

billytwosheds 

The frame isn't the limitation, it's probably everywhere that relies on grease or oil: the bottom bracket, wheel hubs, headset, and more. Tires might help.

If you're willing to swap out or service some parts you can make it a lot more efficient, quiet, and retain a lot of the character of the original bike.

Could also be in need of a basic tune up. Is there a coop nearby?

HMJ

I'm feeling a bit slower than the last couple of years myself. In my case, I'm very sure it isn't the bike

But based on what you briefly describe, it does sound like some basic maintenance is in order. Worn chainring/freewheel teeth? Stretched chain? Greased BB bearings, headset, etc.? Loose connections?

We don't know the maintenance history of this bike but generally speaking: a 45 year old bike needs some love every once in a while. If you give it, the bike will give it back to you multiple times over.

Strawbunyan

Have you spun the cranks without the chain in the past and did not notice the clicking? Or is this the first time due to the slow feeling? How old is your chain? When you lift the wheels off the ground and spin them do they seem to spin freely? How old are your tires? Have you checked your PSI recently? When is the last time the bike was serviced? How mechanically adept are you?
If this was me and my bike and I heard a new noise coming from my bottom bracket I would pull my cranks, remove the BB and start checking for things that are out of the ordinary...I relish the thought of pulling things apart and putting them back together though.. If you dont see anything crazy when you get inside,You may just need some grease in the places that bikes like grease. If the chain is old, take this time to replace it.
if you are not comfortable ripping your bike apart and replacing or lubricating things, a bike shop will do it.

randyjawa 

Lift the bike and spin the wheels, checking to ensure that neither is rubbing brake pads or even stay or fork tubing. Wheels can go out of true or even be installed off center. Proper maintenance is, as others have mentioned, the secret to a quiet, smooth, fast road worthy and safe to ride bike.