help with old bike

[RobertN]

I know there are some cyclist here. I have some questions

I just got a late 1960's Motobecane Grand Record from my Uncle. He had got it back then, and tweaked the hardware a little bit. It is in good shape, but needs tires.

It has a Zeus rear derailer. I was told that it was a line that Campagnolo made. Does anyone know any background on this?

The rest of the running gear is Campy Record.

This bike is set up for tubular/sew-ups. The tires are gone.

Before I get tires, I was going to clean up the hubs/rims, repack the bearings etc. What would be best to use for removing the sew-up glue? Acetone, "Goo-gone", or ???

I have never run tubular tires(sew-ups). Where is the best place to get tires/tubes/thread/needle/glue? I rode a lot with my uncle when I was a kid in the 70's, but never saw him do any tire work on it.

I did a little searching; it appears sewups are still out there, but expensive? I just want a general touring type tire.

It's a great old bike, that has seen some good miles around the northern California foothills and mountians. I want to be able to ride it; I never did when I was a kid.

Thanks!

 

[Egon]

I've never used sew ups. They were are??? a very light tire used for racing. For your use I don't think they would be particularly practical.

A Google for bike accessories should give lots of choice for suppliers. Many are mail order.

Or change tire rims that will accommodate a more practical tire size. The rim and tires would have to fit clearances on the frame and for the brake caliphers.

You may need some special tools for the rear hub.

Bike Nashbar.com - Tires

I have bought stuff from this site in the past. I noted that the widest tire offered is 23mm. This will not make for a nice ride as if memory serves me correctly they will be at 80 or 90 PSI. I had some 22mm tire's on one of my bikes once. they were not comfortable.

 

[RobertN]

It has a Zeus rear derailer. I was told that it was a line that Campagnolo made. Does anyone know any background on this?

After some research, I found Zeus was it's own brand, and made some high quality "copies" of Campy equipment. Apparently they also made complete bikes.

I would like to change the back deraillier for matching Campy stuff. Seems older vintage stuff is on Ebay; just have to keep an eye out.

 

[Egon]

Remember Robert that the bike will not have a geometry that is friendly to nice ride and the seat will surely give you cause for thought as well as sores.

Chances are you have a top line bike of yesteryear which is still a good bike today.

The tires and seat may fall in disfavor!

Also remember the riding geometry is not that of an occasional ride bike!

I suspect you will have a bike that reacts to your slighted movement which is not compatible with recreational riding.

Boondox may correct me.

 

[RobertN]

Remember Robert that the bike will not have a geometry that is friendly to nice ride and the seat will surely give you cause for thought as well as sores.

Actually, it has a wonderful old Brooks leather saddle. And, I still have my old Ideal leather saddle. Both are in nice shape and should be very comfortable once they are broke in again.

I do believe though, that it will be a very reactive bike though, as far as handling and response go.

 

[RobS]

Hi Robert,

Nice find you have. I don't know that much about it but I would recommend visiting a local bike shop (LBS) and talk about the tires/wheels. You'll eventually run into a veteran who likes sewups and will help you out. They're pretty rare these days and all I really know is if you don't get them on right they can be dangerous. Alternatively, look for a book called "the complete book of bicycling" by Eugene Sloane. Find an older edition and you'll have the sew up info. There is definitely some technique to it, thus the LBS. If you do switch to clincher tires, it's new rims.

And you should know by now, posting something like this without pictures is punishable by loss of seat time, either bike or tractor!

 

[RobertN]

Hi Robert,

And you should know by now, posting something like this without pictures is punishable by loss of seat time, either bike or tractor!

I have been so buried with Scouts and work, pictures have been a side project Will work on that though; I want to send some to my Uncle to show progrees towards being on the road again.

 

[Egon]

Those old leather saddles may not be as accommodating as you remember. One does not really break in a saddle. Ones anatomy develops more blood vessels etc. to carry away heat and adapts to the saddle than the other way around.

Those wimpy spandex shorts with the chamy liner also make things go better.

Another important item is proper seat height. That also makes the ride easier and the the peddling is much less stressful.

 

[RobS]

Hey, both of my regular rides have leather saddles. It's just much thinner leather, narrower saddle and on titanium rails. And yes, the bike shorts work wonders, as does a bit of chamioux butter on the longer days.

 

[RobertN]

Those old leather saddles may not be as accommodating as you remember. One does not really break in a saddle. Ones anatomy develops more blood vessels etc. to carry away heat and adapts to the saddle than the other way around.

I have not ridden a lot lately. But, I used to do 1/2 centuries on local trails. My Ideal seat has a lot of miles on it. Best ride was when I was a kid; I did a 250 mile ride with my Uncles Scout patrol up around Lassen National Park in northern California(actually very close to where one of the fires has been).

I want to take a patrol from our Scout troop on a ride like that, but there is a lot more traffic and hazards than there was in 1975...

Yes, those cycling shorts are comfortable when riding... I aint much for wearing tights, but on a good bike ride, they are comfortable