Restoring old steel bike

ianeverton
ianeverton Posts: 231
edited June 2013 in Road general
I have just managed to bag myself a nice (imo) old steel frame and forks, i am going to start building it up bit by bit and wondered if there were any good books or websites that detail what kit would have been on the original bike, and also how to fit the older BB, headsets etc.

As a side question, should i go for old parts and group or new that looks old (silver / stainless looking) ?
If i do go do go for the older bits is there any good websites to buy the kit from, apart from trawling ebay that is ???

Many thanks in advance.

Comments

  • ugo.santalucia
    ugo.santalucia Posts: 28,325
    How old?

    If it is 1960s onwards it is fairly modern and you don't need a book... if it is a 19th century bike, then you might want to read some specific literature.

    For general advice on how to do things, the Sheldon Brown website is always useful...
    left the forum March 2023
  • estampida
    estampida Posts: 1,008
    what is it?

    how old?

    and have a look at

    http://singlespeedcomponents.co.uk/
  • ianeverton
    ianeverton Posts: 231
    It is an early 90's Colnago Master Olympic frameset, really looking forward to building it but wanted some advice on how to build.
  • ugo.santalucia
    ugo.santalucia Posts: 28,325
    ianeverton wrote:
    It is an early 90's Colnago Master Olympic frameset, really looking forward to building it but wanted some advice on how to build.

    hardly vintage... you can put any modern component you like on it... if you want to stick to original period, then you have to look at the Campagnolo first ergo lever series or you can keep it friction shifting with CAMPAGNOLO C-record or Chorus 1991 groupset... big money, though...
    left the forum March 2023
  • ianeverton
    ianeverton Posts: 231
    No not vintage, but still retro for me.

    Am i right in thinking the C-Record would be the most expensive route ?


    ianeverton wrote:
    It is an early 90's Colnago Master Olympic frameset, really looking forward to building it but wanted some advice on how to build.

    hardly vintage... you can put any modern component you like on it... if you want to stick to original period, then you have to look at the Campagnolo first ergo lever series or you can keep it friction shifting with CAMPAGNOLO C-record or Chorus 1991 groupset... big money, though...
  • ugo.santalucia
    ugo.santalucia Posts: 28,325
    ianeverton wrote:
    No not vintage, but still retro for me.

    Am i right in thinking the C-Record would be the most expensive route ?

    You are right yes... look at a period Shimano too... Dura Ace 7400 or Ultegra 600 or Shimano RSX
    left the forum March 2023
  • Pross
    Pross Posts: 43,587
    A nice quill stem and to fit with the period the cassette shouldn't have a sprocket bigger than 21 teeth :wink:
  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    21 sprocket? Soft-lad, I took 42x20 to the Retroronde the other week which did sterling service in the criterium, but epic-fail on the Koppenberg!

    There's high demand and therefore prices for C-Record parts - those that are doing restorations can afford to buy the parts they couldn't at the time. As Ugo says, DuraAce 7400 would be a far more affordable route if you want pro-level parts. Try the Retrobike forum too - there's an active sales/wants board and its generally cheaper than ebay, where there's some pretty optimistic pricing.
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • Bobbinogs
    Bobbinogs Posts: 4,841
    Log on to Retrobike.co.uk. Loads of good info from the chaps as well as some good links to DBs listing catelogues, parts, etc. Old stuff for sale too at reasonable prices, as long as yo are careful/selective.

    Fix your bike up and then come out on one of our events/group rides :)
  • ugo.santalucia
    ugo.santalucia Posts: 28,325
    Have a look here for inspiration

    viewtopic.php?f=40044&t=12893395
    left the forum March 2023
  • If you need classic parts.. then Hilary Stone is a good place to start
    http://www.hilarystone.com/