Re: What have I bought? Part XIX
I added the "new" (not very happy that it came with scuffs from Ebay) seat post and did a bit of cleaning on the drivechain and took it for another test ride today.
It needs a few bits stripped and rebuilt, but other than that I think I will just be replacing that cheap, horrible front wheel with something more fitting and replacing the cables and tyres.
The riding position is more relaxed and comfortable than I'm used to, but since I need to offload my industrial Peugeot this can take it's role as my less aggressively set up option. I might end up replacing the stem with a zero rise, but for now it feels comfortable.
I assumed the road drivechain would have to go, but the gears are relatively well-spaced, so given my preference for power over spinning, it might well work as it is. I do need to change the shifters though, because aside from being broken I can't deal with downtube mounted ones. It has the cable stops so obviously originally had bar mounted shifters. I have a nice Suntour underbar friction shifter that would be perfect for the rear mech, so I might have to search for a suitable match for a front shifter. I might change the brake levers too - I'm unsure at the moment. I'll definitely swap them over though, adjusting to the European left/front right/rear is beyond me when I spend the rest of my time riding bikes set up the UK way. Oh, and I think I might put the Mt Zefal mudguards back on
I'll be interested to see how it feels when I can give it a better test once it's properly set up.