This is my 1983 King of Mercian. (531 tubing). It originaly had suntour components but only the frame and forks are original. The chain set is a 34 48 and this was fitted 20 odd years ago long before the idea of compact chain sets became common. Riding up Riber hill Matlock with the original small ring, which I think may have been 42 teeth, was a painful challenge.
I am considering a complete refurbishment of this bike and an upgraade to ten speed cassette but having lower back problems and not being as young as I used to be I am currently playing around to make the bike more comfortable.
I have just removed the original quill stem and replaced it with a quill stem adaptor and 35 degree riser stem as you can see in the photo. This has put the bars a bit higher and closer so hopefully being a little kinder to my back. It perhaps looks a bit odd but unfortunately comfort has to come before aesthetics.
The frame is not in to bad a condition, I have treated the corrosion with rust stopper, but it will be resprayed, the rear end spread to accept ten speed and all of the components and wheels replaced if I decide to keep the bike.
I am considering a complete refurbishment of this bike and an upgraade to ten speed cassette but having lower back problems and not being as young as I used to be I am currently playing around to make the bike more comfortable.
I have just removed the original quill stem and replaced it with a quill stem adaptor and 35 degree riser stem as you can see in the photo. This has put the bars a bit higher and closer so hopefully being a little kinder to my back. It perhaps looks a bit odd but unfortunately comfort has to come before aesthetics.
The frame is not in to bad a condition, I have treated the corrosion with rust stopper, but it will be resprayed, the rear end spread to accept ten speed and all of the components and wheels replaced if I decide to keep the bike.