Giant CFR

[jimo746]

Collected a winter project today, a Giant CFR from (I assume) the mid-90's.
I say project, but when I went to view the bike it was actually in better condition than I'd expected, the only "issue" is the left hand shifter doesn't work, I'm hoping it's just gunked up and a soaking of WD40 will free it off.

Looks to be a mix of 105 and RX100 components, it really just needs a good clean and polish to bring it back to its former glory.

 

[Jonny69]

Cool! I had these on my shopping list when I was looking for a replacement for my Vitus. What are your plans? Doesn’t look like it needs much!

 

[jimo746]

. What are your plans? Doesn’t look like it needs much!

Yes, it's not much of a "winter project" to be honest :facepalm:

A few things to sort out, I might even get out for a ride on it at the weekend!


-Sort out the sticky left hand shifter.

- Replace the aged Michelin Axial Pro tyres.

- Replace the handlebar tape.

- Replace the faux carbon fibre "comfort" saddle.

 

[old_coyote_pedaller]

Re:

Was looking for one of these a while back in my size but no luck. Ended up buying another 531DB steel frame, a 1982 Holdsworth Special and built that up last year.

I've sorted a couple of the Shimano shifters like that, Ultegra and 105, by scooshing in some WD40 to soften the original Shimano grease that causes them to stick but mind and add some new grease or chain-lube as the WD40 can wash the old grease out too.

 

[jimo746]

Re:

I actually got the shifter working earlier this evening they're RSX 7-speed STI's.

I'd doused it in WD40 yesterday, but today it still wasn't playing ball, so I watched a YouTube video and set to taking it apart.
A good clean and re-grease and it's working very nicely now :mrgreen:

(The video shows a special Shimano "tool" to help hold the lever spring whilst re-assembling it all, I didn't have the tool, but found a cable end crimp did the same job! )

https://youtu.be/xkGNN_2CfCY

 

[old_coyote_pedaller]

Re:

Luckily didn't need to take any of mine completely apart, did that with a set of Shimano MTB underbar trigger shifters from 1989, never again, needed 3 hands to hold all the bits, last time I looked I only had 2.

I too didn't have that wee Shimano tool for refitting lever spring, found that the thin top section of a car aeriel fitted it nae bother. No I didn't break it off a car, well at least not mine. :mrgreen:

 

[jimo746]

Re:

I'm thinking of upgrading some of the components on this bike.

I'd like to keep the wheels, they're 7-speed, which I think might be a problem when upgrading?

Ideally period-ish (mid-90's) 600/Ultegra or Dura-Ace, or a mix.

Anyone have info on compatability etc???

 

[jimo746]

Re:

Had a good ride out on the Giant today, first real test for it since I got it.
It goes and stops just fine, gears needed a little tweaking mid ride, but other than that it was a joy to ride, made all the better for the roads being quieter at the moment too.