No "Newbie guides"!? shoutout to all the experienced "oldies

[Nielskeiser]

Hi all.

I've recently started to become interested in this whole retro bike thing, and I've just bought my first bike today.

However I am a complete newbie to almost about everything and I am a bit surprised that theres not a single "beginners guide" out there, describing the following:

- the different parts on the bike, their function etc.
- Recommendable brands and types, like what to get and what to avoid
- a buyers guide, like what to look for on bikes to estimate the quality and functionality of the bike
- How to replace parts and what parts that can replace what. Like derailleurs; what can replace a Shimano 600? etc.

Maybe there's some guides out there that I just haven't managed to find and if they do exist, please paste the link in this thread

I don't have any knowledge myself, so I can't really start anything, however if there are someone out there with a lot of knowledge and the time and goodwill to put some kind of "Retro Classic Bible" then it would be awesome! For newbies and oldies alike.

Or maybe create a "Beginners sub forum" where people can ask all those small and "half stupid" questions?


Hope there's someone out there who would support this idea


Niels

 

[lewisfoto]

Re: No "Newbie guides"!? shoutout to all the experienced "ol

We did have a dumb question thread but it kind of withered, oh and it was over at the Retro MTB side anyway.


Your Idea is a good one but mostly new readers just ask questions on the forum itself. If you think about it this is superior to a "beginner's guide" because you are getting personalized help. (although sometimes a bit uneven, I must admit)

Here is a link that has some of what you are asking, again for MTBs but the general advice is consistent.

http://www.retrobike.co.uk/retro-bike-b ... #more-3093

Otherwise just ask a question,


Steven

 

[The History Man]

Re: No "Newbie guides"!? shoutout to all the experienced "ol

The Haynes bike book is also a good place to start for general stuff on bikes inc some of the older styles

 

[DA-EVO]

Re: No "Newbie guides"!? shoutout to all the experienced "ol

Hi all.

I've recently started to become interested in this whole retro bike thing, and I've just bought my first bike today.

However I am a complete newbie to almost about everything and I am a bit surprised that theres not a single "beginners guide" out there, describing the following:

- the different parts on the bike, their function etc.
- Recommendable brands and types, like what to get and what to avoid
- a buyers guide, like what to look for on bikes to estimate the quality and functionality of the bike
- How to replace parts and what parts that can replace what. Like derailleurs; what can replace a Shimano 600? etc.

Maybe there's some guides out there that I just haven't managed to find and if they do exist, please paste the link in this thread

I don't have any knowledge myself, so I can't really start anything, however if there are someone out there with a lot of knowledge and the time and goodwill to put some kind of "Retro Classic Bible" then it would be awesome! For newbies and oldies alike.

Or maybe create a "Beginners sub forum" where people can ask all those small and "half stupid" questions?


Hope there's someone out there who would support this idea


Niels

Show us a pic of what you bought and then people will help Its all a bit individual to the person.

 

[roadking]

Re: No "Newbie guides"!? shoutout to all the experienced "ol

The Haynes bike book is also a good place to start for general stuff on bikes inc some of the older styles

Good suggestion; in the days before the interweb (when I started cycling) I used my initiative and spoke to club members, bike shops and bought books to gain knowledge.

Yet despite the interweb (and all the wondrous information therein), newbies want to be given a big spoonful.

Roadking (grumpy oldish guy).

P.S there is a"retro bike"guide available however.

 

[legrandefromage]

Re: No "Newbie guides"!? shoutout to all the experienced "ol

sheldon brown

everything and more

http://sheldonbrown.com/

 

[firedfromthecircus]

Re: No "Newbie guides"!? shoutout to all the experienced "ol

If there is something you want to know about bikes Sheldon would be my first stop.

If you want to know how to fit or adjust something the Park Tools site is very useful.

For more specific retro stuff ask on here and keep your eyes open for things like LGFs guide to bb removal which is linked in his signature ^^^. Some other members have similar things, and if you keep reading threads on here you will pick a lot of things up. It's fun to learn

 

[Robbied196]

Re: No "Newbie guides"!? shoutout to all the experienced "ol

One of the best 'free' places to look for maintenance and other tips is youtube.

The Superia Explorer you bought looks pretty original. The purists, myself included like to keep things original. You shouldn't have many problems with Shimano 600 kit, even when they become worn they can be serviced or replaced with identical items off Ebay.

Good tyres, which yours looks to already have are a good investment. There's nothing worse than picking up punctures every time you venture out. A new chain is always worth while and easy to fit if you buy the quick link type. Gear and brake cables are also worth changing as they are cheap consumables. Other than that a bit of research on youtube will help you with headset, chainset and wheel bearing adjustments.

Post some pics when it arrives.

The most important thing is to get out and ride

 

[Robbied196]

Re: No "Newbie guides"!? shoutout to all the experienced "ol

One of the best 'free' places to look for maintenance and other tips is youtube.

The Superia Explorer you bought looks pretty original. The purists, myself included like to keep things original. You shouldn't have many problems with Shimano 600 kit, even when they become worn they can be serviced or replaced with identical items off Ebay.

Good tyres, which yours looks to already have are a good investment. There's nothing worse than picking up punctures every time you venture out. A new chain is always worth while and easy to fit if you buy the quick link type. Gear and brake cables are also worth changing as they are cheap consumables. Other than that a bit of research on youtube will help you with headset, chainset and wheel bearing adjustments.

Post some pics when it arrives.

The most important thing is to get out and ride

 

[Robbied196]

Re: No "Newbie guides"!? shoutout to all the experienced "ol

How did I do that?? :facepalm: