retro-rich
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Finally found a 531 for madam, the previous Wisp rebuild met her approval except that it was so heavy so have been looking for a better frame to base it on. I was after a late eighties galaxy mixte but difficult to come by, when I saw this one it looked suitable, although a lesser frame than a Galaxy it's still 531 main tubes and forks with nice chrome finish on the forks. It's nice and light, is dated '85 (I think) and although comes with 27" wheels, it looks like it will take 700c wheels without looking too odd, though I need to source some nutted brakes with the right drop (the tektro's I used on the Wisp are actually too deep), the 126mm rear end should spread easily for a 130mm hub without the need to cold set and the rest should update fairly easily, kudos to the Mrs though as she says she's willing to give the downtube shifters a go (I never get on with them myself).
I love frames of this age as they can modernize fairly easily but still retain a bit of an old school look, and doesn't feel like too much sacrilege to bring them up to date.
Made a start on it today, regreased the headset (will probably replace at some point), replaced the handle bars and brake levers, unfortunately the original bars were too thick for the grips and levers she has. Seat tube is not stuck thankfully. Tomorrow will tidy up some 700c wheels and fit some new tyres, and will transfer the newer mudguards over too.
Not sure whether to keep the Sakae cranks and Sachs mechs, or to transfer the Sugino cranks and Shimano mechs from the Wisp (Deore DX rear and cant remember the front off hand).
I love frames of this age as they can modernize fairly easily but still retain a bit of an old school look, and doesn't feel like too much sacrilege to bring them up to date.
Made a start on it today, regreased the headset (will probably replace at some point), replaced the handle bars and brake levers, unfortunately the original bars were too thick for the grips and levers she has. Seat tube is not stuck thankfully. Tomorrow will tidy up some 700c wheels and fit some new tyres, and will transfer the newer mudguards over too.
Not sure whether to keep the Sakae cranks and Sachs mechs, or to transfer the Sugino cranks and Shimano mechs from the Wisp (Deore DX rear and cant remember the front off hand).
