1971, maybe newer than it looks. Still like that fork style though.
Darnocpdx on
Great bike.
The best and easiest upgrade is to replace the AW cog to one with more teeth. Moving up to one with 20+ teeth makes for a much better ride.
I live in an area with hills, so I went to 24 teeth (you’ll need a new chain in most cases, though I’ve squeezed a 20 in without replacing the chain). Which sets me up for 3rd gear being for riding in flats, with two uphill gearing options.
The modern Shimano IGH gears will fit, and are easy to replace(a snap ring holds them in) and their cheap.
After that many will go with alloy rims upgrades, for slightly better wet braking, but I don’t think the difference is that significant to warrent the cost and effort. But I grew up with riding steel rims and rim brakes. Just my option, no harm either way.
After that your done, simply loosen all the bearing connections just enough for a few drops of wet lube without dropping bearings a couple times a year, remove seat and lube the bottom bracket from the seat tube. Once you get it down, takes about 15-20 minutes to lube the entire bicycle.
Great bike, and will last forever with little maintenance.
3 Comments
1971, maybe newer than it looks. Still like that fork style though.
Great bike.
The best and easiest upgrade is to replace the AW cog to one with more teeth. Moving up to one with 20+ teeth makes for a much better ride.
I live in an area with hills, so I went to 24 teeth (you’ll need a new chain in most cases, though I’ve squeezed a 20 in without replacing the chain). Which sets me up for 3rd gear being for riding in flats, with two uphill gearing options.
The modern Shimano IGH gears will fit, and are easy to replace(a snap ring holds them in) and their cheap.
After that many will go with alloy rims upgrades, for slightly better wet braking, but I don’t think the difference is that significant to warrent the cost and effort. But I grew up with riding steel rims and rim brakes. Just my option, no harm either way.
After that your done, simply loosen all the bearing connections just enough for a few drops of wet lube without dropping bearings a couple times a year, remove seat and lube the bottom bracket from the seat tube. Once you get it down, takes about 15-20 minutes to lube the entire bicycle.
Great bike, and will last forever with little maintenance.
Added:
Ultimate source for maintaining these bikes.
https://www.sheldonbrown.com/english-3.html
Nice. I have a similar one I need to overhaul. It was left out on the curb.