Wast sure what to do with this poor thing so I gave it the full Monty.

I have nicer bikes than this….At work people know I like to cycle around and a few months ago an older coworker of mine pulled up excited to give me something. It was his teenage bike, purchased new in 1978. I normally wouldn’t keep an old Le Tour around but it was a very thoughtful gift, and in my size, big. I thanked him profusely then proceeded to dump the thing in the corner of my garage not knowing what to do with it.

A couple of weeks ago I decided I’ve had enough so rather than get rid of it I put it through the wringer. And boy was I in for it. The deeper I got, the deeper I had to go. I replaced the chain, replaced rear bent freewheel axle, bearings, cable etc. the thing was covered in the worst, hardest grease I have ever seen. WD40 wasn’t touching it so a full disassemble was necessary. I polished everything with a wheel and mild cutting compound. I cut the cables just a little too long but I think I’ll leave it. The center pull brakes were a bear to set. This is probably 12 hours worth of work. Tires/tubes $37, Cables and housing $10, Chinese grip tape $2, Z6 chain, $11.

The heavy frame bike rides like a Cadillac, fantastic.