I couldn't let this bike go to waste. I don't know anything about it but I've always been a fan of the vintage looking bikes. I decided to make this a summer project. Any info and/or advice on the model or where to start?
by lunar_108
I couldn't let this bike go to waste. I don't know anything about it but I've always been a fan of the vintage looking bikes. I decided to make this a summer project. Any info and/or advice on the model or where to start?
by lunar_108
20 Comments
Is that a Wilier?
I have no idea what it is, but the era – it’s the most simple machine possible – ball-bearings and the hub, and a spring, are your hi-tech here. It looks “like new” in a way – it’s not “beat”, just weathered.
the rims will be full-on (raw aluminum) 🔥 if u care to polish them. be sure stem is inserted enough to ride safely. 😀👍
I’m always puzzled whenever I read these types of questions. You’re asking us how to fix the bike. But the problem is that we don’t know what’s wrong. Maybe it runs perfectly even though it’s cosmetically challenged.
So please just pump up the tires and ride it. Then tell us what’s wrong, if anything. Then we can tell you how to fix it…maybe all it needs is a new chain.
Everything that has bearings and should me moving. Drivetrain, stearing, brakes and check the rims, they need to be straight😉 paint and pollish would be tha last part. But if you take the whole bike apart. Its a nice option without all the grease😉
First thing to check: is the seatpost stuck?
If not, next step, order Evapo-Rust.
Everything else will follow…
What a find. That will be a fun project .please post when you’ve got it looking nice
The fork(s) – is the fork angle dependent on the spring-tension? It just looks like something to be aware of: does the front wheel turn without the tire contacting the frame (the photo angle is tricky). 👍
New chain and send it. Fix what’s wrong.
Park Tools videos and [https://www.sheldonbrown.com/](https://www.sheldonbrown.com/) (yes really, it’s gold) will get you through most topics.
[Urban Firmstrong](https://www.firmstrong.com/)
Fairly new department store quality brand. Not worth sinking money into it. I’d repack all the bearings, replace the chain, maybe tires if needed and use it as a sweet rat rod.
completely decontaminate meth residue first
Where to start…
I use this general checklist whenever I’m checking out a bike for purchase.
It also applies to inspecting and maintaining a bike you’ve already own.
It will encourage you to go through and become familiar with the major systems on the bicycle.
I recommend viewing Park Tools videos on bicycle maintenance for details on some of this stuff.
Start here:
1) Tires inflated.
2) Rims are true.
3) Spokes aren’t loose.
4) Brakes adjusted and inspected (cables, pads, braking surfaces)
5) Chain clean, lubed and measured for wear.
6) Shifting adjusted properly.
7) Wheel bearings checked for play and friction.
8) Bottom bracket/crank/pedals checked for play and friction.
9) Headset checked for play/friction/indexing.
10) Is the seat post stuck?
11) Is the stem stuck?
12) Is the frame intact and is it true?
13) Does it fit the intended rider?
Good luck.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to follow up.
Bring it back to the dumpster.
It’s a Firmstromg urban. My shop sells them. Pretty good bike but not vintage. Just left outside
“How many spokes do you want on your rims?”
“All of them!”
; )
You might want to check with some classic bike people before you do anything. They are real funny about patina and original and that might be worth a penny or 2.
At the very least they will likely know more about that type of bike.
Personally I would likely give everything a clean and a grease and ride it to see what’s happening.
Pump the tires, oil the chain and report back.
If we don’t hear from you we’ll assume all is well and it was all that was needed.
Get a new chain, so it rides better, and then start sanding and polishing.
The make-or-break is if you can get the seat post to move.
If so, adjust it to you and replace the chain. Everything else is optional.
I can’t tell you more without touching it.
https://www.firmstrong.com/products/firmstrong-urban-lrd-single-speed-mens-26-beach-cruiser-bike
I’d start by setting a budget and sticking to it. It’s easy to start sinking money on a project like this.
Mechanically, the fist thing would be to deal with the chain rust. From the photo alone I can’t tell how rusty the chain is. Can you tell how deep the rust is? Is the chain still flexible? Any frozen links? [It is possible to restore a rusty chain](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPF-qU1bOkg). It’s up to you if you want to try bringing that chain back to life or just change it.
If the cranks don’t spin well, the bottom bracket may need servicing. I believe yours is a one piece crank, [here’s a video on how to dissasemble](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpl_wlTBC8k).
I think your bike has coaster breaks. If there’s any problem it may need to be dissasembled and serviced. [Here’s a video on how to dissasemble the rear hub](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5x28XzNg-AA)
The rust on the rest components can also be removed on the cheap, [here’s a video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SHGzYA5LrA). Sanding and spray painting is an option. Not worth re-chroming or replacing.
Good luck 🙂