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.
by LowInternet4726
9 Comments
that looks great! I finally did this with my first “adult” bike. It’s a Univega from 1986, and I used it as a commuter in Seattle for a bunch of years. I spiffed it up again recently for one of my kids to use as a commuter, and I love seeing both looking great and getting used.
Amazing job, completely transformed the appearance of the bike while still retaining its charm.
*I cut the cables just a little too long*
You don’t say. Do you have air traffic control on speed-dial?
Apart from that absolutely stunning concourse quality work
great job, it looks great
The absolute smile on your coworkers’ face when you show them the fully restored beast will be great
What did you use to polish all the aluminum? It looks great!
Really impressive. Showroom new. You can easily shorten the cable housings to Schwinn standards.
I loved my LeTour as a kid. I mowed a lot of lawns to buy mine. It was stolen in college. I eventually made another red bike to replace it.
I love vintage bikes. That looks like a fun one to ride.