Friday, March 2, 2012

Spalding Blade Re

Are you looking to repair this bike?
Links below for parts you can buy now on amazon.
Over the years we repaired thousands of these and became experts in finding alternatives to original bike parts. 
Buying parts for older bikes is confusing, as most of the original parts have been discontinued. 
We use these parts everyday and created this list to make it easier for you to repair your bike.

Shifter cables and housing: https://amzn.to/38g40ol
Brake cables and housing: https://amzn.to/2DZqPPk
Handlebar Tape: https://amzn.to/2qxHiaf
Tires (good): https://amzn.to/2s9eipE (similar look, casual use, choose 27x1 1/4)
Tires (better): https://amzn.to/33YwOyl (super flat resistant and fast rolling, choose 27x1.25 or 27 1 1/4)
Shifters: Front and rear (right and left): https://amzn.to/347vWrv
Rear Derailleur (good): https://amzn.to/2DYUOXF (choose w/ direct attachment)
Rear Derailleur (Better): https://amzn.to/2PupyVA (choose GS type)
Front Derailleur (good): https://amzn.to/3415IXm (choose double)
Front derailleur (better): https://amzn.to/2LAI262 (better quality, fit and finish)
Bottom Bracket: https://amzn.to/2RydlSI (Likely 68x122.5 but must measure spindle length before purchase)
Crank (good): https://amzn.to/2Yw7miQ (better quality fit and finish, will likely need a new bottom bracket)
Crank (better): https://amzn.to/2rg0YQx (lesser quality option, likely will not need a bottom bracket)
Headset: https://amzn.to/38EkfvQ (Choose 27.0 but it's better to remove crown race and measure inside diameter for sure)
Pedals: https://amzn.to/3593fvC (Modern style)
Pedals: https://amzn.to/2DZbNZP (same style as original)
Chain: https://amzn.to/38ayVCI (fits 5, 6, 7 and 8 speeds)
Brake pads (good): https://amzn.to/36eEldP (casual use)
Brake pads (better): https://amzn.to/38ixNN7 (Improved performance and wet/cold condition)
Brakes (rear): https://amzn.to/2P31N8o
Brakes (front): https://amzn.to/2Prqcn2
Brake Levers: https://amzn.to/2LQALz9 (similar to original
Brake Levers: https://amzn.to/356h3Hc (modern style)

Spalding Blade Re we refurbished here at Bike Boom. If your'e not familiar, Bike Boom is a used bike shop in Davis square, on the border of Cambridge and Somerville , near Boston MA. where we specialize in restoring and refurbishing used and vintage bikes and offer professional bicycle repair services. 
First time I bought  a Spalding Blade Re for the shop I was a bit puzzled. It seemed like a department store brand as Spalding is famous for their basketball and baseball equipment, especially the famous quality basketballs, I remember drooling over those orange leather basketballs in the local sports shop. I've seen my share of vintage department store 10 speed bikes (columbia, schwinn, huffy, free spirit, to name a few) but this ones struck me as a quality mid end bicycle from the 80's with it's alloy rims and suntour 7 components, the cranks and handlebars are steel but lots of the japanese brands had this parts mix on their low-mid range offering. The spalding blade Re is definitely Japanese or  Taiwanese as it has the standard geometry, tube dimensions, lug work and striping on the lugs. Department store bikes always offer older technology components on their bikes for example 7 speed systems when bike shop brands are equipped with 8 9 or 10 speed systems. The bike has friction shifting so it should be older than 1986 but being sold in department stores it should adhere to the rule I mentioned above so basically think it was sold as a low end bike in the late 80's but had the features of a mid end bikes of early-mid 80's, which makes sense as technology always trickles down in the bicycle business. We don't sell department store bikes but honestly, this one is as good as any Univega shogun or Fuji that was made a few years prior to this one. A few weeks later I found another spalding blade, turns out they were sold in Sears in the 80's. there was also a red women's spalding Blade  with cruiser bars that I will feature in the future. Overall, this spalding blade Re is a very nice lugged steel bike with very decent components and in mint condition, I don't think the bike had more than 50 miles on it. Sold to one of the line cooks in Mike's , the neighboring Italian restaurant in Davis Square. 








14 comments:

  1. I have mine sitting outside my parents garage. I remember it rode well when I rode it (i.e. over 10 yrs ago). Do you think it's worth restoring? I have a Raleigh Detour 3.5 Hybrid now and commute on it to the train station (2.5 mi). What do you think?

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  2. I agree that this bike re Spalding is a snappy bike. With the 700c wheels showing up , and being 6speed an upgrade wont kill the pocket book . My Blade has Shimino SIS equipped not Suntour7 even better. Find a desant neck stem ,alloy bars loose some weight. I also have a Firenze. they are close in weight, and reputation as being cheap. but back then is'nt now.Steel is real.and making a come back. Or you can go to Walmart-and still be cheap. RESTORE those old BIKES.

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  3. I've got this bike and need to replace the handle bar, what's the diameter of the handle bar?

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  4. OMOB (old man on bike)November 11, 2013 at 2:47 PM

    I love my Blade. Took off the front chain ring guard, re-lubed the entire bike, built new 27" aluminum rims, changed out the saddle to a Brooks B17, changed the rear sprocket to a 34 x 13 Shimano with a long cage Shimano Altus. Keeping it clean and oiled this baby can climb any hill in Portland, Oregon with style.

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  5. Bought my blade in 91 or 92 at sears. It was the last road bike they had. Everything else was mountain bikes. I've put many many miles on it since then. It fits me like a glove I wouldn't take 1000 bucks for it today.

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  6. I found a Spalding RE and the only thing wrong was bent front forks. I'd like to repair it but can't find the fork. Does anyone know what size the wheel is? That is the question asked when I try to replace the fork for it. Or do you know where I can get one? Thanks

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    Replies
    1. I really need to find the right fork for this. I know I could measure it but I'm afraid I may mess it up. To reply to Mike, I believe it isn't listed above as I don't believe there is an amazon link. However, there is this https://www.thebikesmiths.com/products/sunlite-3887?variant=15938009759778&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping&gclid=Cj0KCQiA7aPyBRChARIsAJfWCgIz0K6O98W3fmH3nDGLAo6zYfrBi-oZMnR48q1SD57KXrdn8vUPMR8aAuxXEALw_wcB I'm just scared it's not the right one but its the same brand as the other components on the bike, and it looks like the original. I advise you to measure your old fork for some of the measurements they listed for comparison. Goodluck- even though I'm 3 years late.

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  7. this is the correct fork for this bike:
    https://amzn.to/2HG1mw9

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  8. Looking for the bottom bracket size, links are unavailable. Can anyone point me in the right direction. I'm also looking for new crankarm/set

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  9. Did you ever do the red women’s version? I couldn’t find it in your blog archives. Maybe I missed it?

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