Tuesday, November 29, 2011

1987 Peugeot Iseran p6

Beautiful peugeot iseran P6 we refurbished at Bike Boom. If you are not familiar, Bike Boom is a used bike shop in Somerville MA, close to Cambridge and Boston. More about Peugeot and a great source and catalogs here

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)

This bike is slightly different then the one shown in catalogs, mainly the brake levers (non aero instead of safety levers) and shifters (down tube instead of stem mounted). We love the Peugeot for being lighter than any other brand, especially ones that were in the same price bracket and had similar components. Peugeot used its proprietary HLE and 103 carbolite steel aloys, they were not chromoly but are definitly lighter than japanese chromoly frames, even the double and triple butted ones. Peugeot used the Internal brazing technique without the added support and weight of lugs. This method saved the weight of the lugs and also gave a very clean finished look. Once refurbished, Peugeots rarely stay in the shop for more than a few days since the first customer who tries one will usually end up buying. sold to a student in MIT.  






Friday, November 25, 2011

mid-late 70's Raleigh Sprite

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)

Beautiful Raleigh sprite we refurbished at Bike Boom. If you are not familiar, Bike Boom is a used bike shop in Somerville MA, close to Cambridge and Boston. This bike was bought together with the men's version of this white elegant beauty. As sheldon brown says: The upright "all-rounder" handlebars, and mattress saddle made these something of a precursor of the modern "hybrid." but in fact these are relatively heavy bikes though steady and stable. Definitely one of the most elegant bikes I've seen. At some point in it's previous life Shifting was upgraded from clunky stem Shifters to early nineties thumb snifters, A trick we used on other sprites which modernizes them and creates a better user interaction. It's not a known fact but british raleighs had unique bottom bracket   thread per inch (TPI). Though there is a solution for the problem when you need to replace the bottom bracket or spindle, it still can slow down a project. We only buy when the bike is in excellent condition, meaning very low mile bike, such as this women Raleigh sprite example. Bought by a young Cambridge men as a gift to his girlfriend, super nice guys.  






Puch Brigadier Reynolds 531

Beautiful and unique Puch Brigadier 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 competitively priced bike repair services.

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)
Brake Levers: https://amzn.to/356h3Hc (modern style)
Puch was an Austrian company who manufactured scooters, motorcycles, cars and trucks, apart from bicycles of course. The late 70's and early 80's bikes were made in Austria and the mid 80's models were made in japan for Puch. This Puch brigadier is quite interesting since it is made of the famous and highly coveted Reynolds 531 manganese steel tubing which at the time, apart from Italian brands, every single brand used for their high end bikes. So why is it unique? well, the bike is equipped with mid end components, stem shifters and safety levers which are the mark of low-mid end bikes. My guess is that it was Puch's way to market their bikes in the heavily populated low-mid market of the bike boom, by offering high end frames with a mid end price tag. sold to a french exchange student in MIT. 







Friday, November 18, 2011

Early 80's Peugeot Corbier

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)
Brake Levers: https://amzn.to/356h3Hc (modern style)

Beautiful Peugeot Corbier we refurbished at Bike Boom. If you're not familiar, bike boom is a used bike shop in Somerville MA, close to Cambridge and Boston. the frame is made of the proprietary 103 carbolite Peugeot used for the entry-mid level road bikes and was surprisingly light. the bicycle looks welded but as a matter of fact, its lugged with inner lugs, a technique other french manufacturers used, especially motobecane. This produces very clean joints.Equipped with Sachs shifters and derailers and a nice Nervar alloy crank and weinman side pull brake.






Tuesday, November 15, 2011

1977 Panasonic Sport

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)
Brake Levers: https://amzn.to/356h3Hc (modern style)
Beautiful 1977 Panasonic sport we refurbished at Bike boom. If your'e not familiar, Bike Boom is a Used bicycle shop in Davis square, In between Somerville and Cambridge close to Boston MA.
We specialize in restoring used and vintage bikes and mostly cater for the huge student and young professionals community in the area.
History of the Panasonic brand here and here from yellow jersey and japanese bikes in general from the great Sheldon brown.
A typical entry - mid level Japanese bike, this 10 speed Panasonic of the late 70's, has a Hi tensile lugged frame with a mix of steel and alloy components, Suntour shifters and derailers. We cleaned it, and refurbished with new tires, tubes, cables, handlebar tape and brake pads. when we were done with it It looked as if it just stepped out of the showroom. Panasonic was one of the leaders in the bicycle manufacturing industry and built bikes for the schwinn brand under the "world" sub brand. later , in the early 80's they were replaced by Giant. Panasonic still makes super high quality bikes which are relatively expensive to import to the states and are sought after by savvy cyclists.   






Sunday, November 13, 2011

1986 Nishiki Olympic

A very unique Nishiki olympic we refurbished here at bike boom. More information about nishiki here and here If you're not familiar, Bike boom is a used bicycles shop in somerville MA, close to Cambridge and Boston. the bike has a 27" rear wheel and 24" front wheel to accomodate the 46cm frame. In the late 80's and early 90's many small bikes were produced in this manner mainly because the lugs used to make the small bikes were identical to larger ones. the size of the frame would mainly change according to length of tube but the lugs dimensions and geometry remained the same. Since there is just not enough room and toe clearance for a standard size road wheel, builders had to use a smaller wheel. later, in the late 90's and today, the slanted top tube and compact design were introduced due to the enhanced use of TIG welding which allowed many more versatile bicycle geometries. Terry is also famous for using this funny bike or clown bike geometry and small front wheels as they were marketed for women who often need smaller sized bikes.
.







Saturday, November 12, 2011

Mid 80's Motobecane Sprint

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)
Brake Levers: https://amzn.to/356h3Hc (modern style)A mint condition Motobecane 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. 
I chose to show this specific Motobecane because it's quite rare, at least I haven't seen another one yet. We come across the Mirage and Super Mirage models very frequently (at least 10 in the last year) but this one is quite rare. 
Has a lugged carbon steel frame and a mix of Suntour components and Weinman brake calipers. Even though it's not made of chromoly, it's pretty light. Also has the unique rubber bar wrap that encases the brake levers which I have only seen on Motobecanes. 
Motobecanes, although french were mostly outfitted with japanese parts, which were cheaper and higher quality than the french sachs and simplex components at the time.
In general, Motobecanes are always a good choice when it comes to restoring vintage light weight ten speeds. the craftsmanship is superior and so is the paint work. They are usually lighter when compared to similarly priced Japanese bikes.
Try to avoid the early to late 70's motobecanes as they were outfitted with french cottered cranks which are harder to find in your average LBS. Some of them had a french Bottom bracket, which is fine, because you can get them easily today but some have Swiss bottom bracket threading which is impossible to find.
the problem is you never know until you need to service them. If the bottom bracket s in good condition we refurbish but if it's already loose when you examine it, I would pass.  I





Wednesday, November 9, 2011

1982 miyata six ten 610

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)
Brake Levers: https://amzn.to/356h3Hc (modern style)
A very nice Miyata 610 ( six ten ) we refurbished at bike boom somerville. the bike has a different triple crank then the original and also the dia comp, aero brake levers are probably not original as well. 
here's the 1982 miyata catalogue  . A classic touring bike, just before they were fitted with cantilever brakes. 
Triple butted chromoly , lugged frame. we replaced the chaim, freewheel, tires, tubes cables, brake pads, handlebar tape, and installed brand new alloy wheels.
Sold to a harvard student. 
Miyata was one of the best japanese manufacturers and fabricated their own tubings. They also put the best parts in comparison to other manufacturers like fuji, univega, etc., even on the low end bicycles.
In general, miyatas are always a good choice. we have come across many miyatas and we will add them to the blog in the future.