What parts should I replace on a recently purchased 20 year old Centurion road bike?

Question

I have a 20+ year old centurion that I just recently purchased off of craigslist. I am changing the brakes and gear shifters, but I am wondering if it is necessary to change the tire or rims, or grip tape. Would changing the tire or rims matter, let's say in terms of speed or smoothness?

Also, if I were to replace the parts with newer ones, I would most likely purchase cheap parts. So I wanted to know if it is worth replacing at all.

Here is the picture of the bike:

http://sacramento.craigslist.org/for/750475379.html

Answer 1

If it ain't broke, don't try to fix it. I have a bicycle that must be getting on for thirty years old and it still has the original tyres and parts. If the tyres are worn or damaged, replace them. If any parts are worn, replace them. But if not, leave it be. One thing you will need to do is repack and probably replace the bearings, something you might want to leave to a bicycle shop to do.

Answer 2

So you decided to buy it, eh?

Unfortunately most modern parts will not fit your bike without modification. I suggest you take it to a shop to get a complete overhaul and hope for the best. Once something major breaks I am afraid you'll have trouble finding parts.

Tires, cables, brake pads and chain are commonly replacable, but the remaining important parts are not... not with matching parts anyway.

Answer 3

Don't forget to change that old hardened grease in ALL the bearings; Crankset, headset and  wheels.

Answer 4

I agree with the last answer. However, may I make a suggestion? If you don't have much to spend try visiting Performance Bike shop in your area. If you don't know where it is, here is a link to the location in Sacramento:

http://www.performancebike.com/inform/st...

You can get good prices on decent parts. Their Vredestein Fortezza SE tires are my favorites. They are a little heavy (you probably won't even notice) but they a long time. The only tires I've ever used that lasted as long were the Continental 4000s. The Conti is an awesome tire and considerably lighter but they cost twice as much the Vreds. If that bike rides well, the only things you'll want to change are the tires, maybe chain and possibly brake pads or handlebar tape also. Check both of the last two first before you buy. They might not need changing, but I'm pretty sure the tires will unless they were recently replaced.

Answer 5

i recently bought a 21 y.o. cannondale.  it came with some mid range suntour components that were decent in the day.  i found a 39 tooth chain ring on ebay to replace the 42.  i found a more up to date shape handlebar at a local bike shop for $25.  i bought some low end campy brakes on ebay.  (i wish i had spent a little more on these, but i had to replace the old ones.)  i put on new tires and tubes.  (i agree this is a necessary and high priority step.)  i did not change the wheels, but i wish i could.  the old ones are heavy, but new ones are more investment than i want to make.  i put on a new saddle.  i changed the brake cables and added some bright orange handle bar wrap--also found on ebay.  one of the answerers said you should get a new chain every 1 or 2 years.  in my experience chains don't age, they wear.  the interval  for changing them depends on miles, not age.    have fun with the project.  it looks like it has good potential.

Answer 6

The basics you should always replace on an older bike:

1) Tires - they get old and brittle

2) Brake pads

3) Chain - you should replace your chain every 1 to 2 years anyway.

4) Shifter and brake cables for smooth reliable function.

5) Seat.

6) Bar tape.

You can get lower price versions of any of those - don't go too cheap or you'll just end up fixing it again in a month.