What would be the best upgrade for my bicycle?

Question

Just got an old 70's PEUGEOT touring/road bike. I want to know what will make the biggest improvement?

PROBLEMS:

-seat/saddle is pretty uncomfortable and my butt feels like it's bruised everytime I sit on it...but it's the original seat and looks pretty good

-wheels/rims are a little bent and need to be realigned.

-brakepads are old

-Old handlebar tape gives me blisters

WHAT I WANT TO DO:

-get completely new wheel set (rims tires and tubes)

-get new pads...at least...maybe new brakes as well

-get the handlebars rewrapped in white cork tape.

-get new peddals or just a strap or toe cage.

WHAT I HAVE DONE:

-took off the wheel wells/fenders and lights to loose some weight.

-adjust seat to right position

PLEAS LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THING WILL HELP?

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii320/matt88coles/IMG_0003-1.jpg

Answer 1

From looking at how little of the seat post is showing I'm wondering if the bike is too big for you. Can you stand over it with AT LEAST an inch of clearance between you and the top tube?

Your comment about the grips (handlebar tape I assume) giving you blisters is puzzling. The tape shouldn't give you blisters. Perhaps you should invest in some cycling gloves?

Do you have to really stretch to reach the handlebars? Your idea of switching to cork tape is good although I personally wouldn't choose white. It looks great at first but gets dirty fast although you can wash it. Also you can buy gel inserts to place underneath the tape for a little extra padding. You could also use two layers of tape.

The choice of saddle is a very personal decision because we're all built differently. But before you change it first make sure the saddle is perfectly level or perhaps tilted down a degree or two. Try that for awhile and see how you feel about it. I do caution you about getting an overly wide or cushioned saddle. That may ultimately be more uncomfortable than what you have now. You need something that will support your sit bones, not an easy chair.

I'd get the wheels trued if they're not too bad and buy new tires and tubes. If they're original equiptment they're more than likely cracked, worn out and not safe. Also it may be difficult to find a new wheelset that will fit the rear of your frame. Standards have changed since the 70's and modern wheels generally require a wider spacing to accomadate the extra gears (cogs ... 8, 9, or even 10) new bike have.

For the brakes I'd replace all the cables and housings and get new brake pads. You'd be surprised how much that, plus true rims, will improve the braking.

While your at it replace the shifter cables and housings, too.

Toeclips and straps are cheap and will make your pedaling more efficient. If you haven't used them before leave the straps loose and practice getting in and out of them in an empty parking lot. There's nothing more embarrassing than pulling up to a stop sign and falling over because you can't get your feet out of the clips! Trust me on this.

It doesn't look like a bad bike overall. It just needs a little TLC. But I still wonder if it fits you properly or not. That alone could make the difference in you either liking cycling or hating it.

One last thing. Check with one of your local bike shops to see if there's a cycle touring club in your area and give them a try. Meet new people and discover new places to ride!

Answer 2

WHAT I WANT TO DO:

-get completely new wheel set (rims tires and tubes)

-get new pads...at least...maybe new brakes as well

-get the handlebars rewrapped in white cork tape.

-get new peddals or just a strap or toe cage.

  This will cost much more than that bike is worth.

Much much more.

  If you truly desire to redo this old bike with new gear then strip it down and start from the frame up.The frame should be rust proofed then add the components.

Although I suggest getting a new bike,be it used or brand new.

I wish you good luck

Answer 3

From what I see in the [small] pic, your bike looks to be in pretty good condition.  You ask for THE biggest improvement you could make, but all the problems you indicate are important.

Brakes are important.  If the pads are old, then replacements are cheap and will last a long time.  Don't bother with new brake calipers unless they're so lousy that they will perform poorly even with new pads.  Or unless you just want to throw money at it.  Try new pads and an adjustment otherwise.  Also, inspect the brake cables & housing; if they're in poor condition, you'll gain increased braking performance with replacements.  If the cables/housing is in good shape, a cable cleaning/lubing may still be in order.  You can find all the info you need for doing this yourself online or at the library.

If the wheels are strong, the rims aren't worn, and the hubs are good, then just get them trued by a qualified person.  A new, quality wheelset isn't cheap, and you may be better off putting that money aside for a future bike purchase.

Do you wear gloves?  Even so, replace the bar tape if you want.  It's not expensive, and you should have little difficulty doing it yourself.  The money you save by wrapping your bar yourself can pay for those brake pads you're replacing.  If you want a bit more cushion, check out the gel tapes as well as the gel pads you can mount under your choice of tape.  

Pedals?  You don't mention the type of riding you do or what the problem is with your current pedals.  

For the saddle, make sure the width correctly supports your sit bones.  If so, check the angle of the seat.  Even a slight angle in the wrong direction can cause discomfort on even short rides.  Plan on adjusting the seat several times until you get it right.  If the seat still isn't comfortable or isn't matched for your dimensions, go the bike shop.  See what they've got that will work for you and is still in your budget.  Take your bike with you and have them install and adjust he seat for you if they want the sale.  Don't be afraid to spend a few dollars; don't go too cheap on your comfort.  You've already saved money by truing your wheels rather than replacing.  Besides, a properly sized, quality seat can be moved to your next bike in the near future.

If you don't need the fenders/lights, then you did right by removing them.  As for weight, though, don't get too caught up in it.  It will make you stronger.

Answer 4

all handle bar grips give blisters unless your careful,

id buy a nice seat, their not that expenisive.

breakpads if it is bothering would be nice, new ones cost like 10$

you can go to a bike shop to make your rims straight, you may have to buy new tires.

if your worried about weight, id buy a new bike, and upgrade from their,

Answer 5

Make the saddle your first priority.  It's no fun when it hurts.  Also get some nice gloves.  Then get some good wheels.  It feels great to roll smooth.  Replace the pads/brakes if it feels like you can't stop in time; or just have them adjusted (although you probably need new pads).  Lastly, consider getting some cheap clipless pedals.  They're great on your knees.  And sure, the shoes cost money, but they'll last longer than normal shoes and save you money in the long run, and they'll also transfer more power into the drivetrain, making you faster and more efficiant.