Baby pics- Meet Fern

[Miranda]

Congrats! Fern is really beautiful. I was in the grocery store parking today watching a couple commuters buzzing in and out. Most locked their bikes. One did not. I wasn't close enough to see what the bikes were. But, the unlocked guy I thought, man I hope it's still there buddy when you come out. I agree, unfortunately you have to keep her undercover a bit to help prevent theft. Hope you have many happy and safe miles together.

[ASammy1]

That green rocks! Congrats!

[mayanorange]

Deb- Front is the simplex original, rear is a period replacement of a shimano. Shifters and brake levers are also shimano replacements. Not sure how the shimano of that era compares to something like suntour? I also am think the rear wheel (which I knew was replaced) is steel, not aluminum- a bit too shiny for aluminum. Not a huge deal, but I'll keep an eye out for a replacement. Do you know if period aluminum cranksets exist? Not sure it would save a ton of weight, but just curious.

uforgot- Thanks for the handlebar recommendation!

[uforgot]

Know what? I read my post and realize that I forgot to tell you what a lovely bike Fern is! I just love those old bikes. So much character!

[DebW]

Deb- Front is the simplex original, rear is a period replacement of a shimano. Shifters and brake levers are also shimano replacements. Not sure how the shimano of that era compares to something like suntour? I also am think the rear wheel (which I knew was replaced) is steel, not aluminum- a bit too shiny for aluminum. Not a huge deal, but I'll keep an eye out for a replacement. Do you know if period aluminum cranksets exist? Not sure it would save a ton of weight, but just curious.

Replacing a steel cottered crankset with aluminum would save quite a bit of weight. You'd need a new bottom bracket, or at least a new spindle. A modern replacement would work, but I think TA or Nervar was found on that bike in the day (it came with aluminum crankset by 1975). Simplex levers were poor-quality plastic, so better those have been replaced. For the rear wheel, you could rebuild it with a new rim. The shop I work in might have a whole wheel for $50-60. We carry 27" freewheel wheels.

[mayanorange]

I found a local guy who has tons of vintage parts, so he hooked me up with an old set of windsor wheels (and a used brooks and lots of other toys!). They could use some truing (he doesn't have a stand) and I'll check the bearings and such. I'll probably just use the real wheel from the set and keep the front as a backup. Or maybe I should put them both on and preserve the original wheel?

He's got enough stuff for us to eventually change back out to appropriate weinmann levers and maybe he's got a crankset too- I'll put it on the list for next time!

PS- Thanks Deb! You are a wealth of information, as always.