Nov 2, 2011

Old Clanky Gets an Upgrade

Old Clanky got it's final upgrade this afternoon. I finally got around to installing some new Tektro long-reach brakes on this bike. I've had the brakes kicking around for a few months now, but never got around to the project of changing the old brakes out until today.

The stopping power with the Tektro's is a big improvement. The original brakes were not really what I would consider "brakes". They were more accurately "speed attenuators".  Even with alloy rims, the brakes made me nervous. Fortunately the bike is not fast, because if it was, there would be no stopping it.

This bike now has the most common modern upgrades that a 3-speed gets. The original steel rims were replaced with Sun CR-18 alloy rims (one of the few modern rims in the 26 x 1 3/8 wheel size). The Tektro brakes compliment the alloy rims nicely and add a lot of "stop" to the improved "go" of the rims.

A previous upgrade included some much better tires ("tyres" if you prefer). I pried open my wallet for some Panaracer Col de Vie's. Most people run really cheap tires on their 3-speeds, but the improved ride of the Col de Vie's is worth it to me. I've had very good luck with flat resistance as well with these tires (knock wood) although they are not marketed as puncture resistant.

The other changes I have made to this bike include a slightly larger cog to give it more spin and make the high gear less ponderous, and installing some QBP cork grips in place of the original crusty plastic grips that came on the bike.

Accessories have been added as well. The bike currently sports a Carradice "Barley" bag and a bar-mounted bottle cage. I also clip my Garmin unit the bars if I want route data, although I have been a lot more casual about tracking miles and routes lately.

I am by no means a purist when it comes to 3-speeds, obviously. I am perfectly fine with a few modern upgrades, particularly on bikes like mine (a run-of-the-mill low-end bike of no significant value to collectors or enthusiasts). Rather, I enjoy the ride on this bike and the upgrades make me enjoy the ride more, so as I see it, what's not to like?
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1 comment:

  1. adventure!November 14, 2011 at 11:18 PM

    Ain't nothing wrong with upgrading brakes on old three-speeds. I switched out the original Raleigh brakes with same-era Dia Compe center-pulls on the Wayfarer. Works much better.

    I've been thinking about the Col de la Vie tires. I already have creme-colored Schwalbe Delta Cruisers on the Wayfarer, but there is the Rudge project coming up. I might want to try something new. While those Panaracers aren't white, they do have a retro look, and I believe the psi is higher than the Delta Cruisers--85 vs 65. This might be better for a more "performance" bike, as I intend the Rudge to be. It's either that or maybe Michelin World Tours. There ain't a lot of selection for "good" 650A tires.

    When do you think you'll do your next three speed ride?

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