How to bring a vintage bicycle back to life
Old Raleigh, Healing and other classic bikes turn up in sheds and at tip shops. Most need a clean, fresh grease, new tyres and new brake pads to ride well and safely.
By the Junkie team
Step by step
Step 1: Check the frame and forks
Look for cracks around joints, the bottom bracket and the fork crown, and check the forks aren't bent back. A cracked or bent frame is display only.
Step 2: Strip and clean
Remove wheels, chain and accessories and degrease everything. Photograph the brake and gear setups first.
Step 3: Clean up the chrome
Rub rust spots off chrome with aluminium foil and water, then polish and wax.
Step 4: Re grease the bearings
Open the hubs, headset and bottom bracket, clean out old grease, check the balls and cups for pitting, and repack with fresh grease. Adjust so they spin freely with no play.
Step 5: New rubber
Fit new tyres, tubes, brake pads and cables. Old tyres crack and old cables stretch. Measure the tyre size on the sidewall, as older bikes use sizes that differ from modern ones.
Step 6: Set it up and test
Adjust the brakes so they bite firmly, lube the chain and test ride somewhere quiet before heading out on the road.
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