Mission Successful

This weekend I went looking for parts for the 1200. After going to a few bike shops previously, I figured that the group I wanted to put on it, shimano 105, would cost about $900. While this might sound like a lot, it's actually less than I would have paid if I bought the group online rather than through the shop. In addition, my family gets a discount because we are Potomac Pedalers. 

However, when we went to The Bike Club, we were surprised to learn that we could get some older parts for less, a lot less. We were able to pick and choose what we wanted, and we bought parts that were a little worn, but still good. In fact, we got shimano 600, the predecessor to ultegra, for $240, including labor. 

There is an important caveat. We got a $100 credit for the parts that came off the 1200 and two wheels that we no longer had any use for. In the end, we paid $200 cash along with the $100 credit. 

The mechanics at The Bike Club were extremely helpful, and they let me help mount many of the components on the frame. They were knowledgable and I recommend them to anyone trying to restore a bike. They have many, many older components collected over the years by their owner. 

Looking for parts in the shop is like a treasure hunt and a history lesson all in one.  

Your Emergency Kit

When you ride you should always have an emergency kit with several key tools and extras of items you may need to replace on your bike. Included is a list of the items you will need and links to Amazon where you can find the best of them.

You will need-

Kit- hangs on the back of your seat or fits into a corner on your frame. Where you put all of your emergency stuff.

Topeak Aero Wedge Pack with Buckle (Medium)

Tire Irons/Tire Levers- for changing your tires or tubes. Some people can use just their hands, but most of the time it is easier to remove the tire with these.

Minoura Tool Alloy Set Tire Levers

Patch Kit- repairs holes in your tubes and saves you from having to carry extra tubes, although it is a good idea to have some.

Park Tool VP-1 Vulcanizing Patch Kit

Tubes- size will depend on your bike. Check with your local shop if you don't know what size or type you need.

CO2 Pumps- quick and easy pump. Inflates your tires in no time and lasts the duration of your ride. You will want to empty your tires when you get home and fill them with regular air.

Innovations Ultraflate Plus CO2


Hand Pump- if you run out of CO2 or have to change many tubes, pumps are an easy and efficient way to fill your tires and get going again. This pump will mount to your water bottle cage and is an easy install.

Hurricane Micro Mini Pump

Changing Tubes

Changing tubes can be a pain if you don't have the tools or the experience to do it. It is much easier to use metal tire "wrenches" because they allow you to push harder and give you more mechanical advantage. In your kit you are going to need an extra tube, wrenches and possibly a patch set. In case you get a hole in your tire, if you can pack a dollar bill in your kit. When you change your tube, put the dollar over the hole in the tire to spread out the pressure of the tube against the tire. This will help ensure that you don't blow out your tire before you replace it, which I highly recommend you do. When you go to change your tubes make sure you use a good tube that has no holes in it and check the inside of your tire and your rim to ensure there are no irregularities that could cause a flat. *You may need find videos on Youtube so you do it right.