I have just acquired an ancient bike that’s been mildewing in someone’s shed for a few years. The brakes are sticky and gunky so I think I need to take them apart, clean them and put them back together, for starters. And I’m guessing it will need new inner tubes. Could someone kind spare some time to show me how to get the bike to a roadworthy state?
After 30 years of Dr Bike, I can probably help.
When?
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I think this could be a good event, I know my bike could do with some love.
I suppose we could do it on a Saturday if there is a local bike store open for parts?
+1 - make an event!
This was my go-to book, but I suspect there’s been an update. Although it may be contemporary with your bike, @SarahJ!
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Thank you!! If you could do a weekday that would be brilliant, I’m free between 10 at 3 most days.
Ha ha yes the jumper looks about the right vintage!
No problem. How about Tuesday / Wednesday about 10:15. I’ll bring some tools. Most of Verity’s are for quite modern bikes.
Brilliant thank you. Shall we say tomorrow at 10.15?
Then maybe we could also organise a Saturday group event with a bit more notice for people who are interested?
OK, see you then
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Impressive!
That book was my bible when I was a kid 
I’ve now ordered it from amazon. 
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If you do need some parts there’s a local bike shop just at the end if our road, I think aptly titled herne hill bicycles (If you don’t all ready know it someone was asking)
You can also find pleanty of parts online and now restoring vintage bikes is a hipster favourite lots of places sell new parts for old bikes, just triple check your sizes and thread counts been cought out many times! Use calipers
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Thank you @frasco !!!
My bike, which apparently was not that ancient after all, is now roadworthy and safe and I know a lot more about how to look after it than I did 24 hours ago. 
I’m really chuffed and very grateful.
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Would love to see a pic.
@frasco before your time is served would you be able to teach me all aspects of bike mechanicing? Maybe wheel and frame building as stretch goals? In exchange I solemnly promise to pass the knowledge on to future generations thus rendering you immortal. Is that a fair deal?
Your too impatient!
Verity @VerityNichols is the frame builder and I’m crap at building wheels. But if there is demand I can bring a very heavy (cast iron) wheel building jig into the space on long term loan and I have a copy of the Jobst Brandt book!
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You da man!