John's Bicycle Restorations

Schwinn Varsity Restoration

2025-10-13T05:56:00.000-07:00

Here we have a restoration of a Schwinn varsity in Kool Lemon yellow. The Varsity is in pretty rough shape but that is good, it means the Varsity was ridden hard and well loved, they way bicycles are suppose to be.

The paint is some what rough, the cables are frozen, the wheels are out of true but I htink the Varsity will come back a long way. The Varsisty will receive new bearings, cables, cable housings, tire tubes and tires. Hoefully everything will polish niceley.

Schwinn Varsity Restoration - Bicycle Before

Schwinn Varsity Restoration
Bicycle Before

Schwinn Varsity Restoration - Bicycle Before

Schwinn Varsity Restoration
Bicycle Before

With the Varsity broken down we can see the paint has a lot of deep grime and a fair amount of paint chips, but those are badges of use. The goal is to make the paint look as good as it can while preserving its history.

Schwinn Varsity Restoration
Frame Before

Schwinn Varsity Restoration
Fork Before

I gave the frame a deep cleaning and started working through the polishing grits. The frame cleaned really well and the paints looks very nice. There still are the paint chips but they are less noticable now. I am happy with the results, I also really like how the fork crown cap turned out.

Schwinn Varsity Restoration
Frame Polished

First place to start is always the headset. The headset had some rust and hardened old grease. A good polishing and new bearings has the headset looking great and spinning smooth. The shift levers also are part of the headset on the Varsity, I cleaned all the components of the shift levers, a good polishing and greasing and the levers look and funstion great.

Schwinn Varsity Restoration
Headset - Before

Schwinn Varsity Restoration
Fork Cap Polished

Schwinn Varsity Restoration
Headset - Polished

Schwinn Varsity Restoration
Shift Levers - Before

Schwinn Varsity Restoration
Shift Levers - Complete

Schwinn Varsity Restoration
Headset - Cups Pressed

Schwinn Varsity Restoration
Headset - Bearings Packed

Schwinn Varsity Restoration
Headset - Complete

The stem, handlebars and brake levers where next, each had a fair ampunt of rust but with cleanign and polishing things turned out very nice! I always apply a chrome protector when removing rust from chrome, it inhibtes the rust from returning, proper storage also helps with this. Installed the handebars, stem and brake levers look great!

Schwinn Varsity Restoration
Handlebars & Stem - Before

Schwinn Varsity Restoration
Brake Levers - Before

Schwinn Varsity Restoration
Handlebars & Stem - Polished

Schwinn Varsity Restoration
Handlebars & Stem - Complete

Schwinn Varsity Restoration
Brake Levers - Polished

Schwinn Varsity Restoration
Handlebars & Stem - Complete

The crank and bottom bracket where next. The crank had some rust and old grease and the bottom bracket definently needed new bearings. Two of the crank bolts holding the chainrings together had damaged threads so I replaced them. With a good amount of cleaning and polishing the crank looks great next tot he yellow paint, it also spins very smooth with the new bottom bracket bearings.

Schwinn Varsity Restoration
Crank - Before

Schwinn Varsity Restoration
Crank - Exploded View

Schwinn Varsity Restoration
Bottom Bracket - Before

Schwinn Varsity Restoration
Crank & Bottom Bracket - Polished

Schwinn Varsity Restoration
Crank - Polished

Schwinn Varsity Restoration
Bottom Bracket - Polished

Schwinn Varsity Restoration
Crank - Complete

Schwinn Varsity Restoration
Bottom Bracket - Cups Pressed

Schwinn Varsity Restoration
Crank - Complete

Schwinn Varsity Restoration
Crank & Bottom Bracket - Complete

The brake calipers are always my favorite part to work on, a restored set of calipers always is the biggest bang for the work puyt in. The alloy of the calipers had a deep etching in it which is common, working through the polishing wheels have the caliper components looking great. Installed they look even better and new grease in the pivot point have them snap back very crisp.

Schwinn Varsity Restoration
Brake Calipers - Before

Schwinn Varsity Restoration
Brake Calipers - Exploded View

Schwinn Varsity Restoration
Brake Calipers - Polished

Schwinn Varsity Restoration
Brake Calipers - Complete

Schwinn Varsity Restoration
Front Caliper - Complete

Schwinn Varsity Restoration
Rear Caliper - Complete

Schwinn Varsity Restoration
Brake Calipers - Complete

The derailleurs are next on the list. The derailleurs are very stiff and griddy but really not in to bad of shape. Some time in the sonic cleaners removed all the gritty feel to them and lubricating has the derailleurs moving like new. Polishing have the derailleurs looking even better.

Schwinn Varsity Restoration
Front Derailleur - Before

Schwinn Varsity Restoration
Rear Derailleur - Before

Schwinn Varsity Restoration
Rear Derailleur - Exploded View

Schwinn Varsity Restoration
Front Derailleur - Before

Schwinn Varsity Restoration
Front Derailleur - Polished

Schwinn Varsity Restoration
Front Derailleur - Complete

Schwinn Varsity Restoration
Rear Derailleur - Polished

Schwinn Varsity Restoration
Rear Derailleur - Complete

The brings us to the wheels. The wheels had a lot of loose spokes and rust, the wheel bearings where dry and damaged but likely the bearing races where still smooth. I worked through cleaning and polishing the wheels. The spokes needed to be lossened and retensioned, the rear rim has a very slight flat spot but it is unoticable. I am very pleased with the results of the wheels, near bearings spin for ever and the hubs look great installed. New gum wall tires complete the look.

Schwinn Varsity Restoration
Front Wheel - Before

Schwinn Varsity Restoration
Rear Wheel - Before

Schwinn Varsity Restoration
Pie Plate - Before

Schwinn Varsity Restoration
Freewheel - Before

Schwinn Varsity Restoration
Front Wheel Hub - Before

Schwinn Varsity Restoration
Rear Wheel Hub - Before

Schwinn Varsity Restoration
Front Wheel Hub - Polished

Schwinn Varsity Restoration
Rear Wheel Hub - Polished

Schwinn Varsity Restoration
Wheel Axel's - Ready

Schwinn Varsity Restoration
Rear Wheel Hub - New Bearings

Schwinn Varsity Restoration
Front Wheel Hub - New Bearings

Schwinn Varsity Restoration
Front Wheel - Complete

Schwinn Varsity Restoration
Rear Wheel - Complete

Schwinn Varsity Restoration
Wheels - Complete

The kickstand needed a lot of love but Schwinn kickstand are super heavy duty so the kickstand will come back beautifully. I soaked the kickstand in a solution i make for a couple days and then burnish the finish. A coat of rust prevenative has the kickstand look great. A clened spring and new grease has the kiskstand moving very smooth.

Schwinn Varsity Restoration
Kick Stand - Before

Schwinn Varsity Restoration
Kick Stand - Polished

Schwinn Varsity Restoration
Kick Stand - Complete

Last of the main components was to polish the seat binder and seat post. I spent some time cleaning the seat and a touch of polishing of the seat material, its not perfect but it is a lot better than it was and it is original.

Schwinn Varsity Restoration
Seat Binder - Before

Schwinn Varsity Restoration
Seat Binder & Post - Polished

Schwinn Varsity Restoration
Seat Binder & Post - Complete

New cables and cable housing have the Varsity shifting great and the brakes feeling crisp and snappy.

Schwinn Varsity Restoration
New Cables & Housings

Schwinn Varsity Restoration
Cables - Complete

Next was the rear reflector. The rear reflector is in rough shape, with some polishing of the alloy and a light polishing of the plastic I think the reflector looks pretty nice, or at least as nice as it can.

Schwinn Varsity Restoration
Rear Reflector

Schwinn Varsity Restoration
Rear Reflector Installed

Next is the handlebar tape. I tried cleaning the original vinyl tape but it had to many rips and tears to get it to hold correct, I have tried new old stock Schwinn vinyl tape in the past but that has never gone well, the new old stock tape is to brittle. With the classic Schwinn's I use the handlebar tape for an upgrade and a little creativity. I installed yellow cloth tape and i used a piece of white cloth tape for a little accent to match the cable housings. I really like how the handlebar tape turned out.

Schwinn Varsity Restoration
Handlebar Tape

Schwinn Varsity Restoration
Handlebar Tape - Complete

Last is the pedals, over the years I found trying to save badly damaged pedals is not worth it and the Varsity's pedals are long gone. I could spend 10 hours on the pedals and they would still spin awful and need to be replaced soon anyways. I also try to match the look of the original pedals in replacements, I fell these replacements capture the style well.

Schwinn Varsity Restoration
Replacement Pedals

Test riding went very poorly yesterday, the wheel rims where just not true, bounced all over the place and would not hold round. For hours I would go back and fourth trueing and adjusting but it just wouldn't work, the wheel rims and spokes are just to far gone. I went through my collection of wheels and chose some replacement, I then replaced the bearings and detailed the wheels, overall I think they are a good match for replacements and best of all are true and ride great.

Schwinn Varsity Restoration
Replacement Wheels

Raining this morning so waiting on final test ride and final photos for some sun.

Joel's 1987 Wilier Triestina ChromovelatoRestoration

2025-03-25T09:39:00.000-07:00

Joel's 87 Wilier Restoration - Bicycle Complete

This is Joel’s 1987 Wilier Triestina Chromovelato. The bike was purchased from a family in Washington State (original purchase receipt came with the bike). It was purchased new in 1988 by the seller’s mother, who rode the bike in many group rides/races throughout the Spokane, WA hills. Eventually, she moved the bike to various cities in Hawaii until her passing in 2001. Joel purchased the bike from the owner’s son, who did his part to preserve the bike through the years since.

The owner kept the bike as original as possible with only tire and bar tape changes. The chromovelato copper finish was well preserved with the exception of normal wear marks from years of riding. The matching Silca pump and Wilier water bottle have survived well through the years.

-Joel McNabb

Thank you for sharing the history of the Wilier Joel!

Joel's 87 Wilier Restoration - Bicycle Before

Joel's 87 Wilier Restoration
Left Hand Thread Crank Puller

Joel's 87 Wilier Restoration
Frame Before

Joel's 87 Wilier Restoration
Fork Before

Joel's 87 Wilier Restoration
Frame Polished

Joel's 87 Wilier Restoration
Fork Polished

Joel's 87 Wilier Restoration
Headset & Bottom Bracket - Before

Joel's 87 Wilier Restoration
Headset & Bottom Bracket - Polished

Joel's 87 Wilier Restoration
Headset - Pressing Cups

Joel's 87 Wilier Restoration
Headset - Cups Pressed

Joel's 87 Wilier Restoration
Headset & Bottom Bracket - Bearings Packed

Joel's 87 Wilier Restoration
Headset - Complete

Joel's 87 Wilier Restoration
Bottom Bracket - Complete

Joel's 87 Wilier Restoration
Headset & Bottom Bracket - Complete

Joel's 87 Wilier Restoration
Handlebars & Stem - Before

Joel's 87 Wilier Restoration
Brake Levers - Before

Joel's 87 Wilier Restoration
Handlebars & Stem & Brake Levers - Before

Joel's 87 Wilier Restoration
Handlebars - Before

Joel's 87 Wilier Restoration
Stem - Before

Joel's 87 Wilier Restoration
Brake Levers - Before

Joel's 87 Wilier Restoration
Handlebars & Stem & Brake Levers - Polished

Joel's 87 Wilier Restoration
Handlebars - Polished

Joel's 87 Wilier Restoration
Stem - Polished

Joel's 87 Wilier Restoration
Brake Levers - Polished

Joel's 87 Wilier Restoration
Handlebars - Stem - Brake Levers - Complete

Joel's 87 Wilier Restoration
Handlebars & Stem - Complete

Joel's 87 Wilier Restoration
Handlebars - Stem - Brake Levers - Complete

Joel's 87 Wilier Restoration
Crank - Before

Joel's 87 Wilier Restoration
Crank - Polished

Joel's 87 Wilier Restoration
Crank - Complete

Joel's 87 Wilier Restoration
Brake Calipers - Before

Joel's 87 Wilier Restoration
Brake Calipers - Polished

Joel's 87 Wilier Restoration
Brake Calipers - Complete

Joel's 87 Wilier Restoration
Front Derailleur - Before

Joel's 87 Wilier Restoration
Front Derailleur - Polished

Joel's 87 Wilier Restoration
Rear Derailleur - Before

Joel's 87 Wilier Restoration
Rear Derailleur - Polished

Joel's 87 Wilier Restoration
Rear Derailleur - Complete

Joel's 87 Wilier Restoration
Derailleurs - Complete

Joel's 87 Wilier Restoration
Seat Post - Before

Joel's 87 Wilier Restoration
Seat Post - Complete

Joel's 87 Wilier Restoration
Shift Levers - Before

Joel's 87 Wilier Restoration
Shift Levers - Polished

Joel's 87 Wilier Restoration
Shift Levers - Complete

Joel's 87 Wilier Restoration
Rear Wheel - Before

Joel's 87 Wilier Restoration
Front Wheel - Before

Joel's 87 Wilier Restoration
Wheel Rims - Old Glue

Joel's 87 Wilier Restoration
Front Wheel - Before

Joel's 87 Wilier Restoration
Rear Wheel - Before

Joel's 87 Wilier Restoration
Rims Cleaned

Joel's 87 Wilier Restoration
Front Wheel - Polished

Joel's 87 Wilier Restoration
Rear Wheel - Polished

Joel's 87 Wilier Restoration
New Tires

Joel's 87 Wilier Restoration
Wheels Complete

Joel's 87 Wilier Restoration
Bicycle Complete

Thank you,

John Z.

Dudley's Ross Barracuda Restoration

2025-03-24T07:51:00.000-07:00

Dudley's Ross Barracuda Restoration
Bicycle New

Dudley's Ross Barracuda Restoration
Bicycle Before

Dudley's Ross Barracuda Restoration
Frame Before

Dudley's Ross Barracuda Restoration
Fork Before

Dudley's Ross Barracuda Restoration
Headset Before

Dudley's Ross Barracuda Restoration
Crank & Bearings Before

Dudley's Ross Barracuda Restoration
Crank Before

Dudley's Ross Barracuda Restoration
Bottom Bracket Before

Dudley's Ross Barracuda Restoration
Crank Arm Before

Dudley's Ross Barracuda Restoration
Headset & Bottom Bracket Cleaned

Dudley's Ross Barracuda Restoration
Handlebars & Stem - Before

Dudley's Ross Barracuda Restoration
Handlebars - Before

Dudley's Ross Barracuda Restoration
Stem - Before

Joel's 1983 Peugeot PX10 - Restoration

2025-01-31T06:42:00.000-08:00

Joel's 1983 Peugeot PX10 Restoration
Bicycle After

This is Joel's 1983 Peugeot PX10 resoration. This Peugeout comes from my favorite era of Peugeot, the 80's. I feel Peugeot made such quality bicycles in this era and the color schemes are the best! Joel's 1983 PX10 is in goo starting shape.

First of all the frame color and decal scheme is perfect on the Peugeot, I am a sucker for a white painted frame and orange accents. The frame had a few rough spots that polished beautifully. Some one put white reflective tape on the seat stay that took a good deal of care and time to remove with out damaging the paint. Very pleased witht he frame results.

From there all the components got a total restoration. The Spidel rear derailleur had the usual French broken jockey wheels, found pretty nice replacments. The derailleurs also recieved new Spidel decals. The brake calipers where interesting to me how they where designed, they also polished very nice and look and function amazing.

The wheels have Mavic rims and nice hubs. The grease was kind of sandy but there was no real bearing surface wear. New bearings and grease and the wheels spin perfect. The wheels also receieved new old stock Continental Super Sport Ultra tires andSchawlbe tubes, a great look for the PX10.

I haven't been able to test ride the Pegeuot PX10 yet, our streets are wet and completley coverd ina quarter inch of road salt dust, I refucse to expose the Peugeot to the road conditions. I very much look forward tot he the test ride! However the looks and results of the restortion I couldn't be more happy with!

Joel's 1984 Peugeot PX10 Restoration
Bicycle Before

Joel's 1984 Peugeot PX10 Restoration
Frame Before

Joel's 1984 Peugeot PX10 Restoration
Frame Polished

Joel's 1984 Peugeot PX10 Restoration
Fork Polished

Joel's 1984 Peugeot PX10 Restoration
Headset & Bottom Bracket - Before

Joel's 1984 Peugeot PX10 Restoration
Headset & Bottom Bracket - Polished

Joel's 1984 Peugeot PX10 Restoration
Headset & Bottom Bracket - Bearings

Joel's 1984 Peugeot PX10 Restoration
Headset - Cups Pressed

Joel's 1984 Peugeot PX10 Restoration
Headset - Bearings Packed

Joel's 1984 Peugeot PX10 Restoration
Headset - Complete

Joel's 1984 Peugeot PX10 Restoration
Bottom Bracket - Complete

Joel's 1984 Peugeot PX10 Restoration
Headset & Bottom Bracket - Complete

Joel's 1984 Peugeot PX10 Restoration
Shift Levers - Before

Joel's 1984 Peugeot PX10 Restoration
Shift Levers - Polished

Joel's 1984 Peugeot PX10 Restoration
Shift Levers - Complete

Joel's 1984 Peugeot PX10 Restoration
Handlebars - Stem - Brake Levers - Before

Joel's 1984 Peugeot PX10 Restoration
Handlebars - Stem - Before

Joel's 1984 Peugeot PX10 Restoration
Brake Levers - Before

Joel's 1984 Peugeot PX10 Restoration
Brake Levers - Frozen Cable

Joel's 1984 Peugeot PX10 Restoration
Handlebars & Stem - Before

Joel's 1984 Peugeot PX10 Restoration
Handlebars - Before

Joel's 1984 Peugeot PX10 Restoration
Stem - Before

Joel's 1984 Peugeot PX10 Restoration
Handlebars - Stem - Brake Levers - Polished

Joel's 1984 Peugeot PX10 Restoration
Handlebars - Polsihed

Joel's 1984 Peugeot PX10 Restoration
Brake Levers - Polished

Joel's 1984 Peugeot PX10 Restoration
Stem - Polished

Joel's 1984 Peugeot PX10 Restoration
Handlebars - Stem - Brake Levers - Complete

Joel's 1984 Peugeot PX10 Restoration
Stronglight Crank - Before

Joel's 1984 Peugeot PX10 Restoration
Stronglight Crank - Polished

Joel's 1984 Peugeot PX10 Restoration
Stronglight Crank - Complete

Joel's 1984 Peugeot PX10 Restoration
Seat Post & Saddle - Before

Joel's 1984 Peugeot PX10 Restoration
Seat Post - Before

Joel's 1984 Peugeot PX10 Restoration
Seat Post - Polished

Joel's 1984 Peugeot PX10 Restoration
Seat Post - Complete

Joel's 1984 Peugeot PX10 Restoration
Front Derailleur - Before

Joel's 1984 Peugeot PX10 Restoration
Rear Derailleur - Before

Joel's 1984 Peugeot PX10 Restoration
Rear Derailleur - Broken Jockey Wheels

Joel's 1984 Peugeot PX10 Restoration
Rear Derailleur - Before

Joel's 1984 Peugeot PX10 Restoration
Rear Derailleur - Complete

Joel's 1984 Peugeot PX10 Restoration
Front Derailleur - Polished

Joel's 1984 Peugeot PX10 Restoration
Front Derailleur - Complete

Joel's 1984 Peugeot PX10 Restoration
Derailleurs - Polished

Joel's 1984 Peugeot PX10 Restoration
Brake Calipers - Before

Joel's 1984 Peugeot PX10 Restoration
Brake Calipers - Polished

Joel's 1984 Peugeot PX10 Restoration
Brake Calipers - Complete

Joel's 1984 Peugeot PX10 Restoration
Brake Calipers - Replacment O-Ring

Joel's 1984 Peugeot PX10 Restoration
Brake Calipers - Complete

Joel's 1984 Peugeot PX10 Restoration
Derailleurs - Replacement Decals

Joel's 1984 Peugeot PX10 Restoration
Front Wheel - Before

Joel's 1984 Peugeot PX10 Restoration
Rear Wheel - Before

Joel's 1984 Peugeot PX10 Restoration
Front Wheel - Polished

Joel's 1984 Peugeot PX10 Restoration
Rear Wheel - Polished

Joel's 1984 Peugeot PX10 Restoration
Front Wheel - Bearings Packed

Joel's 1984 Peugeot PX10 Restoration
Rear Wheel - Bearings Packed

Joel's 1984 Peugeot PX10 Restoration
Wheels - Complete

Joel's 1984 Peugeot PX10 Restoration
New Handlebar Tape

Joel's 1984 Peugeot PX10 Restoration
Peugeot End Caps

Joel's 1984 Peugeot PX10 Restoration
Handlebar Tape - Complete

Joel's 1984 Peugeot PX10 Restoration
Bicycle WIred & Tires Installed

Joel's 1984 Peugeot PX10 Restoration
Bicycle - Complete

Thank you for the time!

John Z.

Specialized Rockhopper Comp Restoration - Don't Know the year yet, 1990?

2025-01-30T11:40:00.000-08:00

Specialized Rockhopper Restoration
Bicycle After

I came across this Specialized Rockhopper last year and decided recently to give it a total restoration. I am not sure of the year because there is a mix of parts on the frame but I belevie its late 1980's or 1990. The mix of components and the frame spoke to me and I love the bike. The rear wheel was replaced with a steel rim and hub so the wheels are going otherwise I am keeping the bike the way it is.

I chose some modern wheels I have had around for a while and some Panaracer tires, the tires are not exact match but I think they are cool as they are. The replacement wheels had a 10 speed cassette on them for some reason so I replaced it with an 8 speed cassetter to work well with the friction shifters. A new chain was installed with the new cassette.

The frame was media blasted and then powder coated to match the original paint scheme. The frame turned out amazing. The decals are not a perfect match but I like how the decals turned out. I am extremely happy with the results of the frame.

From here all the componets where restored and installed, the crank was in fantastic shape to start and like new now. The derailleurs took some work but turned out great and function great. The cantilever brakes are my favorite, they work so well and polished beautifully.

The seat on it in the photos in my Brooks saddle, it does not go with the bike, I just wanted to take photos while we have a nice winter day. The new seat arrives shortly.

In the end I love how the Specialized Rock Hopper turned out, I love the mix of the bike, a bit of a frankentien and thats what I love most. The bike is small for me but test rides beautifully. I would like to have test road it a lot farther but we have a lost of salt on the roads and did not want to epose it to the salt. I love this stuff!

The Rockhopper will be going up for sale shortly. Link to come when the saddle arrives.

Specialized Rockhopper Restoration
Bicycle Before

Specialized Rockhopper Restoration
Frame Before

Specialized Rockhopper Restoration
Fork Before

Specialized Rockhopper Restoration
Frame Powder Coated

Specialized Rockhopper Restoration
Fork Powder Coated

Specialized Rockhopper Restoration
Headset & Bottom Bracket - Before

Specialized Rockhopper Restoration
Headset - Before Paint

Specialized Rockhopper Restoration
Headset & Bottom Bracket - Polished

Specialized Rockhopper Restoration
Headset & Bottom Bracket - Bearings

Specialized Rockhopper Restoration
Headset Cups - Pressed

Specialized Rockhopper Restoration
Headset Painted & Complete

Specialized Rockhopper Restoration
Bottom Bracket - Complete

Specialized Rockhopper Restoration
Handlebars - Brake Levers - Shift Levers - Before

Specialized Rockhopper Restoration
Shift & Brake Levers - Before

Specialized Rockhopper Restoration
Handlebars & Stem - Before

Specialized Rockhopper Restoration
Handlebars - Exploded View

Specialized Rockhopper Restoration
Brake Levers - Before

Specialized Rockhopper Restoration
Shift Levers - Before

Specialized Rockhopper Restoration
Stem - Before

Specialized Rockhopper Restoration
Handlebars - Brake Levers - Shift Levers - Polished

Specialized Rockhopper Restoration
Stem - Polished

Specialized Rockhopper Restoration
Shoft Levers - Polished & Complete

Specialized Rockhopper Restoration
Brake Levers - Complete

Specialized Rockhopper Restoration
Handlebars - Brake Levers - Shift Levers - Complete

Specialized Rockhopper Restoration
Seat Binder - Before

Specialized Rockhopper Restoration
Seat Binder - Polished

Specialized Rockhopper Restoration
Seat Binder & Post - Complete

Specialized Rockhopper Restoration
Crank - Before

Specialized Rockhopper Restoration
Crank - Polished

Specialized Rockhopper Restoration
Crank - Complete

Specialized Rockhopper Restoration
Derailleurs - Before

Specialized Rockhopper Restoration
Front Derailleur - Before

Specialized Rockhopper Restoration
Front Derailleur - Polished

Specialized Rockhopper Restoration
Rear Derailleur - Before

Specialized Rockhopper Restoration
Front Derailleur - Complete

Specialized Rockhopper Restoration
Rear Derailleur - Complete

Specialized Rockhopper Restoration
Cantilever Brakes - Before

Specialized Rockhopper Restoration
Cantilever Brakes - Polished

Specialized Rockhopper Restoration
Cantilever Brakes - Complete

Specialized Rockhopper Restoration
Wheels & Tires - Choosen

Specialized Rockhopper Restoration
Bicycled Wired - Wheels Complete

Specialized Rockhopper Restoration
Bicycle Complete

THank you!

John Z.

1987 Trek 560ex Pro Seriers Restoration

2025-01-15T15:22:00.000-08:00

1987 Trek 560ex Pro Restoration
Bicycle - After Restoration

I finished this Trek 560ex Pro for a customer a couple weeks back, just getting photos posted now. Years ago I raced on a Trek 560 Pro, I love these bikes. I recently sold a 560 Pro with a modern Dura Ace 9 speed croupset, I regret selling it. The customer brought the Trek 560 for a restoration and also brought a new old stock Shimano 600 stem to complete the look. Along with the stem the customer also brought 3 extra brake calipers to make two good calipers out of.

The Trek 560 will recieve a restoration along with new bearings, cables, cable housings, new Brooks handlebar tape and the cobined calipers and NOS stem.

THe frame polished beautifully, I really like the white/blue color scheme. The Shimano 600 components restored beautifully and function perfect. I know these bicycles are not as fast as a 2025 model highend bike but man they just ride so much better. THe Trek 560 feels so fast and is so nimble and feels light but solid, feelings I find rare in modern stuff.

Thank you for looking,

John Z.

1987 Trek 560ex Pro Restoration
Bicycle Before

1987 Trek 560ex Pro Restoration
Frame Before

1987 Trek 560ex Pro Restoration
Fork Before

1987 Trek 560ex Pro Restoration
Frame Polished

1987 Trek 560ex Pro Restoration
Fork Polished

1987 Trek 560ex Pro Restoration
Headset & Bottom Bracket - Before

1987 Trek 560ex Pro Restoration
Headset & Bottom Bracket - Polished

1987 Trek 560ex Pro Restoration
Headset - Pressing Cups

1987 Trek 560ex Pro Restoration
Headset - Cups Pressed

1987 Trek 560ex Pro Restoration
Bearings Packed

1987 Trek 560ex Pro Restoration
Headset - Complete

1987 Trek 560ex Pro Restoration
Bottom Bracket - Complete

1987 Trek 560ex Pro Restoration
Headset & Bottom Bracket - Complete

1987 Trek 560ex Pro Restoration
Handlebars & Stem - Before

1987 Trek 560ex Pro Restoration
Shimano 600 Brake Levers - Before

1987 Trek 560ex Pro Restoration
Handlebars & Stem - Before

1987 Trek 560ex Pro Restoration
Handlebars - Before

1987 Trek 560ex Pro Restoration
Replacement NOS Shimano 600 Stem

1987 Trek 560ex Pro Restoration
Shimano 600 Brake Levers - Polished

1987 Trek 560ex Pro Restoration
Stem & Handlebars - Polished

1987 Trek 560ex Pro Restoration
Handlebars - Polished

1987 Trek 560ex Pro Restoration
Shimano 600 NOS Stem

1987 Trek 560ex Pro Restoration
Stem & Handlebars - Complete

1987 Trek 560ex Pro Restoration
Shimano 600 Brake Levers - Complete

1987 Trek 560ex Pro Restoration
Shimano 600 Crank - Before

1987 Trek 560ex Pro Restoration
Shimano 600 Crank - Exploded View

1987 Trek 560ex Pro Restoration
Shimano 600 Crank - Polished

1987 Trek 560ex Pro Restoration
Shimano 600 Crank - Complete

1987 Trek 560ex Pro Restoration
Shimano 600 Derailleurs - Before

1987 Trek 560ex Pro Restoration
Shimano 600 Front Derailleur - Before

1987 Trek 560ex Pro Restoration
Shimano 600 Rear Derailleur - Before

1987 Trek 560ex Pro Restoration
Shimano 600 Rear Derailleur - Polished

1987 Trek 560ex Pro Restoration
Shimano 600 Rear Derailleur - Complete

1987 Trek 560ex Pro Restoration
Shimano 600 Front Derailleur - Polished

1987 Trek 560ex Pro Restoration
Shimano 600 Front Derailleur - Complete

1987 Trek 560ex Pro Restoration
Shimano 600 Crank - Installed

1987 Trek 560ex Pro Restoration
Shimano 600 Derailleurs & Crank - Complete

1987 Trek 560ex Pro Restoration
Shimano 600 Brake Calipers - Rusty Parts

1987 Trek 560ex Pro Restoration
Shimano 600 Brake Calipers - Parts Calipers

1987 Trek 560ex Pro Restoration
Shimano 600 Brake Calipers - Make Two Good

1987 Trek 560ex Pro Restoration
Shimano 600 Brake Calipers - Orignal Exploded View

1987 Trek 560ex Pro Restoration
Shimano 600 Brake Front Caliper

1987 Trek 560ex Pro Restoration
Shimano 600 Rear Front Caliper

1987 Trek 560ex Pro Restoration
Shimano 600 Shift Levers Complete

1987 Trek 560ex Pro Restoration
Shimano 600 Replacemnt Levers

1987 Trek 560ex Pro Restoration
Shimano 600 Shift Levers - Worn Parts

1987 Trek 560ex Pro Restoration
Shimano 600 Shift Levers - Replacment

1987 Trek 560ex Pro Restoration
Shimano 600 Shift Levers - Complete

1987 Trek 560ex Pro Restoration
Front Wheel - Before

1987 Trek 560ex Pro Restoration
Rear Wheel - Before

1987 Trek 560ex Pro Restoration
Front Wheel - Before

1987 Trek 560ex Pro Restoration
Front Wheel - Polished

1987 Trek 560ex Pro Restoration
Rear Wheel - Polished

1987 Trek 560ex Pro Restoration
Front Wheel - Bearings Packed

1987 Trek 560ex Pro Restoration
Rear Wheel - Bearings Packed

1987 Trek 560ex Pro Restoration
Front Wheel - Complete

1987 Trek 560ex Pro Restoration
Rear Wheel - Complete

1987 Trek 560ex Pro Restoration
Wheels - Complete

1987 Trek 560ex Pro Restoration
Brooks Handlebar Tape

1987 Trek 560ex Pro Restoration
Brooks Handlebar Tape - Complete

1987 Trek 560ex Pro Restoration
Brooks Handlebar Tape & Wired

1987 Trek 560ex Pro Restoration
Bicycle - Complete

1989 Trek 1200 Restoration

2025-01-14T16:54:00.000-08:00

I recently found this 1989 Trek 1200 that I thought would make for a good restoration. It will be up for sale when complete. I have always like Treks from this era, the pinnacle of the downtube shift era. I like both the Trek steel frames and aluminum from this time period. I guess this could just be a Wisconsin kid talking but I really do like this era of Trek.

Someone along the way uniquelly decorated the Trek 1200 with pokadots apinted on the logos and gems on the ahndlebars and reflectors. I like the black and magenta color scheme as Trek called it, I am not a big fan of the pokadots. The pokadots will and did take all my skills to remove. The Trek 1200 will recieve a restoration along with new bearings, cables, cable housings and black handlebar tape. The tires that came on it are in great shape so those will stay and the black wall tires look mean with the black paint.

The removal of the pokadots was so tedious and took every ounce of skill I have but the decals turned out great! The frame polished beautifully and with some touch ups looks wonderful. I have always like the Shimano 105 groupset feom this era, I probably have 30,000 miles riding this type of 105. I chose black handlebar tape, I always like black tape with black painted frames, it keeps the mean look and I think goes really well with the magenta decals. I thought about white cable housings but in the end I thought the white didn't fit, the braided silver housing are perfect! The bicycle is stand complete, its single digits and snow on the ground here, waiting for the road to be dry to test ride it and get outdoor photos!

Thank you,

John Z.

1989 Trek 1200 Restoration - Bicycle Before

1989 Trek 1200 Restoration
Bicycle Before

1989 Trek 1200 Restoration
Bicycle Before - Shimano 105 Brakes

1989 Trek 1200 Restoration
Bicycle Before

1989 Trek 1200 Restoration
Bicycle Before - Shimano 105 Hubs

1989 Trek 1200 Restoration
Bicycle Before

1989 Trek 1200 Restoration
Bicycle Before - Shimano 105 Shifters

1989 Trek 1200 Restoration
Bicycle Before

1989 Trek 1200 Restoration
Bicycle Before - Drive Train

1989 Trek 1200 Restoration
Bicycle Before - Shimano 105 Crank

1989 Trek 1200 Restoration
Bicycle Before - Shimano 105 Derailleur

1989 Trek 1200 Restoration
Bicycle Before - Shimano 105 Brake

1989 Trek 1200 Restoration
Bicycle Before - Shimano 105 Derailleur

1989 Trek 1200 Restoration
Bicycle Before

1989 Trek 1200 Restoration
Frame Before

1989 Trek 1200 Restoration
Fork Before

1989 Trek 1200 Restoration
Frame Polished

1989 Trek 1200 Restoration
Fork Polished

1989 Trek 1200 Restoration
Headset & Bottom Bracket Before

1989 Trek 1200 Restoration
Headset & Bottom Bracket Polished

1989 Trek 1200 Restoration
Pressing Headset CUps

1989 Trek 1200 Restoration
Headset Cups Pressed

1989 Trek 1200 Restoration
Headset Complete

1989 Trek 1200 Restoration
Bottom Bracket Bearings Packed

1989 Trek 1200 Restoration
Bottom Bracket Complete

1989 Trek 1200 Restoration
Headset Complete

1989 Trek 1200 Restoration
Headset & Bottom Bracket Complete

1989 Trek 1200 Restoration
Handlebars & Stem Before

1989 Trek 1200 Restoration
Stem Before

1989 Trek 1200 Restoration
Shimano 105 Brake Levers Before

1989 Trek 1200 Restoration
Handlebars Before

1989 Trek 1200 Restoration
Stem Before

1989 Trek 1200 Restoration
Brake Levers Before

1989 Trek 1200 Restoration
Stem & Handlebars Before

1989 Trek 1200 Restoration
Handlebars Polished

1989 Trek 1200 Restoration
Stem Polished

1989 Trek 1200 Restoration
Brake Levers Complete

1989 Trek 1200 Restoration
Stem & Handlebars Complete

1989 Trek 1200 Restoration
Stem Complete

1989 Trek 1200 Restoration
Stem & Handlebars Complete

1989 Trek 1200 Restoration
Crank Before

1989 Trek 1200 Restoration
Crank Exploded View

1989 Trek 1200 Restoration
Crank Polished

1989 Trek 1200 Restoration
Crank Complete

1989 Trek 1200 Restoration
Derailleurs Before

1989 Trek 1200 Restoration
Front Derailleur Before

1989 Trek 1200 Restoration
Rear Derailleur Before

1989 Trek 1200 Restoration
Front Derailleur Before

1989 Trek 1200 Restoration
Rear Derailleur Before

1989 Trek 1200 Restoration
Front Derailleur Polished

1989 Trek 1200 Restoration
Front Derailleur Complete

1989 Trek 1200 Restoration
Rear Derailleur Polished

1989 Trek 1200 Restoration
Rear Derailleur Complete

1989 Trek 1200 Restoration
Derailleurs Complete

1989 Trek 1200 Restoration
Shimano 105 Brake Calipers - Before

1989 Trek 1200 Restoration
Shimano 105 Brake Calipers - Polished

1989 Trek 1200 Restoration
Shimano 105 Brake Calipers - Complete

1989 Trek 1200 Restoration
Shimano 105 Brake Caliper - Complete

1989 Trek 1200 Restoration
Shimano 105 Brake Calipers - Complete

1989 Trek 1200 Restoration
Seat Post - Before

1989 Trek 1200 Restoration
Seat Post - Polished

1989 Trek 1200 Restoration
Seat Post - Complete

1989 Trek 1200 Restoration
Shimano 105 Shift Levers - Before

1989 Trek 1200 Restoration
Shimano 105 Shift Levers - Complete

1989 Trek 1200 Restoration
Shimano 105 Shift Levers - Before

1989 Trek 1200 Restoration
Front Wheel - Before

1989 Trek 1200 Restoration
Rear Wheel - Before

1989 Trek 1200 Restoration
Front Wheel - Before

1989 Trek 1200 Restoration
Rear Wheel - Before

1989 Trek 1200 Restoration
Rear Wheel - Polished

1989 Trek 1200 Restoration
Rear Wheel - Bearings Packed

1989 Trek 1200 Restoration
Wheels Complete

1989 Trek 1200 Restoration
New Cable Housing

1989 Trek 1200 Restoration
New Handlebar Tape Installed

1989 Trek 1200 Restoration
Cables Complete

1989 Trek 1200 Restoration
Bicycle Complete

1985 Bianchi Nuova Alloro Restoration

2024-11-11T13:49:00.006-08:00

1985 Bianchi Nuova Alloro - After Restoration

This is Joel's 1985 Bianchi Nuova Alloro in for restoration. The Alloro was found in a shed in East St. Louis and was off the road for decades. For all you racing fans I like to imagine it was found with in view of the open credits of one of my favorite movies "American Flyers".

The Alloro had a lot of issues from being imporperly stored for decades but I feel it really doesn't have many miles on of actual riding on it. It was covered in a powder that did some etching to the alloy but that polished away nicely.

The Alloro will recieve a complete restoration along with new tires, new tubes, all new cables and housings, new bearings, new handlebar tape along with a few of the decals. The Columbus Tubing decals and the Mavic rim decals will be repalced.

The Alloro took a lot of work to remove the years of improper storage but in the end I fell the bicycle turned out stunning! I am a little suprised how light the bike feels yet it is very stable and very nimble. It took a little back and fourth to decide on cable housing color but in the end I think the silver braided color is perfect, it blends in nicely with out disapperaing and also is not to much of a contrast.

First time using the Panaracer Gravel king road bike tires. Extremly difficult getting the tires on the rims as they are tight tires and the rims are tall rims. In the end the Gravel Kings ride really nice, I was a little suprised they road so nice on tarmac.

Very fun bike I hope you enjoy the photos!

Thank you,

John Z.

Joel's 1990 Bianchi Mondiale Restoration

2024-10-18T08:52:00.000-07:00

1990 Bianchi Mondiale Restoration - Bicycle
After Restoration

This is Joel's Bianchi Mondiale in for restoration, a beautiful and fantastic bicyle. The Bianchi Mondiale was only avalable as a frame and fork in 1990, it was up to you to build the bicycle up from there. I am not sure why the Mondiale was curently in pieces but everything was with the bicycle. The original owner chose to build up the Mondiale with Ultegra componets which I think was a wonderful choice at the time, this era of Ultegra in my opinion is a wonderful era.

The Mondiale recieved a total restoration along with new cables, housings, bearings, tubes, tires, dropout adjustment screws and handlebar tape along with some nice details like Bianchi handlebar plugs and Bianchi bottle cages. The Mondiale is in very nice starting shape, with some tricky and careful polishing the bicyle turned out amazing. Its hard for me to believe the Mondiale is 34 years old as this era feels like yesterday to me.

1990 Bianchi Mondiale Restoration - Bicycle Before

1990 Bianchi Mondiale Restoration - Frame Before

1990 Bianchi Mondiale Restoration - Fork Before

1990 Bianchi Mondiale Restoration - Frame Polished

1990 Bianchi Mondiale Restoration - Fork Polished

1990 Bianchi Mondiale Restoration - Headset
Before

1990 Bianchi Mondiale Restoration - Headset
Polished

1990 Bianchi Mondiale Restoration
Pressing Cups

1990 Bianchi Mondiale Restoration - Handlebars
Before

1990 Bianchi Mondiale Restoration - Handlebars & Stem
Before

1990 Bianchi Mondiale Restoration - Handebars
Before

1990 Bianchi Mondiale Restoration - Cinelli Stem
Before

1990 Bianchi Mondiale Restoration - Ultegra
Brake/Shift Levers

1990 Bianchi Mondiale Restoration - Stem & Handlebars
Polished

1990 Bianchi Mondiale Restoration - Handebars
Polished

1990 Bianchi Mondiale Restoration - Cinelli Stem
Polished

1990 Bianchi Mondiale Restoration - Cinellie Stem
Polished

1990 Bianchi Mondiale Restoration
Handlebars & Stem - Complete

1990 Bianchi Mondiale Restoration
Stem & Handlebars - Complete

1990 Bianchi Mondiale Restoration - Stem & Handlebars
Complete

1990 Bianchi Mondiale Restoration - Ultegra Brake/Shift
Levers - FLushed and Cleaned

1990 Bianchi Mondiale Restoration - Ultegra Levers
Complete

1990 Bianchi Mondiale Restoration - Ultegra Crank
Before

1990 Bianchi Mondiale Restoration - Ultegra Crank
Polished

1990 Bianchi Mondiale Restoration - Ultegra Crank
Complete

1990 Bianchi Mondiale Restoration
Ultegra Crank - Complete

1990 Bianchi Mondiale Restoration - Ultegra Crank
Complete

1990 Bianchi Mondiale Restoration - Ultegra Brake
Calipers - Before

1990 Bianchi Mondiale Restoration - Ultegra Brake
Calipers - Polished

1990 Bianchi Mondiale Restoration - Ultegra Brake
Calipers - Complete

1990 Bianchi Mondiale Restoration - Ultegra Front
Derailleur - Before

1990 Bianchi Mondiale Restoration - Ultegra Rear
Derailleur - Before

1990 Bianchi Mondiale Restoration - Ultegra Front
Derailleur - Polished

1990 Bianchi Mondiale Restoration - Ultegra Front
Derailleur - Complete

1990 Bianchi Mondiale Restoration - Ultegra Rear
Derailleur - Polished

1990 Bianchi Mondiale Restoration - Ultegra
Derailleurs - Complete

1990 Bianchi Mondiale Restoration - Seat Post
Polished

1990 Bianchi Mondiale Restoration
Seat Post Complete

1990 Bianchi Mondiale Restoration - Seat Post
Complete

1990 Bianchi Mondiale Restoration - Cable Stops
Polished

1990 Bianchi Mondiale Restoration - Bianchi
Bottle Cages - Polished

1990 Bianchi Mondiale Restoration - Main Components
Complete

1990 Bianchi Mondiale Restoration
Front Wheel - Before

1990 Bianchi Mondiale Restoration
Rear Wheel - Before

1990 Bianchi Mondiale Restoration
Split Wheel Bearing

1990 Bianchi Mondiale Restoration
Front Wheel - Before

1990 Bianchi Mondiale Restoration
Rear Wheel - Bearing Packed

1990 Bianchi Mondiale Restoration - New Tubes
new Panaracer Gravel King Tires

1990 Bianchi Mondiale Restoration - Wheels Complete

1990 Bianchi Mondiale Restoration - Damaged
Drop Out Adjustment Screws

1990 Bianchi Mondiale Restoration -Replacement
Drop Out Adjustment Screws

1990 Bianchi Mondiale Restoration - Replacement
Drop Out Adjustment Screws

1990 Bianchi Mondiale Restoration - Cables
Complete

1990 Bianchi Mondiale Restoration
Cables Complete

1990 Bianchi Mondiale Restoration - Cables
Complete

1990 Bianchi Mondiale Restoration
New Saddle

1990 Bianchi Mondiale Restoration
Saddle Installed

1990 Bianchi Mondiale Restoration - New Saddle

1990 Bianchi Mondiale Restoration
Saddle Complete

1990 Bianchi Mondiale Restoration
Handlebar Tape & Plugs

1990 Bianchi Mondiale Restoration - Handlebar
Tape - Complete

1990 Bianchi Mondiale Restoration
Handlebar Tape Plug

1990 Bianchi Mondiale Restoration - Handlebar Tape
Complete

1990 Bianchi Mondiale Restoration
New Pedals

1990 Bianchi Mondiale Restoration
Pedals Complete

1990 Bianchi Mondiale Restoration - Bicycle
Compelte

1990 Bianchi Mondiale Restoration - Complete

Thank you!

John Z.

Marc's 1980's Bianchi Restoration - A Classic!

2024-04-17T18:36:00.000-07:00

1980's Bianchi - Bicycle After Restoration

1980's Bianchi - Bicycle Before Restoration

This is Marc's 1980's Bianchi restoration. I haven't been able to figure out an exact year but I think it is 1984-1986 and this is definently one of the higher end models. This is the stuff I love, and the Bianchi fits right in. The attention to detail Bianchi had on this bike is amazing.

Marc's Bianchi definently had some years on it but there definently is a beatuiful bike in there. The Bianchi will get a complete restoration, save the paint, new cables, cable housings, bearings, new tires, handlebar tape and an appropriete saddle. I can't wait to test ride it!

1980's Bianchi - Bicycle Before

The frame was in good shape, not to many chips or scratches, the paint did have a lot of staining and some of it fairly deep. I started work on cleaning the frame and then worked through all the polishing grits and wax. The frame turned out beautiful!! All stains removed! The Celeste green is an all time popular color, the story on the color is pretty cool, Google it sometime.

1980's Bianchi - Frame Before

1980's Bianchi - Frame Before
Headtube

1980's Bianchi - Frame Before
Head Tube

1980's Bianchi - Frame Before

1980's Bianchi - Frame Before
Down Tube Decal

1980's Bianchi - Frame Before
Top Tube

1980's Bianchi - Frame Before
Columbus Decal

1980's Bianchi - Frame Before
Seat Tube

1980's Bianchi - Frame Before
Bottom Bracket

1980's Bianchi - Frame Before

1980's Bianchi - Frame Before
Chrome Seat Stay

1980's Bianchi - Frame Before
Seat Stays

1980's Bianchi - Frame Before
Rear Drop Outs

1980's Bianchi - Fork Before

1980's Bianchi - Fork Before
Columbus Decal

1980's Bianchi - Fork Before

1980's Bianchi - Frame Polished

1980's Bianchi - Frame Polished
Head Tube

1980's Bianchi - Frame Polished

1980's Bianchi - Frame Polished
Down Tube

1980's Bianchi - Frame Polished
Columbus Decal

1980's Bianchi - Frame Polished
Seat Tube

1980's Bianchi - Frame Polished
Bottom Bracket

1980's Bianchi - Frame Polished
Seat Stays

1980's Bianchi - Frame Polished
Chrome Chain Stay

1980's Bianchi - Frame Polished
Rear Drop Outs

1980's Bianchi - Fork Polished

Headset and bottom bracket are always first of the components to go through the process. Sometime in the crock pot to clean everything and then some time on the polishing wheels and everything looks great. New bearings and grease and everything spins great! Campagnolo makes such nice headsets and bottom brackets!

1980's Bianchi - Headset & Bottom Bracket
Before

1980's Bianchi - Headset & Bottom Bracket
Polished

1980's Bianchi - Headset Cups
Pressed

1980's Bianchi - Headset Cups
Complete

1980's Bianchi - Headset
Complete

1980's Bianchi - Headset & Bottom Bracket
Complete

Handlebars, stem and brake levers where next. The stem has a beautiful Bianchi pantograph in into it whichis so cool. The stem also has a clear coat over it which makes polishing difficult and I wanted to save the cler coat for originality. The brake levers had Crane Creek replacement hoods that just did not fit well, they where replaced later on down the line with more approproate brake lever hoods. A good cleaning and sometime polish and everything turned out great!

1980's Bianchi - Handlebars - Stem - Brake Levers
Before

1980's Bianchi - Handlebars - Stem - Brake Levers
Polished

1980's Bianchi - Handlebars - Stem - Brake Levers
Complete

1980's Bianchi - Stem
Complete

1980's Bianchi - Handlebars - Stem - Brake Levers
Complete

Crank was next. The Campagnolo crank was in great starting shape. Campagnolo has a factory finish on their cranks that I always want to save. Over the years I have developed way to get the best out of that factory finish. This crank turned out amazing! I love it!

1980's Bianchi - Campagnolo Crank
Before

1980's Bianchi - Campagnolo Crank
Polished

1980's Bianchi - Campagnolo Crank
Complete

Next was the rear derailleur, this is my favorite of all Campagnolo derailleurs from a design standpoint, it is also the best funstioning of the vintage derailleurs in my opinion. A good cleaning and some delctive polishing and the derailleur is looking great. Fresh lubrication and the derailleurs function as good as it looks!

1980's Bianchi - Campagnolo Derailleur
Before

1980's Bianchi - Campagnolo Derailleur
Polished

1980's Bianchi - Campagnolo Derailleur
Complete

Front derailleur is next. The front derailleur defently needed some freshing up. A good cleaing and polishing of the alloy and black paint and the derailleur looks amazing. I am really happy with the results of the front derailleur!

1980's Bianchi - Campagnolo Derailleur
Before

1980's Bianchi - Campagnolo Derailleur
Polished

1980's Bianchi - Campagnolo Derailleur
Complete

1980's Bianchi - Campagnolo Derailleurs
Complete

On to the Campagnolo brakes, in my opionio the best functioning side pull brakes before dual pivot. The brake calipers where a little rough to start. The caliper arms have the Campagnolo finish on them which takes a different process to get looking thier best. Some time cleaning and polishing and the brake are looking great and functioning great! The rubber grip on the adjustment barrels was dried and cracked, I replaced the rubber rings and photoed later on down the line.

1980's Bianchi - Campagnolo Brake Calipers
Before

1980's Bianchi - Campagnolo Brake Calipers
Polsihed

1980's Bianchi - Campagnolo Brake Calipers
Complete

Classic Campagnolo shift levers. A good polishing and lubricating and they look great and function smooth. These levers seem to function a smoother than most Campagnolo shift levers.

1980's Bianchi - Campagnolo Shift Levers
Polished

1980's Bianchi - Campagnolo Shift Levers
Complete

Seat post was next, a beatiful fluted seat post with the Bianchi blue, a perfect detail! The seat post also polished nicely!

1980's Bianchi - Campagnolo Seat Post
Polished

1980's Bianchi - Campagnolo Seat Post
Complete

Wheels now. The wheels where quite dirty and dull and the tires had broken free from the glue a long time ago and where shot. The wheel hubs took a couple times through the polishing process to get them looking good. New bearings and grease have the wheels spining great. New Continental Giro tires and the wheels are ready for miles! Very happy witht he results of the wheels!

1980's Bianchi - Front Wheel
Before

1980's Bianchi - Rear Wheel
Before

1980's Bianchi - Front Wheel
Before

1980's Bianchi - Rear Wheel
Polished

1980's Bianchi - Front Wheel
Polished

1980's Bianchi - Axle Parts - After

1980's Bianchi - Rear Wheel
Bearings Packed

1980's Bianchi - Front Wheel
Bearings Packed

1980's Bianchi - Front Wheel
Complete

1980's Bianchi - Rear Wheel
Complete

1980's Bianchi - New Continetal Tires

1980's Bianchi - Wheels & Tires Complete

1980's Bianchi - Front Wheel
Complete

1980's Bianchi - Rear Wheel
Complete

Next was wiring the Bianchi, New Celeste color cable housings where installed. I am happy with the match of the cable housings to the frame paint. Every year the Celeste green was a slightly different color and the housing color can be a bad match to the frame color. I am happy witht he match here!

1980's Bianchi - New Cables & Housings

1980's Bianchi - Cables & Housings
Complete

Marc found a nice blue Bianchi saddle which belongs on this bike. The saddle has a little wear but cleaned up very nice. The wear is history and the saddle is awesome on the Bianchi!

1980's Bianchi - Bianchi Saddle
Installed

1980's Bianchi - Saddle Complete

Here are the replacement brake lever hoods. A better fit than the Crane Greek hoods.

1980's Bianchi - Replacement Hoods

The brake caliper adjusment barrel rubber ring before and after. Much better!

1980's Bianchi - Old Rubber Ring

1980's Bianchi - New Rubber Ring

Marc and I chose to go with something that had a more 1980's feels with the perferations and feel. I looked through a lot of examples of handlebar tape before I found a good match for the Celeste green. This is the Fizik Tempo Classic was a great match!

1980's Bianchi - Handlebar Tape Complete

1980's Bianchi - Bicycle Complete

That completes the Bianchi, Marc has some Campanolo pedals to replace the 80's Look pedals which I will install when he picks up the Bianchi. I put ugly pedals on to test ride the Bianchi. The test ride was so fun! Very quick and nimble! There is just a different feel to a Bianchi! I love how the Bianchi turend out, the paint came back beautifully and the compoent slook great and function even better! The Bianchi is ready for another 40 years!!

1980's Bianchi - Bicycle Complete

Thank You!

John Z.

1980's Schwinn Tempo Restoration

2024-04-17T18:05:00.000-07:00

1980's Schwinn Tempo Restoration
After Restoration

1980's Schwinn Tempo Restoration
Before Restoration

I recently completed a restoration of a 1980's Schwinn Tempo for a local retailer. I have always like these Schwinn Tempos, Schwinn was trying to go above and beyond at this time. Also the Tempo is from my favorite era of bicycles. I was given freedom to go any direction on the Tempo the only request was the frame had to be painted.

Link for the Tempo for sale with the local retailer.

https://bikesagain.com/product/schwinn-tempo-road-bike-size-large-56-cm-14-speed-new-custom-paint-105-group-set/

I thought long and hard about the direction to go on the Schwinn. The original decals are available but in the end I wanted to get away from the 80's color and decal scheme. I have always wanted to take a Schwinn from this era or a Schwinn from the Paramount Design Group and give it a classic Schwinn look, this is the opportunity. I have always liked the Bicentennial Schwinn's from 1976, the white frames with American flag decals. I am going with the white frame with red accents, the American flag decals are for the 1976 frames.

The Schwinn Tempo will receive a total restoration along with new bearings, cables, cable housings, handlebar tape and tire tubes. The Tempo already has very nice and new tires on it. The Tempo has a Shimano 105 group set on it, a set I like from this time period. The components are in good starting shape, with polishing and lubricating they will be great! I am still looking for all the photos, somehow I can't find all in the thousands of photos I take a month.

1980's Schwinn Tempo Restoration
Bicycle Before

I broke the Schwinn Tempo down. The frame has no damage just in need of new paint with scratches and chips in the paint.

1980's Schwinn Tempo Restoration
Frame Before

1980's Schwinn Tempo Restoration
Fork Before

The powder coating turned out amazing, I am very very happy with the results. In the photos you can see I forgot to remove the rear drop out micro adjust screws. Those where removed and polished. So happy!

1980's Schwinn Tempo Restoration
Frame Powder Coated

1980's Schwinn Tempo Restoration
Fork Powder Coated

First thing I had to so was installed the Schwinn head badge, I love it!!

1980's Schwinn Tempo Restoration
Head Badge Installed

The headset and bottom bracket where first. After a deep cleaning and some time on the polishing wheels and they look great. New replacement bearings and the headset and bottom bracket spin perfect!

1980's Schwinn Tempo Restoration
Headset Before

1980's Schwinn Tempo Restoration
Bottom Bracket Before

1980's Schwinn Tempo Restoration
Headset & Bottom Bracket Polished

1980's Schwinn Tempo Restoration

1980's Schwinn Tempo Restoration
Headset Cups Pressed

1980's Schwinn Tempo Restoration
Bearings Packed

1980's Schwinn Tempo Restoration
Headset Complete

1980's Schwinn Tempo Restoration
Bottom Bracket Complete

1980's Schwinn Tempo Restoration
Headset & Bottom Bracket Complete

Next on the list was the handlebars, stem and brake levers. I like these Shimano 105 brake levers from this time period, they have a crisp feel and a good shape, I was amazed the hoods where still in good condition, usually these hoods are melted or brittle. some time on the polishing wheels and everything looks great!

1980's Schwinn Tempo Restoration
Handlebars - Stem - Brake Levers - Before

1980's Schwinn Tempo Restoration
Shimano 105 Brake Levers Before

1980's Schwinn Tempo Restoration
Handlebars - Stem - Brake Levers - Polished

1980's Schwinn Tempo Restoration
Handlebars Polished

1980's Schwinn Tempo Restoration
Stem & Brake Levers Polished

1980's Schwinn Tempo Restoration
Handlebars - Stem - Brake Levers - Complete

1980's Schwinn Tempo Restoration
Handlebars - Complete

1980's Schwinn Tempo Restoration
Handlebars - Stem - Brake Levers - Complete

Next was the Shimano 105 crank. I wish I could have saved the decals on the crank arms but the where just to brittle and the arms need a fair amount of polishing. Installed the crank looks great.

1980's Schwinn Tempo Restoration
Shimano 105 Crank - Before

1980's Schwinn Tempo Restoration
Shimano 105 Crank - Polished

1980's Schwinn Tempo Restoration
Shimano 105 Crank - Complete

I like the Shimano 105 brake calipers, they are not exactly dual pivot brake calipers yet but they work almost has good as dual pivots and they have a great snappy feel. After cleaning, polishing and lubricating the calipers look and function great!

1980's Schwinn Tempo Restoration
Shimano 105 Brake Calipers - Before

1980's Schwinn Tempo Restoration
Shimano 105 Brake Calipers - Polished

1980's Schwinn Tempo Restoration
Shimano 105 Brake Calipers - Complete

Last of the main components was the derailleurs and shift levers. Again I am going to say I like the Shimano 105 components from this era. There are peaks and valleys through the years of bicycle components and this in my opinion is one of the peaks. The whole bicycle industry was at a peak from about 1985 to 1989 in my opinion. The derailleurs polished and pivot points lubricated are perfect!

1980's Schwinn Tempo Restoration
Shimano 105 Derailleurs - Before

1980's Schwinn Tempo Restoration
Shimano 105 Rear Derailleur - Before

1980's Schwinn Tempo Restoration
Shimano 105 Derailleur - Complete

1980's Schwinn Tempo Restoration
Shimano 105 Derailleurs - Before

1980's Schwinn Tempo Restoration
Shimano 105 Derailleurs - Complete

1980's Schwinn Tempo Restoration
Seat Post - Before

1980's Schwinn Tempo Restoration
Seat Post - Polished

1980's Schwinn Tempo Restoration
Shimano 105 Shift Levers - Cleaned

1980's Schwinn Tempo Restoration
Shimano 105 Shift Levers - Complete

The wheels is an area I can't fins all the photos at the moment but I have a few. The wheels are very nice with the Shimano 105 hubs and the Wolber rims. Polishing of the hubs and replacing the bearings and grease and the wheels spin forever! The Tempo came with brand new Continental Grand Prix tires so no need to change them, actually they are perfect for the Tempo, mean and quick.

1980's Schwinn Tempo Restoration
Front Wheel - Before

1980's Schwinn Tempo Restoration
Rear Wheel - Before

1980's Schwinn Tempo Restoration
Wheels Complete

1980's Schwinn Tempo Restoration
Front Wheel Complete

1980's Schwinn Tempo Restoration
Rear Wheel Complete

Red cable housing is part of the color scheme I am going for. I also found this black handle bar tape with red coming through the perforations, Just enough red with out being over powering. The real red accents come from the decals.

1980's Schwinn Tempo Restoration
Cable Housings & Handlebar Tape Complete

Classic Schwinn decals was the last touch. I have always liked these classic decals, and are the Schwinn decals most people my age remember. I was able to get the red decals I wanted in very high quality vinyl, very happy with the quality. However I wasn't able to get a Tempo decal in this style since the Tempo was not meant for this decal set. I made up a simple Tempo decal for it, It was not ready for photos, photos will come soon.

1980's Schwinn Tempo Restoration
Decals Complete