Bike Boom Bike - Cycling Mob: Road Cycling, Mountain Biking and More

08-04-2004, 06:33 AM

I've been lurking here for a bit, trying to get the feel for things. Now I'm
up for asking for advice.

My number two bike is from the bike boom days - 1971. It was made by Steyr,
and has components that were pretty standard for bikes in its price range of
the time - Simplex derailleurs, Weinmann centerpull brakes, large-flange
Normandy hubs, Nervar cottered cranks. Kinda like a Peugot UO-8. When it was
about fifteen years old, I replaced the rear derailleur (another Simplex, this
one is primarily metal, not plastic) and front (a cheap Sun Tour).

The bike is actually a comfortable ride, though I recognize its obsolescense
riding my new Fuji.

Here's my question. The most agravating problem I have with the bike is with
the front derailleur. When shifting to the large sprocket, it likes to throw
the chain off or take its sweet time moving the chain. My guess its either
the deriailleur or a worn chain (replaced with the rear derailleur). So...is it
worth restoring this bike -s say be finding a Simplex front derailleur? Or,
should I pursue something better? Or just buy a new chain?

The bike is like an old friend - I could not throw the thing to the curb.
Right now, I have it on a trainer.

Thanks for your suggestions.