Rebuilding a bike for Girlfriend

[anonymous-user]

I have had this bike in the garage for ages. As well as being pink, it is too small for me and has a buckled back wheel. It actually goes nicely when it works and it's reynolds 531 so its pretty stiff and light for what it is.

My girlfriend needs a new bike as some bd pinched it from outside the house a while ago and we haven't replaced it. I fancy a project whilst my MTB wheels are being rebuilt and I was wondering if anyone has any ideas on how to make it more "girlfriend friendly" without spending a fortune?

So, please recommend me a spec for £200...
New bars
Some girl proof wheels
I think it needs a new bottom bracket as it creaks
Mudguards or will that ruin it?

All of the above can be second hand except the wheels.

Colour scheme?

[gazza285]

Having done the same for the wife the best thing I was recommended was a proper lady seat, as unlike for us bloke types, their comfort is more important than bling.

[wildoliver]

I think that's a lovely thing (that I'd ride myself, I'm not fussed about riding a pink bike) personally I would go over the standard components only replacing parts that need replacing and then with period correct items, it looks like there is some shim 105 on it? I'd probably try to complete the groupset whatever it is as it appears to be a bit mixed at the moment.

Wheel wise I'd go for a good used wheelset, I've just picked up some nice classic grey rigida rims on shim 105 hubs for a build, whole build on 90s shim 105 components used Olmo frame and a few nice little bits along the way for around £250-300 including buying the frame.

I certainly wouldn't be replacing the bars etc. It's just wasted money as the bars on yours look fine.

[WinstonWolf]

Buy a nipple key and true the wheels up yourself, it will leave more in the budget for other things

[anonymous-user]

Yesterday evening I stripped the entire thing, cleaned it all and put it back together.

The overall condition of it is actually fine, I am going to start with new wheels (will have a look at some second hand ones) because they are completely fubarred as well as a set of cables on the gears and brakes. Also needs a new headset as the one on it is wrecked. How do I go about sizing that?

It is not 105 but its the old shimano sport LX and having cleaned it thoroughly its great and very serviceable.

I think I will see it as a long term project :-)

[wildoliver]

It sounds very similar to the groupset on Sarahs old dawes I've just restored, the difference is hers had good components but the frame was a mess, rusty and covered in white emulsion. Now it looks great though. Your bike looks lovely, I really like that frame, the chainset doesn't look to match, and is that a steel rear wheel?

[anonymous-user]

Thanks for all the compliments guys, I actually bought the bike second hand for 100chf (£65) which I think is a bargain.

The rear wheel is absolute rubbish, and fairly sure it's steel, yes. You are also correct as the chainset doesn't match the rest of the drive train. It works ok, but I might upgrade it.

I will keep the thread updated.