tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4155039544820521548.post5253198142726183546..comments2024-03-26T08:39:46.290-04:00Comments on Hugh`s bicycle blog: Department Store Bicycles / Parliament UpdateUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4155039544820521548.post-42824446361663672872011-11-07T13:04:07.410-05:002011-11-07T13:04:07.410-05:00Hey Anonymous,
The problem with pricing the "...Hey Anonymous,<br />The problem with pricing the "Custom Built Parliament Made in England" Is there is really no information about them out there. I have heard (read) a few people speculate about the origin and value. But honestly, there is no "real" information about them available (so far anyway).<br /> Steve at "rebrit dot com" told me that in the late 1960`s Raleigh did build some hand made /custom bikes off-site. He suspects "As I do" that the Parliament might be one of these bikes. So for now, I`m hanging on to mine. At least until I find something comparable out there (in the hands of someone knowledgeable) to compare it to.<br /> Sorry I can`t tell you more. If you can, you might want to hang on to it for a while.<br /> Cheers,HughHughhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12986498277947032639noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4155039544820521548.post-21518127511463160942011-11-07T11:22:42.888-05:002011-11-07T11:22:42.888-05:00Hugh, I recently purchased a black custom built 3 ...Hugh, I recently purchased a black custom built 3 speed bike made in England that says Parliament on the front it is all original and in mint condition. I paid $30.00 for it at a thrift store. Can you tell me what it is worth? LornaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4155039544820521548.post-19518423462089074042011-07-05T21:02:31.335-04:002011-07-05T21:02:31.335-04:00Hey Nicholas,
On a typical "bike-boom" t...Hey Nicholas,<br />On a typical "bike-boom" ten-speed I would use "Jag-Wire Basics". The derailleur and brake cables will come with two different ends. Just make sure you cut-off the end that does not match yours.<br /> With an exotic or expensive road bike, you will want to make sure that the cable you order is compatible with the derailleur you are using. If it is not shown in the description, Just contact the supplier. A good supplier will have techs that can help you make the correct purchase. Good-Luck with your project.<br /> CheersHughhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12986498277947032639noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4155039544820521548.post-33317478220340688212011-07-05T14:47:33.217-04:002011-07-05T14:47:33.217-04:00Hi,
I ran across your blog while looking for info...Hi, <br />I ran across your blog while looking for information on an old garage sale huffy I picked up for a ten-spot. It's a dead ringer for one you did in April 2010. I've learned a lot just from reading about your process in cleaning and repairing bikes, but I had one question if you don't mind. Which type or "system" of brake/shifter cables did you use? I've read that you typically like Jagwire, but they seem to make several types and I don't know how to distinguish which cables match which system, especially on an older bike with unknown components. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your time, and all the helpful tips on your blog.Nicholasnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4155039544820521548.post-88453642452298070262011-07-02T17:15:42.189-04:002011-07-02T17:15:42.189-04:00Hey Andy,
Thanks! I hope you found some useful inf...Hey Andy,<br />Thanks! I hope you found some useful information and tips. For quite a while I was not sure if anyone was reading this thing. Then<br />I discovered the "stats" section. I was very surprised to find out how many people view this blog. It really gave me a lift when I needed one. Thanks Again and Ride-On!<br /> CheersHughhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12986498277947032639noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4155039544820521548.post-2381311643979301162011-07-02T13:23:47.657-04:002011-07-02T13:23:47.657-04:00Hey Hugh!
I am new to this, and I stumbled upon y...Hey Hugh!<br /><br />I am new to this, and I stumbled upon your blog when looking for resources on an old Schwinn World Tourist I was restoring. I have been an avid reader of this b log ever since! Thanks for posting interesting things so regularly - keep up the writing (and riding)!<br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />AndyAndrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12830149098684645568noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4155039544820521548.post-19887803566748897392011-07-02T11:09:27.262-04:002011-07-02T11:09:27.262-04:00Hey Ryan,
Thanks for leaving the comments. Yeah th...Hey Ryan,<br />Thanks for leaving the comments. Yeah that whole "all original" thing on Craigs-list really gets me going. I always ask people questions like, Do you really want to be rolling on 20 year old gum-walls? I usually follow this with "Your buying a bike not opening a museum" what the %&#@ do want all original for! Anyway I`ll stop now and save the rest for the post..lol Good to hear your restoration is going well. I have a couple of very nice old cheap ten-speeds coming up soon.<br />I think you will like the Ross. It looks like it was ridden a couple times and stored.<br /> I hope to have the vintage levers here by this coming Friday. So I can finally finish the parliament. Have a Great 4th of July<br /> CheersHughhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12986498277947032639noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4155039544820521548.post-77579575162299648682011-07-02T10:54:26.601-04:002011-07-02T10:54:26.601-04:00Thanks Everett,
You make a good point. I serviced ...Thanks Everett,<br />You make a good point. I serviced a Moad-Raster (I don`t wanna get sued) not too long ago, And that`s exactly how it went. In fact, they seem to be the worst of the lot. I think there are a few things you can do that help with "some" of the cheaper bikes. You mentioned the first one "better brakes". Also replace "grip shifters" with paddle or index shifters. And replace the crappy cables with something better like Jag-Wire. I think (know) "cable stretch" is more common and happens much faster with the cheap cables.<br /> I also think the older cheap bikes were built better than most of the junk they are pushing now. So you really have to be careful when looking at one. I was amazed with the wheel-set on the Huffy comfort zone. Not that they are all that great. But for a Department Store Bike they are really good quality.<br /> And as you mentioned with the really crappy bikes, single speed conversion is a great alternative to constantly re-tuning and repairing.<br /> Thanks for your comments. Have a Great 4th of July. CheersHughhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12986498277947032639noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4155039544820521548.post-974051441253152132011-07-02T10:25:17.777-04:002011-07-02T10:25:17.777-04:00Hey Steve,
About the attachment hardware that com...Hey Steve,<br /> About the attachment hardware that comes with the rack. That was the one thing I thought could have been better. But over all I am quite pleased. I was thinking the same thing about the load capacity. The rack sure does not look like it would carry 55 lbs. And I`m not gonna be the guy who tests it :)<br /> Happy Fourth of JulyHughhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12986498277947032639noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4155039544820521548.post-79229565367837573492011-07-02T03:10:54.977-04:002011-07-02T03:10:54.977-04:00Hugh too funny you mention "all original"...Hugh too funny you mention "all original" I just saw such an ad on Craigslist for what appeared to be a 70's something Peugeot U0-8. All original included; an 90's mountain bike saddle, plastic fenders, no big ring on the crank or Front Derailleur and a late model plastic lock mount -looked like a kryptonite mount. Anyway the wording made me chuckle and then I read your post! Nice thoughts on big box bikes by the way. Your note inspired me to sand down and paint the bb shell and chain stays on the Sears Free Spirit step thru. Those areas were more like scratches with some paint than the other way around. Anyway looking forward to seeing your finished Parliament. Happy 4thRoadieRyanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15900109046198641775noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4155039544820521548.post-83117564589447933832011-07-01T23:50:50.936-04:002011-07-01T23:50:50.936-04:00Nice post, Hugh. The problem I have always seen wi...Nice post, Hugh. The problem I have always seen with department store bikes isn't necessarily their 7-day quality: it's their 90- and 120-day quality. You can get them fixed up and tuned in fairly decently, but they don't stay that way for long. Wheels come out of true quicker, derailleurs need frequent adjustments, brakes start rubbing after a few good squeezes.<br /><br />For someone that only rides once every few weeks or months, this is probably just fine. For someone that is using it to commute though, it will be a major headache. Probably the best thing you could do with them is to install a decent front brake and turn them into single speeds; fewer moving parts to break or get out of tune.Everettnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4155039544820521548.post-85577209436255457372011-07-01T19:24:04.240-04:002011-07-01T19:24:04.240-04:00That rack looks just like its 1972 vintage cousin ...That rack looks just like its 1972 vintage cousin that is on my wife's bike. My own rack is similar but attaches to the seat stays a bit differently. I would be reluctant to try to carry 55 lb on either rack.Steve Ahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13650405341304401203noreply@blogger.com