>>1034062Just to clarify btw
When I say I took the gears off, I mean the derailleurs and the downtube shifters. So it's a single speed now, basically. I shortened the chain, so it's just sitting in one gear on the cassette (no chain tensioner; drop-outs are *semi-*horizontal so I just pulled the wheel back as far as possible to tension the chain)
So I want to do some proper rides, but I can't really on this thing. I did have a Shimano Sora rear derailleur that I fitted to it a few years ago (the original one blew apart), and I think I still have it. The front mech was shit though, the spring was gone. And I might have lost the down-tube shifters. Couldn't find them the other day.
Also as I say, the brakes are shocking. Old style single pivot. I would love to put dual pivots on, but that requires drilling the frame, and I can't be fucked. Maybe just new brake pads? Better than nothing I guess.
So in my situation, would you perform these upgrades, or splash out on a brand new bike?
Pic is from google, but same model as mine. Imagine it converted to a single-speed in the fucked up way I described above.
Writing these long ass posts has forced me to think about the process and now I'm thinking maybe I should do the upgrades. Brake pads are quite cheap - the mechs and shifters I *hope* I can find in the garage. If not then down-tube shifters and a front-mech will be needed. But still - upgrade or buy?