Bicycle Restoration 🚲

[dr.waqaskhan]

I had my first bicycle when I was in the 1st grade perhaps, it was a BMX and my younger brother hand one as well but in a different color. As time passed by the bicycles kept on getting swapped or replaced as my parents believed it was an essential activity for kids. The last time I could remember riding a bike was in my matriculation period during which I used to ride back and forth to school and other places.
Well now after a long break I have somehow re-developed an interest in building myself one. I went to the market and did an extensive research and there were many many brands chinese mostly and then there were used japanese one that were more expensive then new chinese ones. Luckily bicycles have tons of parts around and one can build one up-to their liking.
I asked a friend who had one imported from Dubai(Japan Made, brand unknown) parked in his warehouse for a long time and he was generous enough to give it away. Even though I made him a promise that I wont spend much on it but I want to do it my way so stay put and enjoy the journey. The bicycle has been neglected and to add to the misery someone tried to paint it with a rattle can in silver destroying it’s beautiful skyblue finish, it is a bit rusty and sad but by the time I am done it will be a different machine iA.
I asked them to disassemble it so that I can fit it inside the boot of my car so that I can move it around.
Some pictures for reference.

[dr.waqaskhan]

Disassembling it further at home! It’s a diamond in the rough at-least that is how I see it
Going to replace 90% of the accessories with brand new ones. Will be getting the frame painted by a professional painter and some of it’s bits powder coated along with new tyres, de-railers, brakes, center-axle, paddles, gear/brake levers, cables and much more.
Luckily the frame is straight and doesn’t need much tweaking.

[mehran]

Extremely rare to see a bicycling enthusiast. Good luck with the restoration.

Most of the year the weather in our country is inhospitality hot which is not conducive for cycling. Only in winter can a person cycle for pleasure. In addition, unruly traffic and poor roads also discourage cycling for pleasure or exercise. It's a pity but that's how it is. Though millions of under privileged people cycle to and from work daily in Pakistan in all types of weather. Hats off to them.

[dr.waqaskhan]

So after I acquired the frame my research began on where to get the parts from. I am from Pindi, went to the local bicycle shops in the vicinity and took rates for various parts. I went to College Road as well which is considered to be the hub for bicycles. A shop keeper there told me to go to NeelaGumbad in Lahore as it one of the biggest wholesale markets for bicycles in the country. By luck I visited Lahore this weekend and visited the place and believe me the mashwara that person gave me was the best. There was a day and night difference between the rates which amazed me and I made a deal with one of the bicycle shops there. Got all the partssss
1. Tyres: Got Service Mountain Bike tyres and BMX brand tubes

2. Front crank set

3. Front and back de-railers

4. New Chain

5. Aluminium Paddles

6. Side stand

7. Grips

8. Handle bar with neck and stem

9. Brakes

10. Center tube axle

11. Gear and Brake levers

12. Gel seat

13. Bracket for seat adjustment

14. Cables

[ansarghani]

Hello Doc,

What happened to the resto? No updates for the last many months?
Waiting for the updates..

[dr.waqaskhan]

Hey there had a personal set back! IA will complete it soon along with the updates
JazakAllah

[ansarghani]

Sorry to hear it.. may Allah help you mitigate it..

[helper_learner]

Any update?

[wajiextra]

It's been more than a year, any updates?

[fkstpeopok]

I see it's been a while since you've posted, but I just want to ask—how did the final paint job turn out? I'm planning to restore an old Raleigh and wondering if regular spray paint holds up well over time or if it's better to go with powder coating. Anyone else here tried both methods and can compare how they handle wear and tear?

[nfoougkyes]

I had a similar project last year and ended up repainting the frame using automotive spray paint—came out surprisingly good. For those in the UK bringing older bikes back to life, you might want to check out bicycle insurance uk in case you're riding it a lot after restoring. I didn’t think of that until mine got nicked outside a shop, so just putting it out there.