Introduction: Restoring a Secondhand Viking Racer

By
About: Bike building and info, an occasional random instructable !

This bike restoration was far more complex than anything else I have ever before renovated. This instructable includes every dilemma and linked instructables to solve them if they apply to you. A more costly renovation, however as rewarding as ever.

Supplies

A Bike
Various Tools
Saddle £20
Saddle clamp £7.50 (if needed)
Wrench (if needed)
Bike pump
Pump valve fitting £2.00
Speedometer
Washing materials
Grip tape and plugs
Wire tape ( black )
Bell ( If Wanted )



Step 1: The Bike

Choose a road bike, in this instance, a Viking.
Choose something between £20 - £70.
Upon seeing this bike, I realised there had to be a catch; these bikes are sold at roughly £1,500 brand new and there was this selling for £65 secondhand !
- I was right, the seatpost was welded into position - unable to be altered to fit another riders height, the brakes were loose, the back tyre was flat, and the spokes and mechanicals were layered with rust and old grease.

Step 2: The Tyre

We had concern that the back tyre needed a new inner tube, fortunately, it did not - ensure you pump your tyres up to the correct compacity. If there is an issue may you resolve it immediately before use.

Step 3: Removing the Seatpost

Before any washing or oiling, we had to remove the seatpost - we had some very tempting offers from bike shops offering to remove it, however we refused and proceeded to make several failed attempts at removing the seatpost. After sometime, we decided to take it to the only relation who had a chance at the task.
1). Grease around the seatpost with car mechanical oil and WD40 - wait a few hours and repeat several times.

2). Remove the seat. Unfortunately, the screw to remove the saddle had been rounded out - soforth we proceeded to grind the screw off.

3). With the bike being held upright by two of us with the brakes on, Derek gripped the seatpost tightly using a large antique wrench that happened to be lying around the house.

4). Twist briskly on the seatpost and then hammer upwards in the direction of the seatpost clamp.

5). It will finally break free !

Ensure to clean the inside of the seatpost with a coat hanger and wire / steel wool.

Step 4: The New Saddle

Choose a quality saddle and a universal saddle clamp, affix accordingly and adjust to the riders height.

Step 5: Brake Adjustments

Tightening the brakes is a task which should be performed with caution, overtightening or undertightening, could be a regretful decision- brakes may snap or stop functioning without notice. If you feel you are too inexperienced, take it to a bike store that knows the exact velocity of the brakelines.

Step 6: A Wash

Take antibacterial spray and apply it to the bike frame, then wash and scrub away with an old toothbrush. Take a towel and wipe dry. Polish with a rag until your bike shines !

for a more thorough and detailed explanation, copy the useful link below - this is the most recommended, like all links listed

https://youtu.be/5ak4AzlUz5Q

Step 7: Greasing the Bike

Grease all mechanicals with a dry oil and grease the brakes with a regular oil.

Step 8: The Handlebars

Wrap some new grip tape, I recommend this one 👌 .

If, like many, you haven't done this before, copy the link below
https://youtu.be/w8PqH7bltJQZA74WB8

Step 9: The Extras

A bike speedometer is a great and affordable solution for your bike. This one from eBay is £5.02 !
Or why not add a bell ?

Ensure to follow instructions and install correctly.

Step 10: A Check Over

Check the bike over fully to ensure there are no missed issues, anything that looks odd or out of place should be inspected more closely, and if needed, take to a bike store that knows what they're doing.

Step 11: Front Wheel

the rider had yesterday embarked on a 16 mile bike ride, ready to ride again today - when, beknown to us, the front wheel became loose and consequently, fell off. I replaced the front quick release skewer for £10. if you are unsure of how to fit this, copy the link below.

https://youtu.be/dQoTP8ndG1Q

This bike is now usable however, will require some future work, - the gears are out of line and soforth, don't shift smoothly, keep following instructables to see how to resolve the remaining issues !
If something is out of your mechanical skill range, get it sorted correctly 👍

Step 12: Riding

Congratulations, you have restored a bike and saved a fortune - a brand new looking bike for under £90 ! No more paying £300 - £500 for brand new bikes !!! You may have found yourself a new hobby !