Do-it-yourself bike repair

As I already wrote in my blog, a couple of weeks ago I got a lot of money - I found an old Soviet "Salyut" in a landfill in the version of the Siauliai Bicycle and Motor Plant, codenamed "Vairas".

Having rolled once on the flat tires, I instantly felt the exciting memories of my childhood and realized with displeasure that my soul had become completely stale.

Therefore, a strong-willed decision was made to bring the bike to mind in order to arrange rides around Pregolya,

and frighten German tourists at Kant's grave and in the vicinity of the Fish Village.

By the way, in the same place, during the excavation of magical wastelands, a wonderful children's trike was picked up, which, after being brought to mind and thoroughly washed, found a new owner.

It was decided to use the obtained fat of 300 rubles for future investments in the reconstruction of the Salut prototype.

Flat wheels, a crooked steering wheel, a dangling seat and questionable geometry - this is an incomplete list of technical faults that immediately catch the eye at a glance at the bike.

How does the service of any led begin? Naturally with the purchase of a pump!

The first thing I did, armed with three hundred and a buffoon's mantle, was to visit the place of pilgrimage for city tramps in the Central Market. The bicycle pump offered there without a hose was 30 rubles cheaper than a new one with a hose, which was sold a hundred meters from the tramps in the Sovdepovsky bicycle store.

Tellingly, the trip to the tramps was not an empty undertaking. There I met the local alcoholic baron Mitrofanych, suffering from the wildest hangover and multiple personality disorder. After I introduced myself as a participant in the Battle of Kulikovo, the pilgrim shook my hand and presented me with an old bicycle tire.

So, we have in the asset: an old bike, a new pump, a wheel tire and 170r of money on the balance sheet. Not bad! It's time to start repairing!

I decided to start by eliminating unnecessary elements that make the structure heavier (after all, wear it on the sixth floor!)

First, I dismantled the curved rear wing (there was no front) with a heavy trunk.

Then he took off the rattling protective overlay on the sprocket.

After pumping up the wheels, it turned out that the front was deflating, the rear was not.

The tires are clearly from the Battle of the Ice.

So meanly formed at the base of the nipple. It's useless to glue, I used Mitrofanych's tire.

It's in the trash. The threads of the nuts are torn off, the springs are crooked.

I had to work with powerful pliers and pick up the right nuts, after which the assembly process began.

The result was quite acceptable.

But the saddle completely refused to sit on the pulley correctly, I had to tighten it more tightly in this position.

The steering wheel just calibrated and tightened.

To top it off, I removed the stupid wire from the spokes.

The circular sprint around the Fish Village showed that the bike was completely unprepared for the sprint. In addition to the wild rattle of absolutely all the movable parts of the bicycle, which could still be experienced, the handlebar shifted a lot to the side.

The idea to simply tighten the nuts miserably failed.

First, I ripped off the fixing bolt.

Tired for thirty years, the metal was simply not ready for the spanner and muscular strength of 90 kg.

As a result, I decided to drill and reinforce the structure with bolts. Here's what happened.

The second trip showed that it is now possible to steer. I even brought a bubble of water on the steering wheel.

Two days of fussing, and the bike was on the move.Unfortunately, even in this state, it is practically of no value due to the total wear and tear of the entire structure. You can ride with the breeze through the puddles, but no more.

Therefore, it was decided to look for a donor to replace at least the front fork, pedal pulley, and the installation of the fenders, because in rainy Kaliningrad it is not easy to wash trousers after each trip.

In any case, it was pleasant to work for a couple of days in the fresh air, to recharge with vivacity, good appetite and healthy sleep.

And I can’t say that I am unhappy with the result. It turned out to be quite a decent hooligan bike, requiring, however, an immediate repainting.

Regular inspection and repair of the bike is a guarantee that the owner of this vehicle will be alive and well, no force majeure will happen to him. Many people prefer to contact professionals for preventive maintenance of the bicycle, but it is quite possible to prepare the vehicle for use with their own hands.

Before starting routine bike repairs, you need to stock up on certain tools. They will come in handy in any case and will last a long time. Basic tools for bicycle maintenance:

• hex keys of different sizes - it is advisable to purchase them immediately in a set;
• wrenches of different sizes - it is advisable to buy a set;
• screwdrivers - you will need both Phillips and slotted;
• pliers of different sizes;
• tweezers;
• mallet;
• end nozzles;
• scissors;
• clamps.

These tools and devices should always be available, because they may be needed at any time. In addition to the above, it is worth purchasing:

• bicycle chain brush;
• sleeve wrench;
• a squeeze for a bicycle chain;
• ratchet wrench;
• spoke key.

Consumables are also a necessary tool for the repair and maintenance of bicycles - they should not only be always available, but also in sufficient quantities. Consumables in this case include:

• brake fluid;
• oil for various parts;
  Note:you need oil for every part - forks, chains, pedals and so on.
• solvents;
• cleaners;
• hydraulic oil.

All these consumables will help not only to repair the bike in a quality manner, but also to keep your vehicle in almost perfect condition. Particular attention should be paid to lubricants - their choice on the market is simply huge, you can trust the sellers, but with caution. In order not to be mistaken, you should remember the following recommendations of specialists:

1. Any liquid lubricant (I5A oil, for example) is suitable only for processing the rear bushing drum and chain. Such a lubricant has an individual feature - it is excellent for spot application. But there is also one critical point - if you plan to ride a bicycle in the cold season, then liquid lubricant cannot be used, since at subzero temperatures it quickly hardens and complicates the operation of mechanisms.
2. If there is no time for full-fledged repair work, but it is urgent to lubricate the chain and cables, then aerosol lubricants can be used. They instantly restore the operation of all hinge joints, they are simple to operate - even a child can handle the job.
3. For the processing of threads and bearing assemblies, the use of thick grease will be the best option.

In order to properly sort out a bike, you need to know the purpose of each detail and be able to carefully examine them.

The most important thing in caring for a bike frame is keeping it clean. Therefore, before proceeding with the bulkhead of the vehicle, it is necessary to thoroughly clean the frame from dirt, dust and peeling paint so that these particles do not get into the mechanisms and make them unusable.The best way to clean your bike frame is to wash it with a warm soapy solution.

The only way to avoid problems when using a bicycle is to carefully examine the wound for cracks and chips. Experts recommend paying special attention to the upper stays of the rear triangle, the head tube, the rear suspension and the bottom bracket when examining. If, when examining the bike frame, scuffs and paint chips are found, then they must be eliminated - it is advisable to use paint from a spray can for this, having previously cleaned the place from rust, dust and paint residues.

The rules for rebuilding the steering column of a bicycle depend only on its type - if an integrated column is installed, then you only need to lubricate it, but with a semi-integrated steering column with a ball bearing mechanism, it will be necessary to replace not only the lubricant, but also the balls. There is even a direct sign of the need to replace parts - during the operation of the bicycle, the creak of the head tube will be clearly audible and problems with turning the wheel will appear.

It is imperative that when servicing a two-wheeled vehicle, special attention is paid to the fork - you need to regularly clean your feet and boots from road dirt, if necessary, replace oil seals, pistons, springs and lubricant.

Please note that when servicing the bike fork, it is very important not to damage the ring springs - they act as protection against dust particles and external dirt.

Craftsmen do not recommend cleaning and repairing the suspension yourself - its mechanism is quite complex and requires certain knowledge and experience. But even if you managed to sort out the suspension yourself, then let a professional carry out the replacement of cartridges.

The bicycle chain also needs regular maintenance - it is removed with the help of a special squeeze, if there is a lock on the chain, and if it is absent, then the process is carried out manually. The chain is cleared of dirt, its tension is checked, the rollers are lubricated - this is the necessary minimum of work that needs to be done.

The system must be cleaned with a special solvent (this liquid can also be used when working with a chain). It is imperative to make sure that when assembling the system, the sprockets are put in the right order - be guided by the special pin on the middle star, which should "look" at the carriage.

A set of rear sprockets (called a cassette) must be removed with a puller and thoroughly cleaned of dirt and dust - this work is not difficult even for an inexperienced cyclist.

The bulkhead of the ratchet consists in washing and lubricating an industrial bearing, if a ball mechanism is installed, then it is carefully examined, if necessary, parts are replaced. After this maintenance, the bike mechanism will perform much better.

The comfort of the cyclist when the vehicle is moving depends on the gearshift switches. It is not recommended to carry out their maintenance yourself; it is better to entrust the work to professionals. But if you decide to sort out the gear selectors with your own hands, then you will need to correctly adjust the screws that limit the travel of the foot. Be sure to pay attention to the correct installation of the mechanism in relation to the systems and stars. Do not forget about regularly checking the cable tension.

In general, the carriage is designed in such a way that it cannot be disassembled. But in reality, many craftsmen disassemble it for routine maintenance.

Note: if the carriage is being overhauled, then you need to remember the original location of all its parts and industrial bearing cups - they must fit exactly into place during assembly.

The peculiarity of the shifters is that during the operation of the bicycle they experience a minimum load - this allows them to be serviced once a whole season.When working with them, you will need to clean the entire mechanism, lubricate it. We must not forget about the cables - they are wiped with a special oil, which ensures their soft sliding inside the mechanism.

Bicycle brakes are the safety of vehicle operation, therefore, they need to be given special attention when servicing. Experts believe that when bulkheading a bicycle, working with the braking system is the most important process.

The work with the braking system should be carried out in three directions:

1. Checking the pistons, overhauling the calipers and, if necessary, replacing parts with new ones. It is very easy to detect problems in the work of the calipers - the cyclist will note the "failure" of the brake lever and unreasonably long braking of the vehicle.
2. The brake lever should be fully disassembled. And although its design is simple (handle, body and piston), problems can occur - for example, O-rings often fail. If such a problem is found, the rings must be completely replaced.
3. Checking the brake fluid in the hydraulic line. This stage must be carried out, because even a change in the structure of the brake fluid (it often loses its homogeneity) can lead to malfunctions in the brake system.

The pedals are the most delicate part of the entire bike, but the load on them is always the maximum. To check their work, it will be enough to scroll them with your hand. If the pedals spin too slowly or stop too quickly, then you need to disassemble and lubricate them. This process is carried out classically - disassembly is carried out from the end, carefully examining the bearing mechanism.

Note: some models of bicycles have clipless pedals. When overhauling them, it is very important to thoroughly lubricate the springs, otherwise, the shoes will snap too tightly..

Wheels are also parts of the bike that are constantly subjected to increased stress. Points to consider when rebuilding wheels:

• bushings with industrial bearings need to be sorted out once every two seasons - they have a huge margin of safety;
• bushings with ball bearings are sorted out before each season - the balls can be dents and scuffs, which implies their replacement;
• the rims are checked for curvature and if this problem is found, the spokes are pulled in the opposite direction.

Cyclists need to know more than just repairing and regularly maintaining their vehicle. it is very important to pay attention to the wear of some parts in time and immediately eliminate the problems. What parts of bicycles do experts recommend paying attention to:

• bearings;
• transmission;
• frame;
• brake system;
• wheels;
• suspensions.

It is extremely important for the owner of a bicycle to know that his transport is constantly in good condition. The life and health of the owner may ultimately depend on how reliably the bicycle works, because suddenly the brakes fail suddenly can provoke an accident. It is possible and necessary to turn to professionals, but in the life of every cyclist there comes a moment when a critical mass of knowledge about the structure of a bicycle has been reached and you can do routine maintenance and minor repairs of the bike yourself. In order for the bulkhead process to go as smoothly as possible, and the bike only gets better, you should follow these tips.

Like other repair and maintenance work, bicycle repairs cannot be carried out without a set of necessary tools... Each cyclist should have a basic set so that he can carry out routine repairs of the bike on his own:

• Wrenches - preferably several sizes in a set.
• Hex keys are included.
• Screwdrivers - both Phillips and slotted screwdrivers are needed.
• Pliers in stock.
• Scissors and clamps.
• Tweezers and mallet.
• End caps.

In addition to the basic tools, the craftsmen recommend gradually increasing their number and adding to their working box: a squeeze for the chain, ratchet and socket wrench, spoke wrench, chain brush and other important bicycle tools.

In addition to the listed tools, it is also necessary to prepare a sufficient base Supplies: oil of various types (each of which is needed for a great part - forks, for oil seals, for chain and pedals), brake fluid and hydraulic oil, solvent and cleaner to fight dirt. All these fluids will not only make the process of caring for your bike much easier, but also keep it in perfect condition.

A bicycle is a complex mechanism that requires regular, gentle lubrication to ensure that all parts function properly. The bike enthusiast should know what to lubricate (and this is the carriage, and the hinge assemblies, and bearings, and the bushing, and pedals) and what exactly to lubricate (only a special lubricant should be used for each part).

The following lubricants are used to lubricate the bicycle:

• The aerosol is suitable for treating articulated joints, as well as chains and cables in the event that emergency care is required and there is no time for full lubrication.
• Liquid lubricant (for example, I5A oil) is intended for the chain and drum of the rear hub. The peculiarity of such a lubricant is its point application, which makes it a preferable option. But for riding in the cold, it is not suitable, since it hardens quickly in the cold and makes it difficult for the mechanism to work properly.
• Grease is more suitable for lubricating bearing assemblies and threads.

When starting to sort out a bicycle, you need to be prepared for the fact that every detail in it will require attention and sufficient knowledge about its structure.

The process of caring for a frame is, first of all, in keeping it clean. That is why it is extremely important to completely clean the frame of foreign dirt and dust before rebuilding the bike in order to avoid problems with dirt particles getting into the working mechanisms.

ADVICE! Washing under running water with a soft sponge and soapy water is ideal for preparing the frame for bulkhead.

Inspecting the most delicate and damaged areas for cracks or chips is a necessary step to avoid future problems. Experienced cyclists advise Especially carefully inspect the following parts: head tube, bottom bracket tube, rear suspension and chain stays of the rear triangle. If scuffs or chips of paint are found on the frame, then they must be quickly painted over: spray paint does an excellent job with this task.

Bicycle steering column.

The nuances of the column bulkhead process directly depend on its type: if in integrated columns operating on industrial bearings, it is enough to carry out a timely lubricant change, then for a semi-integrated ball bearing column it is necessary to replace worn balls on time. A clear signal to replace a part is considered to be the characteristic creak of the head tube and the difficulty with turning the wheel.

Bicycle repair is not complete without fork maintenance, namely, changing oil, oil seals, pistons or springs, as well as regularly cleaning the legs and anthers from road dirt. Experts note that in the process of caring for the suspension, it is extremely important not to damage the ring springs, which will serve as a kind of protection for the fork from foreign dirt and dust particles.

Suspension - the mechanism is quite delicate and requires special attention, therefore, the masters do not recommend sorting or repairing it yourself. And if the owner himself can carry out the current care, then the bulkhead of the cartridges should be entrusted to a professional master.

The bike chain is the second part that needs regular care... If there is a special lock on the chain, removing the chain is not a problem, but even if it is absent, it can be easily removed using a special chain squeeze. Cleaning the chain from dirt, lubricating the rollers and checking the tension is an elementary but necessary maintenance of the chain.

The system is cleaned, as well as the chain, using a special solvent. And when assembling it, it is extremely important to observe the correct setting of the stars: so that the special pin on the middle star looks at the carriage.

Cassette, that is rear sprocket set, also needs regular cleaning with a solvent from dirt and dust. With the help of a special device - a puller, the process of removing and installing the cassette is not difficult even for an inexperienced cyclist.

For bulkhead ratchet a similar principle works: an industrial bearing is simply washed and relubricated, and a ball bearing is checked for damage to the balls, changed if necessary, washed and lubricated. This maintenance guarantees a significant improvement in the overall performance of the bicycle mechanism.

Since the ride comfort depends on the switches and their adequate operation, their bulkhead should be carried out especially carefully. The correct positioning of the mechanism relative to the system and the cassette stars, as well as the correct adjustment of the screws limiting the foot travel - the required minimum adjustment after the bulkhead. In addition, it is important to lubricate and clean the torsion and tension springs of the rollers in time, and also to check the degree of tension in the cable.

Carriage design, both integrated and cartridge, considered virtually non-separable, but in practice, craftsmen sometimes disassemble them for routine care. When rebuilding the carriages, it is important to remember the location of the parts: two cups of an industrial bearing must occupy the strictly designated places.

Maintenance of shifters consists in regularly cleaning the mechanism and replacing the lubricant with a new one, and since this mechanism experiences low loads, it is enough to service it once a season. It is important to pay due attention not only to the shifter itself, but also to the cables, rubbing them with oil and guaranteeing a soft slide inside the mechanism.

Bicycle brake system.

Since the brakes are a guarantee of traffic safety and the preservation of the life of the cyclist, timely maintenance of the brake system can be considered essential in the process of rebuilding a bicycle. It is carried out in three directions:

• Bulkhead calipers, checking the condition of the pistons and replacing them, if necessary, with new ones. Difficulties in the work of calipers are noticeable to the naked eye: usually it is not strong enough and too long braking and the failure of the handle. Finding the cause and fixing it will solve all problems.
• Brake Lever Device primitive: body, handle and piston - but there can also be difficulties here, for example, with o-rings. If necessary, the craftsmen replace both the pistons and the O-rings.
• Bleeding brake fluid in the brake line - this is a normal process for rebuilding a bicycle. Loss of homogeneity of the pumped liquid can lead to disruptions in the adequate operation of the braking system, and a timely replacement guarantees the safety of the cyclist and reliable operation of the entire braking system.

• A reliable brake is the key to your safety. Learn how to adjust and tune your brakes. Discover.
• Are your bike brakes squeaky? Find out how to get rid of this problem.

It is the bicycle pedals that are considered the most delicate mechanism, therefore they wear out faster than others. It is as simple as possible to check their work: for this, it is enough to turn the pedals a couple of times. Cranking too slowly or stopping quickly is a sign of insufficient lubrication. The pedals should be disassembled traditionally: from the end, sorting out the already familiar ball or industrial bearings according to the standard scheme.

ADVICE! For contact pedals, it is important not to forget about the obligatory lubrication of the springs, otherwise the shoes will snap too tightly, which will create difficulties when riding.

Since the wheels are considered to be the most loaded part of a bicycle, then a little more attention should be paid to them. A timely bulkhead and maintenance of the bike guarantees not only comfortable riding, but also a long service life of the mechanisms. Industrial Bearing Bushings can be sorted out rarely, once in two seasons is quite enough: this can be explained by a large margin of safety. But mechanisms with ball bearings should be sorted out once a season in order to replace the balls with dents or scuffs if necessary.

In the pursuit of bike lightening, manufacturers often skimp on rims, making them less and less durable. This can lead to such an unpleasant phenomenon as rim runout: for example, traditional axial (figure eight) or radial (in which the wheel resembles an egg). This problem is corrected using a special key for the spokes: after removing the tire, the spokes are pulled in the direction opposite to the curvature.

ADVICE! In this case, it is important to tighten the spokes on one side and loosen them on the other: this will guarantee the normal rigidity of the wheels.

• Is your wheel bent and don't know how to fix it? The article "How to fix a figure eight on a bicycle wheel" will help you.
• How to tighten your bicycle spokes. Discover.

In addition to routine maintenance and unscheduled breakdowns, the bike also has a so-called natural wear and tear, that is, a certain part becomes unusable and needs to be replaced after a certain number of kilometers. Experts advise paying attention to the wear of the following parts:

Bicycle repair and proper care will prolong their life and guarantee safe and comfortable movement. For many cyclists, self-care of their bike becomes not only interesting and rewarding, but also a pleasant experience, allowing them to feel their worth and independence.

• It is best to repair a bicycle if you have a special rack at home for such procedures.
• How to get rid of the squeakiness of the bike when pedaling? Discover.
• How to clean a rusty bike: my.housecope.com/wp-content/uploads/ext/3085/rzhavchina-na-velosipede

In the broadest sense of the word, restoration is the return of an object to its former properties, or, well, its return to life. Many people may have old Soviet-era bicycles collecting dust in their garage or elsewhere, which may even be older than the owners themselves. It looks like ordinary junk, but how much history lurks in it. The idea to restore the old iron horse comes to the minds of the craftsmen in order to inspire a second life in it and make it again suitable for pokatushki. Moreover, recently there has been a fashion for rare models of bicycles.

Often there are people who like to "resurrect" old technology. These can be vintage cars, motorcycles, sewing machines and much more, and bicycles are no exception. Someone does this only in order to admire the end result, someone makes a living from it, and someone with the aim of further using this technique. In principle, the goal is not as important as the process itself.

The restoration of a historic bicycle is a very laborious and painstaking process. Most likely, the result will be worth it, but you should still be prepared for the fact that this activity can take more than one month. If there is a certain craving for a specific bike, and we are not even talking about a specific model or brand, then, of course, you can spread the newspapers in the corner of the room and start. If you just need a bike for riding, then it is better to throw away or scrapped the old horse and buy yourself a new one with a clear conscience and without problems.It turns out that the new bike will be much more economical in terms of the effort expended and, possibly, even money, but it will not have the spirit that is in the old school, for example, the Soviet Tourist.

Bicycle restoration should be undertaken only if a couple of important conditions are met: you need a specific bike that is spiritually expensive, or if it is antiques, and the presence of minimal technical skills in working with bicycles or, in other words, straight arms. If the desire, skill and confidence in the positive outcome of their work have merged in one vessel, then you can safely start work.

After the initial material in the form of an old bicycle has been found and the positive attitude towards work has been received, then you can start planning further work. First of all, you need to decide on the front of the work. In other words, evaluate the existing bike and imagine what is required of it. It is advisable to transfer your imagination to paper, at least for major design changes.

You should not greatly disfigure retro bicycles with modern body kits, because then the very meaning of restoration is lost. Of course, everyone sets certain tasks for themselves, but you should still remember that spoiling the classics is disrespectful to the technique.

The next stage of preparation is to work with a calculator. You should estimate the approximate cost of the entire restoration process. If all the details just need to be washed from dirt and rust, then we can assume that you are lucky, otherwise the resurrection of the old iron man can take a lot of time and effort. Many parts even for Soviet bicycles are now very difficult to find. You may have to shell out a lot of money for the various components of bicycles.

It is advisable to improve your knowledge of bicycles and the interaction of various parts and mechanisms in advance. Although the repair of a Lisapeda is not a repair of a helicopter, it also has its own tricks and subtleties. It is advisable to find a friend who can lend a helping hand with the necessary tool if necessary. At the first steps, a novice restorer cannot imagine how many different instruments may be needed during the repair process. It should be remembered that rare and expensive bicycle parts can be damaged with self-made keys.

Before restoring your bike, it is best to purchase or borrow the following tools:

1. A set of hexagons, and sometimes even the smallest ones may be needed, for example, 1;
2. The family key, which is generally considered a universal repair kit, especially when it comes to Soviet bicycles;
3. Phillips and regular screwdrivers;
4. Adjustable wrench or wrench set. Of course, one adjustable wrench will be more practical;
5. Squeeze for the chain. Although the Internet is full of guides on how to remove the chain without it, it nevertheless guarantees the safety of the chain;
6. Wrench for removing the connecting rod and ratchet. They are two different keys, and each may look different depending on the bike model.

If the purpose of the restoration is to surprise others and make every passer-by turn around, then you need to show a creative streak in the restoration process. There are some craftsmen who manage to make a work of art out of an old bicycle. You can see both Storks, converted into biker motorcycles, and Tourists in the form of various animals.

In this case, it is no longer about the practicality of speech, and the whole emphasis is on the appearance and shocking. This approach will require, perhaps, maximum investment.

The first thing you will most likely have to face in the restoration of antique models is the lack of necessary parts on the market. You will have to spend a lot of time looking for them at flea markets or flea markets.As a last resort, you can always turn to skilled milling machines, turners and other craftsmen who can help in the manufacture or fitting of certain parts. First of all, we are talking about the transmission, which was used in the last century.

You shouldn't spend all your free time on this activity. You must immediately set yourself up that restoration is a long and measured process that does not tolerate fuss. You should not sit next to your old friend all day, because in this case, in the middle of the path, you can get bored. If everything is done in a balanced way, then the internal charge will be enough until the very end.

The calculated budget can go beyond the limits almost at the very beginning. Many people say that the final amount should be multiplied by one and a half, especially for various repairs, not only bicycles. Unintentional expenses can creep out from anywhere. It may happen that during the restoration a latent breakage is found that was not noticeable at the very beginning.

Of course, there are components that can ruin the entire appearance of the entire vintage bike, but there are those that are better replaced with modern ones right away. First of all, this applies to all consumables.

If we are talking about a very old bicycle, then the chain will most likely have to be thrown out, or soaked in a solvent for a very long time. In any case, few will be able to see the catch, and besides, it will be safer.

All screws, screws and nuts should also be changed. The fact is that old bolts can easily crumble at the most inopportune moment. This does not bode well for the cyclist.

The tires, if they have survived, then, most likely, are all dry and cracked. It is highly discouraged to restore them in any way, since the former strength cannot be returned. It is best to buy new ones, especially since the sizes of dinners have not changed much since the last century.

If the saddle was not made of wood, but of rubber, then it most likely suffered the same fate as the tires. Only in this case, replacing the seat can severely spoil the appearance of the final model. Better to darn and tint it. For example, Soviet saddles were quite durable and of high quality.

Before you start improving the bike by adding all sorts of additional buns to it, you need to check its functionality. The main thing is not to forget that the main goal of restoration is to return the bike to its former state. This means that there should be no backlashes, gaps and unreasonable squeaks.

Of course, not every bicycle workshop will undertake the repair of the apparatus of the last millennium, but you can search. Perhaps some old school garage master will find sporting interest in the restoration of an old bicycle and will do his job even better than professional craftsmen. If you are not confident in your abilities, then it is better to trust a professional, because wrong actions can cause more harm than good.

Summing up, you should still pay attention to the fact that the restoration of a bicycle is rarely justified. Such measures should be resorted to only if you need a specific bike that is close to your soul. Before starting, you should definitely weigh your strengths, including volitional and material ones, because restoration is a very long and costly process. Most likely, it will be more profitable to turn to some master than to take on this business yourself.