diegob@cca.UUCP (Diego Gonzalez) (01/08/85)
Besides the Sears bicycles, there are a number of bikes sold in this country whose manufacturers seem to have deliberately gone to the trouble of using non-standard components and threadings. One of the most notable of recent memory was the Centurion models of the late '70s (although I think the company has lately offered more competitive machines). The problems of repairing or upgrading these bikes are enough to cause headaches to the mildest-mannered bikie. My recommendations are on the harsh side. 1) Advertise for a used bike of the same make from which you can cannibalize parts, or 2) fix the bike you have to "usable" condition and sell it. If you opt for the second approach, you can purchase a bike with standard (such as is in the industry: English, Italian, or French -- with an occasional Swiss -- threadings and dimensions) components. If it's a utility bike, there are probably lots of bargains to be found. For "serious" club riding, touring, or pleasure riding, you would do yourself a great favor to find a good quality bicycle that is properly fit to your size and style of riding. In my opinion, bicycles are one of the few classes of goods where one truly gets what one pays for. diego@cca