#vintagebicycle — Public Fediverse posts

Details from my recent project to turn my 1980s Centurion road bike into a decent touring/bikepacking steed.
Note: I'm doing this because I'm sentimental and attached to this bike, not because it's a great idea. 🤪 Just get a more modern bike and save yourself the hassle, it's an option!
Why am I so attached? This is my first full sized bike my dad got me when I was 12, my legs stopped growing after that so it still fits! I've held onto it for 20+ years.
Modifications made:
Installed backswept cruiser bars and mtb brake levers back when I first got it, because kids think drop bars are weird. Decided for touring I actually need more hand positions, but liked the stance and leverage of the wide cruiser bars. Solution: mtb bar ends installed mid bar, wrapped in bar tape. DIY crazy bars.
Other mods: wide flat composite pedals. Rear luggage rack, panniers. Modern cutout seat (and yes I like it at that angle). Shimano Megarange freewheel and Deore rear derailleur to add a true hill gear (original gearing absurdly high for touring.) Bar and frame bags (not pictured) for more luggage space. Bluetooth speaker that fits perfectly snug in water bottle cage.
#BikeTooter #cycling #BikePacking #CycleTouring #TouringBike #SteelIsReal #VintageBicycle #FrankenBike