:summary: Introduction to a project bike: Dawes Super Galaxy
-I just bought a new (to me) bicycle, an old-ish Dawes Super Galaxy. It is in reasonably
-good condition, but has two issues that are immediately obvious:
+I just bought a new (to me) bicycle, an old-ish Dawes Super Galaxy.
+
+.. image:: {attach}images/whole_bike_left.jpg
+ :width: 100%
+ :alt: Dawes Super Galaxy
+ :target: {attach}images/whole_bike_left.jpg
+
+It is in reasonably good condition, but has two issues that are immediately
+obvious:
+
+* The frame has a number of scratches, chipped paint and light surface rust all
+ over as well as a small dent on the top tube.
+
+.. image:: {attach}images/IMG_1438.JPG
+ :width: 100%
+ :alt: Chipped paint on the top tube
+ :target: {attach}images/left_bb_cup.jpg
-* The frame has a number of scratches, chipped paint, light surface rust and a
- small dent on the top tube.
* The bottom bracket has plastic retaining rings. These have a reputation for
breaking when you attempt to remove them.
+.. image:: {attach}images/left_bb_cup.jpg
+ :width: 100%
+ :alt: Left bottom bracket cup (plastic)
+ :target: {attach}images/left_bb_cup.jpg
+
It came with front and rear racks, mudguards and mostly Shimano Deore LX components.
There is a list of things to do on this bike sooner or later, each of which will become
-the topic of an article. In descending order of urgency:
+the topic of an article. These are quite urgent:
-#. Buy and fit a kickstand! I didn't think the lack of kickstand would bother
- me, but *oh my god* does it bother me.
+#. There is slop in the cantilever bosses. Either the bosses or the brakes are
+ worn down. This causes excessive brake squeal, especially at the rear. This
+ will either need to be shimmed, or the brakes need to be replaced.
#. Buy a frame pump that fits this frame. I have no way of pumping up the tires
in the event of a flat at the moment.
-#. Remove surface rust, prime, paint and clear coat the chipped areas.
-#. Repack the hub bearings.
-#. Replace chain and cassette.
-#. Try to remove and replace the bottom bracket, something with metal retaining
- rings. The bearings are fine for now, but the sooner I attempt to remove the
- plastic lock rings the better the chance that they will come loose without
- snapping.
-#. Clean and repack headset.
-#. Replace cables and bar tape.
#. Buy a slightly longer seat post. The current saddle height is within an inch
- or so of comfortable. I cannot adjust it higher with the stock seatpost.
-#. Buy a longer handlebar stem.
+ or so of comfortable. I cannot adjust it higher with the stock seat post.
+#. Remove surface rust, prime, paint and clear coat the chipped areas.
+
+These are not so urgent. The bike will continue to ride without any of these
+being done, but it would make life more pleasant.
+
+* Buy and fit a kickstand! I didn't think the lack of kickstand would bother
+ me, but *oh my god* does it bother me.
+* Clean and repack the hub and headset bearings. This is not very urgent.
+* Replace chain and cassette.
+* Try to remove and replace the bottom bracket, something with metal retaining
+ rings. The bearings are fine for now, but the sooner I attempt to remove the
+ plastic lock rings the better the chance that they will come loose without
+ snapping.
+* Replace cables and bar tape. The cable housings are too long, and the bar
+ tape is starting to fall apart.
+* Buy a longer handlebar stem.