Apollo Legend - First time refurb and build.

[velomentary]

Hello - I'm posting this thread more as a scrapbook of rights and wrongs and so I can record (or ask for help) on the refurb and resto of my Apollo Legend bike. I know it's a pretty low end thing but it's a lovely thing that I want to give a nod backwards and nod forwards in terms of pulling it together for a spring tour. I'll try post my progress here. Thanks - any advice always welcome. Here is where I started after pick up. . .

 

[velomentary]

You can also see a more detailed blog at meandapollo.wordpress.com with a little more narrative but I'll try keep the shorter stuff to this thread.

 

[fettler]

Looks in great condition with nice paintwork intact, the loop stays at the back are a nice touch too. Hope you get to a comfortable/usable set up with this and head out to see some unknown lands. Guards and rear rack are ready for long days out. Unless you are in Norfolk then a lower 1st gear may help, the lower front chain ring looks quite big. Crank swap is easy enough and a few extra teeth on the back is not too difficult. I'm planning a long tour this spring and have realised that none of my current bikes are much use for long touring days in the saddle.

 

[velomentary]

Looks in great condition with nice paintwork intact, the loop stays at the back are a nice touch too. Hope you get to a comfortable/usable set up with this and head out to see some unknown lands. Guards and rear rack are ready for long days out. Unless you are in Norfolk then a lower 1st gear may help, the lower front chain ring looks quite big. Crank swap is easy enough and a few extra teeth on the back is not too difficult. I'm planning a long tour this spring and have realised that none of my current bikes are much use for long touring days in the saddle.

Thanks - yes, I'm going to replace the cranks for something a little more silver and with three rings I think. Yeah, definitely going to try a bike pack weekend once it's in shape.

 

[velomentary]

Here is where I am up to at the moment. I have replaced the brakes with some slightly better cantilever
brakes and yellow brake pads.

I've swapped out the stem for a nice high angled Kalloy one from this forum. Thanks

The saddle has swapped out for my Brookes one. I rode with the Selle Royal original which wasn't too bad actually, but my Brookes shifts around with my backside.

I've put some silver Raleigh Industries brake levers but not sure I'll keep them on.

Big sweep back bar added and silver sun tour shifters.

Swapping out brake cable housing and looking at a red and yellow colour combo maybe.

Replaced and refurbed the bearings etc in the front wheel as it was scraping on rotation.

Still plenty to go at but enjoying it.

 

[velomentary]

I've managed a bit more work on the Apollo Legend over last couple days.

Fitted a better derailleur
Fitted Ofmega vintage cranks instead of the original ofmegas
Managed to squeeze some steel mudguards on that I had but might have to reduce the tyres to 35s as the 38s are really close.
Busy creating a bit of a home made extension for the rear stays on the mudguards.
Rear mini rack that fits my well worn Carradice panniers nicely.

It's getting there ...

 

[velomentary]

I managed to cable up the brakes and used some Raleigh Industries shifters in the end as they feel more vintage. I ran out of Bianchi green cable housing so I've used some spare jagwire yellow for now.

If anyone has any of the Bianchi style colour cable housing that would be good

The chain I fitted was a Japanese ultra glide Shimano thing from early 90s which seems to be a great strong chain. I had to take a few links out as it was too big.

It's just running as a 5 speed at the mo. Which I'm quite happy with really. set the gears myself and was over the moon they shift so well the suntour shifters and wires are great to adjust and get right with gentle adjustments.

I haven't sourced the older style pedals yet but after a re-wire and a ride out this bike rides and runs lovely.

Hopefully get a bit more done this longer weekend and a first longer light night ride on Sunday

 

[JasonLongfellow]

Hiya. Just stumbled across this. Your bike refurb looks worthy of the name legend! I'm still cycling around on my dad's old Apollo Legend, which must be about 30 years old. I've recently fitted a Swytch kit to it, which is brilliant as launching from a stop on local hills is becoming increasingly challenging (I'm 61 and the bike weighs a ton).
Anyway, here's a couple of terrible photos. Happy cycling!

 

[velomentary]

Hiya. Just stumbled across this. Your bike refurb looks worthy of the name legend! I'm still cycling around on my dad's old Apollo Legend, which must be about 30 years old. I've recently fitted a Swytch kit to it, which is brilliant as launching from a stop on local hills is becoming increasingly challenging (I'm 61 and the bike weighs a ton).
Anyway, here's a couple of terrible photos. Happy cycling!

Great stuff Jason - so there are still old Apollo's rolling around. Yeah the bike isn't light is it. I've actually been full circle with mine and it's now resembling more of a beach cruising bike to ride on the flatter parts of the coast. Thanks for the pics and good riding to yourself

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

I love the loop tail. Nice practical bike.