If the bike has been sitting unused most of that time, cleaning, lubrication and adjustment are in order. At a minimum, you'll want to lubricate the chain and all the brake and shifter cables, as well as pivots on derailleurs and brakes. In all likelihood you'll need to replace the tires and tubes, which will probably have deteriorated. Also check the tension and trueness of the wheels and true them if necessary. If the spokes are badly rusted, you may have to have the wheels rebuilt.
If you're not in a great hurry to get it back on the road and if you can do the work yourself or are willing to pay a qualified shop to do it, it's probably a good idea to completely disassemble and overhaul the entire bike. Grease and reassemble the bottom bracket, headset and hubs (I always replace the bearings). Replace all cables and lubricate the new ones. Remove and thoroughly clean then reinstall and lube the chain. I even disassemble, grease and reassemble the pedals. While the bike is disassembled, I check for exterior, and as far as possible, interior rust. I usually spray the inside of the frame tubes with Weigle's Framesaver. A complete overhaul is a lot of trouble, but probably justified if you intend to start riding the bike a lot again and plan to keep it for several more years.
Regards,
Jerry Moos
GdItlngirl@aol.com wrote:
> I still have my old Stella from when I was a teen, I believe it was purchased
> in 1971 or 72. What do you recommend as far as making sure it's okay to ride
> once more? Thanks...Marian