CT70 shock springs, wheel bearing concerns from childhood

Not a really technical question, but rather some wondering on my part about the toll time has taken on my 1970 CT. OK. I was a very large kid. I was 6 feet 3 inches and 365 plus pounds for the first 4 years I had my CT70. A good, clean, caring and intelligent young man who suffered the slings and arrows of the world, my toys nonetheless suffered from my size. Bicycles, furniture, etc.. No longer do I carry the weigh around though.
Anyway. My CT70 was ridden by me a lot. Sitting on it today at 220 pounds (for 45 years now I add), I realize that my bike sinks sort of low under my weight. My wheels roll smoothly.
I really don't remember my bike NOT sinking as low as it does now. There's no adjustment I know of. Are new springs my only answer? They do squeak with movement.
Should I be concerned about wheel bearings having suffered from my weight back then?
I appreciate your thoughts, and wonder if there are remedies for the "low rider" appearance on my bike.
Don
 

69ST

Well-Known Member
I'd replace the wheel bearings, tires, tubes, and brake shoes simply because of their age. You came nowhere near the capacity of the bearings. The best quality sealed/lubed-for-life bearings available now have a static load rating ~900lbs...and there are 4 per bike.

The rear shocks are way too softly sprung even for a 175lb rider. That's more dangerous. Bottoming-out is brutal on shock mounts. If yours are straight, no worries. And they probably are.

I'd source better shocks with stiffer springs. If your bike is K1-later, thicker fork oil can work wonders.

FYI the non US-spec models had a max GVW of 240kg...528lbs. The bike weighs ~160lbs. The frames are all the same.
 
For certain then I'll replace the wheel bearings, tires and tubes. I've been asking and learning tire options here with member's help.
I never knew the rear shocks are gassed. At about $70 a set, it would be a significant cost for me. May I ask are there other things I could do to repair or improve my original rear shocks before having to buy repros? Being open and honest, my wife and I live on a fixed budget. . Don
 
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