Geoffrey Butler... How would you build it...
 

I was fortunate enough to be able to purchase this from our illustrious @randyjawa and I am still trying to figure out how to build this.

The frame
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...2d8bc2df5a.jpg

It looks real nice and has some nice features
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...286a8b8edd.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...117763f536.jpg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...ecd06b2751.jpg

I have a nice set of 650b wheels and with some 38mm (I think, could be 42mm) Pasela tires at my house in Lancaster, PA and my daughters fit the front no problem but the rear did not go so well
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...3a25c8454b.jpg

So it looks like it should have some nice 700c wheels with something around a 28 to 32mm tire either that or dimple the stays.


So BF members and other onlookers what say you, How would you build this?

I have a few ideas but want some other input as I have to mull this over for the next nine months until I return in late Apr.

I could be wrong, but I remember from when I researched this that the Pasela is not available in 38mm when looking at 650b, but only in 42mm. If this is the case, then maybe 38 will work, and would be worth at least a test fit. The bike I converted to 650b (a Moto Grand Record) is pretty sweet with the fat tires.

Do you have a frame number ?

John.

I would build it up with TA Specialties cranks and Huret Jubileehttps://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...04e66fda61.jpghttps://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...13e8bf2292.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...f58868ec4d.jpg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...8736cf394d.jpg

Excellent choice. Sophistication is what a frame like this needs.

However you want, and however it would be the most useful. It's a cool bike, but it's not a show piece, so I'd probably go practical with it...maybe an ultegra 10sp build or something, if you have interest in STI. If you want to go more traditional, I'd just use stuff you like best, with a focus on function. Mix of groups/parts.

I'd be tempted to run a stronglight 99 crank. It's more affordable than a TA and you can run it as a "compact" crank. I like the idea of going all European on this build but it's tough to beat suntour derailleurs when it comes to functionality. If going 700c, it needs a nice set of vintage sidepulls, campys are the best but universal brakes are cheaper and would look good as well. And for hubs, it's hard to beat campy record hi flange when building up an old bike.

I'll third that (TA/Jubilee) recommendation. Those parts would look great on there. TA crank for sure. I could accept campagnolo NR derailleurs if need be. The price of Jubilee derailleurs has gotten ridiculous. (should have kept mine)

I vote a big no on the dimpling. Leave it as is. That's clearly a go fast road bike or at least a very sporty sport tourer/audax. IMO 700c x 28 is a good choice. Consider splurging on a Brooks Ti rail saddle to soften the ride a little.

I am in same general opinion as Aaron......build it as how you are going to use it

That said I have become quite partial to modern components like 105/ultegra on classic frames. you get the advantages of a good gearing range, super nice shifting and breaking. You can get a full group quite reasonably from UK bike shops. It may require a cold set but that is not horrible

other wise if you are keeping it friction, go with the components you like campy or shimano or ??? but if you need gearing range, look for a triple

RX100 is my personal Honda Civic of drivetrain parts. Oddly just as expensive as Ultegra if you shop the bay but lots of bikes with it.

With that rear tire clearance it was made to be somewhat ...... 'racy'(?). maybe that's not the correct term.
I would not dimple stays as the chainstay bridge looks a little tight, too.

Any build that puts a smile on your face is appropriate.
I would get decals for it.

Definitely looks like it was built with racing in mind over touring/commuting. The lack of fender stay eyelets correlates this.

-Kurt

And fastback seatstays at the lug

Mavic Zap.

I seem to recall seeing this on at least one touring frame - I tend to see fastback seatstays as a framebuilder showing off more than a distinctly sporty thing to do. Does limit the stay clearance for tires though, but nothing quite as much as the fastback type used on the Raleigh Pro Mk.II through IV's.

Funny, I was about to make another somewhat similar zany - if a bit more conservative - suggestion: Shimano Sante. The blue has a light tint to it that might contrast well. Not 100% convinced, but...hey, might as well throw it out there.

-Kurt

Yes! Approved.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4393/...8e53c1aa_b.jpg

From here: https://villaveloframes.wordpress.co...nimax-perkins/

Actually, does Sante attract quirky tax on the second hand market?

That's an interesting question. The LBS has been sitting on a partial group for the last five years, and they started hinting (again) that I should buy it. I went on eBay and looked at completed listings...and I've never seen such a huge variation on pricing for both groups and individual bits.

You can get it as expensive or cheaply as you want it, if you're willing to wait.

-Kurt

Yes. I would look into graphics H Lloyds may have them.
build- Sugino Mighty, Campag derailleurs Weinmann 500 brakes- simple aluminum seatpost. GB bar and stem. Lyotard pedals.
Tipo hubs, tubulars ( sprints ).

That's a nice Frameset. I would go Campag Nuovo Record.

I'd build it up to be the race bike it was intended to be.

The only serious question I have is about the wheel size it was intended to use - 700c or 27 1/4". I'd want to use 700c (tubulars if you can afford it and value the expenditure).

I wouldn't decal it as Geoffrey Butler unless you are 100% certain of its pedigree.

On second thought, I am also going have say it really should be all Campagnolo Nuovo Record, and it should have sew up wheels. I'd go with relatively wide tires. 28-30mm or something.

It's a very nice frame. Hand filed lugs. Top notch. Don't cheap out on it.

do you have the wheel all the back in the drop outs? looks like the stays are dimpled from the first photo

That's why I said Nuovo Record...

The bike, when purchased in the late sixties, was full Nouvo Record and one bad butt saddle fitted to it. Pretty sure the Bulgier bought it from me...
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...9dd466fbb3.jpg

"Tout" Suntour!