Standard Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Brunswick, Maine
Posts: 4,284
Bikes: 1948 P. Barnard & Son, 1962 Rudge Sports, 1963 Freddie Grubb Routier, 1980 Manufrance Hirondelle, 1983 F. Moser Sprint, 1989 Raleigh Technium Pre, 2001 Raleigh M80
Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
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Quoted: 1303 Post(s)
From the type-of riding you have described, and because you have made it a priority to learn from this build, one observation is that you do not need a top-level frame of 531 or Columbus. What make/model was your older bike that met its match? Do you want to create something similar? Although some have advised against "french-threaded" bikes, there are some great (and inexpensive) French frames out there, and if you buy one with the bottom bracket and headset already installed, you should be fine. If you buy over the internet, remind the seller to take extra care in packing, especially chocking the dropouts and fork ends.
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"In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun. You find the fun, and - SNAP - the job's a game!"