Retro roadies- old frames with STI's or Ergos
08-18-13, 06:30 AM
#3201
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No. More. Way more. At first I thought it was a wee bit small, but then I realized that my 65cm commute bike is just stupid huge, and that a 60 on a race bike is perfect for me. It is so so smooth. I will admit, however, I haven't a ton of experience to compare it to, just my 2001 Bianchi Giro (Alu), an early early Cannondale frame (Alu), and an old Ribble (Steel), and my commuter (Steel). Compared to the Bianchi and Cdale it rides so much better, and neither of those really fit me any how. It is hard to compare it to the others b/c the commuter is not a fair comparison (weighed down with bags, 28mm tires, etc) and the Ribble, well, that was some time ago that I road it. The frame was surprisingly light, at least it felt light, when I got it, but the wheels are so so heavy. I don't find it too squishy on hills, but I am also not the strongest climber and generally blame it on my lack of fitness rather than the bike. Descending, however, this bike is so so dreamy. I've never felt comfortable descending at speed, but on my second ride on this I spun out the 53x12 gearing before I realized it, mainly b/c the bike felt so stable and predictable under me.
If I do anything to it, I am may build up some light wheels with parts from BikeHubShop (Blue anodized hubs/nipples with silver rims/spokes!) and drop a few lbs. But to do that I'd either have to use a Jtek shiftmate to use a Shimano 8s cassette or upgrade the whole drive train to newer 10/11s Campy. I am leaning towards the Jtek solution as I love the way the old campy levers allow you to shift across the entire cassette in one toss. As far as the gearing, 53/39 x 12x26 can be a bit stiff here, but I really dislike compacts so I may just try to use an old XT cassette if I opt for the Jtek solution for some easier climbing gears. Until then, Rule # 5 all the way.
If I do anything to it, I am may build up some light wheels with parts from BikeHubShop (Blue anodized hubs/nipples with silver rims/spokes!) and drop a few lbs. But to do that I'd either have to use a Jtek shiftmate to use a Shimano 8s cassette or upgrade the whole drive train to newer 10/11s Campy. I am leaning towards the Jtek solution as I love the way the old campy levers allow you to shift across the entire cassette in one toss. As far as the gearing, 53/39 x 12x26 can be a bit stiff here, but I really dislike compacts so I may just try to use an old XT cassette if I opt for the Jtek solution for some easier climbing gears. Until then, Rule # 5 all the way.
Always something to tinker with, isn't there.
08-18-13, 08:20 AM
#3202
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No. More. Way more. At first I thought it was a wee bit small, but then I realized that my 65cm commute bike is just stupid huge, and that a 60 on a race bike is perfect for me. It is so so smooth. I will admit, however, I haven't a ton of experience to compare it to, just my 2001 Bianchi Giro (Alu), an early early Cannondale frame (Alu), and an old Ribble (Steel), and my commuter (Steel). Compared to the Bianchi and Cdale it rides so much better, and neither of those really fit me any how. It is hard to compare it to the others b/c the commuter is not a fair comparison (weighed down with bags, 28mm tires, etc) and the Ribble, well, that was some time ago that I road it. The frame was surprisingly light, at least it felt light, when I got it, but the wheels are so so heavy. I don't find it too squishy on hills, but I am also not the strongest climber and generally blame it on my lack of fitness rather than the bike. Descending, however, this bike is so so dreamy. I've never felt comfortable descending at speed, but on my second ride on this I spun out the 53x12 gearing before I realized it, mainly b/c the bike felt so stable and predictable under me.
If I do anything to it, I am may build up some light wheels with parts from BikeHubShop (Blue anodized hubs/nipples with silver rims/spokes!) and drop a few lbs. But to do that I'd either have to use a Jtek shiftmate to use a Shimano 8s cassette or upgrade the whole drive train to newer 10/11s Campy. I am leaning towards the Jtek solution as I love the way the old campy levers allow you to shift across the entire cassette in one toss. As far as the gearing, 53/39 x 12x26 can be a bit stiff here, but I really dislike compacts so I may just try to use an old XT cassette if I opt for the Jtek solution for some easier climbing gears. Until then, Rule # 5 all the way.
If I do anything to it, I am may build up some light wheels with parts from BikeHubShop (Blue anodized hubs/nipples with silver rims/spokes!) and drop a few lbs. But to do that I'd either have to use a Jtek shiftmate to use a Shimano 8s cassette or upgrade the whole drive train to newer 10/11s Campy. I am leaning towards the Jtek solution as I love the way the old campy levers allow you to shift across the entire cassette in one toss. As far as the gearing, 53/39 x 12x26 can be a bit stiff here, but I really dislike compacts so I may just try to use an old XT cassette if I opt for the Jtek solution for some easier climbing gears. Until then, Rule # 5 all the way.
08-18-13, 08:58 AM
#3203
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No kidding. My SL Merckx with 11-sp Athena and Eurus wheels weighs in at 20lbs exactly. Must be that extra cog.
08-18-13, 09:09 AM
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My Colnago is 20lbs with a 2000g record 10 group and eurus wheels. I thought that was pretty good for a 59cm with a heavy bar and stem. If I recall, you are using a similar salsa/soma combo. The stiffness is worth the weight, but I suspect it is a lot heavier than my common deda murex/215 combo.
08-18-13, 09:15 AM
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My Colnago is 20lbs with a 2000g record 10 group and eurus wheels. I thought that was pretty good for a 59cm with a heavy bar and stem. If I recall, you are using a similar salsa/soma combo. The stiffness is worth the weight, but I suspect it is a lot heavier than my common deda murex/215 combo.
08-18-13, 09:24 AM
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08-18-13, 10:18 AM
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Here's one I did about 10 years ago, 1980 something Fuji Supreme. Added Ultegra derailleurs and brake levers, 7 speed cassette and custom built 700c wheels from LBS. Kept the original crankset because it was in great shape and I like the "FUJI" cast into the arms. The original brake calipers were long reach and like new so I kept those as well. Sold it in a moment of weakness. 
Went to a good home though, the guy that bought it fell in love with it at first sight.
Went to a good home though, the guy that bought it fell in love with it at first sight.
08-18-13, 10:43 AM
#3213
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Here's one I did about 10 years ago, 1980 something Fuji Supreme. Added Ultegra derailleurs and brake levers, 7 speed cassette and custom built 700c wheels from LBS. Kept the original crankset because it was in great shape and I like the "FUJI" cast into the arms. The original brake calipers were long reach and like new so I kept those as well. Sold it in a moment of weakness. Went to a good home though, the guy that bought it fell in love with it at first sight.
Went to a good home though, the guy that bought it fell in love with it at first sight.
08-18-13, 12:58 PM
#3216
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It's OK. We've consulted the oracle, and allowed you a pass, because, to get real hazily technical about it, an "Ultegra" brake lever without the "600" prefix could conceivably mean a 9-sp brake lever, as those STI's were the first to bear the solo "Ultegra," while the 7/8 sp levers were "600 Ultegra." Regardless of that run-on sentence, and the photos, we can rationalize anything. This is the "hot rod" part of C&V, to some extent, and you certainly improved upon the Fuji.
Welcome to the forum. I think my bike will fit inside that main triangle.
Welcome to the forum. I think my bike will fit inside that main triangle.
08-18-13, 01:57 PM
#3217
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Yeah, it was a Long Tall Sally for sure, I was "almost" tall enough for it. If it helps I originally planned to convert it to index shifting but chickened out at the last minute. Had it been something older and a couple inches shorter I probably would have done it AND kept it. I'm braver and a bit more experienced now, no smarter though. I still spend too much on old bikes that aren't worth it. 
One of these days the right frameset will come along though. So far everything that has crossed my path since then that has been worth doing has been WAY too short and the ones the right size have been trashed. I need a nice 25.5 inch red and black 1970-73 Raleigh Grand Prix with good paint and graphics. Why not something better you might ask? It's a nostalgia thing, my first road bike was a 1971 Grand Prix, 25.5 inch frame, metallic red with black and gold graphics. Some of my best rides were on that old tank and I have really been missing it for some reason. Illogical I know but that's how it is, You know, your first true love and all that crap. 
One of these days the right frameset will come along though. So far everything that has crossed my path since then that has been worth doing has been WAY too short and the ones the right size have been trashed. I need a nice 25.5 inch red and black 1970-73 Raleigh Grand Prix with good paint and graphics. Why not something better you might ask? It's a nostalgia thing, my first road bike was a 1971 Grand Prix, 25.5 inch frame, metallic red with black and gold graphics. Some of my best rides were on that old tank and I have really been missing it for some reason. Illogical I know but that's how it is, You know, your first true love and all that crap.
08-18-13, 02:05 PM
#3218
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^I don't know, it seems to me that your "first true love" in a bike is pretty darn valid!
08-18-13, 02:39 PM
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Thanks, every time I see a vintage Grand Prix ( or any vintage Raleigh ) my heart "skips a tooth" on it's chain ring LOL. My B-I-L and sister still have the 1971 Grand Prix's they bought the summer after I got mine and they are near mint with super low miles on hers. His has a few more miles including RAGBRAI but doesn't have a mark on it. They bought new hybrids last year and the B-I-L also bought a gorgeous Pinnarello road bike, they would probably sell the Raleighs to me BUT... hers is a women's frame, they're the wrong colors and as always.... WAY too short.
08-18-13, 07:36 PM
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Can I join the club?
92 Merckx Century, was originally built with DA7401/2/3 8 speed. Swapped out the wheels, shifters, rear derailleur for DA7800 and threw on my favorite saddle and pedals. Rides like a champ, but I've got to find some different handlebars with less drop/reach that are the right width. I'm thinking I might try the Soma Hwy 1 bars if I can find a set online, they always seem to be sold out.
92 Merckx Century, was originally built with DA7401/2/3 8 speed. Swapped out the wheels, shifters, rear derailleur for DA7800 and threw on my favorite saddle and pedals. Rides like a champ, but I've got to find some different handlebars with less drop/reach that are the right width. I'm thinking I might try the Soma Hwy 1 bars if I can find a set online, they always seem to be sold out.
Last edited by russd32; 08-18-13 at 07:40 PM.
08-18-13, 08:13 PM
#3221
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Can I join the club?
92 Merckx Century, was originally built with DA7401/2/3 8 speed. Swapped out the wheels, shifters, rear derailleur for DA7800 and threw on my favorite saddle and pedals. Rides like a champ, but I've got to find some different handlebars with less drop/reach that are the right width. I'm thinking I might try the Soma Hwy 1 bars if I can find a set online, they always seem to be sold out.
92 Merckx Century, was originally built with DA7401/2/3 8 speed. Swapped out the wheels, shifters, rear derailleur for DA7800 and threw on my favorite saddle and pedals. Rides like a champ, but I've got to find some different handlebars with less drop/reach that are the right width. I'm thinking I might try the Soma Hwy 1 bars if I can find a set online, they always seem to be sold out.
J/k sick bike!
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2019 Salsa Warbird
08-18-13, 08:20 PM
#3222
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Can I join the club?
92 Merckx Century, was originally built with DA7401/2/3 8 speed. Swapped out the wheels, shifters, rear derailleur for DA7800 and threw on my favorite saddle and pedals. Rides like a champ, but I've got to find some different handlebars with less drop/reach that are the right width. I'm thinking I might try the Soma Hwy 1 bars if I can find a set online, they always seem to be sold out.
92 Merckx Century, was originally built with DA7401/2/3 8 speed. Swapped out the wheels, shifters, rear derailleur for DA7800 and threw on my favorite saddle and pedals. Rides like a champ, but I've got to find some different handlebars with less drop/reach that are the right width. I'm thinking I might try the Soma Hwy 1 bars if I can find a set online, they always seem to be sold out.
08-19-13, 12:40 AM
#3223
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I'm using that arrangement on my wife's Campy Chorus 8-spd with Shimano cogs on an Ultegra hub. Works great and I've got a drawer full of loose Shimano cogs to build whatever cassette she wants. Seems like the Shimano cogs last at least as long as Campy, and there's a much greater range available.
08-21-13, 12:59 AM
#3224
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My early 90's Torelli, I picked this bike up for $200 in rather tattered condition. It had a mixed Sachs/Campagnolo 8 spd group on it. I kept the Campagnolo chorus brakes and crank, replaced the the shift/brake levers with record 10 levers, rear derailleur with a veloce 10 spd, front derailleur with a chorus 10, replaced the stock saddle with a brooks B5N, stem with a nitto technomic, and seat post with a velo orange grand cru set back. All I need are some very shiny 36 spoke tubular wheels, and maybe a classic bend handle bar.
08-21-13, 05:49 AM
#3225
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My early 90's Torelli, I picked this bike up for $200 in rather tattered condition. It had a mixed Sachs/Campagnolo 8 spd group on it. I kept the Campagnolo chorus brakes and crank, replaced the the shift/brake levers with record 10 levers, rear derailleur with a veloce 10 spd, front derailleur with a chorus 10, replaced the stock saddle with a brooks B5N, stem with a nitto technomic, and seat post with a velo orange grand cru set back. All I need are some very shiny 36 spoke tubular wheels, and maybe a classic bend handle bar.
Super nice..
You must be about 6'8" too