“Anything Goes”

actually, that’s not true. I don’t put ugly modern parts on a vintage bike. Some parts are better looking than others.

No threadless stems; no 4-arm cranks, etc.

Does it look completely out of place on the bike? No? Then I’m typically fine with whatever works, or works better. Having said that, I think vintage frames always look best with period parts. But, looks aren’t everything unless it’s a show piece. If it makes it more enjoyable to ride who can really argue.

Ok, you asked! Ready?

I’ve planned many a build, but have yet to actually build. That’ll change!

In my short time since taking up riding again, and in C&V steel as a means to do so, I’ve fallen deep into the seemingly bottomless rabbit hole of researching, bike swapping, and parts hunting. This has led to a lack of productivity with a wrench, but has also developed a certain intent.

Over this course my riding needs, and my personal tastes have been forming, simultaneously, ever changing the directions this whole thing is taking me in.

Where I’m at currently is here... two builds which will serve two distinct purposes. One, a sporty city ride to handle my daily affairs and light commuting. The other a loaded tourer.

The first build mentioned is based off of a rare custom frame built locally in 1981. It uses Columbus SL tubing and is equipped with Campy dropouts. The PO shared with me that despite the more recent Japanese componentry it’s presented with now, he had initially built it with a Campy group from the era. There was only one way to go here, as the frame seemed to practically beg to be restored to its former hybrid Italian/American status. I’ve set out to rebuild it with a NR/SR group. From head to toe the bike will be decked out in period quality parts with only the tires possessing any modern attributes while still offering a classic aesthetic. No big responsibility for the bike to live up to. It needs to ride well. Ride fast. Be simple enough to maintain. And look killer while doing so.

The tourer on the other hand is an even older, but also high end frame. I’d like to keep it as period as well. 1976! However, due to the nature of its job to keep me rolling, and stopping in the road many miles from home. It will see some careful mixing of the old with the new. For instance, I’ve purchased a brand new set of modern GC610 brakes for reliability, and I’m tempted to go with a 7 speed cassette. Might do aero levers to cut down on the clutter up front, easing access to the handlebar bag, and reducing chances of getting hung up should I need to lean the bike in the brush while out in the sticks. Other details yet to be worked out, but I can’t let myself get too caught up in “period correctness” with this one as function over form needs to be the rule here. I don’t care if it “does not look right,” to purist type observers.

For me, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” applies to bikes in the sense that as long as the need is being met, and things look right (to my eye), then it’s all good! Otherwise, do what’s necessary to make it so, and don’t worry about others opinions.

Its been a long time coming, and one hell of a learning experience, but these two vintage bikes will be built, and they’ll be built exactly how I need them to be built.