Chrome Molly

Well, the before didn't ride too well since it was a real rescue mission.

But as compared to my other steel bikes with steel forks that are equipped with similar campy ergo groups, the full carbon fork and threadless stem saves about 2 lbs of weight. That's a noticeable amount when riding, especially since it's on the control side of the bike. The threadless stem and carbon fork make it feel more like a modern bike, but the 957 is designed IMO as a stage bike, and therefore is long and low. So the juiced up handling on the front end adds to what I'd have thought the original builders were going for. The frame is compliant and the fork soft riding yet tight handling (if that makes any sense). In short, nice and connected to the front wheel, but didn't lose any of the nice compliant steel ride on the other end. I'd do it again in a heartbeat on the right bike. In this case, since I didn't have the original fork, and my builder sold me the carbon fork that was just used on a show bike for $50, it was a very easy call.

Steve Whitlatch 

That is a very intimidating build. I really like how mean it looks. WOW!

velofinds

Okay, here's my story. I'd like to make this bike more efficient, by which I mean better conversion of effort through the pedals into forward momentum. I'm guessing that's a byproduct of the bike itself (i.e., the frame) and not the fork, and that converting to a carbon-threadless setup isn't going to produce any gains in that particular respect. Does that sound roughly correct?

Aesthetically speaking, I'd be giving up a LOT by going threadless. I mean, just look at this fork:

jtbadge

This frame used to have STIs (9000/6800), now it has Ergos. Record Titanium 10 speed - compact/UltraTorque/quickshift era.

EnzoRWD

Don't change the fork! That bike is perfect! Well done

Dfrost 

Hard to see anything on that lovely Peugeot that would accomplish what you want. I’m assuming that you’re happy with the fit. Different tires, particularly tubulars, might make a small difference, but those Challenge tires have a very good reputation. How’s the engine?

I recently went from 175 to 170mm cranks, and even with my disproportionately long legs, the shorter cranks with noticeably easier spin add apparent efficiency.

himespau 

I don't mean to be rude, but are you a bigger chap? I just know that some of the lighter super vitus tubing would be wigglier than a wet noodle under me and not at all efficient transfer of energy (of course, I also ride 63-65 cm frames).

danmyersmn

I love the green on the tires. It works great!

Chrome Molly

I wouldn't change it. The stiff crank is a bigger change than the fork. Unless you are doing crit style corners or long climbs the steel fork's looks outweigh the weight benefit.

Nice bike!

RiddleOfSteel

So much "Yes, please" in that. I would happily trade my 970 for that color combo of 957.

RobbieTunes

I went CF forks on 3 Ironman bikes. Switched back for the comfort.
However, CF fork conversions went very well, and looked fine, on a Schwinn 654 and a Centurion Facet. Both were aluminum, with steel forks, and both were better riders "after."

Chrome Molly

I might have a line on a 95x frame in this color. What size are you looking for?

Melem2007

I have a vintage steel specialized and i was blessed to have a guy at my job that was upgrading his cannondale super six with e assist. He gave me free of charge his take off sram force 10 speed complete groupset!!! Along with 2 cassettes the one I am using is a 11-28. I will post pics as soon as I assembly everything !!!!

malcala622

Ive completed the His and Hers Biannchi builds but ill wait for daylight to take pictures.

Melem2007

[QUOTE=jtbadge;19885396]This frame used to have STIs (9000/6800), now it has Ergos. Record Titanium 10 speed - compact/UltraTorque/quickshift era.

Sweet bike I love the color

Melem2007

Ive completed the His and Hers Biannchi builds but ill wait for daylight to take pictures.[/QUOTE]

I seen the pics of the builds coming along very nice... I had a bianchi, the down tube got crushed. That was a sad day...

Cant wait to see the finished bikes

Melem2007

[QUOTE=velomateo;19787193]I had the good fortune to add this 1996 Moots to my small stable. When it came to me the Reynolds fork was black, red and white...and ugly. I sent it out to be refinished to match the bare titanium. Mounted a SRAM Rival 22 group plus Mavic Cosmic Carbone wheelset that may look familiar to those that remember my GT National Team bike. This is my first "keeper" in titanium, as I am very very impressed with this bike. Rides like it's a new frame...amazing.

That is a sweet bike I love it

malcala622

I will post this one though. Retro roadie with STI, Cateye Padrone and GoPro Hero

Ready for the Rosarito to Ensenada 50 mile ride this Saturday.

Falcon3

Fastest freaking bike I've ever ridden. I totally underestimated the Ironman until I got done with this build. Velocity A23 wheels with GP4000II in 28c and a 6600 53-39 set. It's a full 2lbs heavier than my Trek 730, but you'd never know to ride it.

RiddleOfSteel

I ride a 64cm give or take a cm. Trek would have had, IIRC, a 64cm size in this year/year range. It certainly was for my 1983 970.

malcala622

RobbieTunes

Of course.

Very well said, nice '86. Smooth, ain't it?
Some people still don't get it.

athrowawaynic

I am chomping at the bit to see how much improvement GP4000sii will be on my retroroadie. I have a set on the way.

I'm currently fitted with Vittoria Randonneur II, cheap and durable, but if they run in the vicinity of the normal Randonneurs, that's 32.4w rolling resistance per tire.

Compared with the GP4000s, which test at 12.2w per tire, that's 40w total right there.

noglider 

Please let us know how you like those Continentals. They sound great.

brandon98

Continental GP and Gatorskin are sooooo much better than the cheaper Vittorias. The Zaffiro and Randonneur are like pedaling through mashed potatoes in comparison. Tires are, to a great extent, one of those "you get what you pay" things and the best value is 2 to 3 from the top of the line.