Most Underrated C&V Component/Part
10-04-13, 11:51 AM
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Most Underrated C&V Component/Part
OK...so I read the thread about most Overrated...how about the most underrated C&V Component? Or have I simply missed that thread? C'mon, let's hear it...what is the one component that you quietly try to buy for nothing?
10-04-13, 12:01 PM
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Nuovo Record rear derailleurs 
DD
DD
10-04-13, 12:05 PM
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dia-compe centerpulls.
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1 Super Record bike, 1 Nuovo Record bike, 1 Pista, 1 Road, 1 Cyclocross/Allrounder, 1 MTB, 1 Touring, 1 Fixed gear
1 Super Record bike, 1 Nuovo Record bike, 1 Pista, 1 Road, 1 Cyclocross/Allrounder, 1 MTB, 1 Touring, 1 Fixed gear
10-04-13, 12:05 PM
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Seat Binding Bolt!
Broke mine the other day rendering the bike unrideable. Me: "... not too tight, not toooooo tight" SNAP. I found out its hard to get them at a LBSs.
Broke mine the other day rendering the bike unrideable. Me: "... not too tight, not toooooo tight" SNAP. I found out its hard to get them at a LBSs.
10-04-13, 12:54 PM
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I broke about a half dozen Campy binder bolts before I switched to Sugino -- never broke another one.
10-04-13, 12:57 PM
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Sturmey Archer AW 3 speed hub. Too many people write them off as impractical (gearing too high) or outdated (not enough speeds). With some tinkering and the proper rear cog, they're still relevant, solid parts not quite 80 years after their introduction.
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Classic American and British Roadsters, Utility Bikes, and Sporting Bikes (1935-1979):
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Classic American and British Roadsters, Utility Bikes, and Sporting Bikes (1935-1979):
https://bikeshedva.blogspot.com/
10-04-13, 01:02 PM
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Selle Italia Flite Ti. Timeless design.
10-04-13, 01:05 PM
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Deore DX - stuff is flawless.
Campagnolo Ergos - LOVE.
Brooks saddles - everyone loves them, and they're STILL underrated.
Eclipse racks - great retention system, simple and smart. Just wish there were bags for them still made.
Campagnolo Delta brakes - they're great - really - just a little tougher to setup and heavy.
Michelin yellow tire levers...just so much easier to use. Unfortunately hard to find and pricey...I paid 20/set last time I bought them.
Campagnolo Ergos - LOVE.
Brooks saddles - everyone loves them, and they're STILL underrated.
Eclipse racks - great retention system, simple and smart. Just wish there were bags for them still made.
Campagnolo Delta brakes - they're great - really - just a little tougher to setup and heavy.
Michelin yellow tire levers...just so much easier to use. Unfortunately hard to find and pricey...I paid 20/set last time I bought them.
10-04-13, 01:26 PM
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10-04-13, 01:32 PM
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But how often do you read that they perform well?
I'm with Aaron though.
I'm with Aaron though.
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10-04-13, 01:45 PM
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Suntour Sprint group. They finally made some decent single pivots, but it was too late.
10-04-13, 02:49 PM
#13
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TA 5-pin cranks and the seemingly infinite chainring possibilities.
Shimano BR-MC70 high profile canti brakes, rock solid, no flex, look great.
Simplex retrofriction shifters.
Yes, you can occasionally find these things for dirt cheap.
Shimano BR-MC70 high profile canti brakes, rock solid, no flex, look great.
Simplex retrofriction shifters.
Yes, you can occasionally find these things for dirt cheap.
10-04-13, 03:36 PM
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Make me an offer!
10-04-13, 03:47 PM
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10-04-13, 03:50 PM
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Blackburn "race" water bottle cage.
Been using them since the 80's. Nicely made, simple, light and strong.
So good that they never had to do any changes to the design since the 80's and was copied by hundreds of other makers. You can buy a brand new one today and put it on a 30 year old C&V bike and it will look period correct.
I'll take it any day over those "Ciussi" cages with the fancy buttons on them....
Been using them since the 80's. Nicely made, simple, light and strong.
So good that they never had to do any changes to the design since the 80's and was copied by hundreds of other makers. You can buy a brand new one today and put it on a 30 year old C&V bike and it will look period correct.
I'll take it any day over those "Ciussi" cages with the fancy buttons on them....
10-04-13, 03:54 PM
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The stuff most of us remove:
Dork disks
Stem shifters
Kickstands
Wheel reflectors
To the average recreational rider, all of these provide benefits.
Dork disks
Stem shifters
Kickstands
Wheel reflectors
To the average recreational rider, all of these provide benefits.
Last edited by wrk101; 10-04-13 at 04:00 PM.
10-04-13, 04:13 PM
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When the seller doesn't know what they are you can. I just missed a pair for 50 something bucks the other day when I was at work as the bidding ended.
The seller wasn't sure what brand they were so they weren't listed in a search for "Simplex".----------------------
And yeah, I've still got a Nuovo Record RD in a box for about 30 years now.......Just in case I need it for some late '70s period correct build someday if I come accross something appropriate. But I'm really spoiled on better performing derailleurs.
10-04-13, 04:38 PM
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Fujita Belt saddles. Slightly narrower than a B17, which for me is more comfy...
Buy old Fuji for $40
Remove Fujita Belt saddle and put it on your all day rider
Sell Fuji for $80
Buy old Fuji for $40
Remove Fujita Belt saddle and put it on your all day rider
Sell Fuji for $80
10-04-13, 05:28 PM
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how 'bout a whole bike? upper level motos get so much attention, but i love the grand jubilé. it's one of the finest frames i've ever ridden.
10-04-13, 06:22 PM
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I really liked the Motobecane Grand Record I had - it was much nicer than any Raleigh, Gitane or Peugeot I've seen.