Pondering what to use a Superbe Pro groupset on
09-17-23, 01:33 PM
#1
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Pondering what to use a Superbe Pro groupset on
As I was organizing things I came across my box with a complete generation 2 Suntour Superbe Pro groupset. I even have the wheelset with the Superbe hubs for it. I think this was introduced in 1984. I currently don't have a frame to build up so I'm wondering what I should keep an eye out for. I like Fuji frames but they just feel more correct with Shimano.
09-17-23, 01:50 PM
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Ummm....I've had several Fuji's with Superbe on them. Seems 100% correct to me.
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09-17-23, 02:26 PM
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The answer is “anything”. I’m putting one (eventually) on an AD Superleicht. It is the one group that just feels right on anything from Italian to British to Japanese.
But if Japanese is what you want, a Lotus Supreme is the perfect mate. Trek 670, 660, 760..? Miele? Marinoni?
There’s really no wrong answer.
But if Japanese is what you want, a Lotus Supreme is the perfect mate. Trek 670, 660, 760..? Miele? Marinoni?
There’s really no wrong answer.
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09-17-23, 02:36 PM
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been looking/
hoping to build up this fankenbike Pinarello with the superbe pro but haven't found the group yet.looking to trade all but the wheels?
Last edited by '02 nrs; 09-17-23 at 05:45 PM.
09-17-23, 02:54 PM
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Yeah, I know it would fit just about anything and there is no reason for not doing Fuji. Is more of a beauty is in the eye of the beer holder sort of thing; If I get a good vintage Fuji frame I would want to do vintage dura ace, if I get Italian I would want to do a Campy bike. This I would want to do a Japanese road bike other than (arbitrarily) Fuji.
I'm just fishing for ideas. Chances are at this point I'm not going to be actively hunting for a frame but eventually if one in a list of suitable choices pops up I would pull the trigger. I don't need another bike, I just like building up vintage bikes.
I'm just fishing for ideas. Chances are at this point I'm not going to be actively hunting for a frame but eventually if one in a list of suitable choices pops up I would pull the trigger. I don't need another bike, I just like building up vintage bikes.
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09-17-23, 03:32 PM
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For DT shifting I prefer Superbe over anything from Shimano or Campagnolo so I see it as the best choice for just about anything.
Japanese - Fuji Opus III
Italian - Bianchi Trofeo
Swiss brand built by Vanni Losa
British, uh...Japanese
There is just no bad answer in my book.
Japanese - Fuji Opus III
Italian - Bianchi Trofeo
Swiss brand built by Vanni Losa
British, uh...Japanese
There is just no bad answer in my book.
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09-17-23, 04:13 PM
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Miyata, any of the high end splined tube frames. 912, 914, 1400, Team, Pro, Koga-Miyata Full Pro.
Besides that, 3Rensho, or a custom handmade frame from Yamaguchi.
That's my opinion at least. I love Suntour components, and Miyata frames.
For years I rode a 1981 Miyata 610 running mostly Superbe, with a Superbe Pro crankset. Just this year I changed the crankset out for a Superbe to really make the group whole. Next up will be a wheelset with Superbe rear hub and a SON28 or Shutter Precision.
Besides that, 3Rensho, or a custom handmade frame from Yamaguchi.
That's my opinion at least. I love Suntour components, and Miyata frames.
For years I rode a 1981 Miyata 610 running mostly Superbe, with a Superbe Pro crankset. Just this year I changed the crankset out for a Superbe to really make the group whole. Next up will be a wheelset with Superbe rear hub and a SON28 or Shutter Precision.
09-17-23, 04:37 PM
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There is only one answer.
The owner of this Raleigh Superbe 12 frame must not have had funds to put the appropriate groupset on it... or he swapped it out before putting this up on e-buy
The owner of this Raleigh Superbe 12 frame must not have had funds to put the appropriate groupset on it... or he swapped it out before putting this up on e-buy
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09-17-23, 05:03 PM
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Somewhere, a bare Nishiki Superbe frame and fork is softly sighing...
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09-17-23, 05:48 PM
#11
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The guide attached in post #1 of this thread will show you which bikes had Superbe Pro components as spec'ed in 85. I would give priority to a blingy production race frame from Japan (just my opinion, tho).
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09-17-23, 06:29 PM
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No idea what size the OP desires but I'd like to spend his money and have that groupset. I probably would go for this funky cool early Zunow listed in ebay. Awesome early filet brazed, already set for 650B. Gravel showtime. Seller states older repaint from Zunow East in 1990. Shoot some clear over it and go. Downtube shifters more the better. Also seek the funky neat SR Sakae Randnner bars. Nice bend and fits the theme. Pull the Superbe hubs and use for the 650b wheelset build. Marwi ti-dye titanium spokes. Modern day ally hoops (options). More options too for cantilever brakes. Brooks ti railed saddle with custom drillings. Badazz.
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09-17-23, 06:34 PM
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How About a 1988 Klein Quantum?
Here’s my 1988 64cm Klein Quantum.
A Klein Quantum seems to be the perfect frame for Suntour Superbe.
And don’t forget that the Dutch 1980s team Super Confex rode Colnagos equipped with Superbe Pro. I think Edwig Von Hooyndonck (spelling?) won The Tour of Flanders with Superbe Pro.
If it was good enough for them, it’s good enough for me.
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09-17-23, 06:37 PM
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A Huffy Aerowind.
Or perhaps an Evel Knievel edition AMF Roadmaster.
Or perhaps an Evel Knievel edition AMF Roadmaster.
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09-17-23, 07:07 PM
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Mid 90's Paramount.
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09-17-23, 07:57 PM
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I do have a chrome Nishiki, non US Japanese market model. It has a Shimano 600 arabesque groupset so I'm guessing second half of the 70's.
It is rather a sad state of affairs that you can build up something quite fantastic and it is still worth less than the sum of it's parts. Heck people are more likely to pay more by having to hunt down parts to make a bike correct than buying a groupset matched bike from the get go.
It is rather a sad state of affairs that you can build up something quite fantastic and it is still worth less than the sum of it's parts. Heck people are more likely to pay more by having to hunt down parts to make a bike correct than buying a groupset matched bike from the get go.
09-17-23, 09:11 PM
#17
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1985 Schwinn Peloton had Superbe drivetrain (but not brakes). Columbus tubes.
1985 Univega Superstrada had Superbe drivetrain and brakes.
Both American brands, made in Japan quality!
1985 Univega Superstrada had Superbe drivetrain and brakes.
Both American brands, made in Japan quality!
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09-17-23, 10:17 PM
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09-17-23, 11:18 PM
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09-17-23, 11:53 PM
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Personally I’d be thinking Edwig Van Hooydonck-appropriate Colnago Master in Superconfex-Yoko-Opel or Buckler-Colnago-Decca team livery.
Bonus points for spring rides in knee-length bibshorts.
Bonus points for spring rides in knee-length bibshorts.
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Nothing quite says wall hanger like drillium toe straps
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09-18-23, 12:52 AM
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If you want to be 100% a purist it would depend on whether the bike was ever factory spec with the group. There are instances where a bike could be ordered with a different groupset which would make it kosher, and some even mix and matched components.
09-18-23, 04:00 AM
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Stare Decisis
What the Factory specified could change daily and Catalogs made note of this: ask Gitane in the early 1970's. However, a Tdf would not leave the Factory with a Campagnolo RD on a Simplex hanger Because it was physically impossible and would not function.
The precedent of hanging bits which matched the bicycle's integrated hardware was set long before "Gruppos."
But suit yourself.
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09-18-23, 04:56 AM
#23
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Raleigh USA Team Pro With A Mostly Superbe Pro Gruppo
I have a 1985 SBDU Raleigh 753 Team Pro built for Raleigh USA. It was built and raced in the NW with Superbe Pro components. The frame was factory resprayed in 1992 in Raleigh USA Team Technium kit.
Original Raleigh USA Team colors.
I have a set of Superbe Pro brake calipers that I've never gotten around to installing (I hate wrapping bars).
The original RD was so worn that it was amazing that it shifted at all! I found this NOS Superbe Pro RD that's wonderful... Only problem 26T max FW.
The aesthetics on the Superbe Pro components are superior.
verktyg
Original Raleigh USA Team colors.
I have a set of Superbe Pro brake calipers that I've never gotten around to installing (I hate wrapping bars).
The original RD was so worn that it was amazing that it shifted at all! I found this NOS Superbe Pro RD that's wonderful... Only problem 26T max FW.
The aesthetics on the Superbe Pro components are superior.
verktyg
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Chas. ;-)
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09-18-23, 06:17 AM
#24
Newbie
Frame for Superbe Pro
Keep it Japanese - any frame with Tange 1 or Prestige tubes, Also, MKS toeclips and straps and Yokozuna cables.
09-18-23, 06:35 AM
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I'm a SunTour fan and have numerous SunTour themed retro builds in mind for the future. My one functioning SunTour drivetrain bike is a Cannondale CAAD3 R1000. It is a 1999 model and I have Superbe Pro hubs on that with a 8 speed Accushift rear cassette, and an XC 9000 front hub. The finishes are the same between the XC Pro stuff and the Superbe Pro so some mix and matching can occur. Same with the derailleurs. XC Pro rear deraileurs can accommodate triple drivetrains better than the Superbe Pro RD. Just somethin to think about. Also, consider mounting Accushift downtube levers onto Genenalle cyclocross Audax brake levers with integrated shift pods. Just a fun, alternate way of setting up touring bike shift levers and friendly with triple front drivetrains. Quite a few different SunTour FD's are triple compatible BTW, not sure about Superbe or Superbe Pro specifically.
Last edited by masi61; 09-18-23 at 07:27 AM.