Originally Posted by
smd4
I guess for 1977 they looked pretty nice. Could do without the soup-can cable guides, but I guess back then, they were better than the three chromed band-type guides. Flat fork crowns? No thanks.
The lugs are nice, but no chrome? No braze-on front derailleur mounts?
Again, for 1977, maybe these frames were the shiz, but certainly not the pinnacle of steel frame design/execution, IMO. That three-toned blue one Steve in Peoria posted looks pretty nice, but the others? Meh.
braze on front derailleur mounts as a production item were years away.
Confente did explore a direct mount front mechanism. A custom cast chassis to replace the band clamp affair - mounting with what appeared to be two waterbottle bosses. Near the end, maybe only on one bike.
the rest of your post really need to be revised for clarity after some more coffee. "Soup can cable guides"?
you might also review more as what was available in 1977. My guess before your time and or awareness.