greg3rd48 

@sgrapevine That is a nice build you have there. What length is your spindle? Perhaps you just need a shorter spindle if you don't want to make the jump for another crankset. That would be a cheap fix. As Robbie said a newer Sugino would mesh really well with your Mariushi too though...

sgrapevine

I'm thinking that's what I'll do. However, like I said, I'm a bit intimidated by replacing the bb. This has what I think is referred to as a "cup and cone" bottom bracket? I have none of the tools necessary to remove it. I also had basically never laid tool to bike before I started this build a couple weeks ago, so things with bearings (a concept I still have trouble wrapping my inexperienced head around) frighten me.

It looks like I'll have to remove the bottom bracket before I can accurately assess the current right spindle length. Is that correct? After that any 68mm english threaded cartridge bottom bracket with a square taper will fit the bill. Is that right? Consequently, it looks like I'll need the following tools at minimum:

- 14mm wrench to remove the bolt on the crank
- crank puller
- whatever arcane tools used to remove the current bottom bracket; although, I've heard whispers of a hammer and a well placed flat-head screwdriver
- ample grease
- whatever tool you use to install a bottom bracket. i assume that a "bottom bracket removal tool" will double a s a bottom bracket installer tool

Is that about the speed of it? Thanks for the feedback and help!

upthywazzoo 

Spongebob bottle makes this whole thing. Love the wheels too. 7850 or 9000?

ratfink76

Finally complete... bought the frame nearly a year ago and have been collecting parts...

1986 Bertoni Specialissima in original paint. First gen Shimano 105 Brifter grouppo (crank set was toast so swapped the pictured on in). Brooks Cambium saddle with matching bartape..

greg3rd48 

To accurately measure the spindle yes you will have to remove it from the BB. It really is not as hard as you may think. You will probably need a 14mm socket wrench for the bolt, the crank puller and a bottom bracket wrench. You may need a spanner for the cup or possible an adjustable wrench. I have used a pair of needle nosed pliers as a spanner before with no issues to remove the cup. Only remove the non drive side cup and leave the fixed cup on the drive side in place. If things are hard to budge douse the BB with an anti seize penetrant. You can use a cheap digital caliper to measure the spindle once you remove it and go from there. Remember that you do not include the threaded ends in the measurement. If you feel like passing on this you could also bring it by your LBS. I hope this helps.

arimajol

I've got a problem. Built up a bike this winter with 9 speed Chorus after only ever using downtube shifters. Now I don't want to go back! Thinking about switching the 9 speed group to the Marinoni below. Wouldn't it look nice on that?? I just don't think I'll ride it much anymore if it stays with the Super Record group, the ergos are just so much fun.
Anybody have thoughts on new Athena vs Chorus for my other ride?

himespau 

Put the new group on the bike you're going to ride the most. Don't put 11 speed on a winter bike if 9 speed is going to be more reliable.

Jimbo1983

Wow, just beautiful.

fiataccompli

nice to see a Bertoni!

ratfink76

Thanks! A few of my bike buddies say it is my best build yet. Rides great also!

alwaysriding

heres my custom repainted re-decaled master x-light build with campy record ti. it is now living in sweden with my best friend who rides it daily to work!

non-fixie 

Good-looking bike. Nice house, too!

malcala622 

Just finished up this Bianchi Squadra with Dura Ace 7800 groupset and wheels.





Nice BertonI @ratfink76 love the purple frame.

trekKiller

Just finished up this bike, which I also posted to the Centurion Ironman thread. Build took me a couple years to put together. Hodge podge Shimano 2x10 EC90 build. Doval rings. Mavic ksyrium shod in conti gp classic 25c rubber. Excited for my first long ride in the morning, but she rides nice!


19.1lbs

styggno1

Not being more than 23 years old this Motorola Merckx MX Leader is still a capable frame and I consider it a "new" frame (as I collect 60ies to 80ies). For the young guys it is a dinosaur though... When I built it up I felt modern and with the times but I soon got the comment - "look at that old dude on that old steel bike".

A 1993 Merckx with first generation Super Record 11. The first that came out did not have all the red trimmings. Who knows - in 20 years time "first generation SR11" might be a collectible.





This one is also equipped with newer parts. Record triple 10 except for the rear derailleur which is a Racing T - as the Record did not have that shine that I was looking for (it has a carbon body). For that vintage feel I chose to use Campags indexing triathlon/tempo bar end shifters but in the traditional position. This frame is 1994-5 and the paint is team GAN. Chrome lugs makes it fast. That is a good thing since I am not.




Both bikes are getting tan/gum wall tires in the near future

himespau 

I've always wanted an MX Leader bike, and yours are gorgeous. I'm a big fan of the campagnolo 10 speed triple. I wish they hadn't stopped making it for their higher end groups (not that I can afford anything above veloce these days).

Falcon3

FINALLY have a bike to add to this thread. Took my 1985 Cannondale ST400 and put an Ultegra 9 speed groupset on. Threadless adapter and matching Cannondale compact bars and Open Pros. I wanted to try to keep close to the versatile gearing of the touring triple that was on there so I went with a compact 50/34 crankset and a 11-30t rear cassette. It works great with the sort cage derailleur. First ride is tomorrow!


Just need to find some new hoods to replace the sticky ones on there! Anybody have an extra set of 5500/6500 brake hoods laying around?

thrasher9905

This is my unfinished 98' Torelli Countach. Nowhere near complete but I see potential.

gomango

Hard to beat a Leader frameset when you add modern Campy.

Might I suggest Veloflex Master 25s for these beauties.

JP888

I too have a Merckx with chrome dropouts. I agree with Livelikegold to try using a stiffer skewer. You may also try backing out the dropout screws all the way, extending the wheelbase for stability. A professional mechanic suggested to me to take off the screws and insert them backwards, without a cap. This way you can back them out all the way if needed.

I also have a pair of Rolf Vigors, never had any stability problems with them, but they are not on my Merckx.

Lastly, if it is still unstable, have a reputable shop check the frame alignment. IMO the 126/130 spacing has nothing to do with it.

Nice bike.

Fivethumbs

Sweet ride! Are you at the zoo?

plonz 

I missed this one at first. Dura Ace 7800 on (semi) vintage steel. Doesn't get any better IMO. That bike will flat out fly.

PhilPub

I've just treated the Ron to a new set of gum walls for the Summer. The new Vittoria Corsa G+ seem to exemplify what this thread is all about for my liking: classic good looks with the benefits of modern tech. (Graphene! It's got Graphene!!) And they feel great.

Fivethumbs

She's a real looker!. Love the blue on red.

PhilPub

Thanks! They're the colours of my cycling club back in the '80s, when I first took delivery of the frame as a teenager. Ron was originally blue and white but I thought it would be a nice touch when I had it resprayed and modernised four years ago.