lordbikely

As the title says, I’m looking for opinions on whether I should fully upgrade my bike with modern parts.

As it is, it’s currently fully stock except saddle, tires, other consumables, etc. However, a few years ago the front wheel was bent in a minor push from a car exiting a parking lot. I was able to bend it back a bit and true it enough, not the ideal solution I know, because the wheel strength has been compromised since spokes are over and under-tensioned to make it work. Anyway, it’s functional, but it’s always been on my to do list to either find the same vintage rim (Araya rm-20a) and re-lace to original hubs, or buy a new wheel set.

Well, a few months ago I broke the rear axle on a short but very steep climb. I learned that this is because old freewheel designs put too much stress on the axle, so I decided to finally get a new wheel set with a cassette hub. I found a great set of Mavic MA-2’s laced to Miche hubs with 35mm Shimano freehub that fit 126mm spacing. Great price, early 90’s barely used parts that keep the vintage aesthetic. I bought an 8 speed cassette to keep using friction shifters, because that’s what I’m used to and I like the minimalism, but now that I’ve bought new wheels, I’m tempted to do more to modernize it.

I know my bike isn’t highly sought after, but it’s a great quality vintage bike that I believe is somewhat rare. It’s a high end, lightweight Tange lugged frame built with a Shimano 600 EX groupset.

I pretty much like to keep things original if I can, but since I’ve already updated the bike, I can’t help but think that this bike would be fantastic with an SRAM Force groupset with 10 speed cassette and brifters and all that good stuff.

All the Shimano 600 goods and wheelset wouldn’t go to waste either, they’d go on an indoor franken-bike I’m building up.

So I guess, I’m just looking for opinions. Not sure of anything yet. I know it’s semi expensive to buy a whole new groupset, but the cost would be offset by the fact that I’ll be re-using the old parts.

Here’s the bike with original parts, and the new wheels I bought for it underneath.

bboy314

Being in the C&V forum, I have a feeling what the consensus might be… but I say go for it if modernizing is what you want! Sometimes building a classic frame with high quality modern stuff is very satisfying.

BFisher

'86 Miyata 912 converted to 3x9 Campagnolo


'87 Centurion Ironman 2x9


'88 Schwinn Premis 3x9 Shimano


A DX-4000 is a worthy frame for any build you want. Do it!

Wildwood 

Resto mods are a thing. So are nice purely c&v rides.

You choose. Poll? N+1 until every desire is filled.
This Batavus is lugged Ishiwata022, and a worthy rider - but not highly prized in a vintage classic valuation. Gimme worthy rider for daily use.

3X9 for going anywhere


Some just feel better traditionally

jiangshi

I had one of those back in 1984. It's the only bike I regret selling. Mine was a fantastic rider. Do what ever you want with it. It's a fine bike.

dedhed

324 pages of thoughts.

https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...ergos-324.html

wrk101

I am on the thrifty side so I’d find a donor bike and do a transplant. I’ve done this on several Panasonic built bikes I own including two Prologues and a DX6000.

bamboobike4

Figure what it might cost.
Figure how much you may learn.
Figure how much you may enjoy the experience.
Figure how much you will enjoy riding your own efforts.
Figure the value in knowing every cm of your bike.

Nah, don’t do it. Someone else may want all that.

Good luck with the upgrade! Pretty bike.

jonwvara 

I agree with what others have said--go ahead and build it up the way you want. But I would not make any modifications that can't be undone. It's also a good idea to save all the original parts, so you or someone else can "upgrade" it back to original if they should want to.

mstateglfr 

Go the route that will get you to use the bike the most. For me, thats modernizing it with good gear ratios and modern shifting.

seypat

Really sharp looking bike! Do whatever you want with it. You can always turn it back to original in the future.

seypat

You want to know what that red frame will look like with different wheel/tire combos? Here you go:

GrainBrain

I said modernize; but I'd be tempted to find a sante group for it. I would go tubeless rims and tires personally. I like seypat and his dark rims. A 10s group with DT shifters that I'd have anodized white would be slick. It's always neat to see a vintage looking bike and then realize the components are modern - ala velo orange.

OldCoot

I am in the process of giving a 1973 Bob Jackson Grand Prix all new Campagnolo 10sp stuff. Went with Veloce, since it comes in polished silver which will keep it vintage looking versus all the black painted stuff from other component makers. I say modernize to your hearts content.

One caveat is if you plan on doing a vintage ride, such as an Eroica. As I plan on doing this, I am also restoring a 1970ish Volkscycle mk100 with period correct everthing ( except the rims which were trash).
Have fun with it!

TPL

The attempt at 'modernizing' will certainly paint you deeper into a corner

icemilkcoffee 

Modernizing is fine, but I draw the line at black groupsets. You are lucky enough to have found a silver wheelset with silver spokes and rims. Why not keep it all silver with a silver groupset?

John E

I am not sold on brifters, but I do like barcons as a cost-effective gear change option for those who do not want downtube shifters, which will always inherently provide the fastest and most precise transmission control available.

The Golden Boy 

I think the group that's populated this forum since I've been here has mostly been "pro (sort of) level top tube, non-OS tubed, respectful of old bikes in general. Pretty much." Additionally, I think the majority think that modern carbon swoopy bikes are fine, but just don't belong in *this* forum.

I've taken to the train of thought that a "bike" is a frame and parts put together to match a price point for the company. There's cheap frames, inexpensive frames, good frames and really good frames. I don't see a whole lot wrong with putting top level stuff on a good frame. I do like to have an aesthetically "classic" look- so polished silver components vs black and carbon.

If you have a good frame- especially a frame you like/love- do what you need to do to make you love it more!

So if you ask me- go 10 speed Dura Ace. Show 'em who's boss.

bamboobike4

Concisely so. That appears to be about where this forum starts.

Yup, or at least to sell it and retire in Cannes.

Admiral Farragut and (then Petty, to wider acclaim) had it right...."damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead."

mstateglfr 

Maybe you will be sold on STI shifting in this 4th decade of existence.

BTinNYC 

My two cents:
2x10 is old enough to be affordable and delivers the gearing I need.
Indexed shifting is a very good upgrade.
A new drivetrain makes the bike feel new, it's so smooth and quiet.
Compact cranksets are nice on my old legs.

I agree black furniture isn't as pretty as silver but after riding the first 200 yards, I loved the updated kit.

mountaindave 

This problem is easily solved with the formula of n+1.

I mention this because sometimes there is a sentimental attachment to a particular build: we want to keep that special frame built that special way. If that’s the case, get another frame and build to your heart’s desire. I voted with that in mind.

If there’s no sentimental attachment, build away.

dmark 

Posting just because DX400 is the topic. It's a 24" I'd rather a 23" but a beautiful ride.
81 DX4000 (pic as found)

lordbikely

Wow, this thread got more attention than I thought it would. Thanks for all the input! All the bikes posted look fantastic.

I sort of posted impulsively, after checking out modern components while casually browsing bike parts on the internet. I thought that the SRAM force derailleur had the right look and wouldn’t clash with the vintage style, but looking into it further, the rest of that group would definitely clash.

I agree 100%. I am leaning towards “modernizing” but still keeping that vintage aesthetic. So I’ve been looking for shiny/polished sets. The problem with modern components is that they’re either heavily branded (generally I don’t like large logos, at least not for this bike), black or carbon, or have bulky crank arms and chainrings.

The post was inspired by the lure of brand new components I saw online, but really the main things I am really looking for in “modernizing” my bike are more gears and modern shifting.

The closest group I found that would fit what I’m looking for is a Dura-Ace 7700 groupset updated with a 10 speed cassette and front derailleur.

The Dura-Ace mentioned would be ideal but I think would cost a bit more than I’m willing to invest currently.

I do have an interesting opportunity to sort of “middle-ground” it and get a slightly newer than stock Tri-color 600 groupset for $200, it doesn’t include brake levers, but does include the wheels which I could sell or repurpose. After buying some brifters, that would allow me to at least do a 2x8 drivetrain with modern shifting. Should I go for it, or save up for a full upgrade to 2x10?

squirtdad

I am a fan of modern groups on nice frames currently running 105 5800 on an 85 team miyata (but in in+1 vein have an 84 team miyata with close to period correct dura ace)

the 4000 was only one step below the top line 5000 pretty nice, under appreciated bikes in general

I would look in the for sale section and/or post a wtb for groupssets you like

some things to be aware of 2x10 only going to be found used in 105/ultegra/dura ace levels basically 10 year+ since new. current tiagra is 10 speed, sora is 9 speed and claris is 8 speed

any modern upgrade and you will need to decide on whether you are going to cold set the frame or not to 130

and of you are looking at a new wheelset also

If this were my main ride, the fit is great, the ride make you smile, I would upgrade to as close to modern as you can. but that is me