Classic & Vintage - vintage repair delema

hello fine forum folk,

After posting, I realized that dilemma is spelled with an "i", not an "e" and two "m"s. Oops. It's too late to edit the thread title, so I just have to come off like a moron. If an Admin can help me out here, I'd appreciate it. To think, I've got a BA in English.

It's been a long time, but I have recently purchased the bicycle of my dreams; an unbelievably clean celeste 1983 bianchi super leggera specialissima. I don't think this bike had more than 500 miles on it when I bought it. Needless to say, it's a fantastic bike. Full campy super record groupo with pantagraphed chain rings, spider arms, brake levers, etc.

Here is the problem: as a full super record bike, the headset is the old aluminum super record which has a tendency to become heavily pitted through normal use. I know this is an inherent design flaw of this particular headset, as the aluminum/steel match up simply does not work.

I know, I know, "Get on with it!". My trusted mechanic has suggested two routes: 1. stay vintage and buy my self a nuovo record headset, which being full steel is not prone to self machining if properly maintained. or 2. go the modern route and purchase a new campy chorus threaded headset.

The new chorus headset looks the part, and is super light, but is obviously a modern part on a vintage bike. The nuovo record fits the part perfectly, but is a bit heavier and obviously not as readily available.

Opinions?

Does weight really matter that much? I vote for the Nuovo Record, particularly if you are a purist, but I do not think either would be a bad choice, assuming the Chorus unit fits properly.

I am facing a similar dilemma with my 1960 Capo. As much as I dislike dealing with cotters, I do like using the original Agrati crankset, since almost everything on the bike is original. I do make concessions for brake cables, brake pads, tires, etc.

Phil Wood silver headset, it's period correct, looks great
and will last forever. One used to be able to get a Phil
headset without the Logo which looked even better.

Marty

how about brushing that alloy and make 'er shin like new!

From your post, it appears that the headset is currently in good shape, but you are concerned about it's somewhat inevitable demise.

If you want to wring the maximum life out of this vintage part while still riding it regularly, occasionally remove and rotate the orientation of the bottom headset cup (the part in the frame) and the race (the part on the fork). Most of the wear and pitting appears on the front and back of these parts as the fork vibrates fore and aft as you rumble across the cobblestones. When the pitting becomes apparent, that's when you have "index steering" as we used to call it.

If you occasionally (before it pits... noticably) remove and rotate these parts, the wear will not become so obvious until you have completely rotated these parts 360 degrees and have nothing left to do but replace with the steel option.

Yea, this seems like a lot of work but this is the price of vintage vanity (taken to excess). Good luck

I am jealous - I've been looking for a super leggera for a long time. Never in the shops, rarely on ebay. you got yourself a score!

The headset will last a good long while if kept perfectly tuned and lubed.

From your post, it appears that the headset is currently in good shape, but you are concerned about it's somewhat inevitable demise.

When the pitting becomes apparent, that's when you have "index steering" as we used to call it.


well, I am actually at the point of "index steering". when in a stand, the front end sets itself into a groove instead of swinging freely.

The bottom cup and race are the main issues. You can sneak a non-campy fork race in, I won't tell. If that doesn't clear it up, then go shopping for a replacement. The Tange Race aluminum is almost a ringer for an SR, the bottom race and cup will look very close and I think I paid $20 on ebay a while back for mine...you have to polish off the anodized logos. Put up some pictures so we can admire your ride.