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10-15-06, 08:38 AM
Since I didn't get any feed back on my Nishiki Cresta post I will ask some specific questions about some of the component issues. The components on the bike are all almost like brand new despite their age. The bike was thrown together with some parts bought for it, but mostly with stuff that was bought for other projects. It was then not used much, except for a brief period where it had a baby seat on it. That "baby" graduates from college this Spring so the bike has been hanging in storage for a long time.
I have a sentimental attachment to this bike, so I am thinking of fixing it up as a touring bike. That was the original intention when I bought the frameset, but I was bitten by the MTB racing bug at the time. The frame was designed for touring and appears to be well made. I am not sure it wouldn't be smarter to sell it and buy a t800, but...
Brakes
It currently has old (early 80's?) Dura Ace sidepulls. I know that sidepull brakes are out of fashion on touring bikes, but will they be adequate? As sidepulls go these are quality brakes.
Drive train
I have a like new clamp on Deore XT (80's) front derauileur that I think should work out nicely to replace the Dura Ace double that is currently on it.
The current rear deraileur is a Shimano Crane GS which was well tought of in it's day. It is probably what would have been used when this frame was new. Is it up to the task?
The current shifters are Dura Ace friction bar ends (again probably early 80's). I may use them but actually prefer down tube shifters. I would have to use clamp on shifters or at least a clamp on adaptor if I went to downtube shifters.
Wheels
Dura Ace (early 80's?) 36 spoke hubs laced to unknown (weinman maybe) alloy 27" rims. It has a 7 speed 13-28 freewheel. I think these should be OK, right?
The current crankset is a 52/39 Dura Ace double. I need to replace it with a triple. I was thinking of buying an MTB crank, but prefer something that looks more at home on a early 80's touring frame than most of the stuff currently on the market. I like the looks and price of the Sugino XC600 crankset, but the low price makes me wonder if it is up to the task. I think I will take the chance and try it unless someone convinces me that it would be a bad mistake.
Comments on any of this are welcome, including advising me to bail out on this and buy a new touring bike.
Pete
I have a sentimental attachment to this bike, so I am thinking of fixing it up as a touring bike. That was the original intention when I bought the frameset, but I was bitten by the MTB racing bug at the time. The frame was designed for touring and appears to be well made. I am not sure it wouldn't be smarter to sell it and buy a t800, but...
Brakes
It currently has old (early 80's?) Dura Ace sidepulls. I know that sidepull brakes are out of fashion on touring bikes, but will they be adequate? As sidepulls go these are quality brakes.
Drive train
I have a like new clamp on Deore XT (80's) front derauileur that I think should work out nicely to replace the Dura Ace double that is currently on it.
The current rear deraileur is a Shimano Crane GS which was well tought of in it's day. It is probably what would have been used when this frame was new. Is it up to the task?
The current shifters are Dura Ace friction bar ends (again probably early 80's). I may use them but actually prefer down tube shifters. I would have to use clamp on shifters or at least a clamp on adaptor if I went to downtube shifters.
Wheels
Dura Ace (early 80's?) 36 spoke hubs laced to unknown (weinman maybe) alloy 27" rims. It has a 7 speed 13-28 freewheel. I think these should be OK, right?
The current crankset is a 52/39 Dura Ace double. I need to replace it with a triple. I was thinking of buying an MTB crank, but prefer something that looks more at home on a early 80's touring frame than most of the stuff currently on the market. I like the looks and price of the Sugino XC600 crankset, but the low price makes me wonder if it is up to the task. I think I will take the chance and try it unless someone convinces me that it would be a bad mistake.
Comments on any of this are welcome, including advising me to bail out on this and buy a new touring bike.
Pete