Classic & Vintage - help on a new bike I just picked up

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PDA
kevntri
01-22-04, 03:47 PM
I picked this up at a flea market this weekend.....
it is a Vitus 979 with all Dura-Ace components
any idea on the year or how to find out?
Thanks

tommy2pants
01-22-04, 04:17 PM
I picked this up at a flea market this weekend.....
it is a Vitus 979 with all Dura-Ace components
any idea on the year or how to find out?
ThanksIf the components are original and the shifters are friction, it's pre 1985.Sheldon Srown at www.harriscyclery.com also has a timeline on DA. Check the joints to be sure none are loose.
kevntri
01-22-04, 05:15 PM
The shifters are on the downtube and they are indexers

nebill
01-22-04, 06:05 PM
Can't help with the age, but that is a nice lookin' bike!! Enjoy the ride!
John E
01-23-04, 01:58 PM
The non-aero brake handles indicate pre-1986 or so, whereas the indexed shifting indicates post-1983. I think your Vitus is a 1985 +/- about 2 years.
tommy2pants
01-23-04, 06:27 PM
The non-aero brake handles indicate pre-1986 or so, whereas the indexed shifting indicates post-1983. I think your Vitus is a 1985 +/- about 2 years. First shimano downtube index was 1985.
roadfix
01-24-04, 12:55 AM
My LBS has a couple of those exact frames still hanging for sale at $379 ea....NOS. I think these frames are from the late 80's. I can ask them on my next visit. I remember seeing the newer Vitus frames (992?? I recall) in the Colorado Cyclist catalogue back in 1993.

George
kevntri
01-24-04, 06:20 AM
Thanks for all the info..........
It makes me feel good to see I found something good for under a 100 bucks.
I was thinking of putting ultegra R400 aero brake levers on it, or do you all think it should stay stock? I don't have a road bike, so I was going to ride this one.
Thanks again
Miyataphile
01-25-04, 09:22 PM
Isn't bonded aluminum frames like the Vitus less durable and more prone to frame failure?

Has this ever happened to anyone in the forum?

Miyataphile
Marlin523
01-26-04, 04:28 AM
That's a great bike and was all the rage in the early 80's. I wouldn't change anything that didn't need changing on that bike. You got a great deal. Those bikes with DA are bringing between 3 and 4 hundred on eBay.
greywolf
01-30-04, 09:32 PM
Nice bike :D
tsholly
01-31-04, 10:15 PM
Great Deal--Great looking bike. ;)


I picked this up at a flea market this weekend.....
it is a Vitus 979 with all Dura-Ace components
any idea on the year or how to find out?
Thanks
miamijim
02-02-04, 04:15 PM
'85-'86

The shop I worked at sold a few of those framesets.

Yes, bonded aluminum frames were more prone to seperation of the joints.

Miyataphile.....whats your location??? I worked at big Miyata dealer way back when......