KJColumbo

Iknow people have done this in the past, maybe not to the extent I am about to list, or maybe that someone might be interested in doing something like this too.

***Disclaimer - This isn't a thread for the hardcore CV's that want vintage to stay vintage. I have some projects that I am keeping a vintage bike as vintage as possible, but I also enjoy new bikes and tech. So I want to try and mix them someday.

Frame - Something vintage steel.
Fork - Threaded carbon fork (Nashbar has one)
Stem - Carbon Threadless (using an adaptor, Nashbar also has)
Bar - Carbon drops
Seat post - Carbon
Saddle - Not sure. Light weight Brooks Swallow would be fitting, or a light weight, yet comfortable, modern saddle.
Wheels - Something light weight
Components - Depends on what would fit. As light as possible, 9/10 speed, brifters, etc.

Basically, the plan would be to repaint the frame, only if needed, to as original as possible, but not a show bike look. Then build it up. This is just an idea that I am kicking around at the moment. Was thinking about trying it out on a 89 Raleigh Technium Pre, but was more trying to modernize/black out the bike as much as possible, but still keep the downtube shifters. Thinking about waiting for a bike that is a little more vintage.

So what are the feelings. Any recommendations you can give? Not sure that I will be doing this project any time soon, but starting to think about it to start planning it.

reverborama

Why are we even still talking about this? I want to see pictures of the project in progress.

dokydoky

Considering you're going out of your way to get a new fork and threadless stem anyway, I don't see why you don't go completely threadless. Those threadless adaptors look really kludgy and kind of go against your "as light as possible" plan for the components.

KJColumbo

Didn't really think that was an option. If possible, then yes, I would get rid of the threaded everything, and go threadless. Would make it a lot easier to do. I'll have to look into that route more.

Road Fan

You'll need to cold-set the rear end of the frame to get a 130mm wheel in there. If your frame is 126, maybe you can get away with just pulling it apart, but if its 120, you probably need to get it cold-set the right way - either at a shop or DIY the Sheldon Brown way.

Other than that, a lot of us have done similar things already, maybe with not quite so much carbon.

KJColumbo

Thanks Road Fan. Had a feeling I was going to have to do that, but was waiting to see what I end up picking up for a frame. Currently, I only have a 89 Raleigh Technium Pre that is still originally built, and a 78 Trek TX900, that I already have plans for, so I think they both are probably out of the running for this. I would like to keep the frame 70's or early 80's, which I know will require an adjustment in the rear.

I know I could do this the easy way and buy a modern steel frame, and build to my specs, but that would be too easy. Part of me wants to get more into the newer bikes (carbon frames, carbon this, carbon that), but then a part of me can't let go of the steel, vintage frames I have been starting to enjoy more. I look at this future project as a best of both worlds situation.

dokydoky

Yeah, 1" threadless is definitely possible. You'll need a new headset, and Nashbar sells 1" threadless forks, and while the size is slightly obsolete these days, there are shims available that let you use 1 1/8" stems on 1" steerers if you don't feel like searching for a good 1" one in the size you want.

Road Fan

I hope you've seen the extensive thread on retro roadies with STIs or Ergos https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vintage/361558-retro-roadies-old-frames-sti-s-ergos.html

My Mondo isn't on there yet - I'd have to agree that its finished, but I guess I just need to get pictures up, and if it changes, it changes!

Should be a good source of ideas.

What size is your TX900? Quite a find!

KJColumbo

Thanks DD! I'm not sure why I didn't think of any of that. I guess I figured that threaded had to stay threaded, and threadless was threadless.

Also. thanks Road Fan! I will have to check out the link. I know I have read some things on here, but it is usually people debating if it is right or wrong to do this to a CV. I have a feeling I am looking to take this a little more extreme than others, but we will see.

Not sure the size off hand of the Trek. I'll have to check the serial number again.

It was my stepdad's, who lived in Columbus, Wisconson. A friend of his worked at Trek, and got it for him cheap. The frame is serialized as a Mid to late '78 900 series, but the paint job is an '81 I believe. Components are SunTour '80/'81. After he passed away when I was young (about 10 or 11), my mom got it tuned up, and I started riding it. Eventually I raced it a little in a local race series, but later on moved to a Trek 2100. I stripped the frame down, and it has been that way ever since. My stepdad was 6' (also my height), so it should be good to go. There is some very small spots of rust, but besides that, it looks pretty good. I am pretty sure I will have it stripped and repainted, just to protect the frame. Can't wait to get it rebuilt and ride it again. It will definately take me back!

awc380

...this thread is ridiculous.
It's like talking about a bike I might think of maybe riding someday. If I make it.
And then listing the parts that I might maybe put on it. If I can get them.

Fun!

WNG

Not to hijack the thread, but post pics of the Raleigh Technium. I'd love to see it. I picked up a Technium Tri-Lite Pro frame in red/white/blue striped finish. And I can't determine its year. The seller didn't know either other than it came with 105 group.
There seems to be little out there on this lineage of Raleigh USA bikes.

KJColumbo

WNG - I'll check my old posts. I think that I found something somewhere that helped me determine mine. I'll send you a PM.

AWC - Sorry if you don't like the thread. Unfortunately, I don't work at AIG, I have a mortgage, am recently married, and have other bills, so I can't just run out and by all the parts I need tomorrow and start building it. I started this to tweek my idea, and get other ideas from people that have done this before, of what I can and can't do, and some tips to go along with it. When I actually do it, I'll revive the thread and start posting pics.

awc380

Hey I feel ya - I can't afford to hunt after 1960-whatever Campy Record single-issue anodized phillips-head front derailleur bolts either...

RobbieTunes

Ironman.
Been there.
Great fun.
Great bikes in that category.
Plenty of other similar frames.

For your shopping list, figure $600 total.