Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Classic & Vintage
Reload this Page >

Vintage cranksets and modern drivetrains

Notices
Classic & Vintage This forum is to discuss the many aspects of classic and vintage bicycles, including musclebikes, lightweights, middleweights, hi-wheelers, bone-shakers, safety bikes and much more.

Vintage cranksets and modern drivetrains

Old 08-17-09, 12:06 AM
  #1  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Brooklyn
Posts: 58
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Vintage cranksets and modern drivetrains

I'm in the middle of plotting and planning a mixed vintage/modern build… I wanted an old school steel frame and wound up with the frame and fork of what I think is a 531 Jeunet (yes, French). Started reading through some interesting threads here and elsewhere and am leaning strongly in the direction of trying to be true to the spirit of the thing while still allowing myself some modern conveniences.

The 9-speed years seem to be the last time things were bright and shiny and I figure I need to stop at square spindles, what with the French threading. I've been looking mostly at Ultegra (or maybe Centaur), probably 9-speed, for derailleurs and hubs.

Can I run a T.A. Cyclotouriste crankset with a 9-speed chain without coming to grief? I was thinking about running it as a 54/40 double. Anything else I should be aware of or thinking about?

Since I'm in over my head I'm guessing there will be more questions down the road.

Thanks…
red_hook is offline  
Old 08-17-09, 12:20 AM
  #2  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,737
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 147 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times in 8 Posts
Purists on here object to a wholesale makeover. My view is whatever suits your needs. You aren't changing the frame, just the parts. No reason you can't enjoy modern conveniences. On vintage bikes, it can be argued the biggest cost-effective upgrade is a lighter alloy wheelset. That will make a significant difference in how they handle.
NormanF is offline  
Old 08-17-09, 09:45 AM
  #3  
Old fart
 
JohnDThompson's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Appleton WI
Posts: 24,934

Bikes: Several, mostly not name brands.

Mentioned: 153 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3571 Post(s)
Liked 3,366 Times in 1,915 Posts
Originally Posted by red_hook
Can I run a T.A. Cyclotouriste crankset with a 9-speed chain without coming to grief? I was thinking about running it as a 54/40 double. Anything else I should be aware of or thinking about?
You might have some problem with the chain falling between the chainrings. If you can accept an 8-speed drivetrain you'll probably have better luck.
JohnDThompson is offline  
Old 08-17-09, 10:40 AM
  #4  
Bianchi Goddess
 
Bianchigirll's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Shady Pines Retirement Fort Wayne, In
Posts: 29,716

Bikes: Too many to list here check my signature.

Mentioned: 191 Post(s)
Tagged: 2 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2910 Post(s)
Liked 2,829 Times in 1,456 Posts
can I add my two cents? as far as the TA crankset you may ant to consider Campi ergo. I think that will give the best results as the shifter does not have fixed spots for the derailuer. (shimano may work the same but the ones I used to work on were not as forgiving)

and I agree about shinny things. all this black and carbon finish is getting boring and uninsiring.
__________________
One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"

Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
Bianchigirll is offline  

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.