Talus

Well, after looking all summer for a decent steel bike to ride, I fell into this Paletti pretty much by dumb luck. I need new pedals and maybe a triple for it, but all in all I'm very happy! There are a few small chips in the frame and the decals are in bad shape, but all in all very nice. Here's some pics (I didn't do any cleanup at all) (yes the tires need to go)

Edit: Component codes say it is an '85.

Talus

Any suggestions for tires and bar tape? I can't stand the look of those Conti's and the tape job isn't the greatest.

cyclingd

very nice. I would get rid of the downtube shifting if there's a lot of hills.

gridplan

My personal preference would be for yellow cabling & thinner, less lumpy, handlebar tape. The wheels look pretty dark. I'd switch to tires with tan sidewalls.

cehowardGS

For tape, Cinelli - Volee-Ribbon (black leather like

https://www.amazon.com/ACTION-CINELLI...f=pd_rhf_p_t_2



Tires, MAXXIS Detonator tire, 700x23C, 2 tires , White

GrayJay

Just an observation that the pre-SIS shimano 600 parts on this bike likely date from around 1985-1986. The bike may be several years older than you thought or else was built-up (or later re-built) with older parts. SLX frames were pretty much top-of-the-line frames in the late 80s, this is a very nice vintage frameset. A triple crankset would detract from the racing heritage of the bike. You might be better served by adding a smaller chainring (down to 38 tooth available) and/or a different rear freewheel with larger low cogs.

Talus

I wonder if I can get an exact date on this? There is no serial number that I can find. I can contact Paletti, but I'm going to have to find someone who speaks Italian.

GrayJay

SLX tubing was introduced in 1984 so that does not help pin it down. THe simple paint scheme looks to me much more like a mid-80's bike than a late 80's paint job which would have likely had flashier graphics. Finding and decoding date codes on the components is probably best way to ID the date of manufacture of the parts. Your bike looks to me like it is very original condition, still has toe-clips and non-aero brake levers. I really doubt that anyone would have built up an expensive SLX frame with "obsolete" parts in 1989. Everyone was using index shifting, clipless pedals and aero brake levers by then.

javal

Very nice. Looks dialed in and ready to go. Why not pimp a bit; yellow saddle and the luxurus feel of Bontrager bar tape? I´m sure theres some yellow tires out there as well.

douchebagonwhlz

Yellow tape, once it gets a little dirty it will be a match. Ketchup and mustard always go well together.
Really finding the crown, lug and BB details attractive.

custermustache

I will make you a heckuva deal on some yellow housing - PM me and we will arrange to get it to you.

20grit

jagwire housing in that color with cloth bar tape schellac'd to match. Should work with the gold accenting on your cutouts and pantographs.

Talus

I'm bored on a snowy PA day, so here's an updated pic:


New tape and tires. I'm not sure if I like the cork color so I might see if shellacking it darkens it a bit. I'd also like to remove the red tape (not as good of a match as I'd hoped) and use shellacked thread to finish it off. I added cheap platform/SPD pedals until I decide what to use (my feet are too damn big for toe clips). I'm wishing the snow would go away so I could ride it...

dued

Sweet Bike !!

SJX426 

Very nice find!

jan nikolajsen 

With a door as big as the one pictured, your house surely have enough room to do an indoor crit.

And amber shellac will darken it a lot. Blond less.

Talus

Yeah, I think a medium brown/dark tan would look best, but then again I though the cork would look good as well.

Talus

Here's the shellacked cork:



I thought that it turned out pretty well for a first time bar wrap and cord wrap.

matt0ne

Gorgeous bike. A little jealous - the shellacking turned out great.. how did you do that?

Talus

The cord wrap? You make a loop and wrap over it, leaving both ends uncovered. When you're done you put the end through the loop and pull. Trim the end and you're done.