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The most underrated components

Old 02-13-14, 09:45 PM
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The most underrated components

I was wondering - What "sleepers" are still out there? Got a favorite?
Shouldn't we C&V'ers scarf them all up before they get discovered (and expensive)?

My vote goes to the Huret Challenger RD.

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Old 02-13-14, 09:52 PM
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I'm not going to say anything, I'd rather my favorite parts didn't get any more expensive!
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Old 02-13-14, 09:59 PM
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Originally Posted by redneckwes
I'm not going to say anything, I'd rather my favorite parts didn't get any more expensive!
Not to worry - No one is looking here except your C&V buddies.

- And they're C H E A P !
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Old 02-13-14, 10:07 PM
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The body is still warm.
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Old 02-13-14, 10:29 PM
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I flipped a bike with those challenge derailleurs. You're right; they work great.

I'll try to think of others...
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Old 02-13-14, 10:36 PM
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Deore DX - it looks great, it's durable and you can find it inexpensively on parts bikes.
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Old 02-13-14, 10:52 PM
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Originally Posted by KonAaron Snake
Deore DX - it looks great, it's durable and you can find it inexpensively on parts bikes.
Yes sir.

I just scored a Deore DX for my $100 build.

$5 from an incredible parts hoarder I met at our swap.

Deore is bulletproof.
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Old 02-13-14, 10:53 PM
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Most underrated components?

My legs.
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Old 02-13-14, 10:55 PM
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Another vote for Deore DX 95% of XT, 25% of the price.

The mid-1980 Shimano Z-series. Reasonably priced, nicely finished, works very well, bullet proof.

Old Falcon branded triple front derailleurs. Work fantastic, and you could probably get them at 10 for a buck.
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Old 02-13-14, 10:59 PM
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Originally Posted by KonAaron Snake
Deore DX - it looks great, it's durable and you can find it inexpensively on parts bikes.
I'm familiar at least with the MTB stuff - and yeah, it's bomb-proof!
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Old 02-14-14, 01:53 AM
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Originally Posted by auchencrow
Not to worry - No one is looking here except your C&V buddies.

- And they're C H E A P !
Uhmmmm......not giving any examples too, because........last time I checked Portland, Oregon still has internet connection....
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Old 02-14-14, 02:08 AM
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I'd vote for Araya steel rims, if you can find a perfect set.

I believe that these are the smoothest I've ever used in terms of braking, and not too terribly heavy.
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Old 02-14-14, 02:12 AM
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Not the MOST underrated, but I have a fetish for Lyotard pedals. They're not smooth, but they are quite durable. There's only one model I know of with a design flaw. It has an aluminum shaft around the spindle. But I don't have that model. I'm hoarding all the Lyotard rat trap pedals I can find. I don't even know why.
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Old 02-14-14, 06:35 AM
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I'm finding that a lot of the stuff I like is well regarded and priced accordingly.
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Old 02-14-14, 06:53 AM
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Anything tubular and freewheel in the same wheel. Hubs are worth 95% of the whole wheel if they are C-Record , Mavic 501, almost any freewheel wheelset for that matter. Specialized Flag CS's, last generation of Tricolor single pivot brakes , great performance from a single pivot with the tricolor levers. Suntour XC comp brakes and CS's. Winner branded hubs.
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Old 02-14-14, 07:20 AM
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Originally Posted by Fred Smedley
Anything tubular and freewheel in the same wheel. Hubs are worth 95% of the whole wheel if they are C-Record , Mavic 501, almost any freewheel wheelset for that matter. Specialized Flag CS's, last generation of Tricolor single pivot brakes , great performance from a single pivot with the tricolor levers. Suntour XC comp brakes and CS's. Winner branded hubs.
Good ones, Fred.
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Old 02-14-14, 07:29 AM
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The most underrated components

Simplex Prestige derailleurs. Perform well for me. Victim of cycling myth.
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Old 02-14-14, 07:42 AM
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Originally Posted by big chainring
Simplex Prestige derailleurs. Perform well for me. Victim of cycling myth.
But only the rears!
(and more especially when you upgrade the vulnerable OEM pulleys).
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Old 02-14-14, 07:46 AM
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Shimano 1050 6-sp indexed. Light, capable, cheap, and polished.
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Old 02-14-14, 07:52 AM
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Originally Posted by RobbieTunes
Shimano 1050 6-sp indexed. Light, capable, cheap, and polished.
AKA "Shimano 105" Robbie? I would agree.
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Old 02-14-14, 07:55 AM
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Mavic 500's are underrated but have a following. I thought they would be easy to find because they are not mentioned that much. Boy howdie did I get a surprize when I did find them. Typically they are priced the same as Campy HF hubs or more. Try to find skewers! Ha!

French bikes because of their non standard dimensions.
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Old 02-14-14, 08:21 AM
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Under-rated?
These things! Just ask dddd.
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Old 02-14-14, 08:23 AM
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Originally Posted by noglider
Not the MOST underrated, but I have a fetish for Lyotard pedals. They're not smooth, but they are quite durable... I'm hoarding all the Lyotard rat trap pedals I can find. I don't even know why.
You and me both. I love 'em.
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Old 02-14-14, 08:50 AM
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Suntour XCD - I have a couple 6000 rear derailleurs and they have been flawless for me.
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Old 02-14-14, 08:54 AM
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For C&V, old Weinmann brake levers - cheeeeeeap prices, lightweight and they work. Comical of the market value difference vs. old Mafac (and those crazy prices for Mafac hoods...whew!).
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