Originally Posted by
OldRoadman
1) The Sun MK13II is a very good rim set when laced properly. I have had good luck with wheels built with Velocity Razor and Fusion rims.
2) I stripped the anodizing with Easy Off "heavy duty" oven cleaner. Use caution because it has sodium hydroxide. Here is a typical article:
http://www.bikeguide.org/forums/showthread.php?t=177334.
Polish with Blue Magic or your preference.
3) I love the old used Sugino Triple cranks. Fairly easy to find on Ebay. LP, VP or the AT. They should not limit your derailleur options. If you stick with the stock double crank, you should be able to use the short cage versions. If you convert to a triple, you will need the longer cage version of RD's along with a longer asymmetric BB spindle.
4) I wanted to gain some additional climbing ability by going with the IRD 14-32 along with the 24T granny. Just turned 60!
Thanks again OR! Very helpful! My Classique was a craigslist find. I am familiar with Lotus bikes as the orginal owner of a 1983 Lotus Unique (another great bike which may be my next project). The Classique is a step up and really a special bike. My next upgrade will be the brakeset (the old Dia-Compe's are an adventure!) and then I will move on to the drivetrain and wheelset as needed and as parts become available. Will post pics soon.