Okay, some of you have offered up some really great knowledge and advice regarding my request for Campy 8-speed information. For those of you interested, or simply wondering why I'd want to go with 8-speed, brifters and all that when I've only ever used old-school 5- and 6-speed with down tube shifting, well, here it is:
Subject bike:
It's a 2002 Davidson (built right here in Seattle) that I specced as vintage in look but not in material. Frame is Reynolds 853 with a Henry James lug set and dropouts of unknown manufacture. It's pretty damn light, fits like a glove and is pretty damn stiff, too - climbs like a goat. 56cm square with a 130mm rear end - I guess when I originally made the order I figured I might get around to updating the components; I can't really recall. But that day is now here, regardless.
Well. I've seen lots of Forum members upgrading to modern stuff on vintage frames. So, I've decided to take the plunge and convert my newest bike.
So far, I've acquired a set of '92 first-generation Chorus Ergopower levers (fixing the issues on those as we speak), Chorus brake calipers (thanks to Shnibop), Chorus front and rear derailleurs (thanks to RogerM), Chorus 1"x24T headset ($65 from Ebay) and a Chorus 170mm crankset ($61 from Ebay; 50 and 39 rings - I'll have to locate a little bigger outer ring).
Headset:
When I saw the headset, I had to get it. Looks so organic and aero; it has rubber O-rings in both cups and the lock nut to keep out the grime. I was thinking of stripping and polishing it, but heck, it's in such nice original condition I've decided to leave it alone.
Crankset:
After protracted discussion on BBs and spindle lengths - chainrings as well - with several Forum members, I've been informed that this will work fine. Rings are apparently backwards-compatible as long as I use an 8-speed chain, and I'm looking for a 102mm spindle for my BB, with English threading.
I'll keep the bar/stem combo (Cinelli 1R with Campione del Mondos). And you know what? I am going to drill a little bit
What and how is currently secret...
So, am I crazy? Do I now have a reservation in my name down in the Hot Place?
Thanks for all the advice so far, guys. I will continue to try to source the remaining components from Forum members as I'd like this to be a "group effort", as it were. Once the transformation is complete I'll be calling everyone out as regards their contributions.
Weigh in with your opinions - or just watch this space for updates. Cheers!
DD