Hey, all,

I'm a newbie, but hope you can help.

I have a classic Austro-Daimler Vent Noir II that I purchased in high school in 1984 with a Reynolds 531 frame. Almost everything on it is campy record or super record, including the rear derailleur and front. I've got a 24 or 26 tooth Regina free wheel on the back, if I recall. Pedals got stolen, and I haven't replaced with authentic campy (yet), but everything else is vintage and original except for handlebar tape and saddle.

So that's what I have, but now I've just moved from flat Los Angeles to hilly Oakland, CA,/SF, and I'm hurting. Need to change to a derailleur that can handle something like 34 teeth to help me up those hills. Haven't walked yet up a hill yet, but was very tempted today.

I've heard mixed about campy Rally rear derailleurs as replacement, and they're pretty expensive on ebay. Just read something else about a Sachs Huret eco duopart as a possibility. Any other suggestions? Shimano? Suntour?

I'd like to keep it classic, but I also want to be practical. I love riding around town, but there are lot of hills and some pot holes too, so needs to be hardy. If not classic, some more recent recommendations that would be compatible with my front super record would be appreciated.

Thanks for your help!



Not sure how to turn these photos around, but indicative of the hills I've been climbing.