They bought it as a complete bike, then had it resprayed and updated some of the components. When I bought it it had Shimano 600 brakes and mechs, running with the Cmpag crankset. It was also on 27" wheels.

I changed the gearing to all Campag, (using the d/t levers I bought new in 1984!) and built my own 700c wheels using a pair of Campag hubs and Mavic Open Pros with DT d.b stainless spokes. Originally I had red and black Rubino tyres on but they weren't great so changed them for Conti's.

The change to 700c meant I had to take the Weinmann centre pulls off and put on a set of sidepull Alhongas, but I kep the original adjusters to maintain the headset stack.

Some folk don't like the fact that I've upgraded to mid 80s or 90's equipment, but I have age related stuff if I felt that bugged about it. I ride it rather than stare at it so it's important for me to have stuff that works well.

It may be sacrilege, but I did briefly consider changing to full ergos, but it would have been difficult with the 6 speed rear.

I use the D/t and it takes getting used to (reaching down) and so run it without the Bluemels pump as it gets in the way when I change gear. Also, now being used to 9 and 10 speed rears, it's amazing what a big gap in gears there is. Its a 52-40 front so also very high geared. Since I started riding in the early 70's I have a muscle memory for d.t friction shift

To think I did my first tour, heavily loaded on my Gilchrist bike, (which is 531c but with almost identical geometry) running almost identical gearing (though 5 sp rear). i don't know how my knees survived a 108 inch top.