I get your point. I just left all that "stuff" on when I did my SS Simplon. Just doesn't offend me. I screwed some Campagnolo tension adjusters into the DT bosses. Between lunch and dinner I could revert to six-speed freewheel setup. It's an SS bike without fixie/hipster pretensions. I guess it comes down to whatever is your taste. For me it just functions, and the frame (which I think is a rebranded Romani) is one of my favourite rides of all time.
Have fun! — Lenton
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Vitus 979, Simplon 4 Star, Gazelle Champion Mondial, Woodrup Giro, Dawes Atlantis