Originally Posted by
powermatt99
I've had this 520 for about 9 years. It is no longer my main ride. I want to keep it around but I'd like to modernize it a bit and improve the ride-ability. I like the sportiness of the '84 and '85 520s with a shorter wheelbase and less touring-centric build. The ride is fantastic but 35 years of wear and tear on the components has left it a little tired. One of the features I've never liked is the half-step + granny crankset. It's a fun novelty when I'm cruising at 12mph with my wife but that's about it. Besides the seat post, all items are original. I do have the original seat post but the adjustability was terrible.
The Maillard Helicomatic hubs need to be serviced. Parts are hard to find for these. My preference is to grab a newer wheel set as a start to the build rather than search for parts. I measured the rear dropout at 128mm so fitting 130mm hubs would require little effort.
Options:
1. Heretical option. Modern groupset with brifters and 10 or 11 speed. Compact handlebars. I'd probably lose C&V cred but it would retain the classic steel ride quality with modern ride-ability. Expensive though, especially for a mid-level Reynolds 501 frame.
2. Updated C&V. Retain downtube shifters but update to SIS 7-, 8- or 9-speed. Aero brakes. Practical crankset (hopefully finding a DA 7400 because aesthetics). Compact handlebars. Financially more reasonable but sourcing used or NOS components that will fit and work with other components is a pain.
3. Sell it in the COVID bike boom and find a higher-quality steel frame to build up.
4. Open to suggestions.
Excuse the camping photo. It's the clearest I have.
If that were mine, and I didn’t like 1/2 granny gearing and down tube shifters, I would go option 4) I suggest turning that 1/2+G into a compact double, then get some decent hoops with maybe 8 speeds out back. The fastback seat stays and cast lugs will look great with some more recent parts, but still harken to vintage. To shift it, I’d find some bar end shifters. You can find indexed 7 and 8, I don’t know about more than that, as that’s leaving the bicycle time period I concentrate on.
But newer lighter wheels, compact double, and bar ends, will keep this on mission of fast and versatile updated bike, that keeps true to its vintage roots. Keep the non-aero brake levers, but throw some duel pivot trek-tro’s on there and you’ll vastly improve the brake response.
