Well, after a couple of months and a few delays, I’ve finally built up the frame and taken it out for a quick, 20km spin.

What has taken me so long? The main reason was due to the six weeks for my Retro Mounting Bolt Kit to arrive from Tektro. This had nothing to do with Tektro – they shipped my two kits the day after I ordered them – but my parcel was held up by Canadian customs. Ironically, this parcel had less distance to travel and arrived after anything else I ordered online. Oh well, COVID I guess.

Other hiccups along the way? The length of bottom bracket spindle that came with the frame was for a triple-ringed crankset, so I had to acquire a 115mm TA 344. Easy peasy. The short-reach Shimano BR-1055 calipers I had on hand did not have enough reach, so that was remedied with the purchase of a set of Tektro R539 calipers via Craigslist. And, of course, no build of mine will be complete without me messing something up; and with this one was me somehow destroying a new chain.

Anyway, I consider the build finished, barring a few fine adjustments to the derailleurs and perhaps getting a longer stem down and replacing the brake hoods down the line.

Impressions, based on my short test ride? The frame is very comfortable and the Super Vitus 971 tubing is really good at absorbing road bumps and ripples. It’s smoother than my carbon frames. The Shimano 105/Sugino Mighty Tour drivetrain works well together despite me trying to get used to downtube shifters again. And the Tektro R539 brakes/Disco Brake pads have very decent modulation and rapidly and safely bring the Piasentin's Mavic 109 FB wheels and Vittoria Rubino Pro tires to a halt.

Hopefully, I’ll find the time to get more acquainted with the bike in the next few weeks!


Piasentin Super Vitus 971 - Shimano 105, Mavic 190 FB, Sugino Mighty Tour, Tektro R539 build

Piasenton SuperVitus 971 Front End

7-Speed Shimano 105 Sugino Might Tour Drivetrain

Tektro R539 Nutted Front Caliper

Tektro R539 Nutted Rear Caliper