Originally Posted by
Sactown_Albert
Have really enjoyed this bike over the last year. I ran it with a compact chainring and a long cage Cyclone to give better climbing gears but I recently acquired a 3x9 Shimano Ultegra groupset and decided to resto-mod the frame. Doc,the previous owner had cold spread the frame to 130 OLD and I had never modified it back, so the frame was a good candidate for this effort.
Really happy with how it came together. Took it out for a 28 mile spin. After a few small dial ins, it was running well.
Beautiful bike and a truly excellent update. Reading through this article only reinforces a decision I made years ago - one I’ve never looked back on - not to part ways with the bikes I’ve built a connection with. There’s something irreplaceable about the machines that have carried us through miles of road and chapters of life.
I still have the very first bike I ever bought with my own money: a 1982 Pro-Miyata, now upgraded with a full Dura-Ace AX gruppo. It’s more than just a bike - it’s a piece of my personal history. Though it doesn’t see much action these days, I keep it ready to ride, always. It’ll stay in my stable until the time comes to pass it on to someone who’ll appreciate its legacy.
Right now, my two favorite bikes in rotation are my 1990 Zullo, which I’ve modernized with 11-speed Campagnolo components, and my 1990 Moser Leader SC, still running its original 8-speed Dura-Ace gruppo. Each offers a different experience - one blends classic Italian craftsmanship with modern performance, while the other preserves its vintage soul. I always keep a few bikes with original componentry around, but they’re mostly reserved for casual, fun rides. Nothing too serious - just pure enjoyment.
This article also reaffirmed my philosophy of mixing old frames with new components. It’s the best of both worlds: timeless design paired with the comfort and efficiency of modern gearing. As I get older, I still love the challenge of riding hard, but I’m more mindful of the toll it can take. Wider gearing and smoother shifting help me stay in the saddle longer, without sacrificing the joy of the ride.
Cycling isn’t just about the gear - to me and I'm sure many others on this forum, it’s about the connection. To the road, to the past, and to the machines that have shaped our journey.