Thanks ahead of time for sharing your knowledge. I am getting back into cycling and am fixing up my olde 1973 Holdsworth. Mom and dad had it custom made for me when I was 16 - lucky me, but it's been neglected for many years as I had a family, job etc.

1. I just bought a set of used 32h Nuovo Record hubs on Ebay and want to build tubular wheels. I weigh about 195 lbs and am a recreational rider. My understanding is that the new tubular rims are much stronger than the olds ones. Can I get away with 15 gage spokes, or should I use 14 gage or 14/15 double butted?

2. How does one convert a Nuovo Record rear hub from 120 to 126mm spacing? I had my frame cold set at 126 many years ago and put Athena hubs in it, and am wondering if I should just go back to a 5 speed freewheel.

3. What is the max tooth capability of a Nouvo Record rear derailleur? The area I live in is very hilly.

4. Can newer Record index-shifting derraileurs be used with friction shifters (w/o indexing)?

5. Can newer alloy Record (10 speed?) cranks be used with Nuovo Record bottom brackets and older 5, 6, 7 speed chains? If not, about when did the compatibility end? On Ebay, a lot of the old Record is dearer than most of the newer Record.

6. Can the old Nuovo Record brakes be made to stop better, by using newer pads?

7. Any suggestions on tubular tyres?

8. Any other suggestions for making my olde ride a dream on the road?