Mike,
The crank does stand out...but I LOVE the sleek look of the new Shimano HT II cranks...so even if it is a juxtaposition, I don't mind. Funny enough, an XD is what I tried to order...but when he couldn't find one in time for my trip to see him (I have to drive 170 miles) he did the next best thing: a 105 crank at cost. I couldn't be happier!
Ashley,
Not quite as fast...but that's the rider's fault, not the bike's.
. No regrets on the crank...as stated above, I love it, and the compact double (34/50) is a versatile gearing choice. The new external bearing designs are so simple and elegant...I wonder why no one thought of it ages ago. If I go to Japan, it will most certainly go with me!
Sam,
The crank and wheels trimmed a lot of weight. The hubs are old Mavic, and that's a six speed freewheel on there. The rims are Mavic CXP-22. I wanted to go with Open Pros...but I already had the CXP-22s in my garage from a previous project, and if I didn't use them my wife wouldn't have let me live to finish this project.
poprad,
She does ride like a dream. I went out on about a 5 mile initial ride yesterday afternoon, stopping by various friends' houses to show it off. It really does seem to ride faster than my cyclocross bike...quicker to accelerate, and I can pedal uphill in "deeper" gears than I ever do on my cyclocross bike. And it holds a steady line through a fast corner so much better.
Rammer,
I really like the simple look of no logos as well. My riding buddy who has an old Bridgestone 550 was VERY complimentary of the elegant simplicity, and advised me on the spot to keep it that way and not seek out any decals. (Not that I had planned to!)
This was a fun project, and I can't wait to ride it some more. You guys in the C&V forum were very helpful in completing it...this is my first classic bike, and I'm glad not only for the bike itself, but because it brought me into this very interesting forum; a place I had regretfully avoided before this frame landed in my lap.
Now I browse the forum sometimes to simply look at everyones pictures. I've definitely developed a love for vintage bikes now.