Originally Posted by
Bob Barker
You'll have to go with the long cage for sure, unless it's a single up front.
Even then, a DA may not really like a 34t, but I'd try it. What are you using up front (ring count)? We're going to calculate chain-wrap here.
And I lived in Annandale back when (WTW '76 here). Arlington is not hilly
Now the Kennedy house did sit up on a nice little rise overlooking their spread. (I was a worker bee putting in their Grasstex tennis court)
It all depends on where you ride in Arlington. But it is definitely true that "hilly" is a relative term both with regards to geography and personal horsepower.
Just eye-balling it with a 24t big cog and the short cage rear derailer -- but the jockey pulley looks identical across the models -- it looks like it will be tight.
You know ... I don't know what the chainring sizes are for sure. But I would think either 52-42 or 52-39. Then again, I know little about these classic bikes. I only know that this bike rides great. I am shocked by how comfortable it rides ... even with relatively skinny 27 x 1" tires.
On that note, I believe that the best 27" tires out there are the Panaracer Pasellas and the Continental Ultra/Four Season/whatever. Both claim to be 32 mm wide -- wide is good by my taste -- but is it the case the the Continentals run narrow as with their 700c tires?
Another question: I need a classic-looking saddle for the bike. Does this mean I have to get a Brooks saddle?!? I'd like to keep the vintage look but I want it to be comfortable. For a guy who typically uses Terry Fly saddles, does anyone have a good recommendation for a model? Any alternatives to a Brooks?