To Brift or Not to Brift?
09-02-19 | 04:49 PM
#52
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 18,793
Likes: 11,580
I have lots of bikes, but all of the ones I ride regularly have brifters of some sort (Campy, Shimano, SRAM). One exception is a '94 Bridgestone RB-T that's in the commuting rotation and uses 7-speed indexed bar-ends. I used to mostly use bar-end shifters on most of my bikes, whether friction or index, but once I went Campy Ergo, there was no turning back. My oldest bikes set up that way are a '71 Raleigh International and a '73 Motobecane Grand Record, but most of the others are relatively recent.
09-02-19 | 07:58 PM
#53
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 17,196
Likes: 761
From: Ann Arbor, MI
Bikes: 1980 Masi, 1984 Mondonico, 1984 Trek 610, 1980 Woodrup Giro, 2005 Mondonico Futura Leggera ELOS, 1967 PX10E, 1971 Peugeot UO-8
Hello Gang,
I recently purchased a 1993 Bianchi Forza from a Seller on CL.
The bike is in good shape (been hanging in his garage for the last 25 years...)
I currently have it at my LBS to have the frame faced, and the BB chased.
Plan A: I have an almost complete Campy Mirage nine-speed drivetrain. I will use either the original Shimano DT shifters, or go with Suntour Accushift, (friction-shift mode) downtube shifters, Cane Creek brake levers. For wheels, I have a 36-spoke wheel built on a Malliard hub for the front wheel, and a rear wheel built around a black Campy Mirage hub (I believe the spoke count on the real wheel is 28 spokes). The rest of the bike will be built up with spares that I have in "inventory".
Plan B: Recycle the original wheels for a more correct "look". The wheels will need truing and an overhaul of the bearings. The drivetrain will then be a mix and match of Campy, with a seven speed Shimano cassette on the rear wheel.
Plan C: I scored a good deal on a pair of Campy Khamsin C17 wheels. Plan C is Plan A with the Campy wheels, and nine-speed Campy brifters (I have the brifters and the brake/shift cable kit on the shelf).
Plan D: Reassemble with the original Shimano Exage drivetrain. The only problem her is that the front chainrings are 52/42 and I am old and fat. The Campy crankset is a 50/34 compact crank so I will end up a with lower (more useful) gearing.
I realize the Forza is a low-end made in Taiwan frame set, but it scratches my itch for an "Italian Road machine"
Any thoughts, suggestions or comments welcomed.
I recently purchased a 1993 Bianchi Forza from a Seller on CL.
The bike is in good shape (been hanging in his garage for the last 25 years...)
I currently have it at my LBS to have the frame faced, and the BB chased.
Plan A: I have an almost complete Campy Mirage nine-speed drivetrain. I will use either the original Shimano DT shifters, or go with Suntour Accushift, (friction-shift mode) downtube shifters, Cane Creek brake levers. For wheels, I have a 36-spoke wheel built on a Malliard hub for the front wheel, and a rear wheel built around a black Campy Mirage hub (I believe the spoke count on the real wheel is 28 spokes). The rest of the bike will be built up with spares that I have in "inventory".
Plan B: Recycle the original wheels for a more correct "look". The wheels will need truing and an overhaul of the bearings. The drivetrain will then be a mix and match of Campy, with a seven speed Shimano cassette on the rear wheel.
Plan C: I scored a good deal on a pair of Campy Khamsin C17 wheels. Plan C is Plan A with the Campy wheels, and nine-speed Campy brifters (I have the brifters and the brake/shift cable kit on the shelf).
Plan D: Reassemble with the original Shimano Exage drivetrain. The only problem her is that the front chainrings are 52/42 and I am old and fat. The Campy crankset is a 50/34 compact crank so I will end up a with lower (more useful) gearing.
I realize the Forza is a low-end made in Taiwan frame set, but it scratches my itch for an "Italian Road machine"
Any thoughts, suggestions or comments welcomed.
There are a lot of folks here with extensive experience in making Shimano systems work, a smaller number whom have made a few Campagnolo systems work, but even fewer with extensive experience in crossover systems between Campagnolo and Shimano. There is a lot negative experience out here, too. And some positive as well.
09-03-19 | 06:57 AM
#55
aged to perfection
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,242
Likes: 1,660
From: PacNW
Bikes: Dinucci Allez 2.0, Richard Sachs, Alex Singer, Serotta, Masi GC, Raleigh Pro Mk.1, Hetchins, etc
thanks for posting that, what a great video. Vaguely recall seeing it years ago but enjoyed watching it again.
thank you
Mark Petry
Bainbridge Island, WA USA
thank you
Mark Petry
Bainbridge Island, WA USA
09-08-19 | 01:03 PM
#56
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 55
Likes: 8
From: Moscow, Idaho
Bikes: 1989 Trek 400 2009 Kona Jake the Snake 1993 Bianchi Forza
My preliminary build. I think the Brooks saddle will be replaced with a Selle Italia SL.
Campy build out of my junk box
New headset temporary wheels
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Lewis_Moon
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