Merry Christmas! I picked up this frameset back in early November? It was cheap, the right size, and a good color so N + 1….... I’m guessing this frame dates to the late 1980s with the dual water bottle bosses and pump peg? Most parts came out of my stash and the wheels were cheap as well. It weighs in at 18.5 pounds with superlight Super Champion Medaille D’Or tubular rims. I think they are around 270 grams each? We will see how they hold up! I wrestled with doing a weight weenie build or not, but decided to see what it would weigh using period parts. I also wrestled with doing a triple and setting it up for mountainous rides, which still might happen. The roads here are too dirty for me to try it now. The first ride on this bike will likely have to wait till spring….. I don't know if there is a Vitus 979 thread on C&V, but I would love to see how others have built up their bikes. Feel free to post them here or start another thread! Happy New Year!


circa 1987 Vitus 979

Frenchie drivetrain

Retroflection shifters and CLB professional brakes

Cinelli 1R stem and 64-40 bars. The diameter-compe aero brake levers were a popular period modification

Lightweight tubular rims!

Maillard 700 "Team Issue" hubs.

Selected photos of my now-sold Vitus 992 and the inspiration that started it all…

Great Pics. Love the Purple and of course a pic of King Kelly on a purple 979! Thanks for sharing!

Nice bike. I really like the mix of French parts. I know you wanted to do a weight weenie build but some folks might think 18.5 lbs is pretty light for an old bike . . .

I thought about doing a weight weenie bike, but went with period parts. As you say, 18.5 pounds is light for a period build. I sleep better doing period builds vs. restoration-mods. Though for the record I have one or two!

Thanks for the kind words.

That's a summer bike for sure Andy.
Too bad you've moved away. You'd be in good company with the old gang riding in the Snoqualmie Valley. Bob Freeman, Steve Rossano and Rick Bostwick all have those in their collections. you'd make a great finger four formation..

Miss riding with you buddy!

Tout Mavic, mostly.

Top

I just stumbled on his comments about the bikes yesterday while researching them. If I remember correctly he only broke one but went through frames pretty regularly as they would get "soft". Said they were quite comfortable though.

Hey Matt, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! I miss riding with you guys as well! I compared notes with Bob as I was putting it together. Maybe I can make it out in the summer. Fingers crossed!

Andy Antipas Great looking bike. I cringe a bit when I see 8+ speed wheels stuffed into these clued bikes. Great bottle cages

seagrade Great looking bike! Love the deep purple.

[QUOTE=Bianchigirll;22750218]Andy Antipas Great looking bike. I cringe a bit when I see 8+ speed wheels stuffed into these clued bikes. Great bottle cages

Thank you for the kind words. As you noticed, the wheels are the right age for the bike. The Maillard 700 hubs are nicely made and smooth.

Sweet, sweet bike.

I think purple is my 2nd favorite Vitus color. That electric blue, though...

Yeah, someday, I'll own one. 58 cm, blue. Mavic SSC shifting, 46/30x13-26 7 speed, Shimano SLR brakes.

--Shannon

I do as well so built this rear wheel to fit, fantastic ride for my needs, comfort and no longer a threat to flex a bottom bracket. I agree with ShannonM, if a blue 57mm every passees my way I will own it.