Jasongrace313

I just got this bike and am interested in getting it to the best state possible while keeping it as original as possible.
It feels fabulous but will need some tweaking here and there, I have the original rear wheel but it needs some attention.

I’d appreciate any insight or links that you may feel would be of value to me.
thank you.

sbarner

Looks like first generation Chorus with some Nuovo and Super Record parts in the mix. This was one of Dave Moulton's higher-end lines. I would suggest cutting down those brake cable housings so you don't hook low-flying helicopters. Take a look at other setups for alternative cable routings: behind the handlebar is most common. You have to have just the right Trek or LeMond to keep that paired-spoke wheel from offending the sensibilities.

merziac

I think the matching front wheel which I believe is a radial spoke that would be just fine on it and suspect that rear was put on to get the modern Campy going on it.

I think it is good to go as is, I would even get brifters going on it if possible and..... ride baby ride.

rjhammett

I would check out the Dave Moulton site and the Dave Moulton Facebook group.

Classtime 

First thing? Get the rear wheel trued and put it back on. A Dave Moulton and John Howard collaboration should be respected and enjoyed. High tension low spoke count wheels belong elsewhere. If you need to raise the bars beyond that stem’s max, consider trading the frame for a larger Fuso.

Jasongrace313

Wheel true’d, new rubber.

Jasongrace313

I got the wheel squared away, haven’t touched the stem yet.

Jasongrace313

This one is a 57cm, I have a line on a 60cm. I haven't ridden it enough to know for certain if I feel it's too small.

smd4

It's getting there. Definitely shorten that rear brake cable; maybe even change the cables out in the interest of better performance. Maybe add clips and straps if you're so inclined--they aren't necessary. You sure it's an '83? Trying to keep it "original" may be a challenge considering many of those parts didn't even exist in 1983.

Jasongrace313

Thanks, yes. The John Howards were only made for one year, I'm sure they aren't all original but I don't have a photo of it new to know. All the wearables are getting swapped out, cables, chain, bar tape, hoods, just as soon as possible.

smd4

Thanks, didn't know it was only a one-year deal. From here, it looks like an almost-new bike. Have fun with it!

Jasongrace313

It is amazingly clean, I’m excited to get her dialed in and on the road.

Classtime 

It looks pretty perfect -- components wise. For me, Brooks saddles need to point "slightly" upwards or I have too much pressure on my hands and arms to keep from sliding forward. As SMD4 mentioned the brake cable set up is too heavy and not very aero. To put the training miles in for the Eroica long course, use some SPD-SL (the grey 6700 will look great). Awesome bike.

Jasongrace313

It's going to take a little bit of work, chain, the seat angle, hoods, brake cables, maybe new pads, new tape.. maybe different handle bars, maybe different hoops, I'm trying to feel it out..

Classtime 

The handle bars are deep I'll admit. Koolstops are never a bad idea. Hoops? Looks like 2x rear and 1x front. True and re-tention this winter. WRT hoops, wait till spring and you put miles on this bike as is.

Jasongrace313

I just took it for a ride, man, it’s so smooth. Once you get a cadence it feels like it’s on a track.

smd4

Yeah, that's a keeper. It's just oozing pure 1980s road racing style.