Here's my recently converted 1980 Colnago Super with Dura Ace 10-speed.

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...a5ba833239.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...16d8e27ace.jpg

Great idea!

[MENTION=485313]Igotdibs[/MENTION] 7900 Dura-Ace is a sharp and smart groupset. I have it as well on a bike. Can't go wrong! How has it brought out the nature of your Colnago frame? I tend to think that a really good groupset and wheel/tire combo help clear the fog of the character of a frame. Sometimes it takes another wheelset to corroborate an initial feeling, as I've found lately that rim and spoke combos do a lot (more than I wanted to admit before), but still, a frame will let its rider know what it's all about, pretty much no matter what you throw on it.

I really struggled with the decision to convert this bike over to 10-speed. On one hand, I have a great appreciation for all things vintage. But I also love the functionality that modern technology brings.

The fact that this particular bike was sort of a mutt as purchased, helped me with the decision to go modern. It came to me with a mix of Super Record and Nuovo Record components, Diacompe aero brake levers, and a Dura Ace 7400 Crank.

But to answer your question, I would have to say the new groupset has definitely 'enhanced' the character of the frame without necessarily changing it. The frame is still the thoroughbred it has always been, but in my opinion, an order of magnitude more 'fun' to ride! I love it, plain and simple.

My contribution to the thread: 1986/1987 Novara Trionfo with Claris R2000
 

I found this frame literally in the trash in our complex, and couldn't let it die like that. It's, from what I can gleen from the internet, a 1986 or 1987 Novara Trionfo. Tange 1 frame and Tange unicrown fork. Originally, it had some very worn out 1050 era 105 equipment. I bought a wheel set with Claris hubs and then put a full Claris R2000 group on it. The only wear part that it original is the butter smooth 105 threaded headset. Nitto bars and stem. Seatpost and saddle are garbage and will probably be the next piece I replace but I'm not in a hurry. This thing rides amazingly!

Modern Claris and Sora stuff makes these types of conversions extremely simple and not very expensive. It won't impress many people, but it breathes new life into old frames like this. I wouldn't hesitate to do it again. I'm only a few hundred bucks into this and yet it is cheaper than a new Claris-level road bike with an infinitely classier and higher quality frame than you could ever buy for $400-$500 these days.
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...dae689645f.jpg
Finished product
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...bfb913abf7.jpg

Much better brakes, and the R2000 cable routing and style make it look much higher end
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...0d4f619c48.jpg

8 speed full Claris drivetrain. MKS Urban Platform pedals with MKS cages and Zefal(maybe? Can't remember) leather straps.
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...88de5090d0.jpg

A comparison from when I first found it, after I put a new rear wheel on to get it safely ridable.

[MENTION=233066]robyr[/MENTION] beautiful Trionfo! Can't believe someone puts a top-shelf offering from Novara in the bin, but here we are. I applaud your R2000 build--looks sharp! This current era of Shimano STI hood shape--up and down the line--is excellent, and I am a fan. Claris is proven 8-speed, with a beautiful color and finish. Shifters look and feel great, and that crankset does as well! And you're right--it doesn't cost much for a full groupset at all. Many will recommend replacing the brake pads with the cartridge type (higher end levels) that are stiffer and offer better rubber compounds--all for a noticeable improvement in braking power and quality. It may be cool to find a 600 8-speed groupset in excellent condition, but the improved capability and ergonomics of R2000 and R3000, for essentially the same money, has me considering the newer. Only weight is the penalty, but if that doesn't matter, then a vintage frame with these pieces is a total winner.

[MENTION=233066]robyr[/MENTION], well done! That's a good looking bike.

I put R3000 on an '87 Ironman frameset, also keeping the original 105 headset, and the performance is excellent. As was mentioned, I upgraded to Ultegra brake pads and the improvement was substantial. All together, I ended up with a whole lotta bike for my money. It is my go-to ride.

I wish you many happy miles on that Novara.

Thanks guys! It's a blast to ride, though I only got about 5 miles in last night after finishing it up before it got dark. In regards to the brake pads, I actually have a set of Ultegra pads i bought for this bike originally before I decided to do the full rebuild, and I intended to put them on last night while finishing up but I'd have to dig in the closet and I was just too eager to ride. They'll be going on tonight so I can take this up into Marin this weekend!

Well thats fun, I just found out that our bikes are basically identical. From the serial on mine, it has to be a rebadged Centurion Ironman Expert. Fist bump!

Right on...
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...daa014ca66.jpg

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...cebbf28440.jpg
This pic is a long time coming. I posted a few years back when this was just the frame on a stand.

1986 KHS Fiero. Bought the frame 30 years ago. Used parts all the time, and always in flux.

A few years ago pulled it out of the shed, the old 27" wheels needed replaced anyway. So 700c wheels were found at my local bike Collective. I found a Shimano 105 5600 series brifters and derailleurs for cheap. Chose to go with a compact crankset, FSA Vero with the Powerdrive bottom bracket, so easy to set up! Anyway, found the 5600 series hubs laced to Rigida rims for cheap, so chose those over the Alexrims I originally was planning to use.

This has been on my indoor trainer the past few months since weight loss surgery last October. Down 115 pounds from my heaviest, 93 since surgery. And feeling much better.

This Old Friend is still a fun bike to ride. No, it's not special to anyone but me. But it fits this thread all the same...

Edit... I might add, I picked up a fork, stem and bars from Nishiki Prestige about the same year. It was wrecked, but I couldn't get the whole bike. I'm currently using SRAM Apex brake calipers, WTB Speed seat and generic seatpost.

Cross-posted in the Univega Appreciation Thread, here's my '84 Gran Turismo after getting some torchwork done. Old Field Cycles in Tallahassee rerouted the cables and added two more bottle locations. I'll have him move the cantilever posts and get it painted this fall. Looking forward to some long rides! Shimano 5700 10 speed shifters, 6600 compact crank, XT 9 speed rear mech.


https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/9i...=w1210-h907-no

I like it! shares blood with the centurion ironman/lemans perhaps?

I don't believe so, but the 80s paints were all of a style. I'm just glad to have it back outside and I'm able to ride...

I have a quick question for the folks in here: are you all just keeping your older-generation single-pivot sidepulls and using them with STI brake levers? My understanding was that this would lead to a very stiff feel and a lack of mechanical advantage. I have Shimano BR-6208 single-pivots with non-aero original levers, and am not optimistic of them working well with STIs. Am I missing something here, what is everyone else doing?

Cheers

My wife's 1984 Lotus Eclair is now sporting the 3x9 Tiagra that had been on her 2010 Cannondale Synapse. She much prefers the Eclair!

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...1a32477e09.jpg

I like everything but the crank. Tires and wheels look especially good.

Yes, STI shifters over the last 20 years have effectively changed the brake pull a few times and this affects brake performance and effort.

Each change is called something. SLR and super STL are a couple examples. Ive used old brakes with new levers and it works still.
Single pivot brakes are already a disadvantage compared to dual, so I don't really know how much the lack of super SLR plays into use with single pivot.

91 SC600 with Force 22. Rides like a modern bike. Crazy stiff out of the saddle

https://i.imgur.com/zfEw9kW.jpg

[MENTION=395146]tiredhands[/MENTION], I can't see your picture.

[MENTION=460328]mboro1876[/MENTION], I still have my single pivots on my McLean, with STI levers. It works slightly better than with the original levers, as newer levers have more leverage. But dual pivots would be even nicer. I can't make a hard stop from the tops.

[QUOTE=noglider;20986473][MENTION=395146]tiredhands[/MENTION], I can't see your picture.

Thanks! Silly Google photos. I thought I tested it that time... :foo:

Switch to dual pivots! You’ll be amazed. Then add Kool Stop salmon pads and be even more amazed.

If you need nutted calipers, Harris Cyclery has Tektro in medium and long reach.

https://www.harriscyclery.net/produc...08/?rb_ct=1493

mate, super lovely job on this build!

wouldnt change a thing!

I second this sentiment!! Killer SC!

Hot! The pink accents look so much better than the murdered out look.