An improvement for sure. FWIW, Carradice bags are relatively affordable if you buy them from the UK. This has much to do with the GPB being low vs the USD at the moment.

That said, maybe Cannondale bags are never going to be wrong on a Cannondale. Granted, they were never beauty contest winners.

Well thanks, [MENTION=384048]greg3rd48[/MENTION]!

This is only my second year building bikes, but I have had some good tutors.

Basically, I like the functionality of modern components, but I always look backwards for styling cues. Lugs and quill stems, leather saddles and fenders are all timeless and beautiful. Eliminating as much plastic as possible is also key. And color coordination, of course.

Here's another gratuitous photo, just because I haven't posted this one yet... I think.

I've had a few rides under my belt with her and she is wonderful!

1977 Schwinn Super Le Tour 12.2 in all chrome! As purchased state saw a sad-looking bike that was otherwise straight and worthy of restoration. My low monetary buy-in price of $40 was to be greatly offset with hours and hours of rust-removing, glaze/film-removing, and chrome polishing--to say nothing of completely re-outfitting the old, tired/worn out components with thoroughly modern ones, almost all of which were from a super light weight modern (2016) build that had me not jazzed about ultra light bikes (16.2 lbs--very nice manners, solid bike, but I wasn't feeling the love, nor the extra weight that I actually kinda liked). To the photos!

Everything but a freewheel:


At least they employed a rubber buffer. Alas, RUST:


Poor thing. I will make you better!


Better! So much better!


All that top tube for all that name:


Not so rusty any more, are we??? Up close, the scars are visible, but that shares her history. New decals (Velocals) and plenty of Dura Ace (7900 shifters, 7800 FD, RD, crankset, BB) mark the beginning of her new era.


Keeper.

Wow, [MENTION=401497]RiddleOfSteel[/MENTION], that is an amazing restoration! Very much like!!!

Excellent job, you got this down.

Any report from the show?

Thank you!

Thank you, too!

As for the show, if you mean the Seattle Bike Show, it has had its second year at the Century Link convention/exhibition hall (Auto and Boat show are also held here) and it shares its space with the Seattle Golf Show. Not as busy as last year, and that is apparently part of a trend for the show, which is too bad. I volunteered with Bike Works to do a half shift of bike valet parking. I ended up not seeing much of the show save for a guy who bought out a large section to show about 40 or so stunning vintage rides. Of course I didn't take any pictures (......) but highlights included a very early 65cm track Paramount with an inch-pitch chainring and similar rear cog, a Short Coupled Paramount, a shaft drive safety bike from 1896, that multi-colored Hobbs that belongs to a BF member, and a zillion Colnagos et al (with their corresponding tons of Campagnolo) from the '60s and '70s, some in top level Concours shape (factory original and perfect). Lots of drool-worthy steeds.

Way to go, @RiddleOfSteel! Ya gotta love a chrome frame, and seeing how you brought it back from its sorry state, you know that is some quality chrome. Excellent selection of components to go with it. That's a top-notch resto-mod.

Thank you! American chrome for the win. Same goes for my sad-state Paramount frameset: the paint is toast but the chrome is nearly perfect. I ran the mental tab for the restoration, and it's not the cheapest by any stretch (in spite of getting a deal on many parts), but it's worth the money I spent. Time to ride the wheels off it.

Here is the Nishiki sport I did a couple years ago.

[/FONT][/SIZE][/QUOTE]

Definitely one of my favs....

[MENTION=401497]RiddleOfSteel[/MENTION], riddle solved on that Schwinn!! Super job on that one!

What size tires are you running? They go great with the build...

Very thoughtful mods. Great job!

[MENTION=371659]ratfink76[/MENTION] , thank you so much!

I am running Kenda Kwik Roller Sport tires in their 700x32C size. Kenda's propaganda says the tire possesses puncture resistance and a lower rolling resistance than a standard tire. For $4 for the virtually new pair, including an inner tube, I was more than game to try them. For all the seriousness of the bike, I enjoyed putting on something with a silly name--the "SPORT" is even in cute bubble letters that float in an arc like balloons. Reviews had them competent enough, so, you know, what the heck? I like them so far. People can rightly clamor about Paselas, but I wanted the bike to figure itself out a little before making that jump (in price).

1984 Univega Gran Rally. I got it from the original owner who bought it brand new and kept it on a trainer in Arizona for 33 years, it was never ridden on the road. The original tires and brake pads showed no signs of wear. Easiest resto I ever did, about all I had to do was replace the consumables, polish it up and lube everything. I have a spare set of wheels on it, I'm relacing the original ones with Sapim Race spokes.

before:




after:

Before:

After:

Very nice.

Have more shots of the components? (RD, bars/shifters, etc)

The crimp end has since been replaced.

Wow. I am in love with this. The blue (and darker blue of the graphics), the font Univega used then, the graphics, and the absolutely gorgeous polished components. The black bar tape, hoods, and tires really make it come together. Beautiful!

When I opened the box I was very happy, the color looked way better than the sellers pictures. I've had a 50 foot roll of blue cable housing for about 15 years and was glad I finally had a bike to use it on.

Early 60s Allegro Special
Before:


After:

1979 Raleigh Competition GS

1971/1972 Gitane Tour de France

Is this spot the difference?
I notice 8 -
Bar tape
Wheels / tyres
Red thing
Chain on large ring
Brake levers
Gear levers in different position
Pedal arms in different position
Dork disc removed

Yeah, I can't believe he got rid of the red thing. I loved the red thing.