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Retro-modern components
While I'm a retro-rider at heart, I'm also a geek, and I appreciate some level of modernity when it comes to my ride. So, I've been pondering what a retro-modern bike build would look like. My guidelines are simple: The component should retain some "classic" level of look or design -- say, from 25 feet away you might need to take a second look to tell if the bike is from 1968 or 2008 -- but needs to be readily available from a variety of retail sources. Here's my whack at a middle of the road build following these guidelines:
Pete |
The aero brake levers, fer sure. The cranks are okay. The derailleurs can't be helped if you are looking at new only. $1080 buys a lot of real vintage bike though, and you haven't even accounted for your frameset...
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Aero levers were around 84 or so. So you'll be doing post 84 if you get aeros. But it makes things look a little cleaner.
I just installed Cane Creek aeros on mine (just today!) and they are quite small compared to brifters. I seem to have gotten used to brifters. My favorite aero levers are the Shimano AX. |
2005 Campagnolo Centaur groupset, think that was the last year for non ultra-torque cranks, non skeleton brakes, and one you could get an all-alloy set. Throw in some NOS Campagnolo Daytona hubs, laced to Open Pros (or the rims mentioned in the original list).
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I like most of your choices, although I'd try to stay all-one-brand-ish looking in the drivetrain and brakes, and I prefer Campy, so Cuda's suggestion is good. That might be a tough to source as a new gruppo, tho.
I think you could find a mix of recent silver Veloce and Centaur that still has a classic look. I just bought a near-full Veloce 2008 gruppo for cheap at PBK. Icycles had Centaur calipers for a steal, and also has a Record square-taper crank. http://store.icyclesusa.com/shared/S...asp?RowID=1315 |
And for-sure lose the Triple.
Go compact chainrings or 26 cog in the rear if you need the low gearing. |
Why not go truly retro? You can find a good Japanese cromoly bikes from the 1980s with midrange Suntour or similar components for less than just a couple of parts on this list. I bought a sweet 84 Lotus, Tange 1 frame, Suntour ARX components, etc. Add aerolevers if you want, and you will have a nice ride.
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Originally Posted by cuda2k
(Post 7977034)
2005 Campagnolo Centaur groupset, think that was the last year for non ultra-torque cranks, non skeleton brakes, and one you could get an all-alloy set. Throw in some NOS Campagnolo Daytona hubs, laced to Open Pros (or the rims mentioned in the original list).
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I am all for anyone doing anything they want and have considered the idea of a retro-bike build myself. The idea always boils down to the questions of Why? What is the point? What doe's it achieve?
I personally cannot answer any of those questions in a way that works. Why not just spend a quarter to half the money on a nice steel bike from the 80's? That was the answer to my retro-bike need. A real 1985 bike! I ended up finding a Panasonic team europe II on craigslist. Full Campagnolo Victory components ,tubular tires & Columbus SL frame. What a nice bike! The Victory crankset was designed as a compact & can run 36 tooth rings. Campy had a compact when compact was not cool. What more can i ask for? Why would you spend a $$$$ to make a new bike look somewhat like an old bike? It just doesn't work for me. |
Originally Posted by cuda2k
(Post 7977034)
2005 Campagnolo Centaur groupset, think that was the last year for non ultra-torque cranks, non skeleton brakes, and one you could get an all-alloy set. Throw in some NOS Campagnolo Daytona hubs, laced to Open Pros (or the rims mentioned in the original list).
Now just ditch those Open Pros for some NOS GP-4 rims, and you have something really good! |
Originally Posted by embankmentlb
(Post 7981805)
I am all for anyone doing anything they want and have considered the idea of a retro-bike build myself. The idea always boils down to the questions of Why? What is the point? What doe's it achieve?
Originally Posted by embankmentlb
(Post 7981805)
Why would you spend a $$$$ to make a new bike look somewhat like an old bike? It just doesn't work for me.
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But there is no such thing as a vintage looking modern group. The only part of his retro package that hints back to old style is the down tube shifters.
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If you plan to use downtube shifters why not choose say an Ultegra shifter that retains the index shifting? It's like mixing Law & Grace. 99% of Christians do it but makes little sense Biblically.
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You can put together a pretty good set for about 2/3 of that if you just pick and choose.
Just look at this price for almost brand new complete group, 8-sp STI/600 Ultegra: http://cgi.ebay.com/Shimano-600-8-sp...3A1%7C294%3A50 If I didn't have all that except for the STI's, I'd jump on it, but I'm thinking of just buying NOS DT shifters and staying good quality classic. |
I could build 5 bikes on that budget that would kick that builds aZZZZZ. :) :(
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Vintage campagnolo!
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Originally Posted by infinityeye
(Post 7984255)
I could build 5 bikes on that budget that would kick that builds aZZZZZ. :) :(
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Originally Posted by cs1
(Post 7987337)
Are you talking about the Ultegra group Robbie Tunes posted from ebay?
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