Cables for vintage rebuild?
03-05-10, 07:01 PM
#1
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Cables for vintage rebuild?
(I mistakenly posted this in the mechanics forum, so I'm re-posting here. Sorry for the redundancy.)
I am in the midst of a mid-80s LOOK restoration. Re-spraying is close to complete, and I've been gradually assembling the components (some original, some NOS or nearly-NOS ebay/craigslist finds), but I have not yet got around to the cables. What is the consensus vis-a-vis brake and shifter cables for a vintage rebuild? Any shame in going with new current generation cables? Any performance/compatibility issues I should keep in mind? Ideally, I'd like something in blue, red, or yellow to match the frame design, so I'm not sure I'd even have a chance of finding NOS cables. Thoughts?
NB: I originally used Mavic f/r derailleurs, but need replacement. I've replaced with Campy derailleurs though I'm considering keeping my original Simplex friction shifters since I love them so much. Would you suggest making the full Campy switch and and go with synchro shift levers?
Thanks in advance!
I am in the midst of a mid-80s LOOK restoration. Re-spraying is close to complete, and I've been gradually assembling the components (some original, some NOS or nearly-NOS ebay/craigslist finds), but I have not yet got around to the cables. What is the consensus vis-a-vis brake and shifter cables for a vintage rebuild? Any shame in going with new current generation cables? Any performance/compatibility issues I should keep in mind? Ideally, I'd like something in blue, red, or yellow to match the frame design, so I'm not sure I'd even have a chance of finding NOS cables. Thoughts?
NB: I originally used Mavic f/r derailleurs, but need replacement. I've replaced with Campy derailleurs though I'm considering keeping my original Simplex friction shifters since I love them so much. Would you suggest making the full Campy switch and and go with synchro shift levers?
Thanks in advance!
03-05-10, 07:41 PM
#2
Bianchi Goddess
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Hi gaucho. other than materiels there is not real big difference between modern and 'vintage' cables. the only thing i would be careful of ensuring the cable head fits smoothly inside the shifter.
BTW I may be wrong but alot of bikes from the '80s (and before?) did not always come with complete groups or even all components from one manufacturer. IMHO there is no reason why a vintage bike being 'restored' has to have complete Campi or Suntour shimano whatever. provided it is correct for the time and model it does not matter if they match.
BTW I may be wrong but alot of bikes from the '80s (and before?) did not always come with complete groups or even all components from one manufacturer. IMHO there is no reason why a vintage bike being 'restored' has to have complete Campi or Suntour shimano whatever. provided it is correct for the time and model it does not matter if they match.
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“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
03-05-10, 08:59 PM
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You can't go back to 1980 and rebuild the bike. Use what you have here in 2010, use what looks good.
03-05-10, 09:39 PM
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thanks, bg.
btw, i agree: i bought the frame by itself and saved up for a mix of groups (mavic/campy/modolo)--some brought over from a trip across the pond and the rest paid for with pizza delivery $.
btw, i agree: i bought the frame by itself and saved up for a mix of groups (mavic/campy/modolo)--some brought over from a trip across the pond and the rest paid for with pizza delivery $.
03-06-10, 04:44 AM
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Is the bike for show or go? For show, seek out and install original stuff. For go, get newer cables. They will not look too much out of place and will definitely work better.
