Finally got around to putting Honjos on my Paramount...only took 2 years! Installation wasn't too bad and I think it looks good. These are the looong versions so I might need to put a stay or a rack on the front. I think I'm about done, however, I'm considering going back to non-aero levers...what do you think?



https://www.flickr.com/photos/7750242...7594068748083/

I think a front rack may interfere with the barcon cable routing. Looks nice though. Why would you want non aero levers BTW?

Beautiful - and I agree on the non-aero levers. Go with something nice and period. Either that, or replace those awful-looking Tektros (sorry to those who are undoubtedly offended) with a nice, classic C&V aero lever.

-Kurt

Brillant. But keep the present brakes (Tektros?) more comfortable and more power.

Kind of a conundrum. I think the Tektro's are the most comfortable, most useful, best working lever on the market...BUT, on a Paramount I think they look a little out of place...we'll see. Can always change them later.

If you haven't already, polish off the 'Tektro' name off the front of the lever. With a dremel polishing pad and a little Mother's mag polish it takes all of about 10 seconds each. Really helps them from screaming 'MODERN' quite so loudly. I have a pair on my 78 Gazelle A-Frame and agree they are the most comfortable and best working lever out t here - which is why at one point I had like 3 sets. I'm actually thinking of buying a spare bar/stem to mount period correct levers on so I can swap back and forth quickly for times I want comfort vs period correct.

Beautiful build!

You could always run the shifter cables all the way under the bar tape to near the stem. I did this on one of my bikes and it shifted just well as a bike with barend shift cables installed the classic way.

Now all you need are some red canvas bags to match the bar tape and cables.

Nice looking bike!

At first glance I thought those flowers were some kind of spoke card. LOL!

If the Tektros only came in white

I agree with Kurt about the levers. They may be comfortable, but they're ugly. It's better to look good than to feel good.

A T.A. rack can be used to support the fender and will not interfere with the cables. https://cgi.ebay.com/NOS-Mafac-racer-...item2eab145bf0

At last, someone here admits it.

What's more, the best part about good-looking C&V stuff: Just because it looks good doesn't mean it's uncomfortable either.

-Kurt

I love non aero levers. I hate the price of gum hoods though. Gum hoods cost 2 - 3 times what the levers do.

Another way is to use paint stripper. The logos are stamped on with paint. If you dab on some stripper it will dissolve the logos instantly. It will have no effect on the clear anodizing. A damp rag or paper towel will remove all traces of the stripper

Is that plate meant to mount on the front of the crown or the back? It looks like back to me which means those bars would go under the crown? what? Seems like a tight fit.

Looks awesome. I even like the Tektro levers on it.

It mounts on the front of the crown and on the front of the brake. I just read that they will not work with Dia Compe/Weinmann brakes because the brakes are too thick. Scratch that idea.

bogester, your paramount is stunning, even with the tektro aero levers. i agree, adding an additional stay might inprove the stability of those long honjos. i have the same problem with a long front velo orange fender. if you go the rack route, i doubt it would interfere with the bar-end cables, and a rack will stabilize the fender better than an additional stay.

They have gum looking hoods for the tekro levers?? I think I remember finding those recently? That would make a HUGE improvement
in the looks dept. Overall though a really sweet looking bike! You should see the one at my LBS!! Chrome single speed Paramount with
chrome wrap ergo bars, Honjo's, one of the super sweet Italian cutout seatposts, etc etc. It's pretty radical, but he doesn't believe in posting
pics of his bikes on the internet. A shame, it's gorgeous in person.,,,,BD

Just did a search, and only Cane Creek gum hoods came up. Maybe with more searching, not sure...

I'd like to know when the last time the C&V fashionistas spent 8 hours on a bike (riding it, not wrenching on it).

Beautiful build, Bogester, as is.

So what does this git do? Pull out his 12 gauge whenever anyone with a camera saunters through his shop door?

-Kurt

Aesthetically, the Tektro levels do not bother me as much as those loops of the derailleur cable housing up front (you can probably cut a foot off those and still be fine) or the size of the frame pump (should be flush to the TT), but that's nitpicking

That said, this is a great looking bike and those levers work better than the original equipment on that bike, so enjoy it (and cut a foot off those cables, where you are at it)

Yeah Kurt, I dunno. His brother and co/owner is a pretty severe martial arts guy, maybe they slash photographers Kung Fu style.,,,,BD

Nice bike, tough crowd.

"Huckney yuknanai, honng pikthure nowie!"

-Kurt