"Classic" style performance components???
 

Hello:

Let me start by saying that I have only recently gotten into cycling.

I'm strongly considering getting a custom steel lugged frame for all around purposes, but mostly for club rides/racing. I'm not looking to have the lightest, most technologically advanced bike out there (obviously), but I also don't want a complete throwback.

In terms of components, what should I consider if I want some combination of performance and classic looks? I'm speaking particularly of crankset, seatpost, stem (would it be silly to race with a threaded???

Any insight/advice would be greatly appreciated.

Are you talking about period components or modern?

Campagnolo Athena 11 speed or Centaur 10 speed.

Hardly as classic as it used to be, but better aesthetics than the awful Jetson look of Shimano's modern cranks.

VO (Velo Orange) makes silver stems for threadless. Or stick to threaded. Shouldn't put you at huge disadvantage.

Edit: Wheels have visually the most impact, so maybe try to get the best of the more traditional set-ups, like Campagnolo silver Record hubs in 10-11 speed, laced to silver, non anodized Open Pro, IMO a viable race worthy wheel set. With 32 spokes they look pretty classic, especially if you remove the stickers from the rims.

+1 to all of Jan's comments.

There will be another "alloy" line from Campy for 2011 as well. The Veloce line has an interesting look, and shares features with the Centaur line. I haven't used these yet, but I am interested in pricing, durability, and of course performance. I have used the 2009 Centaur line quite a bit, and its two thumbs up.

http://cdn.mos.bikeradar.com/images/...-90-150-70.jpg

Here is some info about these Campy line ups:

http://www.bikeradar.com/news/articl...roupsets-26576

http://www.campagnolo.com/jsp/en/new...ewscatid_3.jsp

http://www.campagnolo.com/jsp/en/groupset/catid_13.jsp

Hope this helps.

Could always go modern Shimano except for the crank and do a nice DA 7700 crankset.

I rode a Pinarello FP3 with 10 speed DA on our vacation in Tuscany last summer.

No doubt in my mind that the performance of the system was outstanding.

Past that, its up to an individual's taste.

I liked it a great deal, but I recall the gruppo looking more "space age" than classic.

Top notch, classy finish though.

The other tricky part about the DA is the price. Cranks alone are going for $400-$500.

OP didn't mention price :)

But modern 105 with a DA 7700 crank would be both modern in the drivetrain sense yet classic looking...with brifters of course :)

Yes the new 105 (5700) looks quite appealing. Nice polished silver components, under the bar wrap STI cables, and a nice price for a complete modern group.
The cranks are not classic, but I do not mind the look as much as some of the others.

Jake

So, I just checked for grins on the price of a 105 gruppo. About $650.

http://www.probikekit.com/display.php?code=D0099

A Centaur gruppo. About $710.

http://www.probikekit.com/display.php?code=L0150

An Athena gruppo. About $890.

http://www.probikekit.com/display.php?code=L0048

I'm sure you could beat these prices, I know I have on the Campy Centaur gruppo by a mile.

Choices, choices.

Any of these I just mentioned would work well for entry level Cat 4 racing.

They are going to get mushed in the first crash anyway. :)

Back to the op, what custom builder are you considering?

Meh. Aluminum SRAM Rival's look nice with Bordeaux Gold Hudz. Pair it up with SRAM Red front and rear mechs, Athena crankset, and a pair of polished Chorus skeleton sidepull (modify two rears) brakes.

http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/photos...ta/meihudz.jpg

http://www.campagnolo.com/repository...u_laterale.jpg

http://www.racersportif.com/images/p...us11_Brake.jpg

-Kurt

+1 here as well.

The performance of the SRAM products that I've tried has been outstanding.

I like the distinctive looks of Kurt's gruppo as well.

Looks bada.....

I checked on a complete Rival groupset. About $890.

http://www.probikekit.com/display.php?code=R0110

Probably available much cheaper as well.

Also, I checked on another forum and a person has a very nice lightly used Athena gruppo for $600.

That's a great price, and I think he'll include shipping.

Thanks for all of the info. I've received a lot of great suggestions. I currently have a Waterford Sport Touring, and I really enjoyed my experience, so I'm going to go back to them for a SR-22. My ST-14 was the first serious bike I've purchased as an adult, and I got it last Oct. thinking that I would gradually get into the sport and ride mostly for leisure, fitness, etc. Well, this Spring I started riding with a group and this weekend rode in my first race. I'm now looking to grow my stable by one with a more dedicated road/race bike.

I appreciate the inclusion of the SRAM idea above as that's what I currently use and enjoy (Rival).

.... one more thing.

I am partial to Nitto seatposts, stems, and bars.

A Nitto seatpost that I really like is the S-83. About $90 new.

http://www.benscycle.net/images/Nitto83Seatpost1.jpg

A Nitto Pearl stem is always an easy choice for about $60.

http://www.benscycle.net/images/10side.jpg

Bars are up to your personal fit and preference. I like Nitto Noodles and various Cinellis work great as well.

Have fun with your new bike. It sounds like a beauty!!!

Thanks again for the responses. I wasn't aware of the Campy Athena group, and now I'm intrigued. However, it seems like the 11-speed cassette is not compatible with very many hubs. The rear Campy hub listed with the Athena group is actually a Record hub, and it's black. Are there any other options out there?

All the best

I'm pretty sure that all Campy 9-10-11 speed hubs will take an 11 speed cassette.

Ebay has older shiny Record hubs showing up on a regular basis.

Here's mine:

http://www.fivenineclimber.com/image...53/rearhub.jpg

Thanks for the heads up. I'll keep my eyes peeled.
Edit...
It looks as though White Industries has a Campy 11-sp compatible rear hub.

http://www.whiteind.com/images/349_H2_REAR_SIL.jpg

Anyone have any experience???