OldsCOOL

Just acquired a '76 The Finest frameset. Plenty of patina but still a classy frame. I have a tubular wheelset to throw on it for the ocassional spirited ride but for now it will have a set of Rigida wheels and 25mm tires. Very light wheelset. First gen Cyclone with a 6sp 14-28, Sakae SX crank, nitto stem, Dura Ace brakeset. And other stuff.

greg3rd48 

@OldsCOOL Looking forward to seeing some photos of that patina.

OldsCOOL

Here is the best of it, the headtube badge is looking very nice.

Here is the worst of it, showing the seatube and downtube chrome panels:


The rear:

I'm going to have fun with this one. Cant wait to show the C&V guy downtown.

Bikedued

I still think about the Ace I had to sell. Man I miss that one. With the Topline crank and tubulars on it, it was just over 22 pounds. Impressive for a 1974(5) bike. I am still friends with the person I sold it to, and someday I may have the chance to purchase it back. This is right before the tubulars and Topline. First gen Dura Ace.,,,BD

eschlwc

that musta been so suhweeet.

eschlwc

"fix" it or leave it?

OldsCOOL

I'm tempted to leave it but thinking of CLR to knock down the brown discoloration.....but that seems disingenous, almost fakish trying to hide what cant be removed.

OldsCOOL

Dream bike of many, right there.

T-Mar

This may be the perfect application for some self-adhesive chrome foil, given that it is bounded by the striped decals. After all, the French did it.

You can buy 12" x 5' rolls on Amazon for about $12.00. Apparently it is used in the automotive finishing trade. You may even be able to find some automotive shops who would cut you a 12" x 12" sheet for a few dollars.

ScottRyder 

You might try cleaning up the chrome corrosion with a little bit of WD-40 and some Bronze wool (no steel wool!) One of my Finasts had some pretty major chrome rust but cleaned up nicely. T-Mar's idea is great too if it doesn't.

Scott

ScottRyder 

Stunning!!

Scott

OldsCOOL

First line of treatment will be chemical. I tried chrome polish with minimal effect. Going hands-off for now. If CLR doesnt do it, then we'll see what elbow grease and abrasives do.

greg3rd48 

@Bikedued That Ace is stunning. What a shame that you had to part ways with it...

francophile 

Get some Evapo-Rust. Seirously. I ignored what everyone was saying about this product and it worked great for something non-toxic and paint-safe. Check page 2 of my Pinarello thread for details on application and results. It's crazy, and it doesn't damage anything, although it did bleach part of my Columbus stickers (which I should have masked, I guess).

I ordered from Amazon using Prime and had it in 48 hours, then went to work. Just wet a paper towel with it, lay or wrap the area to be treated, then wrap in cling wrap for 12 hours, come back and ... magic. wash down with a little water, maybe polish, then wax.

Bikedued

Not bad for a dollar, huh? Yep, it was in pieces and was a dollar at a garage sale. Probably my best score ever.,,,,BD

OldsCOOL

Hey guys, I need a little help. I'm starting to assemble this "The Finest". I'm hung up trying to figure out how the DT shifter cables are routed. Where does the cable routing clamp for FD mount? Could someone help me with a picture, please?

leicanthrope

OldsCOOL

That is a big help! Thanx!

OldsCOOL

I'm impressed with the light weight of The Finest frame. Getting the bike assembled and into final tune will be with curious anticipation. The fit is excellent, short top tube and perfect standover. Cant wait to ride it.

OldsCOOL

Assembly nearly complete. Weight as you see it. 20.3lbs, minus chain, bar tape and cables. Picture shows the tubular wheelset. I have another wheelset, the Rigida black ano w/heavy Bontrager Sport 25mm. This bike is a lot lighter than I imagined.

Parts:
Sakae SX crankset
Suntour Cyclone (first gen)
Dura Ace calipers (first gen)
Nitto stem
Nitto bar
Weinmann levers
Seat Fizik Pave (subject to change)
I have the choice of sewups or clinchers.

ScottRyder 

Sew-ups ... Get the full experience.

Scott

OldsCOOL

Right on. I love them. Unfortunately, the only set I have is Fiamme's from the Colnago. Alas, I can only use one set at a time. And they look sweet.

With little trouble I can get this bike into the 20lb range. Incredible for a sport touring class. Back in '73 it was an all out racer. We would race and draft each other on the way to high school. One day a kid shows up with a The Finest and then on we couldnt catch him. I never got over those sewups and chrome dropouts.

Tulok

Http://www.instagram.com/tougeslider

Here's my Fuji Roubaix. Uploader can't seem to handle the pics so I put them on Instagram.

OldsCOOL

Here are some before and after pics from the rust treatment session today. I used "The Works" (oxalic acid) for 1.00 per bottle at Dollar General. Cheap, easy, effective. I wrapped a strip of tshirt tightly around the rusty area making sure there was contact (no bubbles) and kept it wet for 8-10 hours. The results are impressive.

seat tube before:


Seat tube after:

OldsCOOL

After two applications of "The Works" rust/lime/calcium remover at 6-8hrs each, followed up with Mothers polish, this is the final improvement. Dullness and brown is taken away, leaving thhe pitted patina look. I will be proud to ride this bike anywhere. In it's final state it will weigh 20lbs. That is good stuff for long day-rides as it was designed. Whatcha think @dweenk ?

Here is the finished seat post: