Most Underrated C&V Component/Part
 

OK...so I read the thread about most Overrated...how about the most underrated C&V Component? Or have I simply missed that thread? C'mon, let's hear it...what is the one component that you quietly try to buy for nothing?

Nuovo Record rear derailleurs ;)

DD

dia-compe centerpulls.

Seat Binding Bolt!

Broke mine the other day rendering the bike unrideable. Me: "... not too tight, not toooooo tight" SNAP. I found out its hard to get them at a LBSs.

I broke about a half dozen Campy binder bolts before I switched to Sugino -- never broke another one.

Sturmey Archer AW 3 speed hub. Too many people write them off as impractical (gearing too high) or outdated (not enough speeds). With some tinkering and the proper rear cog, they're still relevant, solid parts not quite 80 years after their introduction.

Selle Italia Flite Ti. Timeless design.

Deore DX - stuff is flawless.

Campagnolo Ergos - LOVE.

Brooks saddles - everyone loves them, and they're STILL underrated.

Eclipse racks - great retention system, simple and smart. Just wish there were bags for them still made.

Campagnolo Delta brakes - they're great - really - just a little tougher to setup and heavy.

Michelin yellow tire levers...just so much easier to use. Unfortunately hard to find and pricey...I paid 20/set last time I bought them.

I think people rate them pretty high, at least with their checkbooks they do.

But how often do you read that they perform well?

I'm with Aaron though.

Suntour Sprint group. They finally made some decent single pivots, but it was too late.

Flikstands

TA 5-pin cranks and the seemingly infinite chainring possibilities.

Shimano BR-MC70 high profile canti brakes, rock solid, no flex, look great.

Simplex retrofriction shifters.

Yes, you can occasionally find these things for dirt cheap.

Shushhhhhh....

we can clean up on these if we're stealthy.

The Zefal HP/HPX frame pump.

-Bandera

I've got two of 'em, NOS, with one listed on fleabay right now.
Make me an offer!

That's the problem, they rarely fail with proper maintenance and there's a zillion of them out there. NOS hubs from the early 50's would be tempting...

Blackburn "race" water bottle cage.
Been using them since the 80's. Nicely made, simple, light and strong.
So good that they never had to do any changes to the design since the 80's and was copied by hundreds of other makers. You can buy a brand new one today and put it on a 30 year old C&V bike and it will look period correct.
I'll take it any day over those "Ciussi" cages with the fancy buttons on them....

The stuff most of us remove:

Dork disks
Stem shifters
Kickstands
Wheel reflectors

To the average recreational rider, all of these provide benefits.

These!
http://i1227.photobucket.com/albums/...ps5426d895.jpg

:rolleyes:

Is that a Klingon weapon?

When the seller doesn't know what they are you can. I just missed a pair for 50 something bucks the other day when I was at work as the bidding ended. :( The seller wasn't sure what brand they were so they weren't listed in a search for "Simplex".

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And yeah, I've still got a Nuovo Record RD in a box for about 30 years now.......Just in case I need it for some late '70s period correct build someday if I come accross something appropriate. But I'm really spoiled on better performing derailleurs.

Fujita Belt saddles. Slightly narrower than a B17, which for me is more comfy...

Buy old Fuji for $40
Remove Fujita Belt saddle and put it on your all day rider
Sell Fuji for $80

how 'bout a whole bike? upper level motos get so much attention, but i love the grand jubilé. it's one of the finest frames i've ever ridden.

I really liked the Motobecane Grand Record I had - it was much nicer than any Raleigh, Gitane or Peugeot I've seen.