The Newest and Most Improved Hot or Not
#1101
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I actually think bikes look better without decals. It makes them a lot cleaner, more pure. If they have to have them, make the decals small. Unfortunately, that does not sell widgets.
As for your bike, chrome/shiny is always hot. The brown saddle is iffy now with the move to black.
As for your bike, chrome/shiny is always hot. The brown saddle is iffy now with the move to black.

I like the after if you went with a modern saddle and handlebars. I believe the frame can be vintage, but the rest needs to be updated. Or, keep it all period correct, as @noodle soup says.
Overall, I really like the lines of the bike. Not a fan of the rims, though. Well, I'm a fan of the rims, I've built wheels with them myself, but I'm not a fan of them on this bike. Too jarring of a difference in aesthetic unless you're going full-on retro frame with modern everything else. I'd also go with either brown/brown or black/black on the saddle and bars.
If I had my way this would be all 10 speed carbon Record, but that's not sitting in my parts bin right now

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#1103
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VeloBase.com - Component Listing
#1104
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That looks like a SR Custom P3 seatpost. That's a real PITA. Right up there with a Campy 2 bolt design. Get yourself some version of a SR Laprade or a copy and the PITA will go away. It will look the same.
VeloBase.com - Component Listing
VeloBase.com - Component Listing
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#1105
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You could go with something like the Araya SA-30. It's an updated version of a classic rim from back in the day. The Araya name will give you the link to the past. Plus, it's shiny, and black. It also comes as a black rim with light decals and machined brake tracks.
https://www.araya-usa.com/700crims/sa-30-super-aero-rim
https://www.retro-gression.com/products/araya-sa-30-rim
https://www.araya-usa.com/700crims/sa-30-super-aero-rim
https://www.retro-gression.com/products/araya-sa-30-rim
Last edited by seypat; 03-23-20 at 09:27 AM.
#1106
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Another view... https://imgur.com/7Xkwtqz
The Nishiki is hot. Might be hotter with black bar tape and the Conti GP Classic dark gummies. I like the white cable housing and the Turbo. Awesome saddle! Slap it on straight out of the box and go do an all day ride. No break in required.
The Time, unfortunately looks like ever other red/black/white bike out there. There is a sea of them in every brand made. Those, and black on black bikes. They all look the same. Like Army ants marching on towards world domination.
The Time, unfortunately looks like ever other red/black/white bike out there. There is a sea of them in every brand made. Those, and black on black bikes. They all look the same. Like Army ants marching on towards world domination.

Valid complaint about the Time - lots of red bikes out there. Red is classic...and hot!

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#1107
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That looks like a SR Custom P3 seatpost. That's a real PITA. Right up there with a Campy 2 bolt design. Get yourself some version of a SR Laprade or a copy and the PITA will go away. It will look the same.
VeloBase.com - Component Listing
VeloBase.com - Component Listing
Velo Orange also has some nice silver seatposts that won't break the bank, https://velo-orange.com/collections/seatposts
.
.

You could go with something like the Araya SA-30. It's an updated version of a classic rim from back in the day. The Araya name will give you the link to the past. Plus, it's shiny, and black. It also comes as a black rim with light decals and machined brake tracks.
SA-30 Super Aero ? Araya USA
https://www.retro-gression.com/products/araya-sa-30-rim
SA-30 Super Aero ? Araya USA
https://www.retro-gression.com/products/araya-sa-30-rim
#1108
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I don't like the look of black frames with black tape. On this bike, the white tape is finished with red - a nod to the flag of Japan, and the heritage of the frame.
Another view... https://imgur.com/7Xkwtqz
Interesting that you don't like the black on black look, but that's pretty much what you suggested for the Nishiki
The gumwall tires - like the brake hoods - are consistent with the era of the frame and components. I agree 100% about the Turbo. Damn comfy!!
Valid complaint about the Time - lots of red bikes out there. Red is classic...and hot!
Another view... https://imgur.com/7Xkwtqz
Interesting that you don't like the black on black look, but that's pretty much what you suggested for the Nishiki

Valid complaint about the Time - lots of red bikes out there. Red is classic...and hot!


#1109
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I believe that I have a SR Laprade in the right size in my parts bin, unfortunately I need the longer setback that the P3 offers. It's the only one I found in 26.8mm with a decent amount of setback. Frame geometry is steeper than I prefer for fit concerns at 74°/74°. Naturally, I didn't know that I like slack seat tubes until owning this for a couple years 

https://www.rivbike.com/products/nit...-2-x-250-11031
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I think it is more about white tape in general. I've put it on bikes with various colors from light to dark thinking it would do the trick. It never does for me. Even if the bike has white cabling, I don't feel it with white tape. I end up changing it out for something else. Probably just me. 



Last edited by seypat; 03-23-20 at 10:00 AM.
#1111
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#1113
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#1114
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If your saddle has a slot you don't even need that, as you can access the bolts through the slot.
I'm actually rather fond of the Campy two-bolt posts. The angle is infinitely adjustable, and once you tighten them down, they stay put.
N.B. The Sakae Ringyo Custom P3 is actually a copy of the French Simplex post. And for that matter the Sakae Ringyo Laprade design was licensed from the French Laprade post manufacturer.
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So true about having the right tool for the job. A front CV axle puller is a fine example. If you don't have the tool, your'e not going to be successful.
#1117
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Just wanted to say that this photo has me re-evaluating the '77 Panasonic frame set that's been hanging on my wall for about a year. It was ear-marked for a classic build, but I really like the wheelset on your Schwinn. Thanks for the new shopping opportunity!
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#1122
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I like them a lot, for mid-range alloy wheels. They're strong and reasonably light. Only gripe is that while they have a machined brake track, they are anodized after the fact. Your brake pads will wear off the anodizing. So if that bugs you then don't get the all-black ones. These wheels are not that old and they're already showing brake track wear.
#1123
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Meh. You just need the proper tool:
If your saddle has a slot you don't even need that, as you can access the bolts through the slot.
I'm actually rather fond of the Campy two-bolt posts. The angle is infinitely adjustable, and once you tighten them down, they stay put.
N.B. The Sakae Ringyo Custom P3 is actually a copy of the French Simplex post. And for that matter the Sakae Ringyo Laprade design was licensed from the French Laprade post manufacturer.
If your saddle has a slot you don't even need that, as you can access the bolts through the slot.
I'm actually rather fond of the Campy two-bolt posts. The angle is infinitely adjustable, and once you tighten them down, they stay put.
N.B. The Sakae Ringyo Custom P3 is actually a copy of the French Simplex post. And for that matter the Sakae Ringyo Laprade design was licensed from the French Laprade post manufacturer.
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#1125
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I like them a lot, for mid-range alloy wheels. They're strong and reasonably light. Only gripe is that while they have a machined brake track, they are anodized after the fact. Your brake pads will wear off the anodizing. So if that bugs you then don't get the all-black ones. These wheels are not that old and they're already showing brake track wear.
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