Hello group. I thought I would offer an introduction before resuming my lurking ways(sadly, much of the discussion is beyond my ken). In the early '70s, I started with a Peugeot A08 and later graduated to a much beloved Follis (172 I think). As a seventeen year old, Having outgrown the Follis, brimming with over-confidence and over-optimism, I bought a Proteus Reynolds 531 frame kit and built my own frame. The passage of years has dimmed my memory of the time spent with a file in my hand; somehow it all worked. I assembled it using a multi-national assortment of components (cost being the primary factor in my choices) including a Fiamme handlebar, Sunshine 100 stem, Regina Extra freewheel, Zeus Criterium seat post, derailleurs and head set, Sugino Mighty Compe crank/chainwheel, Galli brakes, Ideal 90 saddle and wheels with Fiamme red label rims and Avocet hubs.
Although I have not even been on a bike for years (now being weak of knee and amply stomached), I still have my home-made baby. I recently picked up a like-new Raleigh Technium 450 for $50 to lure myself back out on the road. We'll see. By the way, does anybody have any suggestions regarding what I should use to replace the rubber hoods on my Galli brakes? They have rotted away to nothing. I assume Galli isn't in existence anymore. Any likely substitute candidates out there? Thank you. J. Gabel in Johnstown, Ohio (near Columbus)