Well, I'm another in agreement. Around 1884(?) Eddy Merckx introduced a new bike and used Reynolds 753 for the first time: red to white fade "Grand Prix" model with his new graphics and Shimano 7400. This was after Moser was racing on Shimano instead of Campagnolo. I thought the stuff looked _very_ classy with the epoxy fill logo and grey anodizing! I still love that bike!
Eddy's comment on the new at the time index shifting was that the Junior racers were using it as a test and that it didn't work too long in the Belgian mud.
Chuck Schmidt South Pasadena, California another perfect spring day in SoCal
RMAugust@aol.com wrote:
>
> I've been reflecting on this issue of the classic bike pinnacle and I have to
> add one for consideration. If someone already mentioned this and I missed it,
> apologies to them and all.
>
> A fine lugged mid-1980s frame with an early Dura Ace 7400 group. Sure it
> indexes but it has a friction option too. The 126 oln is acceptable and the
> early ones were fitted with wide 6 speed freewheels, later 7 speed freewheels
> then cassettes. The finish on every component is beautifully done. The single
> pivot calipers are elegant, silky smooth and light action. In fact overall
> the group performs at least as well as it's Campy competition.
>
> I accept that much has been copied from Campy, who better to copy. I accept
> the rear deraileur owes its design essence to Suntour. I also recognize that
> the little plastic and gray anodized bits aren't "classic" but overall it's
> stunning. OK, now I'm ready to be beaten to a pulp!
>
> Randy
> Corral De Tierra, Ca.