Beat you NOT! Dura Ace 7400 is my nominee for the functional peak of road
bike components.
David Feldman
> 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.