Ricky -
Except for obvious "wear parts" like the much discussed brake lever hoods, the Campy equipment on your vintage bikes (presuming 65-80 Campagnolo equipped) is VERY durable. The good news is that, if given reasonable attention, it will degrade gracefully, requiring mostly maintenance parts like cables to remain in good working condition for a long time.
Like many of the good folks on this list, I've laid in a supply of spare parts. Some items worth accumulating might include, but not be limited to, the following -
Cables obviously, and all rubber parts Lower headset cup and fork race Springs for derailleurs and possibly brakes Chains, freewheels, the 42t ring, and maybe a rim or two Bearings, crank spindle, rear axle
As I look at the bikes hanging on hooks in the bainbridge island bike barn, there are at least 3 well maintained vintage bikes being used for daily commute use and they look to be in good repair, so I would think that with reasonable care and occaisional administration of replacement parts, 35-40 years of service is not an unreasonable service life for a high quality vintage bike. Of course, by that time it's usually either considered collectible and relegated to display in some enthusiast's trophy room, or on its way to the landfill after being sold for $10 at a yard sale.
I can't think of a current production bike that will still be in service after 10 years! As soon as the mechanic can't adjust the shifting, or a spoke breaks in the rear wheel and throws it out of true to the degree that the wheel won't turn, it's off to the scrap heap.
The other topic that I think is worth discussing is - what spare/replacement parts that are appropriate replacements / upgrades for a vintage bike. My personal preferences are -
Stronglite A-9 headset - will last FOREVER Sedis / Sachs chain, various - much nicer shifting Suntour freewheels - available on Ebay for < $20 Phil bottom bracket - heavy but you never need to worry DiaCompe brake and shift cables - not campy but they work OK
All of these items are readily available and not subject to the dramatic price escalation enjoyed parts sold as "NOS" or "NIB". I find that all of these work well for a bike that is going to be ridden rather than displayed. Personally I ride all my bikes - life is too short to leave them hanging on the wall - and as such they are exposed to wear and for that reason the replacement parts issue is worth discussing. Other than brake hoods of course which has been done to death.
===================================================== Mark Petry 206.618.9642 Beautiful Bainbridge Island, WA mpetry@bainbridgeisland.net ===================================================== It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent. It is the ones most adaptable and responsive to change.
Charles Darwin =====================================================
Date: Wed, 3 Jul 2002 20:38:23 -0700 (PDT) From: r garni <crispyflotilla@yahoo.com> To: OROBOYZ@aol.com, Classicrendezvous@bikelist.org Subject: [CR]on campagnolo longevity: how long IS long?
dear all,
this is sort of an annual phobia-based question that comes out like the june bugs for me (esp. as I view the escalating auction prices on parts): I know I should stockpile, but what, and how much?
most of my fear is based upon my love for my dad's old '50's all-metal construction polaroid land camera with a collapseable lens. it took beautiful, almost 35 mm quality pictures, and it worked for twenty years. the problem is--polaroid eventually stopped manufacturing the film. end of story.
(not to digress into non CR territory; it is relevant, when you think about it, though...what would happen to our tubular wheelsets if...well...you know)
my few good bikes are all campy super record and nuovo record. would anyone be willing to even hazard a guess as to the life (mileage) expectancy of the wearable parts, under normal road riding conditions and relatively careful maintenance?
perhaps the best way to even suggest numbers here would be to ask those of you who have campy original gruppos that are either still riding or have ultimately given up the ghost. this might give me a good idea as to what to relax about, what to pile up in my little nook.
I am keeping careful mileage charts these days so it would be helpful to me--and hopefully to others.
if such a question or set of questions is too dopey, have pity on me and send me on a one-way ticket to shimano, japan. I promise I'll return, but not until I have learned my lesson.
ricky
carrboro, nc