Goodness, everyone's opinions will vary on this. My criteria would be excellent function first followed by lovely visual appearance. I'd vote for Gran Compe centerpull brakes (the ones with the ball bearing pivots), titanium B17 saddle, Simplex retrofriction shifters and Campy NR hubs. You didn't say if you want to run a triple front set up but if not, then I'd suggest the Stronglight 104 or Dura Ace cranks (because they can run a smaller inner ring and don't crack). If you want a triple, then an early Shimano Deore 110/74 triple or the Avocet/Ofmega 144/74 triple. Rear Derailleur: racing short cage would be a Suntour Cyclone (lighter and just as fast as a Suntour Superbe). Touring derailleur would be either a Cyclone GT or a Huret Duopar. I'm using a Duopar mech now with Simplex Retrofriction levers set up as barcons on the Rivendell shifter pods. Friction shifting Nirvana, but be careful backpedaling that Duopar! The Duopar replaced a Shimano XTR, and frankly it shifts better. But of course it won't index. The rest of the parts (front derailleur, bar/stem, seatpost, etc) are all interchangeable functionally, so go with what appeals to your eye.
Tom Adams, Shrewsbury NJ
I was thinking of getting a good frame and equipping it, as far as possible, with the best components ever made (a bit ambitious maybe?), regardless of whether or not they formed a groupset. I'd be looking to build a 10 or 12-speed for all-round use.
Is there any sort of general consensus about what was the best derailleur, the best brakes, best hubs, etc, within our time frame? My exposure to bike parts is limited mainly to pre-1970s stuff so any thoughts on the subject would be much-appreciated.
This wouldn't be about the frame so it's not necessary to have Italian parts on an Italian fame or French parts on a French frame. I have no prejudices when it comes to marque or country of origin so Shimano or even Campagnolo would be acceptable. ;->
Bruce Dundee Scotland
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