Bruce - great topic, certain to kick off some discussion! The apellation "best" is highly subjective. My own preferences will certainly bring a volley of rotten fruits and vegetables from the list but here goes -
Phil Wood hubs and bottom bracket TA cyclotourist cranks Campagnolo F & R derailleurs - substitute Shimano rear if wide ratios desired Campagnolo side pulls - alternative Mafac Racer - both with Matthauser pads Campanolo brake levers with Modolo Anatomic hoods Stronglight A-9 headset Nitto bar & stem Campagnolo two bolt (NR) seat post with your choice of saddle (Brooks, Ideale, Selle) Dura-Ace DA-7000 freewheel - alternative Suntour Winner Sedis chain Dia-compe cables and housing, nylon lined Mavic rims, various models to your preference Vittoria Open Corsa CX tires, tubular or clincher Campagnolo pedals (I use Shimano SPD-7410 however)
What did I miss??
===================================================== Mark Petry 206.618.9642 Beautiful Bainbridge Island, WA mpetry@bainbridgeisland.net
===================================================== "The whole aim of politics is to keep the populace alarmed and hence clamoring to be led to freedom and safety by menacing it with an endless array of hobgoblins, all of them imaginary."
H.L. Mencken, 1927 =====================================================
Date: Sun, 23 Nov 2003 21:08:53 +0000 From: brucerobbins@supanet.com To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org Subject: [CR]The best components ever?
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