Best Components? The choices are many. Depending on whether I'd be looking for bulletproof racing, absolutely elegant smooth, but delicate shifting, friction or click, racing, track, touring or tandem (but then we're talking a single bike).
One thing in common with all is braking. I'd want to be able to stop easily with lots of road feel. I'm a sucker for optimized NR Campy sidepulls, Mathauser pads, teflon or plastic lined housing with fresh Triflow goosed through it and smooth drawn brake cables. On a newer setup I think dual pivot brakes, at least for the front, would be the way to go for whatever length brake would be required. I'd be partial to Campy. I like the Campy Ergo brake levers with or without shifters (see below). They're just so comfortable to lean on and rest your hands on top of. If I must keep it on topic, Record levers.
The drivetrain is so personal. As far as friction goes, bullet proof racing would be Campy NR, SR, Record C. I like something like an American Classic BB with replaceable bearing cartridges for total adjustability and no maintenance. For a wider range of 5 or 6 speeds in back, perhaps in the closer or medium touring range I like Cyclotourist triple cranks with a half step and granny triple, very good Q factor with either Huret Jubilee or Campy record for the closer range stuff front and rear, and with a much wider range setup a duopar for the rear with a nice light wide range half step front shifter. I know a Suntour Mountech works well. Blow off those Simplex shifters, too small a barrel and move up to Campy friction barends, the smoothest of all the friction shifters. Click shifting isn't even an option if you're only talking 5 or 6 gears on the back. I'd go for click shifting if I had at least an 8 speed freehub, off topic.
I've always been a Cinelli guy with bars and stem for tradition, but I'm leaning toward the not so beefy TTT in my old age and I'm not sold on ergonomic bends. Something more in the line of a shallow drop like the Cinelli 64 bar, and cork handlebar wrap. I might go Nitto for availability. Campy two bolt SR post for reliability. The seat might be a Brooks, I seem to like them more all the time, maybe a B-17 narrow or Swift. I seem to last on them longer than the Team Pro.
For wheels, I'm still sold on Campy record low flange hubs w/ light 4x butted spokes and box section rims. The hubs just seem to last forever. I'd have to see what was available at the time, but most likely silver this time to keep 'em from looking worn with age. Some nice gumwalled 28 mm tires are what I like, the Roly Poly's are nice but just a little heavier than I prefer. Avocet Fasgrips in the 25 mm width are just right (if only they were still available in gumwall).
Now, where's that cool frame?
Dan Artley Parkton, Maryland
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