Did some archive-diving right after my last post about brake cable housing and guide sizes, which stimulated my memory on the little that was discussed on the subject. I was hoping to dig a little deeper, so I thought I'd try a slightly different tact. Seems Confente was building with the smaller guides, and possibly some other, primarily Italian, builders as well. And people were using Elephant brand housing. What I'm trying to determine is:
1. How prevalent was this practice? Who else was doing it (besides Mario)? How big a problem is it?
2. How many people on the list have experienced this problem, and what are their solutions?
3. How popular was colored housing in the 70's and early 80's on high-end built bikes? If Masis and Confentes and others were using the smaller guides, how were the owners building up the bikes? Was color-coordinated housing popular? I seem to remember black and then a wave of white in the early/mid 80's. Not counting all the white used on the 70's Raleighs and the like, more interested in the custom build-ups. Were a lot of colors being used?
4. My 76 Masi, in Italian Red (really orange), with yellow decals and accent fill, came with yellow housing. I'm debating what to use for the pending build. I not overly keen on the yellow (but am waffling), and had wanted to go with Campy-gray. Any recommendations?
Wayne Bingham
Falls Church VA