There are options for lower gears while maintaining classic equipment. 70's Dura-Ace cranks were already 130 BCD, which allows a 39T chainring. Stronglight 49/93/104/105 were 122 BCD which should theoretically allow something like a 36T, although I don't think I've seen one below about 38T. Zeus cranks were even a bit smaller circle at 120 BCD. Even presuming you don't want to go to a long cage derailleur on a racing bike, a Simplex Criterim or SLJ will handle a 52-38 with a 28T freewheel cog (I've done it many times), Even a Campy NR or Zeus RD will handle a 28T rear cog with a 52-42 front if you get the chain length just right and don't try to use the large-large and small-small combos. Plus you can go to a 30T rear if you are willing to drop down to a 50T large ring.
With a 52-38 Zeus or Stronglight crank and 28T rear cog, you should get all the range you need on a racing bike. If you need a lower gear yet, you can go to a classic triple and a long cage derailleur. I really don't see any reason to spread a frame for a 10-speed cassette just to get a lower gear.
Regards,
Jerry Moos Houston, TX
Daniel Artley <dartley@co.ba.md.us> wrote: I don't wish to venture off CR timeline, but one of the reasons that I'm hooked on old steel bikes is the ride that modern steel bikes I've ridden don't seem to have, the comfort, the handling, not just the cache'. I would think that most of the CR people have something with modern shifting in their garages. I still don't have a click shifting single, though I do have an early rigid mountain bike, 1st year for hyperglide shifting and an ergo tandem. Also in my quest to keep most of my bikes original, my CR timeline racing bikes have low gears of 42x26, somewhat inadequate for the terrain around my house (See Harvey Sach's ride report about my recent vintage ride's terrain).
I feel that it may be appropriate to consider 'modernizing' an old frame, especially one that's been tinkered with or bent and if restored, may hide abuse that may be passed off as a repainted original. A brifter here and triple there, for me that might be a wonderful compromise, especially if nicely done.
Just my two cents.
Dan Artley Parkton, Maryland
>>> "richardsachs@juno.com" richardsachs@juno.com> 07/22/2004 8:33:46
AM >>
> ... i thought many folks wanted to
"protect"
> those old war horses from the likes of modern intruders/intrusions?
> if having 10 cogs is so important, why not get a modern frame.
> quite often "patina" and "provenance" are thread subjects in and
> of themselves. if cr listees start okay-ing rearranging frames for
> use with 2004 spec-ed parts, what is the point?
> e-RICHIE
> chester, ct
> collects old - rides new