You wrote:
If you asked Cipollini to pick a 1960's component to put on his bike and still be competitive in the 2005 giro d'italia, to prove a point, he'd probably choose a nuovo record front derailleur (o.k. i'm not sure that guy even knows where the front derailleur is located, but you get the idea ...)
Like you said, if Cippo even knows where the front deraileur is... But if you asked his mechanic, he might go with a 24-hole the Record front hub. This may be the only part that is actually compatible with the rest of a modern bike. Even then, you wouldn't be able to use a lot of the modern spoke and rim choices (that is, a Record hub wouldn't work with something like a Ksyrium.) Wow, maybe there is nosingle part from an NR group that would not impose at least some sort of compromise. Consider:
headset- modern frames are threadless and integrated 1 1/18" BB - too long for modern cranks crank - won't take smaller than a 42 tooth, certainly no a "compact". pedal - not clipless ft der. - maybe, but not optimal for Exa drive and the like. I wouldn't try shifting under loads that a modern drivetrain would laugh off. Certainly not for use with compact. rear der - with indexing? no way. With 10 speed?!?!! shifter - not integrated brake lever - not integrated brake caliper - mabe, but springs are too heavy... this may be the closest to a match rear hub- no way, won't take 10 cogs ft hub - flange too weak for high tension of low spoke count wheels (look at the early Shimals). seat post - too short for modern frames.
On my old school 9 speed STI Dura Ace bike, I could use the NR headset, ft hub and seatpost and experience no functional difference, but it's an old school modern bike (1" fork, 32 hole clinchers, non-compact frame ).
As for Cippo being competitive under any circumstances... well, he's my age for God's sake (38 by 2005 Giro time). I'm not holding my breath, but more power (Wattage) to him!
Tom Dalton Bethlehem, PA
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