Re: [CR]Re: 735/energy recovery/"stiff frames"

(Example: Production Builders:Cinelli:Laser)

Date: Mon, 17 Jul 2006 08:10:10 -0700 (PDT)
From: "Thomas Adams" <thomasthomasa@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: [CR]Re: 735/energy recovery/"stiff frames"
To: Doug Wagner <velodoug2004@yahoo.com>, classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
In-Reply-To: <20060717142733.38625.qmail@web50015.mail.yahoo.com>


Dear Doug:

For the best period correct shifting as opposed to "factory spec", I'd consider changing the front cranks too. At your size, the three arm GS cranks will introduce some flex and may rub the front derailleur, and maybe contribute to ghost shifting in the rear. And of course a smaller chainring up front will help the gear situation: Shimano goes down to 39, Stronglights to 38 teeth, Sugino Mighty Tour down to 34, and TA's down to 26 (!?!), and all are period correct. Still, those three arm Campy cranks are lovely, I admit.

For better rear shifting, I'd recommend either the Cyclone GT married to a Suntour Barcon, or a Simplex SLJ rear with just about any shifter, but the Simplex retrofrictions are sweet. Either one will shift faster than the Campy, but neither will be as durable. The Huret Duopar is period correct, I think, but is either darn heavy in the steel "Eco" version, or pricey in the Ti version. The Cyclone or the SLJ will be easier to find and more affordable. The VXGT shifts about as well as the Cyclone but is a fair bit heavier, and clunkier looking. My own choice is the Cyclone GT as the "best" performing vintage derailleur, especially with big freewheels as the long arm will wrap more chain. Still, I've seen folks run 30 tooth freewheels with the SLJ, so feel free to experiment. My fast touring bike has the Cyclone GT/Barcon combo on it, and I don't feel that it slows me down significantly compared to my indexed bikes. Be sure to use modern compresionless shifter housing on the bar con for the most positive action. The original wound steel bar con housings look great, but are spongy and can sandpaper the paint off your head tube too.

Tom Adams, Shrewsbury NJ

Doug Wagner <velodoug2004@yahoo.com> wrote: I have been reading the talk on frame stiffness and tube size with interest, and Jan's article in VBQ as well. My personal experience seems to fit with Jan's "planing" theory. After my 531 Motobecane frame crackedin '99, I bought a "Paramount O/S 2 lugged Tangy frame. It seemed heavy compared to the Le Champ, but I was heavier too (225lb at 6'5) and just spun in the saddle on the climbs. An unfortunate interlude with an OT AL bike that beat me to death even with 28 and 32 Avocet tires lead me to a "78 Raleigh Comp G/S (thanks David B) that seemed to bounce up the hills...perhaps the 531 long skinny tubes were a factor...and I plan to ride it much more. Unfortunately, the Comp G/S derailleur and DT shifters make it shift like a pig. I want to keep it as "period" as possible, and am considering a change to Suntour 1 st generation power shifters and Comp VGT derailleur...or Campy NR '73 model rear and Simplex Retro-friction shifters. I have Huret Jubilee, but it is a short cage and if I want to keep the 3 pin Campy crank, I need a 28 rear cog, and I seem to recall that the short cage won't wrap up enough chain to shift a 52/42 well on wide spaced rear clusters. I could change to a 48 X 36 TA or Stronglight...........lightly greased. Any thoughts or advice would be welcome. Doug Wagner Richmond HOT KY

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