Thomas Adams spoke of his new beauty:
--
> The Nobilette (N020, so probably mid 70's) has just returned from
the painters. The paint work was done by Matt Assenmacher's shop, who
happily was able to recreate the decals. Color choice was a simple
pearl white with crimson graphics, using the "hollow" 1st generation
Nobilette typeface. Pics are at:
>
>
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/
>
> The help I need is deciding how to build up the frame. Or rather,
help in resolving a specific philosphical/aesthetic issue. This is
obviously a racing frame, and I have a set of NOS 1st generation Suntour
Cyclone derailleurs lying around for just such a project. So far so
good. I also grabbed a NOS set of Suntour Superbe sidepulls (the
version with the red rubber bits) while the frame was at the painters.
Also good, except the rear doesn't reach the rim. #*$&%^$!! Apparently
Superbe short reach brakes are a few millimeters shorter than Campy
short reach. Not to worry, I've got a drop bolt lying around here
somewhere.
>
> My staff is chasing down a set of Superbe gold label hubs, so wheels
will be no problem. Posts, stems and cranks are less crucial to me, so
I'm almost home (but if anyone has a Superbe 27.0 post (Campy NR clone),
talk to me).
>
> That leaves cranks, and that's where I need help. The obvious
choice would be the 175mm Superbe badged Sugino made 144mm Campy clones.
But just try to find a set!! So I have to decide what to use from
what's in the big box-o-cranks. The nominees are:
>
> 1. Campy NR 172.5. NR style big ring, Salsa replacment inner. 8.5
out of ten for condition. Pros: classic good looks. Cons: "how
cliche", and rings aren't 'correct'.
>
> 2. Dura Ace AX. 175mm, and has the correct monster spindle pedals,
effectively making the frame about a half inch bigger thanks to the
dropped pedal. Kudos to 1st Flight cycles for having replacement XL toe
clips, making these functional. Appearance only 7 out of ten, due to
scratching and anodizing wear through on the right arm. No gouges or
structural issues, but not pristine looking. Pros: Helps make the
marginally small frame (61.5 cm versus my prefered 63cm) a better fit.
Also they're period correct, and have a high "what the heck is that?"
factor. Cons: Shouldn't this be used with an AX group? Mxing Suntour
with Shimano may get me excomunicated from the list.
>
> 3. Stronglight 93 with drilled Peugeot rings. 175 mm, appearance a
solid 8.75 out of ten. Pros: classic good looks, and will handle a
smaller inner ring if needed in the future. Cons: would be the only
french part on the frame. Should I stick to a theme, or boldly go where
no one has gone before?
>
> 4. Sugino Mighty Victory, 171mm, looks 8 out of ten. The version
with the slotted spider arms. Pros: Most harmonious with time frame
and style of the rest of the componentry on the bike. Cons: only 171
instead of the prefered 175s ( will have to stick the seat post out a
ways to get bike to fit). Less of a "gee whiz, looka dat dere" factor
as compared to other cranks.
>
> 5. Suntour Cyclones. 175 mm, arm profile similar to the 80's
Superbe Pro aero style cranks. Kudo's to Nitro Bob for passing these on
to me. Pros: Brand coordination would make this an almost all Suntour
bike. One of the best looking crank arm profiles ever. Cons: Newer by
at least 5 years than derailleurs and brakes. Aero parts may clash with
old style parts.
>
> There are several other cranks in the box (Mavic Starfish, TA
Cyclotouriste, Shimano Deore) but there are the five leading contenders.
I'd appreciate you're thoughts, philosophical essays or rants on which
would be the "correct" cranks to use. Higest utility factor would be
the Dura Ace AX. Nicest looking is probably the Campys or Stronglights.
Whaddya think? Votes will be tabulated and results announced soon.
>
> Tom Adams Shrewsbury NJ
______________________
Tom,
a very charming frame! You have a talent for acquiring nice frames that
I really envy.
I do follow SunTour on ebay daily - it´s some kind of stupid obsession - and have seen those 175mm Superbes at least twice in 2005. There may be hope. In the meantime I would recommend the 171mm Suginos. I do use them on a certain Raleigh International from 1974. This is of course very subjective, but it seems to me to be most within the spirit you´re trying to keep. The Cyclones - nice as they are - will break the style - the NRs _are_ cliché (here!) the other two..., nah, I have mentioned the possibilities. And 1.5mm what is that? Or even 4mm? Some people are very sensitive, but I ride both 170, 171, 175 and 177.5mm cranks. They are slightly different, but all nice. It is good to be able to adapt.
just my rant, have a good weekend
Olof Stroh
Uppsala Sweden