With regard to this thread, I have two projects that may be somewhat off the beaten path. The first frame I acquired is an Austro Daimler Vent Noir (the original black). Rather than build it up with the black 1st generation Dura Ace, I used the silver components just because I like the contrast of the black vs silver. This bike also has mudguards and a Crane long arm derailleur with low gears for some serious hilly riding. I expect these deviations?will draw no ire since the AD has a limited following on the CR and a workhorse reputation.
?The second rebuild may draw some serious flames - a chrome 1966 Paramount frameset acquired some time back from a listmember. As far as restoring this bike to original, well that probably won't happen in my lifetime because of a rather large cash outlay for some rather coveted Campy components. I'm tired of seeing it hang there after lusting for a Paramount for many years. What will happen over the course of the winter is that this frame will get a full a Dura Ace black component set. This will be a reverse image of the Vent Noir and the black will complement the chrome.?Yes, the D-A is ten years later than the frame but its all good classic non-indexing stuff and the Crane WAS used on later Paramounts. I plan to do some centuries and MS150 rides next year and what better than the classic Paramount ride. And, if at some point in the future this bike passes on to someone else, the D-A comes off, no-harm-no-foul.
My point in all this is that I configured both classic frames with classic components in a manner that pleases me without causing any lasting modifications. These bikes are not museum pieces, I will be riding and enjoying both.
Regards,
John Wilson
Greensburg, PA? USA