Gang,
If you're a collector, read-no-more, this is for Riders of the classic steel. I have a circa 1974 classic Italian Columbus steel imported by the man (Cesar Moretti) who fit me on the frame. Check archives: My Moretti. I've ridden this bike for many, many miles and have loved the ride. Actually, it is hard to put into words how I feel about this bike because of our long history. Racing and riding all over.
I'm in complete distress! About a month and half ago on a 60 miler in the rain with some nasty hills, (at least for this part of Texas - north of Lufkin), I started hearing a chain rubbing noise from the rear like out of alignment derailleur noise but inconsistent and only in the middle gears. The chain is new old stock (the last one in my stash) put on mid-summer and I've triple checked, it's the right size. I've since taken every thing apart including the Phil BB, changed the front and rear derailleur and eye balled the rear in the middle gears and when it's on the stand there's no rubbing and it looks like there is plenty of clearance when correctly aligned. When I get it on when riding the noise gets really bad and now it's making a little noise when just riding with little pressure.
The reason I'm in complete distress is I just left my LBS and one of the most respected mechanics in this city has looked everything over and concluded my steel is weakening in the rear. Furthermore, caused by my 200 lb., 6' 4" frame, and the 50 - 100 or so miles a week I've been riding this frame over the last 2 1/2 years. That plus the miles I put on it 15 to 30 years ago. I rode this frame last year on 7 centuries concluding at the Hotter N' Hell and up until the ride mentioned above it has been a dream, quiet and smooth! Perfection in motion!
Any advice? Frame makers? I have spoken to Roland Della Santa about a repaint as he has original stickers. Should I pack it off to Roland and see what he thinks? I'm not well. Please help... I will diet but I've not been able to get below 195 for quite a few years...
ARRRRGGGGHHHHH!
James, I can't believe my beloved frame is dying, Doolittle Spring, Texas, USA