Seems the recent flaming has had the effect of causing all the lurkers to go back to the list rules and realize they should introduce themselves. That includes me. I have been on the list for a few months and have become hooked. My tastes are a little pedestrian compared to some of what I see here. A while back someone was talking about collectors imprinting on the gear they first fell in love with, and that seems about right to me. As much as a I love all the old euro stuff, the gear I want to play with is mid to late 70's japanese and american: The bikes of my youth.
I am working on a 1978 Trek 720 which should be all suntour except the hubs and BB, they are Phil Wood (I need Trek decals, any help?). This is complete nostalgia, I am trying to go back to my sophmore year in college and create the platonic, ideal version of the first bike I ever bought as a bare frame and put togather myself.
I built up a John Howard, by Dave Tesch, for my wife.
I converted an old bridgestone Spica into a nexus 7 speed "British Racer" for my son to take to school (Thanks for the inspiration, and Rest in Peace Sheldon Brown).
I have a 1978 Moto Grand Jubilee and a Miyata 6-10 waiting their turn.
My regular ride is a lugged Serotta (KOF?) It is indexed but "only" 8 cogs.
And a variety of off topic stuff, some of which is soon destined for ebay to help pay for more bits.
Bikes I want? A Paramount, and for that I would use Campy San Rensho, all superbe Any great KOF american builders, particularly Wiegle, Sachs, and Gordon.
Thanks for the knowledge,
Charles Hobbs Fort Morgan, (no, its not in the mountains), Colorado USA