Feb. 19, 09
Hi Mark,
I agree with much of what you're saying, but there's one small point
where I beg to differ. Mixing and matching Campagnolo and Shimano is
no big deal, there are many different ways to skin that cat. One source:
http://www.ctc.org.uk/
Greets
Kai Hilbertz Munich, Germany
On 19.02.2009, at 17:54, Mark Petry wrote:
> Garth - this is a great topic. One of the cool things about vintage
> bikes
> is that you can mix and match all the parts to suit your personal
> needs and
> preferences. I remember the cog boards and bins of spare parts at
> Cupertino Bike Shop and a pilgrimage there to replace an 18 tooth
> Regina B
> cog was great fun. However, installing a new cog on that Regina
> freewheel
> was truly a "voyage of discovery".... which is why I don't run
> Reginas any
> more...
>
> And that brings me to the topic at hand. Modern bikes with their
> dedicated
> "systems" don't allow you to mix and match components. You have a
> choice of
> BEEF or CHICKEN (Campy or Shimano) plus TOFU (SRAM) and as a result
> the fun
> is lost, and all bikes seem pretty much the same. Matter of fact the
> "generic vintage bike" with all campy 52/42, Regina ORO, Cinelli bars,
> Martano rims, etc does not interest me very much. What IS
> interesting is to
> pick the selection of components that meet your needs exactly,
> whether it's
> low gears for hills, or rack mounts for load carrying, whatever.
> Over time
> I've arrived at a mix of components that will probably cause me to be
> banished from the list, but work really well together and provide a
> pleasant, safe and sustainable riding experience (meaning spare
> parts are
> available).
>
> The bikes I most enjoy riding are equipped with Phil Wood hubs and
> bottom
> bracket, TA cranks (old style or the excellent modern Carmina)
> geared 48-34,
> Shimano freewheel (either Dura Ace or the current chinese el cheepo
> which
> works well), Mafac centerpull brakes or the Paul Neo-Racer (really
> good luck
> with this one), Campagnolo derailleurs of various types but always the
> classic Record front, Suntour Power Ratchet shifters (get 'em from
> Rivendell) and Nitto handlebars.
>
> The result is a bike that works well and is truly a reflection of the
> owner's individual tastes and preferences.
>
> Mark Petry
> Bainbridge Island, WA