I like the look of the Victory and Triomph cranksets. They come with the caveat of a paucity of chainring availability. I sold one crankset and have waited a long time for an off side arm for an orphan drive side. The lack of popularity for me is that difficulty in finding chainrings in various sizes. All my interest in those two models is cost driven. why pay record prices and get lack of availability of chainring choice.If it is difficult to use then it must be cheap to compensate for the trouble. Likewise the Campagnolo derailleurs that require the little cogged angle locator insert. I have lots of those derailleurs but few of the cogged pieces. Several are are serviceable but chipped and only one is fully intact with all its teeth. Come to think of that it is much like my own teeth, mostly intact.
On a separate note; I attended the opening of the Bicycle Hall of Fame Museum last week. I got to meet our own Dan Kehew (sp). I saw a Paramount frame from our own Hon Lee and a bicycle from our esteemed Mr. Frietas of Mill Valley. Many notables were there like Peter Rich of Velo Sport in Berkely and Wayne Stetina (10 time national champion.) I got to meet Jack Disney and his wife and daughter. they were so very gracious. The real highlight was meeting Jackie Disney, Jack's daughter. I attended the first two Davis Criteriums in 1975 and 1976 just to see Jackie ride. Who can resist a gorgeous girl in bike shorts. She is still a beautiful woman today. and all the Disneys looked very fit, especially Jack at 80. Greg Lemond's last tour bike was on display. I went to see Jackie ride and I was thrilled, even though she had of days. The WOW factor of that first criterium had to be Greg Lemond at about 14 or 15, a junior. He was riding with the senior men and made them look like the boys. It was jaw dropping.
I share Jon Spangler's joy at having his kidnapped "child" returned home.
happy trails
john strizek
sacramento california in the USA