A ride last Sunday. After thinking about it, I’ve decided to do some improvements, namely the stem, handlebars, brakes, front/rear derailleurs and downtube shifters.
by vintagethrowaway19
A ride last Sunday. After thinking about it, I’ve decided to do some improvements, namely the stem, handlebars, brakes, front/rear derailleurs and downtube shifters.
by vintagethrowaway19
5 Comments
For the improvements-
A longer reach stem. The current SR stem is kinda short. As for the stock bars, I’ve begun to dislike the drop and my wrists has begun to hurt after 30-35 miles so I’ve looked around- found the Nitto B135AA randonneur bars, slightly flared which will suit the bike’s purpose of a touring bike.
The brakes- I hate the Weinmann Vainqueur 610 (front) and 750 (rear)- they just don’t stop that well. I’ve decided on nice 1960s Mafac Racers…the aesthetics will be wonderful along with Mafac levers.
I’ve also decided to have a front rack for a handlebar bag so I can use it for weekend touring vacations.
Derailleurs/shifters- they’re currently cheap, bog-standard Shimano and I’ve always liked the nicer Shimano 600 Arabesque so I’m going for those.
All sounds really good
…those aren’t the original leather straps on your pedals are they? Or are they replaced leather straps? Cheerz
I hope the nitto bars will be a good fit, seems like a good set!
Nice, interested to see how this turns out. I did a similar overhaul of my 1984 Raleigh Record Ace two years ago. Maybe consider a triple chainset whilst you’re at it?
Yes, the brakes…it’s always the brakes. Water makes steel rims scary. I use Kool-Stop pads (salmon color is better for stopping, but they wear faster). The Rigida chrome-dippled rims don’t stop me very well; Aluminum is the way. Vintage MaFac is scarce around here; make sure all the little bits for the lever housing are there. : )