I am a new member to this group, but have enjoyed all the posts and would like to share one of my builds.
About 3 years ago I finished rebuilding my dad’s Clive Stuart from the early 1970’s. All that I had left was the frame, fork, and the components that were too hard to remove.
It was a fun and interesting project. I learned far more about vintage Campagnolo components, part identification, and how styles and thread pitches varied by country than I would have ever imagined. Trail by fire, brute force, and sometimes luck.
I believe that this bicycle was originally purchased in Seattle in 1971. The info I was able to find stated that this was not an original racing frame, but a from a limited run of consumer frames imported to only this one store in the US.
Over the course of a few months I was able to pieces together a complete, and mostly period correct. Campagnolo Nouvo Record group set, Mavic wheels, sew-up tires, 3 TTT stem and bars, and a Brooks saddle. Some things ended up being from the late 1970’, but most are 71-72’.
The red bar tape and cable housing is not my favorite color, buts it’s how my dad originally had it. I was able to find an original package of Benotto red cello bar tape.
The frame has definitely seen better days, but my goal was to build it how my dad would have originally wanted it to be. They apparently rode huge frames back then and could barely straddle the top tube. It’s pretty hard for me to ride with such a short stem, but it was the only way I can comfortably reach the bars.
One of my favorite touches was finding a Campy dropper post for the rear brake. After ordering 3 sets of arms and determining that nobody on eBay can correctly identify what they have, this was such a cool solution.
I also have the pedal clips, shoes, and red Silica frame pump, but tend to ride without these.
The goal was never to build a show bike, so I was able to find lightly used components. I think I am around $1,300 into it so far. I still have a few parts in my shop to swap out, like the rear brake pad holders that do not have the vee cut off, but I have been having too much fun riding it around town to care. 99% of the world doesn’t notice the details that went into it, but every once in a while a fellow bike nerd will stop and want to look closer. That makes it all worth it.
by TJBurkeSalad