I’ve spent a lot of time of late looking at ‘vintage’ road bikes on the interwebs. It all started when thinking about what my ‘dream bike’ would be, and invariably the frame material of choice was steel. Beautiful modern-day frames from the likes of Baum, Speedvagen and Italian classics Colnago and De Rosa were high on the list, and high on price, something that kept the ‘dream’ in dream bike. Then I struck on the solution; surely people are selling off the old ‘ten-speed’ from under the house, not knowing that the old girl that had been handed on by Grandpa, who was a bit of a cyclist in his day, was worth a little bit more than the pocket money that they were asking just to save them the hassle of taking it to the dump.
Trawling the pages of TradeMe (the Kiwi EBay) started taking up my evenings, interspersed with endless forums that showed some of the most beautiful restored bikes I’ve ever seen. And like the awesome bikes my father has painstakingly rejuvenated (and which we chronicled on this very site) they invoke the beauty and simplicity of the time. Beautiful to look at, but I wanted something I could ride as my one and only road bike. The plan was hatched.
So I found this old girl, a Columbus SL-tubed, locally made machine, and watched the auction with intent. When the time to bid came, cold feet got the better of me, and I passed, as did the cut-off with no bids put in. The next day, a slew of emails to guru of all things Euro, steel and cool, Oli, gave me the impetus to get the ball rolling. A buy-now offer was taken up, and for the princely sum of $220 NZ (about 50 bucks US) I had the Bosomworth secured. The next step didn’t come so cheaply though, but with a sale from the NZ distributor happening, the necessary group was ordered; Chorus 11 speed will be gracing the old girl, and some Shamal Ultras are being watched closely too, or I may just plump for some new Nuetron Ultras to complete the build. I’ve just bought a sweet Italmanubri quill stem for peanuts, and a post and headset are the next targets. (Wheel and component suggestions welcome.)
It may not quite be the dream bike, but it’s going to be fun to convert it into something close. So out with the carbon and in with the steel, out with the Japanese and in with the Italian. Even if the frame ends up not floating my boat, there are some back up plans in place.
I’m excited.
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beauty of a ride, looking forward to seeing it donned in campy and new hoops!
I have been thinking of one also, but must admit, I am diving into a new carbon endeavor. Always rode steel, aluminum or scandium, so the cervelo R3 is going to be it. Then maybe another steel steed in the garage.
Nice one, Brett!!
@KitCarson, @Souleur
The R3 is a monster of a bike; great roadfeel, very lively, very stiff, very comfortable. My Bianchi TSX (which I got for $200 on eBay) has a totally different feel - one that was always my favorite, a truism of the saying, "Steel is Real". But, I have to admit, in a 1-1 comparison the R3 feels better in every way than the steel. But I think that's an anomaly; in most cases, I agree the carbon really doesn't give a great feel in general.
Given the choices at hand, this project has a whole-hearted V-Stamp of Approval.
Don't get rid of the 8spd 105 Group. I have the same generation on my rain bike and it's absolutely bomber. Also heavy like a bomber, but the shifting is great.
I assume this is the eBay picture, because there is no way Brett would let the Rule Violations here last even for 1 minute once entry into the house is gained by the two-wheeled beauty.
@Mike
The 'thing on the top tube' is the branding of Eddie Bosomworth, the builder. You can make out 'EB' at the left side of it. Check it out here.
@frank
Yep, pic is from the auction, a real 'before' shot if ever there was one!
I was just looking at this used 54cm cervelo on this page http://sellwoodcycle.com/consignment.htm#drop you have to scroll to find it.
Sweet! I look forward to seeing it built up...Personally, I'd go 28h 3x OPs, failing that the Neutrons over the Shamals as you'll lose some of the steel feel through the verticaly stiff wheels. Good stuff!
Cool project. Old school steel frames paired with modern running gear are pretty sweet.
I almost upgraded my '91 Bridgestone RB-1 with Ultegra 10 at one point - but left it stock. Having the rear dropouts spread to the modern 130mm spacing stopped me. In some ways, the RB-1 is cooler left as old school stock.
Be sure to post some finished pics of your project.
Good on ya Brett. Nice score. The Chorus is just fine. Many pros use some Chorus components as they are a little sturdier. I have mostly Chorus on my bike but had to have Record for the ergo shifters, just because. Neutrons are light and tough as nails, good choice too, if you go that way.
Paint, that is always the toughest issue. Keep us posted on that.
@Oli Brooke-White
What hubs would you lace up Oli? I don't think the Shamals would suit the aesthetic of the bike either, but Nuetrons would be pretty sweet.
Nice score! I think lugged bikes really need box section rims though.
I contemplated buying this on Trademe, am totally sorry now, can't wait to see what you do to it.