Build Opinions Please: Silver or Black?

[brockd15]

I have this Davidson that I bought for and rode in Eroica CA. I had to backdate it to get to the current Eroica status, now it's mostly just sitting in the garage. I'm thinking about upgrading to 11 speed for daily use, then toss the vintage stuff back on for Eroica again. That's an 8 speed cassette on it, so I think I can use an 11 speed 11-34 cassette to avoid a wheel change.

First thought was to go with 5800 in silver with silver bars and seatpost, but that stuff can be hard to come by without buying new. Instead of waiting and waiting to find acceptably priced (to me) silver parts, I'm thinking about just going with black.

What would you do?

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/886/27433303588_6056a01373_c.jpg

[AngryScientist]

i would buy this stuff and hang it on there...

will work with your 11 speed wheel plan.

https://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=226611

[velofinds]

Silver is the classic/traditional choice, but nor can you go wrong with black. A handsome bike is a handsome bike, and black finishing kit isn't going to change the fact.

[Faucet]

Both are great choices. Since you're going 11 speed, the black would cooly highlight the juxtaposition of retro and modern.

[Lanternrouge]

I'd vote for black, but Campy instead of 105, and just use a Shimano cassette. I think the black will look better with the frame color.

[jtbadge]

5800 “silver” is cheesy and cheap looking. Black or bust

[velofinds]

5800 “silver” is cheesy and cheap looking. Black or bust

I missed this important detail. I agree that 5800 "silver" is more of a dull gray than silver.

[brockd15]

5800 “silver” is cheesy and cheap looking. Black or bust

I should add that silver in this case mostly applies to the shifters and derailleurs. If I went with silver I'd use a different crankset, if black then I might use a 4 arm crank...maybe.

And if I go black then it would probably be 6800 instead.

[Clean39T]

i would buy this stuff and hang it on there...

will work with your 11 speed wheel plan.

https://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=226611+1

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

[brockd15]

i would buy this stuff and hang it on there...

will work with your 11 speed wheel plan.

https://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=226611

Something to consider, for sure. I've never used Campy anything, maybe I should. The rear derailleur works with a 34t big cog cassette?

[MerckxMad]

IMHO I'd leave it just the way it is and ride the snot out of it. Okay, I'd probably switch out the pedals to clipless. I've gone full retro and ride only DT drivetrains and 32 wide tires. Puts a smile on my face every time.

[cgolvin]

Something to consider, for sure. I've never used Campy anything, maybe I should. The rear derailleur works with a 34t big cog cassette?

I believe 32t is the max cog spec'd for Potenza, but others with first hand experience might have guidance on making it work with a 34.

[Gummee]

I should add that silver in this case mostly applies to the shifters and derailleurs. If I went with silver I'd use a different crankset, if black then I might use a 4 arm crank...maybe.

And if I go black then it would probably be 6800 instead.

...except that 6800 is more charcoal than black

Hard decision. Don't envy you making it

M

[Cicli]

Silver Potenza. Looks super and works awesome. Even better with a shimano cassette.

[Shoeman]

Black would look good on that light color. Check out Clean39's Ellis bikes as they both look really good with Black hung on them IMHO.