Is it a sin to swap out '80s campy components

[Hindmost]

As you may have already gathered: it's complicated.

[Elefantino]

I converted an 89 Bianchi Giro from (less than stellar) Athena 7-speed to (very stellar) Centaur 10 (without cold setting, BTW).

I consider it a win-win, because I love SLX steel and like the ease of the more modern groupset.

I am no more a heretic than OP is for putting DT shifters on a Moots.

[summilux]

This thread needs a picture. Modern stuff = better braking, much faster FD shifting, better wheels. I had LBS cold set and adjust alignment. Do it

[ripvanrando]

You'll spend time in purgatory but don't worry.

I was in a similar boat a while back. I was going to covert an early 70's Italian Masi to a modern level. I just couldn't do it. I wish I did.

Instead I bought an 80's vintage Peter Mooney and stripped the campy off of it and put dura ace on it. 650bx42 mm etc.

[Kontact]

My '89 Athena group has always index shifted well - the RD was designed for Syncro and was a fairly clever alternative to a Japanese parallelogram. The front shifting is also excellent - because it is 53x42. "Modern" riders have gotten on the bike and also remarked how well it shifts and stops.

When I moved the group to an older Italian Ti frame I added 4mm to the rear axle and redished the wheel. That old group continues to impress with strong braking and smooth operation after 27 years and many, many miles.


Cold setting a steel frame is easy - you literally pull the dropouts apart with your hands a little bit, then align the dropouts. It does not hurt the frame at all. It is only 2mm per side of movement. I wouldn't do it to an aluminum frame and it won't work on a Ti or carbon frame.

[weisan]

Everything is done in service of YOUR ride.

Follow this principle and you can do no wrong.

[zmudshark]

Between my wife and I, five of our 80's steel bikes have been cold set to 130 and sport 10s Campagnolo.

As Spud said, parallel dropouts are a must!

[shovelhd]

Yes.

[Michael Maddox]

Personally, I decided to make this call on a bike-by-bike basis with my rather extensive collection.

If it's going in the "museum," it's classic componentry.

If I'm going to RIDE it, I ride what I like.

[rustychisel]

Originally Posted by Ralph

Be careful spreading rear.

Wise words to live by.

To the OP; it's your bike, do what you like so long as it's tasteful and legal.

[velofinds]

https://youtu.be/dRHetRTOD1Q

[fogrider]

Originally Posted by Michael Maddox

Personally, I decided to make this call on a bike-by-bike basis with my rather extensive collection.

If it's going in the "museum," it's classic componentry.

If I'm going to RIDE it, I ride what I like.

I'm going to have to agree. nothing wrong with new parts to make an old friend ride like a new weapon. https://www.flickr.com/photos/727760...posted-public/

[DCilliams]

Originally Posted by Black Dog

Send me the C-record group, then you do not need to worry about what to do. You know what, I am in the mood of the season, I will even split the shipping costs with you.

I'm second in line

This is a great thread, btw. I history lesson that you can act on.

[DCilliams]

Originally Posted by rustychisel

Wise words to live by.

To the OP; it's your bike, do what you like so long as it's tasteful and legal.

LOL

[classtimesailer]

I did it to my Medici when it was my only bike. I now wish that I didn't as I put the original parts back on it.