Full Groupset or Heinz '57?

FINNEY1973

Senior Retro Guru
evening all.

just admiring many of the builds on the readers road bike section, and the obvious theme of full group-sets. It's plainly obvious why as it looks mighty fine but also compatibility for smooth and simple operation.

It's also probably a written rule of 'that's how it's done'. and it adds to the value of a bike financially. so what are people's thoughts on mixed manufacturer component builds? or mixed era builds?

be interested in a bit of a consensus on this....

cheers
 
Keep it true to date and group set type to match the frame.
+
As much pantographing as humanly possible. Flicks my switch. :)
 
if its to be used, 57, if its to be admired, full groupset.

One of my more robust riders has a 1974 frame, 2012 formula hubs on 123 rims, 1983 Red 'S' chainset, 1984 M700 Deerhead front mech, 1991 RD-M550 LX rear mech, 1982 600 cantilevers, 1990 600 8spd d/t shifters mated to some bar-end shifter mounts, a Falcon 8spd 34/11t cassette and a Taya chain...

'proper' Heinz!
 
I raced in the 70's and the concept of the groupset was DIW unless you had a lot of money or rode for a pro team.....

We simply bought what we could afford, looked nice, got from someone who had upgraded or saw on Alf Engers bike LOL

Shaun
 
FINNEY1973":iox2jfso said:
evening all.

just admiring many of the builds on the readers road bike section, and the obvious theme of full group-sets. It's plainly obvious why as it looks mighty fine but also compatibility for smooth and simple operation.

It's also probably a written rule of 'that's how it's done'. and it adds to the value of a bike financially. so what are people's thoughts on mixed manufacturer component builds? or mixed era builds?

be interested in a bit of a consensus on this....

cheers

You're absolutely right; aesthetically it works and mechanically there are no issues.

It does indeed add value to the bike.

If you insist on mixing then use the specialists in each area i.e Simplex gears, Dia-Compe brakes, Stronglight cranks, etc.

For me it's complete groups all the way...
 
All of my bikes, mtb or road, are built to be used and so I go for the most practical mix of components that work both mechanically and aesthetically.

I avoid using rare components, as I would hate to damage or break something irreplaceable, where as, if I damage a SRAM Force rear mech, or take a tumble and snap a Shimano brake lever I can either find the parts to repair it, or at a push replace it with a new one.

That said, I have nothing older than 1990, so we are not talking historically significant machines.
 
thanks for the thoughts and opinions so far - all stack up & are totally understandable.

Bugloss - Period with lots of Pantographed parts - superb but opens up the cost to the upper echelons of a build - I'd love to own some parts with detailed names enscribed that are of genuine kudos. The wallet simply doesn't open that far

:cry:

legrandefromage - agreed, I guess in my case I dont own anything that's just there as eye-candy. Your heinz bike is a real mix straight from the alchemists shelf - was that a case of trial & error or did you just know that set-up would work?

Midlife - I think I'm in the 70's then as I'm building with parts I can afford!

Tel - you use a word I hadn't considered - "specialist". That's probably where i'm missing the knowledge. I go for components that I simply like the design of.

NeilM - practicality is definately a plus point, and if you can get it to look right then that seems to be a balanced approach. However, the only things I break is when I can't put something back together. I'm looking at a broken derailleur on the table as I write this!!
 
You'll be amazed what a little trawling of a certain popular auction site can unearth and at a reasonable cost.

What bike do you have in mind or are you not going to let on until you unveil
a stunning masterpiece and blow us away.
 
bugloss":399bw9tt said:
You'll be amazed what a little trawling of a certain popular auction site can unearth and at a reasonable cost.

What bike do you have in mind or are you not going to let on until you unveil
a stunning masterpiece and blow us away.

bugloss - one day I may just unveil a masterpiece but that day isn't on the horizon just yet, I need to look & learn way more than I know at the moment to get to that point.

I have been amazed by a certain auction site and I will admit I have put together an ensemble of some of my favourite components onto a frame - I like to think of it as a collaboration rather than a homage to the past.

However, as such it goes against what I probably should of done and built a totally period & component correct bike - it is 100% opposite to your first post on this thread that is for sure! :oops:
 

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