My Latest Project - Early 1970’s Grandini

You are sorting that out very nicely. I will be looking for some tips when I start my daughter’s new Raleigh.
 
Trying to decide whether I swap the brakes for Campagnolo Record - I’ve now got a correct set with nut fittings including 1st gen brake levers and top tube cable clips - or keep the Dura Ace that were originally on the bike.

Any thoughts?
 
As I've said the bike is early 1970s so has 120mm rear spacing and a 5 speed freewheel. Pretty much standard for the day but 126mm and six speed was certainly available. 126mm hubs are listed in the Campagnolo catalogue by request.

I do have a 134mm long Campagnolo record axle and the correct spacers to convert to 126mm and six speed and I will be rebuilding the wheels as the old spokes were too rusty to be useable. I've also got a Regina GS Oro six speed freewheel so I can keep the bike period correct.

I like the idea of going to 126 mm for a few reasons. In particular it means I can use lots of other wheels that I already have. I currently have no other bikes with 120mm rear spacing. The frame needs repainting and a bit of work so I can have it re-tracked at the same time.

The other option is to go for 126 mm spacing and keep the 5 speed freewheel. I can then use the Campagnolo Portacatena that I haven't yet found a use for (though I know this wasn't available in 1974).

What is the considered opinion of the gurus on here?
 
Trying to decide whether I swap the brakes for Campagnolo Record - I’ve now got a correct set with nut fittings including 1st gen brake levers and top tube cable clips - or keep the Dura Ace that were originally on the bike.

Any thoughts?
Well, if you go with the Campagnolo brakes then you have a full Campagnolo Groupset :-). Those Dura Ace are lovely though - at least you can keep them for something else!
 
:LOL: As I've said the bike is early 1970s so has 120mm rear spacing and a 5 speed freewheel. Pretty much standard for the day but 126mm and six speed was certainly available. 126mm hubs are listed in the Campagnolo catalogue by request.

I do have a 134mm long Campagnolo record axle and the correct spacers to convert to 126mm and six speed and I will be rebuilding the wheels as the old spokes were too rusty to be useable. I've also got a Regina GS Oro six speed freewheel so I can keep the bike period correct.

I like the idea of going to 126 mm for a few reasons. In particular it means I can use lots of other wheels that I already have. I currently have no other bikes with 120mm rear spacing. The frame needs repainting and a bit of work so I can have it re-tracked at the same time.

The other option is to go for 126 mm spacing and keep the 5 speed freewheel. I can then use the Campagnolo Portacatena that I haven't yet found a use for (though I know this wasn't available in 1974).

What is the considered opinion of the gurus on here?
So this is just my thoughts, as I know others might disagree 😁. I've come to the conclusion over the years that the best wheels are the wheels that you enjoy riding on. So in your case I think go for 126mm as it leaves you with a number of options wheel-wise.

The only exception would be if you are going for absolute catalogue correct. But that choice is yours.

Love what you are doing with this Grandini by the way! 👍🙂 I am interested inLondon built bikes and have restored a few :)
 
Back
Top