Thoughts on gearing for 1950s Mercian

[frances1966]

Hi
I'm in the process of doing up a 1954 Mercian, its going to be a mixture of old and new parts. The wheels and hubs will probably be new but I have a cottered Williams chainwheel, GB spear point stem and handlebars.

I'd like 5 gears (rear drop outs are 120mm)but can't decide what sort of derailleur to get. In a 1950s Mercian catalogue it says you can choose between Simplex or Benelux gears.(heavy?) Should I go for one of these or would a newer gear be 100% more efficient? What about a 70s Campagnolo?

I'm collecting all the parts and getting someone else to put it together for me. This is my only bike, and it needs to be ride-able rather than a museum piece - but I want to keep the spirit of the original bike. Any thoughts welcome.
Frances
The frame before it went off to Merican for its respray.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/frances_castle/5786846469/

 

[frances1966]

Ugg another thought do I need Campagnolo dropouts if I want to have something like a Campagnolo grand sport ?

 

[Old Ned]

Ugg another thought do I need Campagnolo dropouts if I want to have something like a Campagnolo grand sport ?

No, they originally came with a hanger to fit 'normal' rear dropouts. A Gran Sport would be OK as they date from the early 50's.

 

[frances1966]

Thanks I've noticed later 'Nuovo' Gran Sport Derailleur and they seem to be cheaper.. I'm guessing these didn't come with a hanger? could you fit one though?

 

[willhouse]

I think for it to be period correct, the Simplex in question may be one of these.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NOS-SIMPL...sure_cycling_bikeparts_SR&hash=item4cf9048779

However, I know Kevin on here '66ich fixed' has built his 50's JF Wilson with non cottered Stronglight Chainset and Zeus equipment with Universal Centrepulls, which has built a lovely useable bike.
He was going to build it with a Simplex Tour De France mech, but decided against it in the end.

I think you need to ask yourself if you want a full show bike, or one to ride.

If you want a show bike, then period correct, if you want to ride it regularly I personally would choose something a little newer and more refined.

 

[frances1966]

Thanks very much I'm definitely looking for a bike to ride rather than a show piece, any recommendations for decent gears than will fit 120mm dropouts ?

 

[TheGreenRabbit]

Might get shot for this but could you get the rear end re set whilst at Mercian and go Modern ? (Runs for cover)

 

[frances1966]

Possibly - but I'd really like to keep it simple. I was really thinking of just having 5 gears.

 

[Old Ned]

Thanks I've noticed later 'Nuovo' Gran Sport Derailleur and they seem to be cheaper.. I'm guessing these didn't come with a hanger? could you fit one though?

Probably, but they're a lot later and, in my opinion, uglier and don't work as well.

 

[frances1966]

Thanks for letting me know that, they certainly look cheaper.