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@kaaaaaaandries
So it's 2015 and January is out of the way (if you work in personal tax then you know the struggle) so what better way to kick the new year off then to start a new project?
Towards the tail end of last year I had a clearout and got rid of most of my parts etc due to a change in living situations but now I'm back on my feet I fancy something to tinker with and spend my money on. I say that, I've still got one bike and a fair few other bits to clear - scary how quick things can get out of hand...
Anyway, I've tried a handful of road bikes before, all of them really nice in their own way but almost always too big. Anyway, I’m quite partial to a pre-90’s bike, mainly for styling reasons. I drive a MK2 Golf so I suppose I don’t really do new things. I did try a Specialized Allez for a few days though - Hideous thing! My langster was stolen last year and a colleague lent me it in the hope that I could cycle to Paris on it.. but I it didn’t take my fancy whatsoever plus plans for the trip fell through completely – shifting was effortless though! Here it is with that ugly ass chainring – Tiagra I think.
Out of the probably 7 geared bike's I've had, this was probably my favourite...
Dawes Impulse 531.. size was 53cm top tube I think with Shimano Exage parts. Nout special but it was so smooth and the size was just right. It is also sold however, to someone on here. Cant remember the guy but he was pretty cool.
Anyway, I ramble way too fucking much!
The plan;
So the above list isnt too exhaustive but I'm hoping it doesnt turn out to give me too many options as I'm shit at making decisions.
I'll take pics of what I currently have and work from there. I've recently acquired a Concorde Aguila/Aquila in a nice white and blue hue. As with most Concorde's there's not much info that I can find (for now) that gives me a basis to work towards. It's got Columbus tubing and an array of mixed parts but most importantly the top tube measures 54cm. I'm thinking of building it up in Shimano 105 but more on that later.
My first question to the forum, any link to history surrounding Shimano 105? The Concored has 105 downtube shifters in a Green/Blue anodised colour.. I’m thinking of obtaining the entire group in that colour scheme maybe if possible.
Also any reason I should consider a more modern group? I’ve seen a few builds on here that encompass newer drivetrain on old frames. And if so, what do you recommend? Be interested to hear people’s 2p’s especially given the frame is Italian (?)