Viner Stella Professional

eBay purchase. Late 70's/early 80's Viner Stella Pro with Columbus SL tubing and a mix of Campag/Galli/Gipiemme/3TTT/Nisi parts.
Mostly changing parts for better fit, and to replace stuff that's worn. Would really like to ride the Retro Ronde next year, so would like to have it finished by then.

Seat post already changed to a Campag aero post as the 3TTT post didn't give much extension.
Next to change is the brake levers, the hoods are cracked and replacement Galli hoods are difficult to find (Campag style ones don't fit). Have bought a pair of Campag Nuovo Record levers with new hoods to replace the Galli's.
Will re-tape the bars when fitting the Campag levers as the current bar tape is a bit tatty. Was thinking either Newbaum or Velox cotton bar tape - White, Yellow or Black ?

Will need to change the tubs too as the base tape on the old Vittoria/Wolber tubs is coming away. The bike will mostly be used for cafe city rides this year, so want a pair of hard wearing gumwall tubs - anyone have any experience of Challenge Vulcano's ?
Will fit nicer tubs next year in prep for the Retro Ronde

1 Attachment

Nice! I vote black tape. No idea about tubs, always steered clear of them.

Went for yellow in the end. Initially not seeing why Newbaum costs double over Velox Tressostar, hopefully will be nicer on the bike.
Challenge Vulcano seems a little nicer than Vittoria Rally / Conti Giro, and has a puncture protection strip. Hopefully will be a bit more durable for similar money.
Nuovo Record brake levers aren't as nice as the Galli (Super Record copies) levers, but the repro hoods on them are nice and will hopefully look a better with a bit of a Autosol polish

Also picked up a couple of bottles and a cap from Planet X. Viner closed in 2013, not sure if Planet X bought the brand or just their old stock ?

1 Attachment

Comparison between the Galli and Campag brake levers. Much prefer the Galli's, will re-fit those if someone starts making re-pros of the hoods.

In other news, Newbaum's tape is an arse to wrap. Incredibly stickey back, and has a tendency to stick to itself as much as possible. Gave up trying to do a figure 8 around the levers as I spent nearly an hour trying to unstick the tape from itself

1 Attachment

After a gluing session sorted out the tubs. Discovered all the glue had dried out on the original tubs, which explains the somewhat 'loose' feel of the bike.

Pic from before new tubs glued on with yellow bar tape and the Campag levers fitted

1 Attachment

Looks mint! Although always slam stem and put chain in big ring/small cog for photos before making the bike rideable again ;-)