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@billholding
Ok people I am after some advice before I go too far on a new bike project. I am starting a new build having stacked my last bike into a dumb-ass, don't bother looking pedestrian. As I suffer from knee problems fixed/ss is out the question, so I am looking at 1x10 set-up. I have a beater at the moment with 1x9 and it's a setup that works very well for me, but as I bought it like that I need to be aware of any pitfalls before I go too far. Here are my thoughts so far, and feel free to pick me up on anything...
1 - The frame is a 1990 Raleigh 653 Reynolds, which I am having re-sprayed (was thinking of Bob Jackson, but if there are any better suggestions feel free to let me know). While I am at it, I'm having the 126mm rear dropout spacing increased to 130mm so that it can take a 10 speed rear hub.
2 - I am going to be fitting 10 speed Veloce Powershift Ergos. As I am only going to have a single chain-ring at the front, is it possible to remove the front shifter mechanism from these without shagging up the braking?
3 - As I am only having a single chain-ring at the front does this mean I will only need a short cage on the rear mech, or is the cage length based purely on the difference between the min and max range on the rear cassette, so will I still need a longer cage for a greater difference between the largest and smallest?
4 - I am assuming that not having a front mech, will mean that I will be at greater risk of the chain jumping, so was going to use a similar setup to that which I currently have, which is a Deda dogtooth mounted where the front mech would be, to stop it jumping inwards, and swap the large chain-ring to the inside, and put a bash-guard on the outside to stop the chain jumping that way.
5 - I would really like to use Cinelli Pista bars, as the shape of them is as nice as it gets in my book, however I need to mount ergo levers, so is this A) possible to do without it looking a total dogs dinner, B) not possible due to the curvature, or c) likely to result in abuse being shouted at me by purists because I have wrecked a thing of beauty! Any alternative suggestion would be welcome if so.
6 - Wheels? Well I will need to base these around a 10 speed campag hub, but as this bike is going to be a serious project I don't want to let it down with some pony wheel-set, so if you have any recommendations for the best place to go for some nice wheels (understated to go with the classic look I am aiming for). I want them to be as light as possible, and my price range is probably going to top out at about £300.
Yeah I know, that’s a lot of stuff, but I thought I would just put it out there because you guys really know your bikes, and even if it's just one of the points you can help with that would be great.