Are vintage Chainsets any good for Fixed

Hi guys,

So first time I have created a new thread but here goes.

I recently got my hands on a british track frame from the 70's, and well I want to do it up with vintage parts.
I want to know if anyone can compare a vintage crank set to a new one?

The reason I am asking this is because recently I got to ride a friends Nagasawa with all NJS parts, it was a really really smooth ride. I want to know if I am going to be able to get that smooth a ride of Vintage crank set?
When I am talking about the smoothness of the ride, I am guessing I am talking about weather the bottom bracket and crank are perfectly circular or not.

Im really don't know much about this stuff, and would love some input, I love doing bikes up but have always used new parts for bottom bracket and crank etc.

I guess what I am really asking is it possible to get a really nice ride out of vintage parts.

I am sure iv done many things wrong in this thread, so if so please feel free to have a rant, and ill try and do better next time.

Yes

NJS is Japanese for round smooth things. True fact.

As long as the chainline is right and the bearings are smooth in the bottom bracket then you should be fine. You may find it more expensive and more difficult to source than modern kit, but as long as it is in good working order it should be fine.

(Long version of the above "Yes")

NJS is Japanese for round smooth things. True fact.

+1 ehehe

Don't put words in my mouth Chris!

Don't put words in my mouth Chris!

Answer my Omega question on the watch thread and I might go edit it.

any recommendations on vintage parts would be great as well. Thanks guys

Start your research here - http://velobase.com/

Do you have a strong desire to use all British components? Do you have a set budget?

Would really like to use all british parts, but could use anything if it look good on the bike.
Dont have a fixed budget, but would like to do it up in £300/£400.

You may find it cheaper and easier/faster to find vintage-style components. FSA Gimondi crankset, for example. You can always trade up when you find that genuine vintage component which a) you love and b) you can afford. Otherwise, be prepared to wait and/or spend $$$.

doesn't NJS stand for Nova-priced** J**apanese Stuff?

what do you think of things like this?
Is this going to be any good?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160604473594&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT#ht_1474wt_699

what do you think of things like this?
Is this going to be any good?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160604473594&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT#ht_1474wt_699

You want to make sure you have the right Bottom Bracket if you're going into the world of Cottered Cranks.

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/cotters.html

^ That article may dissuade you from being too period-accurate. Sometimes there's a reason why the cycling world moves on; it isn't all fashion trends.

Sounds like I am going to try and stay away from cotterd crank.

From what I can tell, it looks best to try and use replica parts, rather than actual old parts, what you think?

Cottered cranks are a particular problem, not least because almost nobody makes cotter pins any more. Not all vintage cranksets are cottered, because cotterless cranks first appeared on more expensive bikes and gradually became a standard. In most other areas of your bike, vintage parts are only a problem if they have rare/non-standard sizes. Really, though, you need to do the research on this, to learn. Pick a component, google it, see what other people have said about it. Plenty of info on this site if you use the search tool.

Thanks very much guys. ill let you know how it goes.

NJS is Japanese for round smooth things. True fact.

Pistanators head?