
This bike has been my main ride for 25 years now. I bought it shortly after Rivendell announced it, and built it up with Dirt Drop stem and bars, Deore derailleurs, Sugino XD crank, Shimano 600 brake levers, and Shimano cantilevers. Since then it’s gone through several different handlebars, two sets of wheels, three saddles, a lot of pedals, and many different bags.
A few months ago I decided it needed new chainrings, cassette, and chain, and new brake shoes. As I disassembled the bike I decided the rear derailleur needed rebuilding or replacement, the brakes could use replacing, and everything needed a good cleaning. I switched to V-brakes (inexpensive Shimano), which meant new levers, a new derailleur (Shimano Acera M3020). As it’s been a good many years since I could hold 26mph in a pace line I changed the 3x8 to a 2x8, running a low 38x24 in front and a 11-34 in the rear. The Brooks Flyer, which had replaced a B-17, was swapped for a B67.
It’s finally done, and rides like new. I think it should easily last another 25 years, even if I don’t.