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Gtane · Last edited by Gtane on Mon Nov 02, 2009 12:58 pm; edited 2 times in total

This is my 1988 Systeme U Replica built from Reynolds 753r that I purchased in 2004.

The bike was as you see it with the exception of the wheels and tubs, brake cable outers, bottle cages and bar tape. I built the current wheels myself, having sourced the correct rims and hubs. The other items simply needed replacing due to age. I have yet to lay my hands on the correct Wolber tubs so currently have Continental Sprinters. I will be replacing the Continental Sprinters with correct looking tubs having the canvas sides which will be more in keeping with the machine as it would have been.

As far as I can tell, the paint and transfers are totally original.

The cranks are 175mm. The block is a Maillard 7 speed 13-26 and a lot easier than the original spec. 12-18!!

It's a very light, nimble and agile machine to ride and very comfortable too.

The one niggling detail are the gear levers. These are currently Shimano 105 on a Sachs band. Someone, somewhere at sometime decided to saw off the gear lever braze on mounts. One of the mounts may well have broken hence the current set-up. I have the correct levers and mounts to re-braze but have so far held off taking the frame to a 753 level builder as I don't want to damage the original frame transfer from its original state. I've tried to keep the machine as original as possible and use original parts where possible.

Tim

sandranian · Site Admin

Beautiful. I am jealous.

Paul Wiseman

Sadly, the amount of heat required to silver braze some new bosses will destroy paint and decals on both down tube & head tube. It would be a real shame to have to re-paint the whole thing and go with replica decals.

I like Chas' idea to find a Campy band so you can mount the correct period levers. That would be the best option IMO.

But it looks fantastic, nevertheless.

Gtane

I agree, Chas' idea is the best solution, thanks Chas. I'll begin the hunt for the band and then add the correct levers. You're right Paul, getting a flame anywhere near the frame will take away from its originality and a total respray would be a shame.

The further difficulty, if one was to rebraze the lever mounts is the paint. It's a pearl white metallic.

Thanks very much indeed for your comments and suggestions.

jorgea

That is a nice bike. Do you race with it? If yes, what distances?

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trois tubes

Absolutely stunning - a refreshing change from all the non-distinct blue bikes out there. Shocked