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Kinst VonSterga

Originally purchased as a 66' Professional Elite, the parts and frame detailing suggests that it may be an earlier '64 Superbe? After finally finding the storage box of parts for this bike, the assembly finally begins ... albeit slowly.

Special thanks to Holger of Germany who was an invaluable contributor to the decal-reproduction stage of this project (as he graciously lent me his mid-60's J.A. frame to scan the J.Anquetil, seat and downtube decals as mine were horribly sun-bleached).

Stack height is a little higher than my 2 other Super Corsas from the earlier 70s, but the front cable hanger and french-dinger will take-up 2 of the 3 lock-ring washers. The tubing on this frame is very thin as compared to my other french-531s and the quality of the lug work brazing is far superior too. This must have been a pre bike-boom phenomena.

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Kinst VonSterga

Another round of assembly of parts + pics.

The original decals had a nice gold edging around the lettering so it was nice to be able to reproduce the same.
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Kinst VonSterga

The 151bcd/170s will be replaced with 144bcd/175s campy NR ... as the 42T inner chain ring is needed for the steeper climbs. The bearing races on the campy bottom bracket are shot so a french-threaded Phil Wood will be used instead (for now). After all the parts are accounted for and fitted, the oxidized ones will get a good good polishing (using Mother's aluminum cleaner, nothing abrasive).

Remaining item ... front Mafac hanger, handlebar tape (thinking of using the red Fizik tape rather than shellac'd tan cloth tape), campy levers, crank, pedals, cables, 87 or 88 saddle, french bell, etc.

The orig. wheels are being replaced with SS spokes and replacement cups pressed back into the old campy shells with new bearings/cones, etc. The Mavic tubs will be replaced with a new set of E2 clinchers as I like my my open-tubulars by Veloflex

After the work-in-process pics, better pictures will be taken for the gallery forum.

Cheers,
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smilingroadrunner

I can only say, Superb !!! what a wonderful piece of art.

I Like Steel !!!!
_______________
C.A.
Salina KS.

Kinst VonSterga

To fender or not ... any opinions? Both look good to me.

Some more close-ups of the decals. I need to get a better macro lens + natural light as they look a bit different (ie. the pics versus real life Confused

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Kongoken

Absolutely stunning bike Very Happy

No fender for me ..

gman309905

Absolutely beautiful bike, I would only install fenders if I planned on riding in the rain, that bikes too nice to ride in the rain.

scozim

Wow, another fantastic bike from in your stable.

Kinst VonSterga

I feel like the older 60s Duralumin bars will snap in two if I pull on them hard enough during a steep climb or sprint. Their deeper slope is similar to the newer Cinelli Criterium bars, so I swapped them out for something newer/safer. The top-bar of the Criterium is very comfortable on my hands and the reach will be fine-tuned with the adjustable Ambrosio stem.

The frame geometry is more relaxed than any of my French 70s-80s frames, resulting in a much more "neutral" stem angle. Of course, a blue ding-a-ling bell is needed Wink

The brakes polished up nicely...now its time to reassemble Humpty Dumpty back together again Wink

A non-drilled Oro chain will go on next. I'm on-the-fence on which bar tape to use (ie. red fizik tape to match the red color found in the decals or go with a tan/shellacked cloth tape for that old-school look). I'll revisit this project in a couple of weeks and see what direction it'll take then.

Cheers,

mountaindave

Beautiful!