Retro-modern TT build - '91 Boardman content
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The bike is coming along very well. What a cool way to send the bike back to the drawing board!
I'm eagerly anticipating a post-build write up with ride report.0 -
Yes, I did do this rather from the ground up - if nothing else I didn't see how Boardman ran these bikes until I'd made some of my purchases anyway, and we're rather differently built (I'm 6'0 with long legs). In some ways it's the result of meticulous planning, and in others it's the result of stuff I've happened to stumble upon.
But I'll be able to test ride it before too long, as I basically just need to buy the transmission and some cables. I imagine that the roads will be disgusting when that time comes!
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Couple of updates...
I like Sigma computers. Using that with a separate HRM for the moment, will upgrade to a Garmin set up eventually. Need to check the position with the cable routing for that Profile Swift-Shift - which I'm not that keen on anyway.
And two hubs (so far): 8 speed Mirage and Athena. Both nicely made, smooth bearings. Heavier than more recent kit - both over 400g without skewers. Going to build up one for tubs and the other for clinchers, which leaves me my 36h Veloce wheel (probably) for turbo. Not decided on that one yet.0 -
Great thread, really enjoyed reading it through. The highlight for me is Ribble's aero improvement in the form of a massive web on the headtube , a bit like that seen twenty years later on the P5.
Also, can't help but notice that CB has the hands high position in some of the photos, then flat bars in others. Did he hit a pot hole and suffer the dreaded tri bar movement?0 -
Yes, I haven't seen any other examples of using a steel plate like that. It must have been done by others, and it does make sense. Even with it, the frame weighs <1700g. Will be interesting to see what effect it has on the ride quality.
As for the position, it would seem that he didn't hold to it for that long; I haven't seen any footage of him racing at pro level like that, though maybe that's because of UCI regs? Though - like most early tri bar positions - it's not nearly as narrow as tends to be the norm today.0 -
So, bit of a change of plan. I impulse bought some other old tri bars on eBay for £10. Also Profile. I still like the original ones you see throughout this thread and have plans for them (they're really light, so would be perfect for a hill climb bike), but the new ones offer vastly better reach for a lanky sort like me - for a regular TT position, it's really a no-brainer. I'm therefore going to be needing a 26mm base bar.
This is the kind of older kit I really like - nothing like the adjustability you get with current kit, but very simple and reliable. The rests are the same as my other bars, so I'm using the risers. They don't allow for bar end shifters (hoping that a pair of Shimano bar ends can be modded to take my Syncro shifters, as Campag ones are rare as hens' teeth), so I'll be downtube shifting for now. Which I'm fine with.0 -
Crankset complete. That big ring is a 57t - I am a glutton for punishment. Inner ring 42t.
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So as of last weekend, it's done. I haven't been able to do any serious training on it yet due to a couple of small niggles (tri bars slipping, issue with front mech), but it's a great ride. Very stiff and responsive. 8)
That orange Open Corsa CX is hideous, but next step is to build up a new rear wheel with a tub. Which I'll then get some wheel covers for.
All in all, a resounding success - I wanted to build up something fast for club TTs and the like on a low budget, have a great frame, handbuilt wheels, Record/Super Record/Chorus bits and good finishing kit, and have spent less than £600 all in so far - including postage and courier charges.0 -
