C'dale 2.8 R700 - 2 versions in 1992 ???

[triteacher]

Hi guys,
Can anybody please help identify the latest addition to my stable...
Got the bike from the original owner but he wasn't sure about the year of purchase.
Catalogues point to 1992 - BUT - in 1992 the 2.8 frame in THIS specific color was only available as a triathlon version... Owner said the bike was still in its original setup (complete 105). 1993 models do not seem to match.
Any chance there might have been a different setup available here in Germany / Europe?
Thank you for your help.
All the best
Oli

 

[Brian]

You got a great bike.

Europe got different colors. I would love to add all the europe catalogs. I would look at the parts on the bike and compare that with the USA catalogs.

and, replace those tires.

 

[black lightning 1987]

Certainly a 1992 R700 whether Euro spec or dealer modified. Dealer could easily have swapped out the handlebar for the time trial bars as well as the seat post. The R700 had the same frame geometry as the rest of the 2.8 road models, so wasn't time trial specific except for the seat post and handlebar.

 

[triteacher]

You got a great bike.

Europe got different colors. I would love to add all the europe catalogs. I would look at the parts on the bike and compare that with the USA catalogs.

and, replace those tires.

Thanks Brian and Black Lightning 1987!
Tires are gone already
Actually disassembled the whole bike and took frame and fork to a local specialist in powder coating... Planning to do a complete rebuild with a 90's Dura Ace or Ultegra groupset, lots of chrome
Frame will be powdered in TRACK blue, still undecided whether I will use white or blue decals...
WILL KEEP YOU GUYS UPDATED!

Another question: Only when taking the bike apart I found this little "thingy" on the inside of the right chainstay. The only possible idea regarding its purpose I can come up with is that it is kind of a chain hanger(?!?). Do you know more?

Another mysterious "stub" was sitting on the inner side of the head tube:

Really no idea about that one. Found that it was sitting inside a threaded hole, though.
Thanks guys,
Oli

 

[Brian]

The paint looks to be in great shape. FYI. You will not be able to match those decals. Just a thought..

As for the pictures. The hook is to hang the chain, for a tire change. The little nub is to hold a frame air pump.

 

[triteacher]

Yes, you are right. The paint really WAS okay. But I have been in love with the TRACK's paint scheme for a couple of years now and finally have the chance to realize it...
Thanks for the info on hanger and nub

 

[Brian]

Yes, you are right. The paint really WAS okay. But I have been in love with the TRACK's paint scheme for a couple of years now and finally have the chance to realize it...
Thanks for the info on hanger and nub

If it were me, I would keep this original with the paint alone, and find another frame that needs help. Turn that into a track inspired frame, with whatever parts you want on it.

There is just no way to match the cool factory paint. It has that vintage look.

 

[triteacher]

TBH, it was actually the original paint that turned me off most. It may sound crazy, but I really want my bikes to make my heart jump whenever I step in the garage... This one just didn't do it for me, in some strange way I found it to have a "sad" expression. I had been on the lookout for a frame for quite a while when I stumbled across this bike for a ridiculously low price, so of course I bought it.

Long story short, the frame is probably already undergoing chemical paint removal and will then be prepared for powder coating.
The 105 groupset (THIS version, that is) was already ugly on the original bike. I cannot imagine having it on the blue frame, no way
Even though I had initially been looking for a frameset only, the bike now provides me with a wonderful winter project for the months to come.

 

[black lightning 1987]

To be honest, I wasn't a big fan of the 1992 graphics. That said, I would never consider repainting my 1992 R1000.

I don't consider 1992 105 to be particularly ugly. What components are you thinking of using as replacements?

 

[triteacher]

The plan is to keep it quite clean / simple actually. Thinking of Dura Ace or Ultegra, depending of what I can find (and afford) online. It's really just a project to keep me occupied in the dark months so I do not want to spend a ton of money...
I will probably start with the wheelset/hubs. Depending on what I can find the groupset will follow accordingly. For stem, bars and post I want to go classical Nitto... the only thing I am REALLY sure about.
So, color scheme plan is Track blue (or close) for frame and fork, tons of chrome for wheelset and groupset, polished Nitto parts and possibly one or two leather accents (saddle / bar tape)... Maybe rubber hoods?!?
As we all know, the final bike will never turn out 100% as planned. But that is what makes it fun, right?

 

[black lightning 1987]

How hard is it to find Sachs New Success parts in Germany? I have it on several bikes but it seems to be getting scarce on eBay in the USA. 1990s Sachs parts are high quality and New Success looks great. That would be my choice for a period correct group if I couldn't find Dura Ace, or Campagnolo.

 

[triteacher]

Hi, thanks for the suggestion. I just looked up the "New Success" series on Google and they sure do look great! Will check them on eBay Germany and other platforms over the next couple of days. Cool! Thanks again!

 

[black lightning 1987]

In the USA Sachs components were used by the Volvo Cannondale MTB team and the Chevrolet LA Sheriff road team. The road parts are generally easier to find here than the MTB parts. The hubs, derailleurs and (Campagnolo made) Ergo levers are easier to find than the brake calipers, cranks, and down tube shifters. I have more hubs than any of the other parts.

 

[triteacher]

Been to LBS yesterday. It's always really interesting, the owner used to race on various German teams in the 80's and loves to share stories from back in the day Asked him about the SACHS parts and he remembered being on a team being equipped with HERCULES bikes (traditional German brand) that were set up with NEW SUCCESS parts. He told me the cranks were pretty solid, but the gearing only worked properly half of the time. SACHS had bought the shifters from CAMPAGNOLO, but used a HURET rear mech which really didn't go well together and needed permanent adjustment.
Also, the bolt attaching the front brake caliper in the fork would break every once in a while which then led to the front break tearing off and taking a half-spin around the front wheel in races. Imagine that!
So, all in all, he opined I could go for the NEW SUCCESS parts if I really wanted to shave a few bucks, but in the end he wouldn't recommend the parts if I was going to actually ride the bike... again suggested going for ULTEGRA or DURA ACE parts.
Just wanted to share

 

[black lightning 1987]

Well that's interesting. I have New Success on bikes with both Ergo levers and downtube shifters and haven't had any shifting issues. The Sachs Ergo levers used a different index gear than Campagnolo, so compatibility with the derailleur shouldn't be a problem. One thing that won't work is the older New Success rear derailleur with the 8 speed shifters.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Sachs-New-...307500?hash=item260ce84b6c:g:7kIAAOSwMKFcDxOe

I'm not sure if this one was made for 6/7 speed or only 6, but it won't index properly with the 8 speed shifters.

The calipers were made by Modolo. I'm not saying that what you described never happened but I can't imagine it was a common thing.

I wouldn't say that New Success is better than DA in any way except that the Ergo levers are more reliable and can be repaired if they ever have a problem. Here's my Moser TK1 with 8 speed New Success.