Post by wheelson on Oct 30, 2017 16:07:06 GMT
I have talked about this bike in a Viscount thread (touring 40 spokes?) and, because of some interest in the 650b conversion, decided to start a thread in the "other" category. For some who may be considering a Viscount conversion, note that this bike started as a 700c which made brake reach a lot easier than starting with a 27".
www.flickr.com/photos/wheelson2011/albums/72157690009648806
This is my '79 Austro Daimler Vent Noir II. As this bike, one of my favorites, was not getting enough ride time with my current rail trail / towpath riding, I decided to convert it to 650b. The conversion was a soft one in that I can change it back to it's former 700c racing style glory in about 10 minutes. That is, before I add mudguards, which I plan to do before the 2018 season. I like the bike so much in its 650b disguise that I'll probably never change it back. Note I kept all the correct Campagnolo components:
1) Campy GS 116 bcd crankset with modified chainrings for a 50/34 compact double. Rings in this bcd are a bit hard to find. I ended up with some Miche rings as well as cutting down an 86bcd 50 tooth ring. I was trying to keep the look of the Campy NR.
2) A Rally long derailleur cage on an NR rear derailleur and a standard Record front changer work well with the 13-30 5spd freewheel.
3) Offset brake shoes were essential for keeping the long reach Campy sidepull brakes. I first used some unknown origin offset shoes but the found the sleek bDop style (British made? also a Taiwanese made version). These would also allow me to swap back the 700c's by flipping the shoes and swapping sides.
4) Wheels are built on a classic Weinmann 2120 650b alloy rim, standard low flange Campy Record hubs, stainless spokes, and Panaracer Col de la Vie 38 tires.
5) The lack of braze-ons were an issue. I used a clamp-on water bottle cage. I have one additional water bottle space in the vintage Overhill handlebar bag. As to mudguard mounts, I show a photo of a fork wheel retaining clip from a '70s bike that should serve for the front fender brace and I will likely use the Blackburn converters for the rear. The rear bag is a Treetop (Dave Banzer, Chicago) for spare tube and tools.
All in all, a very sweet riding bike both on the rail trail and road, as seen in the photo of a BikePittsburgh ride, accompanied by my very patient wife Deb.
Best,
John "wheelson" Wilson
