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Post by oldroadietehachapi on Nov 3, 2022 16:45:06 GMT
I sold my Cannondale so I had room to build another bike. This bike has a story, sort of. In October of 1984 I partnered with my brother in law and rode the cycling portion of a team biathlon. Although I had ridden lightweight bikes for some 20 years, it was my first official competition. Not wanting to look shabby, I retired my old American Eagle and bought a nice new Peugeot PGN10; I loved that Peugeot. At the event sign in I checked out the other bikes. I noticed the top competitors rode Vitus 979s. I loved the look of the Vitus and especially liked one in anodized red. Four years ago, I came across a slightly scruffy frame, it was an anodized red, Vitus 979. Of course, I had a flashback to first seeing one 1984. The bond had failed on one side of the brake bridge, it had a few scratches and the seat tube (Rivnut) water bottle mounts had seized screws and spun in the tube; I could not get them out. It was missing a fork, and I just happened to have a new Vitus fork in my parts stash. I bought it really cheap. With the help of my late brother (an Aerospace engineer specializing in composites) the brake bridge was repaired. After my brother died, I realized the Vitus was the last thing we worked on, together; this made the old frame special. For some three years, the frame languished in the back of my shop. This week I was inspired to put it together. The frame is a bit scruffy so nice new components would make the frame look even scruffier. The same way freshly painted frames may make their used components look shabby. I went through my parts stash and came up with a component set (No ID polished Shimano 600 RD, no ID polished Suntour FD, no ID compact crank, Modolo shifters, DT Swiss wheelset, and Royal Comp brakes with modern Tektro levers) with just the right amount of scruffy, and that would have been suitable for a Triathlon bike in the early to mid-80s. I did not trim the fork as I needed a bit of stem height. Overall, I like the result; not elegant but business like. Maybe, someday, I can get the crummy screws out of the seat tube water bottle mounts. For now I can easily get by with the set on the down tube.
I finished it just in time for our first snow of the season (today). My test ride must wait for better weather.
Ride Happy Jim
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Post by wheelson on Nov 3, 2022 20:41:59 GMT
Great looking bike, Jim. Thanks for sharing the photo and the story.
Best,
John “wheelson”
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Post by oldroadietehachapi on Nov 3, 2022 20:53:42 GMT
Great looking bike, Jim. Thanks for sharing the photo and the story. Best, John “wheelson” Thanks John! |
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Post by triitout on Nov 4, 2022 2:29:31 GMT
Another very nice build Jim. Congrats! I love the story. I too have a thing for the Vitus 979. I've owned a beautiful anodized purple Vitus 979 since 1987. It was my first new upgrade bike after riding my Viscount Gran Touring into the ground. I was just starting my triathlon journey and was introduced to the brand as a sensible way to have a true Tour de France level frame as ridden by Sean Kelly. Like Viscount, it had a unique look and lightness that set it apart along with a soft, comfortable, shock absorbing ride. It still has most of its original Shimano 105 components. It's still in my rotation and served as my indoor sweat bike after I bought my first "modern" carbon tri bike in 1999. No issues with any debonding of the lugs. I've got more miles(50,000+) on that bike by far than anything else I own along with 10+ years of competition. I desperately need a new headset after all these years as it's a bit notched and then it will be back to its former glory. I need to post a photo soon! Here it is. Always loved the multicolor cyclist logo.  IMG_3551  IMG_3550 |
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Post by oldroadietehachapi on Nov 4, 2022 4:09:29 GMT
That is a nice looking Vitus! You have kept it like new! I talked with a fellow who had a purple Vitus; he named it Sugar Surple. I am looking forward to the renowned, comfy, Vitus ride. BTW mine (on clinchers) came in at 19.5 lbs.
Cheers
Jim
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Post by oldroadietehachapi on Nov 5, 2022 21:32:34 GMT
Today was the test ride; only about 10 miles and small climbs. I am pleased with the result. Buttery smooth on rough pavement, nothing is harsh. It is responsive, with steering a little slower than most race bikes. My drive train conglomeration works fine, the gearing is just right and the brakes are right on.
Ride Happy Jim
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Post by triitout on Nov 5, 2022 23:20:34 GMT
Jim, nothing like a first ride on a new old bike. Christmas came early for you this year! I think there is a mutual attraction for Viscount and Vitus as they both were something different in their time. I remember fellow member Pete Lewis also sporting a Vitus 979. Maybe he'll check in and post.
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Post by oldroadietehachapi on Nov 6, 2022 2:25:21 GMT
Oh not a Christmas gift as my birthday falls this month. I will have to come up with something else for Christmas! Oh boy, a Peugeot in Reynolds 753 tubing! Now that has potential! Lets see, I have a fork, wheelset and a Mavic groupset, hmmm.
 Peugeot R753 1 by Jim_Gude, on Flickr All the Best Jim |
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Jem
Viscount
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Posts: 3,390 
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Post by Jem on Nov 6, 2022 8:04:17 GMT
Great story behind getting that one back on the road Jim, it must hold a special place in your line up?
I can see what attracted you to them in the first place - very sleek and good looking bike
Is that a particularly early snow fall this year or not?
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Post by oldroadietehachapi on Nov 6, 2022 14:07:37 GMT
Great story behind getting that one back on the road Jim, it must hold a special place in your line up? I can see what attracted you to them in the first place - very sleek and good looking bike Is that a particularly early snow fall this year or not? We did have an early snowfall, much like a few years ago when we had a white Halloween. This is uncommon but typical of the unpredictable nature of the Sierra Nevada range. A similar change caught the Donner Party. Amazingly, a week before the storm, I was running around in shorts and a tee shirt. We sort of skipped fall.
My 979 (now called Scruffy) is special to me. Not only is there history and nostalgia, it is a bit different and adds variation to my choice of rides. This is important, as variation and building bikes maintains my enthusiasm to ride. To maintain my health, I need to ride; so it is a medical expense, right? 
Cheers Jim
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Post by wheelson on Nov 6, 2022 16:54:58 GMT
Great story behind getting that one back on the road Jim, it must hold a special place in your line up? I can see what attracted you to them in the first place - very sleek and good looking bike Is that a particularly early snow fall this year or not? We did have an early snowfall, much like a few years ago when we had a white Halloween. This is uncommon but typical of the unpredictable nature of the Sierra Nevada range. A similar change caught the Donner Party. Amazingly, a week before the storm, I was running around in shorts and a tee shirt. We sort of skipped fall.
My 979 (now called Scruffy) is special to me. Not only is there history and nostalgia, it is a bit different and adds variation to my choice of rides. This is important, as variation and building bikes maintains my enthusiasm to ride. To maintain my health, I need to ride; so it is a medical expense, right?
Cheers Jim
Medical expense makes sense to me, Jim! The weather here Western Pennsylvania has been strange this year as well, into the 30’sF two weeks ago, 79dF yesterday, missed all time high for the date by 1 degree. Record was set in 1948. Back in shorts, temporarily. I like your choice of new bike additions. Both are supposed to be sweet riding bikes. Best, John “wheelson” |
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Jem
Viscount
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Posts: 3,390
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Post by Jem on Nov 6, 2022 18:23:21 GMT
Great story behind getting that one back on the road Jim, it must hold a special place in your line up? I can see what attracted you to them in the first place - very sleek and good looking bike Is that a particularly early snow fall this year or not? This is uncommon but typical of the unpredictable nature of the Sierra Nevada range. A similar change caught the Donner Party.
I saw a TV programme about that a few years back Jim. Grim old tale. (I think it was part of a Ray Mears documentary , which if you can get it there is well worth a watch- just Googled it to remind myself and it was on BBC4, called 'How the Wild West was Won', but it's not available on BBC iPlayer any longer) |
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Post by brianbutler on Nov 6, 2022 21:44:39 GMT
One of the Donner party that survived went on to open a restaurant in San Francisco, of all things. They interviewed him decades after the disaster and asked what advice he would give. He said, "All I can say is leave early and don't take no shortcuts." Sage advice for most situations I would say.
Brian
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