My saba equipe project begins after nearly 40 years wait!

[Whatsupdoc]

Afternoon folks

I know it's been a while but I finally have an update about my saba Equipe restoration project.

The frame's currently with Catherine Neary at Universal Cycle Centre in Maltby and has been shot blasted and had its primer coat applied. After some frustration with the accuracy of the initial replacement transfers that I bought off eBay, which just weren't close enough to the original decals for my liking, Catherine's assisted in scanning and recreating a much more accurate set which I'm very happy with...

My frame should get its sparkly new coat of metallic blue paint in a few weeks and make a nice Winter project once the paint's had some time to cure.

I have a lovely box of goodies ready to go now including a pair of NOS saba toe straps, a pair of NOS saba handlebar end plugs and a stunning NOS saba pantographed Cinelli 1R stem still in its original packaging

I can't wait!

More to follow...

Cheers

 

[iluvsteel]

Re:

Did you get the panto stem from Universal cycles? I spotted they had some a few years ago but there website is no more, when I mailed them never got a replay and forgot to follow up... I recall they had a load of different sizes at that point.... Can I ask how much it was, everyone loves a bit of panto!!!

 

[Whatsupdoc]

Yeah I got the stem from Dave. Give him a call to see what saba stuff he's still got left... 01709 813089 https://www.facebook.com/universalcycle/

Tell him I sent you

Cheers

 

[torqueless]

Re:

I was gonna go Modolo on the brakes and splash out on some Prefessionals but the scarcity of 919 lever hoods NOS or repro put me off so Super Record it is.

You know there is no practical reason why you shouldn't use repro Campag hoods with Modolo levers? The Campag and Modolo lever bodies are identical in shape, or if not, they are very close. I'm in the reverse situation- I've had 919 hoods on Campag levers since forever..

 

[Whatsupdoc]

I know there's no 'practical' reason torqueless but my OCD tendencies simply prevent me going that way. I used to run 919 hoods on Campagnolo levers for a while back in the day but I can't bring myself to do it now. The other advantage to sticking with Campagnolo brakes on the saba is that I have a pair of calipers and a pair of NOS Super Record levers sitting in a box that can be put to good use...

 

[torqueless]

Re:

The virtual market place has spoiled us a bit, hasn't it?
I'll still happily run anything with anything though.. within reason. That's part of the appeal of the old stuff.. that you can do that. Apart from Modolo hoods on Campag levers, I've got Modolo stirrups on Shimano pivot bolts, with Shimano springs too, I think.

 

[Whatsupdoc]

Re:

It has indeed, and as you say so much kit could be partnered with almost anything back in the day that there were/are lots of Frankenstein bikes around (no offence intended) but I've worked with this stuff on and off (mostly on) for nearly 40 years and currently run my own bicycle servicing business so I'm duty bound to aim for perfection or as near as I can get with each restoration I do be it for client or for myself...

 

[torqueless]

Re:

Understood.
Yeah I guess about thirty of those forty years is what finally did for my Modolo spring and pivot-bolt thread.. No complaints..

 

[Whatsupdoc]

Well. It's been a while but I finally got my saba equipe all together! I'll try and take some better pics out on the road in due course but for now, a link to my Facebook page for the detail shots will have to suffice. Stay safe... https://www.facebook.com/pg/Doctor-D-15 ... 8400418146

 

[Ralph_the_Rohan]

Re:

Loving all the Facebook Pics. That really is a stunning bike!

Just wondering though, were you not tempted by a SABA Record Saddle as fitted to my 1970s TT Bike? After all, if it was good enough for Alf Engers!



Steve.