Vitus 787 Futural convertion for a Triathlon my history

[altec]

Hi,

I start this thread for myself and everyone who can benefit from my experience with convertion of retro road bike for a Triathlon or needs an inspiration.
Internet is full of interesting information so I will copy-paste web links with the interesting things.

I found this article on how to convert road bike for a Triathlon, which inspired me:

http://www.mensjournal.com/gear/outdoor ... n-20150310

http://www.thetrishop.com/blog/the-hist ... es-part-1/

I am the owner of Vitus 787 Futural. There was a time I intended to sell it but then I came accross this picture which also inspired me
The one from the picture is equiped with Shimano groupset. Mine will be 80% Suntour SL. Suntour SL is relatively cheap (compering to Superbe Pro) and lightweight groupset. According to Suntour catalog, SL groupset is described "...SL components are the choice of road racers and triathletes alike".

http://www.equusbicycle.com/bike/suntou ... 200013.pdf

I have already gathered some Suntour SL Parts:

NOS front derailleur
NOS Microlite bottom bracket
NOS brake levers
NOS brake calipers (I don't trust the original brake pads so I will replace them with Dia Compe ARC pads which come from Dia Compe 9000ti brake calipers)
NOS 7/8 shifters
used crankset

There are some miscellaneous parts:

NOS Superbe Pro rear derailleur
NOS Nitto 66 seatpost 25.0mm
used Shimano 7410 headset
NOS Mavic 365 stem (80mm)
Mavic 355 handlebars
NOS Suntour Winner FW-WT10-S7U freewheel (catalog includes it as part of Superbe Pro groupset)
NOS SACHS/SEDIS PRO SL chain
Rear wheel: NOS Campagnolo Mexico aero rim + Mavic 500 (32h) hub
Front wheel: NOS Campagnolo Delta aero rim + Edco Competition (36h) hub

There is a fuss with Suntour chain compatibility but happily I found this interesting blog which has dispelled apprehension:

http://midlifecycling.blogspot.com/2015 ... cling.html

http://www.bikepro.com/products/chains/sachs-sedis.html

Message for all Suntour admirers: SACHS/SEDIS PRO SL / SC-R80 should do the job, but I have not tested it yet

I will be reporting the progress of Vituis conversion.

See you soon!

 

[Jonny69]

This is exactly the route I took with my 979. I had no idea they had back-story in triathlon.

So my logic was to pick a slightly smaller frame than normal, so I could get the tri bars low enough and close enough. Modern seatposts are much longer which allows you to compensate for the lower than normal frame. I put a low drag front wheel on and a HED disc. For the tri bars, I found a pair of Profile copies, which I cut in half, then flipped the clamps so that they mounted lower. I don't have any pics in race trim, unfortunately, because I got it all ready and set up, then injured my knee badly. So I've never been able to really see what it would do, unfortunately! I used the exact same setup on my old Bob Jackson steel frame which was the same size and it REALLY flew!

 

[altec]

Re:

Hi, I have finished my Vitus 787, just need to put Mavic 357 aero extension. I will post more pictures soon. After first ride I felt very comfortable with Nitto 66 seat post and Mavic bullhorn. What a relief for my back! That was the best riding I have ever experienced.