Hi folks,
Biggs682 referred me to this forum after I purchased a Bill Soens' bike from him last September and transported it to the west coast of the US. It is frame #777 which has been documented and verified earlier in this forum. As usual for a 50+ year old, it has a few battle scars, but overall it's a great ride. I've only put about 50 miles on it due medical issues and other commitments, but found it to be well matched to my riding style.
Over the years most the original components have been replaced, some with quality upgrades and others just to keep it on the road. As far as I can tell, the only original parts are a very nice Milremo stem and unbranded, narrow bars. It also came with a good set of 700C wheels, Campagnolo Victory/Triompe low flange hubs and Mavic MA2 rims which I will use for the time being. I have a Campy HF rear hub and am bartering for a matching front hub to build some period correct wheels. Over the holidays, I acquired a Campagnolo Nuovo Gran Sport drive train from the 70s. This is the same group that is on Dean Griffin's red Eddie Soens. The Dia Compe side pulls that were on it have been replace with Weinmann 730 side pulls and Weinmann drilled levers. It also came with a beat up Campagnolo aero seat post which has been replaced by one that is more period correct. The bars have also been replace with a pair of wider GB brand. I'm looking forward to completing the project and getting in some quality road time. I've attached a picture of it as it is currently set up.
By-the-way, is Bill Soens still participating in this forum? There doesn't seem to be any recent postings. I'd like send him a "thank you" for creating such a frame and learn more about his design/build criteria.
Any info or feedback will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks and regards,
Van