This time its a 979 1st generation

[mikeymustard]

how strange, I spotted one very similar on ebay t'other day while looking for cranks

 

[woodbutcher]

Here's another 979 https://www.gumtree.com/p/bicycles/vitus-979-roadframe-57cm/1323365124

Ah yes but its a Mk1 and l am after a Mk2

 

[woodbutcher]

how strange, I spotted one very similar on ebay t'other day while looking for cranks

I hope you are referring to the means by which one enables the transfer of human power to turn the wheels of a bicycle and not a slightly obsessed and loony human being

 

[biggs682]

Ah yes but its a Mk1 and l am after a Mk2

oops

 

[midlife]

http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=393152

Mentioned in Retrobike., updated article by writer of On The Drops.

 

[SkipdiverJohn]

http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=393152

Mentioned in Retrobike., updated article by writer of On The Drops.

Thanks for the link @midlife - interesting article

 

[Specialeyes]

That's a brilliant read, thanks @midlife - my wallet's glad to see just how wide the range of groupsets used on 979s over the years was!

 

[woodbutcher]

http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=393152

Mentioned in Retrobike., updated article by writer of On The Drops.

Thank you very much midlife for the link just spent a fascinating hour reading and re-reading the article . Now l will be able to date the 979 frame !
This could easily become an obsession (if not already) but hey there are worse things to get hooked on

 

[biggs682]

This could easily become an obsession (if not already) but hey there are worse things to get hooked on

There certainly is

 

[woodbutcher]

There certainly is

And now thanks to the article link from midlife , l know that my frame was made in 1984 January and there were 204 made in the month. So l can have its 35th birthday celebration and buy it a nice shiny crankset (Shimano 600 Tri Colour) to go with the only other part l have so far , a Shimano 600 Tri Colour rear mech.

 

[midlife]

Talking of shimano 600 Tricolor, there's a Koga Miyata bonded carbon tubed bike on the Bay with full tricolour kit sitting at £225 last time I looked, way to small for me though lol

 

[woodbutcher]

I have a question which will show everyone the limited extent of my mechanical (bike related) knowledge !!
I am trying to build up my 979 with Shimano 600 tricolour components. So far l have a crankset, front and rear mech.and brake callipers .
Oh and just to be different a nice "flying" C bar stem.
The wheels have Tricolour hubs and FIR rims. So far so good except that the rear wheel is fitted with a uniglide freewheel . I have a 7speed hyper glide freewheel on order and l am going to attempt a body swap (see RJ the bike guy). My question is about brifters . In a word, what would be the best option in Shimano stuff. I have seen 7 speed Tourney shifters but obviously they are modern. Is there a more suitable alternative from the 1990's and would 8 speed work with the 7speed freewheel and cassette. I would be very grateful for guidance through the minefield

 

[midlife]

Just out of curiosity where did you find your 7 speed hyperglide body ?

 

[woodbutcher]

Just out of curiosity where did you find your 7 speed hyperglide body ?

Here you go :https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Shimano-...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

 

[wonderdog]

I realise that l might becoming slightly obsessed with Vitus but hey this is different ,its not a 992.
So l just bought the frame, forks, Stronglight BB and most importantly the seat post (of the correct size).
My plan is to build it up not as a replica of Mr Kellys' KAS but as a sort of tribute. S o l won't shy away from using modern components instead of downtime shifters etc, but l am open to suggestions/ideas from anyone who cares to share them. I have no idea of the history of the original bike except that according to a couple of faded and l think original decals it was made in Italy and the head tube has R P surrounded by a laurel wreath. No it isn't RIP just in case you are wondering
A photo if you are interested !
View attachment 442553

Interesting bit of kit - but the door panels it's leaning against - wowsers! There is a segment somewhere on this site re photos of bikes up against a gate?