I was cleaning up the bits from my road bike prior to reassembly (when the
respray has been completed). The bike was originally fitted out with Shimano
Sante brakes, levers and gear shifters (levers and mechs. The brakes were
abandoned for dual pivot RSX ones (yes, I know, a downgrade, but at least
they stop) and the levers are being swapped for some RSX STI.
So it is time to comment on how well 15 years of use has treated the various
components.
The RSX brakes are looking decidedly used, despite only being on the bike
for about 6 years. Rusty in places, corroded in others. Likewise I have gone
through two headsets. Teh Ultegra one (original with the frame) went
'digital' as the bearings made indentations in the races. This was swapped
for a Stronglight A9 which worked fine until the crown race support cracked.
I'm replacing it with another A9. I think the forks may have been french
width, not English (26.5 rather than 26.4, clsoe enough to force the alloy
support on, large enough to bust it eventually).
The Sante levers are looking well used but function perfectly. Dirty and
scratched but otherwise fine.
Gear levers likewise. 7 speed SIS and still looking nice with that cream
finish and Sante script.
Front mech looks good. Works very well.
Rear mech is absolutely fantastic. Despite over 20,OOO miles it is working
perfectly. A bit scratched but crisp and no wobble. The derailleur pulleys
have ceramic bearings that are still like new. Absolutely fantastic.
I have been considering changing to Campag Mirage (because it is black and
ergopower levers are cheaper than STI) , but the Sante gears are working so
well it seems a shame to take them off the bike.
If I had been using cheap derailleurs I would reckon on having gone through
perhaps four or five by now (by comparison with the MTB which is used mostly
on road and runs on low-mid range components). So spending the money on high
end kit appears to have paid off.
...d