Rivendell Romulus Redo

Acquired this frame set through an eBay auction years ago. It has been built as the closest thing I get to a performance road bike for the last 2 years. Older Dura Ace square taper 53/42 crank with Phil Wood bottom bracket. New Ultegra derailleurs, Rivendell silver downtube shifters. 32 spoke Ultegra hubs laced to Mavic Open Pros (a $100.00 CL find) wrapped with 35 mm Soma brick red tires. Dura Ace levers acuate VO CNC machined Gran Comp brake calipers. Dura Ace seat post supporting Brooks Pro saddle in honey with matching bar tape. I have enjoyed the bike as built but have been thinking that I would be better served with a compact crank. I was ready for a make over on this bike so here is what I have come up with.

Going from the polished look of the DA crank to the dark finish of the new Ultegra components I decided to go dark on the trim also. Black Brooks Pro saddle and new matching bar tape. To finish it all off new 33.3 mm Jack Brown tires.

I have had the bike out for 3 rides in the 15 to 40 mile range, usually several climbs involved and first impressions are super. The gearing makes so much more sense for me and I have to admit I do like the indexed shifters.