The Specialissima was my first build, and after doing a couple bikes, I saw a few things that I thought would make me like the bike more. Essentially, this bike is going to be completely rebuilt..again.. from the first time I put it together, making it really my second and fourth builds.
Taking what I liked from the Stumpjumper build and applying it to Univega's top of the line Specialissima touring frame will hopefully result in the bike I've been trying to build all year - a well fitted, well tuned, vintage steel touring frame with a bit of pedigree, mostly period correct parts with a few modern improvements, and the elusive fitted feel I had from the Stumpjumper when all the parts just "came together" so smoothly.
For me this meant aero routing for both bar end shifters and brake cables, a touring/mountain triple chainring, new front and rear deraillers able to handle shifting the triple, a higher stem, more period appropriate touring style handlebar, and will eventually mean a brake and wheelset upgrade.
These photos show the upgraded cockpit - the higher handlebar position really increases my comfort in the saddle (I'm not competing in any races), and I really enjoy the completely hidden cable routing. This leaves lots of room for my hands to reposition during longer rides.
I'll get new photos next of the upgraded drivetrain; the bike has a Sakae "ovaltech" triple chainring, and Suntour period correct VG-T Luxe rear derailler and Mountech front derailler. It took a bit of looking to find a front derailler that could handle the wide difference in chainring sizes coupled with the non-round shape of the ovaltech rings. The Suntour bits to their job wonderfully; I'm actually surprised that part of the build was as easy as it ended up being!.
The no-name brakes are terrible - hard to adjust and cheap feeling both in the hand and when used on the bike. Either quality modern brakes or high end period correct versions will be added soon.
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