Rear derailleur quandry
I am planning next winter's build and seek the communal wisdom of the tribe.
The bike: A 1989 Schwinn Voyageur (owned since new). It is non-OEM. The LBS owner I purchased it from had the habit of buying a frameset and would build it with components on hand. It is the first "good" bike of my life and very dear to me. The rear derailleur is a 1987 Suntour alpha 3000 GX(long cage). It is indexed with a 7 speed shimano freewheel and shifts great.
The quandry is that I have also acquired a mid 80's Shimano Z503 GS. It is well used but in good condition. I'm cheap and I enjoy putting old stuff back in use. So here are the numbers:
Aplha 3000 GX - At the bottom of the "good" stuff (something like XC, 9000, 7000, 5000, 3000). Capacities more than meet my needs. No brass bushings. Slightly heavier.
Shimano Z503 GS - not at the bottom of the line but close. Capacities meet my needs. Brass bushings. Slightly lighter. No B screw for adjustment (What's with that?).
I will probably go with 9 speed on a new wheel. I'm not against friction if neither indexes well. In fact, it will most likely not be STI: more likely bar end, downtube, gevenalle or gevenalle clone.
So what are the opinions? Is either better? Does it really matter? Any experience with the Z503?
The bike: A 1989 Schwinn Voyageur (owned since new). It is non-OEM. The LBS owner I purchased it from had the habit of buying a frameset and would build it with components on hand. It is the first "good" bike of my life and very dear to me. The rear derailleur is a 1987 Suntour alpha 3000 GX(long cage). It is indexed with a 7 speed shimano freewheel and shifts great.
The quandry is that I have also acquired a mid 80's Shimano Z503 GS. It is well used but in good condition. I'm cheap and I enjoy putting old stuff back in use. So here are the numbers:
Aplha 3000 GX - At the bottom of the "good" stuff (something like XC, 9000, 7000, 5000, 3000). Capacities more than meet my needs. No brass bushings. Slightly heavier.
Shimano Z503 GS - not at the bottom of the line but close. Capacities meet my needs. Brass bushings. Slightly lighter. No B screw for adjustment (What's with that?).
I will probably go with 9 speed on a new wheel. I'm not against friction if neither indexes well. In fact, it will most likely not be STI: more likely bar end, downtube, gevenalle or gevenalle clone.
So what are the opinions? Is either better? Does it really matter? Any experience with the Z503?