I am an original owner of RB-1 of the same year. I got it running again about 5 years ago and it has been my primary bike ever since. My take on original parts: I am too old for the original gearing, so it is now an 10 speed with new Velo Orange crankset. The original break levers are terrible on long rides so I have modern levers. Finally, dual pivot breaks are way easier to setup. I was able to find 10 speed down tube shifters, so there is that.
I am an original owner of RB-1 of the same year. I got it running again about 5 years ago and it has been my primary bike ever since. My take on original parts: I am too old for the original gearing, so it is now an 10 speed with new Velo Orange crankset. The original break levers are terrible on long rides so I have modern levers. Finally, dual pivot breaks are way easier to setup. I was able to find 10 speed down tube shifters, so there is that.