The Bikes
The Bike. It is the central tool in pursuit of our craft. A Velominatus meticulously maintains their bicycles and adorns them with the essential, yet minimal, accoutrement. The Rules specify the principles of good taste in configuration and setup of our machines, but within those principles lies almost infinite room for personal taste.
It seems in some ways like a kind of Stockholm Syndrome, the way we honor our machines. We love them to a point that lies well beyond obsession. Upon these machines upon we endure endless suffering, but also find an unending pleasure. The rhythm, the harmony between rider and machine, the outdoors, the wind in our faces and air in our lungs.
The Bikes is devoted entirely to our machines. Ours, The Keepers, and yours, the Community. It features articles devoted to our bikes, and proves a forum for uploading photos of your own machines for discussion. We will be harsh, but fair; this is a place to enforce and enhance our observation of The Rules.
If you’d like to submit an article about your own beloved bike, please feel free to send it to us and we’ll do our best to work with you to include it.
- Rule #12 and the Cascade Effect
That is a very reasonable opening salvo for the Rule about bike ownership. Three is good and certainly a minimum, and we are talking road bikes here, if there was any doubt. They naturally become ordered: the #1 is ichi-ban, top dog, go-to bike for every and all rides. #2 was the old #1, ... - Guest Article: Black Is Not The New Black@kogalover is singing my song here. Bikes are beautiful. ’nuff said. VLVV, Gianni With all those posts on riding in winter and being visible, either by putting Eyes of Sauron or other car melting devices on one’s steed, or by even considering a YJA instead of donning plain black kit, it was about time to finally get ...
- Dialing in the StableThis was going to be an article about Rule #45. It is amazing how much time is wasted and matches burned when professionals stop for that second bike change to get back on their #1. With all the jigs available to team mechanics it would seem they could set up five bikes exactly the same. And ...
- Matching the drapes to the rugAs a longtime titanium bike owner, I’ve always been jealous of a beautiful painted frame but Ti and carbon frames don’t need paint like a steel frame needs paint. But I want some painted beauty. It’s like buying a white car; I can’t do white, need some color. So between a Ti frame and a ...
- Festum Prophetae: Waiting for the HourEveryone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth. – Mike Tyson The one thing everyone should always plan for is that however well-conceived a program might be, things will never go to plan. The high level plan for my Festum Prophetae Hour Ride was as follows: Have a custom Hour Bike built by Don Walker. Because reasons. Reasons like custom ...
@RobSandy
Ah, well, whatever crank you have now, if a 105 is considered an upgrade then it really is an upgrade. I had some rubbish no-name square taper on my bike, and Shimano’s Hollowtech cranks were a massive improvement.
@tessar
It’s only an increase in chainring sizes I’m after, and swapping a whole new crankset in was the cheapest way to do it. I’ve got a full 105 Group-San on my bike which does the job for me, didn’t see a reason to ‘upgrade’ it.
@RobSandy
JMHO here, but (unless you have already done it) a power meter is a much better upgrade than wheels. Especially if you have more fitness to gain. Since you have the 105 crank you could get one of the Stages Dura Ace arms while they are on sale (yes I know it won’t match) and probably 6 months of coaching for the price of a wheel set. Then you will be going so fast no one will know your crank arms don’t match, and you will be much faster than the set of wheels would have made you. The best upgrade you can give your bike is to the motor perched on top, a power meter will do exactly that. I don’t know why people overlook power meters when they start doing upgrades.
I almost forgot… The new Power Tap chain rings are on the way, and you could also just sell the 105 crank and get one of the options from the Power2Max legacy series.
Just throwing ideas out there.
@ChrissyOne
What? No tan walls. Do they even allow you on this site without tan walls?
It is steel tho, so you have that going for you.
@AJ
It’s a suggestion with a lot of merit. However, looking at the price of power meters I think you’re probably over-estimating the amount I’d need to spend to upgrade my wheels; my bike is really quite basic.
I can train like a mental bastard with or without a power meter. I am looking at starting to use a HRM, however. One thing at a time.
The cageless water bottle…
This, I feel, will fit the aesthetic sensibilities of my fellow Velominatus. No cage. Just bosses that fit the specific bottle.
Rule #52 compliant possibly?
@VeloJello
I think I remember that set up being put forward in the 70s! Jim Dandy if you always use your own bottles. What will they think of next . . .
@wiscot
Something tells me you’d end up going thirsty on the Pave (and quite a few local roads I can think of).
@Teocalli
Recently had that experience at a local mtn bike race. Chose poorly when I purchased the bidon cages for the Blizzard and promptly found myself at the 10km mark with the only remaining bidon being the “extra” I had stuffed in the jersey pocket. Not my brightest moment.
@RobSandy
Well, I had kind of guessed that $400-$600USD would be a solid wheel upgrade, but if you have those craptastic ALX wheels that come on most base builds a wheelset that is a couple hundred dollars would be an upgrade.
Sadly, both of my suggestions are limited time deals. Stages is only going to sell the Dura Ace 7900 arm for $450 until its gone, and the Power2Max Classic power meters are only there for $500 until they are gone. So, its one of those things that unless you are ready to pull the trigger now, its a moot point.
Are you, like myself, a Velominatus Budgetatus?
@AJ
Yes, very much so. I got my bike on my company’s bike-to-work scheme so I haven’t actually even paid for it completely yet!
It would be really interesting to have a power meter, but it is firmly in the category of ‘want’ rather than ‘need’.
Thought maybe one or two velominati might be interested in the story of the restoration of a classic early eighties TT machine, which I think complies with most of the Rules. If you don’t like wordy accounts, there’s a link to a photo gallery near the end.
– The Restoration
Despite the painful beginning, that’s a very cool story. And a lovely restoration outcome also. Chapeau, sir.
@George Barker
What a fantastically written story! I haven’t finished it yet, but will. And the steed looks fantastic. Cheers, and stick around; I’ve got a feeling you would fit right in over here.
@George Barker
That is a cool project and fantastic result. Interesting idea on the seat tube and down tube ahead of the bb and shorter wheelbase. But that made it most ideal for TT’s? The shorter wheelbase? I’d guess a fun bike to carve corners. A modern crit bike! Here is a thought: I love the idea that you were able to assemble with an accumulation of great components that had been lying in wait so to speak. Now, today I have a pile of “modern” components being collected in the garage. Say for ex a 10 sp rear Di2 derailleur. And any chance that this might might find a home 20 years from now on a project that in part celebrates craftsmanship? Hardly. Cheers Mr. Barker and thanks for sharing the story.
@George Barker
What a great story and bicycle! The photographs are beautiful.
@George Barker
Excellent write-up; beautiful bike. And wonderful pictures! What more could we ask for? Chapeau and thank you for posting this.
So my VMW has been doing more cycling over the summer. She’s taken advantage of some British Cycling organised outdoor track sessions, joined the local cycling club and hired one of their bikes, and has been getting me to take her out for short road rides.
Last night, she bought this…
@RobSandy
From VMW to VMH! Chapeau on your newest addition to your family!
@RobSandy
Excellent!
@sthilzy
@Teocalli
It’s such a good deal she’s happy with the bike – but she says she thinks it looks cheap!
I think it looks great. Notice the white tyres? I think it’s a shame the saddle and pedals/cranks aren’t white, too…
@RobSandy
New bike and already working the justification for the upgrade. Indeed she is one of us.
@RobSandy
The saddle is an easy fix. How many folk stay with the stock saddle as sold anyway?
@George Barker
Wonderful story, George, just wonderful. I do love a short wheelbase and that thing is very short. How is the TT scene in the UK these days? Have all the courses been ruined? Sure seems that way in and around Glasgow where I used to race. Lots of lights and roundabouts.
@George Barker
Fabulous. Chapeau.
@George Barker
George! Fantastic article! Thanks!
I love what you’ve written here:
Now, before I go any further, I’d like to make it clear that I don’t hold with the indiscriminate adoration of all things old-fashioned. I regard that as an emotional refuge for people daunted by the modern world and/or grieving the loss of their youth. (A group to which I belong only in the hours immediately following exposure to popular television.) There’s a reason why “they don’t make ’em like they used to, lad.” The reason is that they’ve discovered ways to make ’em better. Broadly speaking, modern bikes and modern cycling gear are lighter, stronger, more efficient, more reliable, more comfortable and easier to maintain than anything we had when I was young, never mind when some of my associates were in their pomp.
My inner grump cringes at the ‘steel is real’ brigade.
Also, I hate gumwalls.
@DeKerr
I’m pretty sure that’s not the stock saddle – the guy we bought if from upgraded it for his wife. First thing that gets binned if you’re setting up a bike for a womanfolk, in my experience.
She is very aware of The Rules and the way of the Velominati…and thinks it’s snobbish and infantile. To which I reply, “of course it it, what’s your point?”.
Picking it up tonight, exciting times.
Any UK Velominati have any experience of Strada wheels?
@mouse
Lighter, in most cases yes. More efficient, in most cases probably. More reliable, dubious. Stronger, in what sense? Comfortable is way too broad a criteria – there are both steel and carbon bikes that will punish you, or either that will give you a smooth, couch ride. Easier to maintain, no. How often do you need to tune your 11 speed gears in comparison to a 7sp friction set-up, or get the creak out of your BB30 compared to a Campagnolo bottom bracket? Case closed.
I like a modern bike if I get the chance to ride one, and I don’t believe “steel is real” or that one single type of bike is “better” than another, but I still love old bikes in the way people like old Ferraris, Spitfires or Seamasters – it’s a tactile, ferrous kinda love that can’t be duplicated with modern gear.
@RobSandy
If she’s going to keep the bar tape white, a white saddle might look good. All black tires would dial down the “pimp my ride” effect nicely. Either that or a black saddle/ black seatpost. That and black tires would help make the frame stand out more.
@mouse
I’ve got a couple of all black steeds. I’d put gumwalls on them in a heartbeat.
You get so much more bang/value for your $$ these days compared to 20-30 years ago. Carbon forks, STI shifters, alloy wheels, reasonably priced carbon bikes, well designed aluminum frames, the list goes on. Just as modern cars are more efficient/reliable than their predecessors, doesn’t mean a vintage car isn’t fun to drive. I’m not a car guy BTW, but can appreciate the style of older cars.
@Oli
Spot the fuck on, and that bike is perfect.
To mouse’s point; I’ll reach for the light, stiff, carbon-wheeled Strada every time the sun is shining and I’m not going on a leisurely ride, which is another way of saying I prefer the ride of my lightweight modern bike. But it doesn’t warm the cockles of my heart the way an old classic bike does.
@DCR
@DCR, That Cannondale is a fine specimen. Carbone aye.
@RobSandy
Well, if you have a 10spd setup don’t be afraid to look on eBay for used gear. Since 11spd is the new thing there is all kinds of 10spd stuff in mint condition on the market. I just picked up a set of SRAM Red brifters for $125, and they are in great shape. The Pro’s Closet is my favorite eBay store, deals to be had for days, and it is all verified in good condition.
@Oli
Thanks!
@frank
Cheers, Frank.
@wiscot
Thanks, Wiscot. The TT scene in the UK is certainly not what it used to be. I regard that as both a good thing and a bad thing. It’s a good thing insofar as the former significance of fixed-distance testing in the UK was a hangover from the period when mass-start racing was against the law. Before WWII, TTs were all that there was, and they consequently had a status in club culture that lasted for decades after mass-start racing became legal. We have gradually becoming more ‘continental’, with a proper programme of road racing, crits, etc, and plenty of opportunity for people to do challenge rides and so forth, which has to be positive. However, the flip side of that is that fewer and fewer people have been doing TTs, especially long TTs. The decline has been accelerated by traffic conditions: traffic volumes are way higher now than in my youth, and were way higher then than 10 or 20 years earlier, when testing was at its zenith. Drivers are less tolerant and many previously suitable roads have been made unsuitable by lights on roadabouts, traffic calming measures and so forth. It’s sad in a way, but, as I say, the cycling scene as a whole is much more healthy now. My own club (Beacon RCC, Birmingham) has twice as many members as when I joined in 83, and they are involved in a much wider range of activities. That picture is replicated across the country.
@mouse
Thanks!
@ErikdR @wilburrox @JCM
Thanks for the generous feedback.
@George Barker
Grandissimo!
Selle San Marco Regal(e) 148mm width
Hi Friends! I am hoping to enlist the help of the tremendous base of knowledge here. I’m interested to know what the component specs would have been for Mario Cipollini’s custom-built, Saeco, aero Cannonale track frame pictured here. Serial number says it was built in 1999. Cannonale’s ex Chief Engineer says “The components that were mounted on the frame were determined by the Saeco mechanics and the rider. The component spec choice would have been limited to companies that were official suppliers to the team for that year”. An embarrassing number of hours spent scouring the internet for photos has not yet delivered clues about the build (nor have emails to Mario, the Saeco team manager, Cannondale, the Saeco Director Sportif, etc). The components shown in the photograph are very likely not accurate. Any Saeco mechanics lurking about here? Any rabid fans with polaroids stashed away in a basement? Additional, detailed photos here:
https:/www.flickr.com/gp/109906786@N06/7yD37W
Any insight or knowledgeable speculation would be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.
universio – I recently put a Regal.e on my Tommasini. A very nice refinement of an awesome saddle; I think they’ve made them even better. Mine is white with red “wings” at the back. That is nice and understated.
Oli – WOW!!! That Bianchi is a goddamn stunner. Awesome bike! I always love seeing photos of NZ too. Hope to return for a visit one of these days.
Just back from 2 weeks on the road. I only brought my cross bike with two sets of wheels. If I was forced to thin the herd, I really think I could get by with just a cross bike with some road wheels and some off-road wheels. But, I hope to never have to thin the herd.
Also got to ride the road loop I used to ride daily back in my hometown. This was the route where I really got into road cycling and earn my Guns. Been waiting five years to ride it, was an awesome time. Nothing like returning to your roots, especially when it’s a great country road loop.
@A.Danger
Did Mario ever even ride on the track? My first impulse is that the stem would have been one of his beefy cinelli’s that had a naked woman on it, and that he’d likely have ridden his beloved Spinnergy’s…but besides that, I’m at a loss.
This sounds like a job for @Oli
Help us @Oli-wan Kenobi!
@A.Danger
I stand corrected.
Also, this bike setup just looks so classically cool.
Those Cinelli pinups, for those too young to remember
@George Barker
Thanks for the reply. Yup, back in the 70s and 80s cycling was still very niche and kinda exclusive. Real British success in the sport was still a long way away. Most of the general public could not have named a pro cyclist if asked. There were no charity rides around and there was a lot less traffic even 25 years ago. When I go back to Scotland now most of the old TT courses I used to ride have been ruined by lights, roundabouts etc.
On one hand I’m delighted the sport is more popular and more people are engaged with it Back in my day (and I suspect yours too, it was a 95% male sport and its great that more women are getting involved. On the other hand, I do lament that the joys of riding an early morning TT on almost deserted roads in increasingly a thing of the past.
@frank
:blush: Track is not really my area of expertise, but they must have had Dura-Ace drive gear, Vittoria tyres and Cinelli stems and handlebars…they were also sponsored by Mavic, so whatever their track wheels of the day were. Looking at the decals on the road frame a Selle Italia saddle of some kind is also an educated guess.