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 ...
@PanzerPuss
Fizik super thin.
@chuckp
THIS x 1000.
I “slammed my stem” a few years ago and ended up getting so much nerve damage that my doc made me stay off the bike for 6 months.
Make sure you have the fit correct first. It does no good to “look pro” and not be able to ride at all (which is the least pro thing you can do).
@EBruner
Thanks much. I am switching from my regular Fizik tape.
This seat position stuff I find quite intriguing. I find my arse ends up where it wants to be based on my physiology and not based on where my saddle is. So if my saddle is too far forward I sit on the back of it (rare as I’m a short-arse) or too far back I get the rivet up the wrong place. So I adjust the saddle position post test riding to align with where my arse ends up. The two key factors influencing where I sit on the saddle are reach and saddle height.
@Teocalli
And Rule #20
@Buck Rogers
Just to clarify, I was talking about the stem angle not the slamming thereof.
I totally agree it needs to work for you and I don’t see the point of having several spacers above the stem and then using a positive angle so it slopes upward. To my eyes it looks better to have less space above so the base of the stem is a bit higher but have the stem at a closer angle to horizontal.
The bars end up in much the same place so it doesn’t make a difference, just looks a bit nicer in my view.
@fignons barber
For the record … I like the look of a -17 degree stem even on bikes with sloping top tubes (like my Felt FC). But the reason I ride with a -17 degree stem is because that’s what fits me and works for me on my bike. I wouldn’t if I couldn’t. One of the reasons I don’t like endurance geometry is that the head tubes are too tall (in a frame that’s otherwise sized right for me), which means if I had that kind of geometry I’d have to undersize my frame and go much longer with my seat post and stem.
@Teocalli
I’m from the Greg Lemond school of seat position. Set back seat post. Slam the seat back as far as you can. Probably not Chris Froome’s seat position given how fast he can spin.
@ChrisO
This is just hideous.
Pics of Wiggo’s Dogma with 20mm spacer above the stem. If Wiggo can do that, so can I.
@PanzerPuss
If you’re familiar with the movie “Magnum Force,” just remember that a man’s gotta know his limitations. I know a lot of us here are on the other side of a half century. Long and low may be the pro look, but if you don’t have the flexibility to ride long and low … don’t even try. You’re just asking for nothing but back pain/trouble … or worse. Get your bike set up so that you’re riding without any aches first. Then gradually and in small increments (maybe 5mm at a time) experiment with a different position.
I’m lucky. For whatever reason (despite my advancing years) I’m still able to ride in a position that resembles what I used to ride when I raced. Ironically, my back actually likes it better with my 10mm longer and 10mm lower position (and my previous position wasn’t what you would call “upright”).
@PanzerPuss
My “slammed” stem with 20mm worth of spacers on top. Some would argue it’s not really slammed since I have the “tall” headset top cap. Fair enough point.
@PanzerPuss
That may be the best thing said about that frame. Some kinda desert storm camo color way would all but disappear on a dirt road.
And a great reason for getting a black bike when the frame is C is no see scratches. I don’t know that I’d ever buy a C frame mtn bike again that wasn’t black.
cheers
@chuckp
It all depends on the rider and femur length. I think Lemond has very long femur length as well as massive upper legs. The way back saddle accommodates his long upper leg and uses his upper leg strength. The farther you move the saddle behind the bb, the more you rely on your thighs for power, the more forward you move the saddle, the more the lower leg powers you. I remember someone on another site recently posted a measurement sheet from the old Z team. It listed the geometries for all the riders on the team. Lemond, even though he is only 5’9″ or 5’10”, rode a 57cm top tube!
@PanzerPuss
Im also building a Colnago Volo right now just buyed.C-record delta and Shamal wheels.Im excited with that proyect.
Please contact me [email protected] want to ask you some questions
@chuckp
Cool … I may not be that flexible yet … working on my aero tuck position :) As someone mentioned above changes in small increments …
@Randy C
Or you could cover it up in helicopter tape :)
http://www.amazon.com/ISC-Helicopter-OG-Surface-Tape-Outdoor/dp/B000O6BQMG
@chuckp
I’m almost certain its the red stripe effect on that Fizik saddle but it doesn’t look level with the ground. Nose tilted upwards?
@fignons barber
I’m 5’8″ (on a good day). For my height, my legs are short-ish and my torso is long-ish so I ride with a 54.5cm top tube (on both my traditional steel frame that is 53cm and my Felt FC that is 54cm). The other “benefit” of a further back saddle position is that if you’re an “old school” bigger gears/lower cadence climber, you can “push” the pedals for more power. If you’re more of a spinner, you’d probably want a more forward-ish saddle position.
@PanzerPuss
That’s actually how I set my saddle (Fizik Kurve Bull). It’s level from nose to tail.
@chuckp
Two wrongs don’t make a right…
V-Gear – hope everyone got the exciting update this morning. The dog will be chasing the postman daily in anticipation – if we had a dog that is.
Picked up my Campy Super Record update yesterday evening and the sun is out this morning for it’s first ride.
A good start to the day!
Another solution for a problem that does not exist?
http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/videos/watch/watch-rear-wheel-steering-singlespeed-bike?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Social
@Teocalli
i didn’t receive anything, of course i only ordered a casquette, so perhaps thats why. Wonder if it will make its way out the door as well?
@Teocalli
i see falling on this hurting more than falling off a normal bike….not sure why, perhaps the fear of the handlebars and backwheel being on the same side of the bike.
Riding has been limited to the 5k commute recently due to illness sweeping through the Liddy household, upside is I’ve had a chance to reconnect with this beauty.
@Mikael Liddy
That does look a beauty.
First ride today on the Campy Super Record upgrade. Wondered if I would notice a real difference to Chorus but wow it is super slick. Heck of a price difference by I don’t have that many vices that I can’t indulge myself a bit! Big grin time.
@Mikael Liddy
More, more and more shots required. Brooks saddle, matching bar tape. Yes please
@PanzerPuss
Hello,i have one like this Volo.I have just bought it.Could you give me more information about this model?
@Adri
The Volo belongs to @kay_jay
@Barracuda
I will, but I’ll have to find another wall. I’m annoyed that it’s not centered against the background, but if I went any further forward it’d start dropping the front wheel towards the drain & therefore no longer be level…
@Teocalli
After they pass Morrissey (starting at 1:02) you can see him mouth something to the effect of “last time I rode one of those, I crashed down on the crossbar / And the pain was enough to make / A shy, bald, Buddhist reflect / And plan a mass murder.” I totally remember. This is a great story. We were on our way to Strangeways – stop me if you think that you’ve heard this one before – and…
Not a classified… due to the imminent arrival of all my stuff from Dubai space is at a premium and the true number of my bikes will be apparent on a daily basis to the dear Mrs ChrisO.
I have an old Colnago Master which I bought six or seven years ago. It’s never been my favourite bike – it was a touch on the small side (a 56cm and I’m happier on a 58) plus it had the weight of steel but suffered by comparison to the comfort of my custom-built Roberts.
In recent years my son has been riding it but it’s not had much TLC. As you can see from the photos the chrome on the stays has pitted from being left in our outside shed and there are some paint chips so it needs a bit of restoration.
So I thought I would ask if any Velominati wanted to take it on. I’d rather give it to someone here who might do what it deserves than sell it for 50 quid or put it on Freecycle and have it finish up in a skip. The only catch is getting it from South London.
@ChrisO
That would be a sweet project if I was a couple of feet taller!
@ChrisO
That would make a fine stablemate for the Peugeot. Genuinely interested.
Will happily donate to a charity of your choice in compensation – as long as it’s not little fluffy kittens or UKIP!
@RichardH
All yours if you’re keen. It would look lovely if it was done up and match your Peugeot nicely.
I actually did quite a bit of riding on it, I’m just not 100% comfortable so I don’t think it’s worth me spending the time and money getting it into proper condition.
A charitable donation is a good idea. Dave Rayner Fund might be an appropriate compromise between fluffy kittens (which I like) and UKIP (which I don’t).
You’ve got my email haven’t you. Drop me a line and let me know what you want to do about collecting – no rush.
Ignore the bit about little fluffy kittens – feline charities, absolutely fine !
#TBT You can guess circa ??? from the Spinacis and Brikos. Heady stuff.
Picked up a new (to me) CX bike, it’s my first carbon frame I’ve ever had. Full Dura Ace, carbon tubulars, checks in at 7.3kg. Did a 100km shake-down/adjustment ride the other day, still not quite dialed in. Ready or not, it’s going into battle tomorrow – a 172km/3300m gravel grinder. It’s been hovering around 100 degrees (38C) here the last few days, but the race is at altitude, predicted to be snowing.
@MangoDave
Suhweet.
Dave – that is a sweet ride! I picked up my cross bike used as well. Paid less for the whole thing that the wheelset costs. I LOVE a good deal, even more than a totally new bike. Mine is Al/carbon, a Van Dessel. I have an extra wheelset for it, so ride/race cross on it, but also use as a 9 bike and a gravel bike. As much as I love a proper race bike, the versatility of cross bikes with 2 wheelsets just makes me smile.
I think it would look even meaner with black tape/saddle…but it ain’t my bike. I go Leader’s Tape for road bikes, black for off road bikes. It’s one thing to keep the road machines pristine, but I’m not doing a full cleaning just because the trail has one mud hole.
@chuckp
Let’s see… spinacis, wireless computer, carbon fork.. pretty high tech for the early 90’s. 1994 is my best guess. Your jersey is a bit lumpy, though (insert smiley).
@Ron
The economics of this was similar to yours. I did look at a Van Dessel, too. Very nice, but not priced as well as this one. I threw on an old black Selle Italia SLK I had in the garage. Looked good in black but not as comfortable as the fizik. We’ll see how the white tape looks after it gets dirty. The red dirt and mud here tends to stain everything. It needs to be re-wrapped anyway, it’s not a very well done tape job.
I have a spare clincher wheelset for the road, too. It rides well, is light and stiff, but it still won’t replace my #1 steel bike for my normal road rides.
@MangoDave
According to my friend who took the pic, 1996. That would seem about right as that was when Spinacis were in full vogue in the pro peloton. Yeah, the jersey is a bit lumpy. That’s what happens when you’re a spindly little climber type … even a size small jersey is big.
@adrian
Hi. The Colnago Carbon Volo was manufactured in limited numbers (less than 200) and appeared only in the 1988 catalogue. It was produced in collaboration with Ferrari as a working prototype for the C35 which appeared the year after in 1989.
The differences between C35 and Carbon Volo are the curved forks and the integrated seatpost clamp (straight forks and a seatpost collar in the C35). These changes were made to simplify production and reduce mould complexity. Ferrari did not want it’s name associated with this model as it was considered a market testing prototype.
The Carbon Volo was Colnago’s first carbon composite monocoque frame – it is actually a carbon-kevlar composite. It was available with full Campagnolo C-Record gruppo and cost 3808000 Italian Lira in 1988. There is more information in the 1988 catalogue pages shown here.
The frame I have was painted from the factory by Carlo Dossena.
Hope this helps.
Just got a message this morning from Doriano. Bixxis is off to the painter now.
New go really fast wheel for the Number 1( yes..my track weapon is my Number 1)!
@fignons barber
There’s a Bixxis in my future, I just know it!
@Haldy
Does that say “Prima-Donna” on your top tube there???
@Buck Rogers
Yeah..me too!