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 EffectRule #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 BlackGuest 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 StableDialing in the Stable
    This 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 rugMatching the drapes to the rug
    As 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 HourFestum Prophetae: Waiting for the Hour
    Everyone 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 ...

15,871 Replies to “The Bikes”

  1. @G’rilla In light of this discussion, and assisted by the correct forks being reunited with the frame, I opted in the end for ditching both the disc and the mini-V and fitting some old mid-90s XT cantis and Tektro hangers. Awesome braking and the bike weighs just under 23lb now too.

  3. @DerHoggz

    @EricW

    Aluminum naturally oxidizes on the outside, which stops further oxidation. Perhaps the detergent does the opposite, strips away the surface and eats at it? Not really sure, but I use soapy water to clean down my bike sometimes, IIRC pro mechanics do too.

    Yep, that’s it.

    Aluminium oxide forms when raw aluminium is exposed to air/oxygen. It is stable in this environment. It is however very unstable in an environment with a high saline content or high pH environment.
    Witness how quickly raw aluminium corrodes in a marine environment.  From what I understand, dishwashing detergent has a high pH (base rather than acidic) and will attack unstable surfaces.

  4. @mouse

    @DerHoggz

    @EricW

    Aluminum naturally oxidizes on the outside, which stops further oxidation. Perhaps the detergent does the opposite, strips away the surface and eats at it? Not really sure, but I use soapy water to clean down my bike sometimes, IIRC pro mechanics do too.

    Yep, that’s it.

    Aluminium oxide forms when raw aluminium is exposed to air/oxygen. It is stable in this environment. It is however very unstable in an environment with a high saline content or high pH environment.
    Witness how quickly raw aluminium corrodes in a marine environment. From what I understand, dishwashing detergent has a high pH (base rather than acidic) and will attack unstable surfaces.

    like sock/ankle rub on the crank arm?

  5. @EricW

    @DerHoggz I use soapy water too, but maybe dishwasher detergent is crazy strong/caustic?

    Don’t dishwashers also use salt….I suspect this would make matters worse plus the temperatures are pretty high which would like be a catalyst/accelerent (can’t remember the correct word from my chemistry lessions) for any chemical reaction….

  6. @Deakus

    lesson learn’t from placing a aluminum baking tray and a aluminum meat tenderizer in the dish washer. NFG!

  7. @sthilzy @Deakus @Mouse @DerHoggz – I love that the main concern is what will happen to the bike parts when there are some hygenie issues and a major kitchen appliance at stake.  I guess since Maytag doesn’t make a carbon fiber model we assume they are expendable.

  8. @Oli

    @G’rilla In light of this discussion, and assisted by the correct forks being reunited with the frame, I opted in the end for ditching both the disc and the mini-V and fitting some old mid-90s XT cantis and Tektro hangers. Awesome braking and the bike weighs just under 23lb now too.

    Nice looking rig @oli. I still have some of those brakes in “storage”.

  9. @Skip

    @sthilzy @Deakus @Mouse @DerHoggz – I love that the main concern is what will happen to the bike parts when there are some hygenie issues and a major kitchen appliance at stake. I guess since Maytag doesn’t make a carbon fiber model we assume they are expendable.

    +1! Very much like my using a blanket I found in a box in the shop last week. Made the assumption (and we all know what that means) that it was going to Goodwill. It wasn’t, just out there temporarily during our home remodel. Turns out it’s impossible to get old Phil Wood grease out of white “Organic Egyptian Cotton”……….

  10. @Oli Such a nice bike. I’ve been following some of your riding exploits on that bike over on friendface. Great looking trails outside of town there. Also noteworthy you like the cantis over the mini-v’s. After switching over to mini-v’s 8 months ago I won’t look back. To each his own.

  11. The eldest Mini-Engine (14) plays water-polo to a very high standard and wants to make the national squad for the Commonwealth Games in 2014. Her skills and attitude are excellent but getting fit to the level she needs to be at is a struggle (you try keeping your teenager away from the TV). Obviously she swims a bit but that keeps the fitness level rather than raising it. Her coach has suggested that getting out on a bike would make a big difference to her cardiovascular fitness.

    She’s also watched me obsess about cycling for years and getting the chance to meet the track stars last week has has made a few more pennies drop.

    So out of the blue coming home from training last night she expressed a desire not only for road bike but quite specifically a steel ’80’s road bike (apparently they look cool).

    Anyway – I’d like to strike whilst the iron is hot but I’d also like to avoid spending money just in case this doesn’t work. I reckon a budget of £200 is available (we’re talking safe and operational here). Fleabay was my first thought and there’s some bids in but I’m all ears for alternatives and ideas.

  12. @the Engine Aside from Ebay, I found this cool site where some German guys restore classic steel frames and bikes.  The prices don’t look too bad given the condition of the bikes, but they are probably a bit above your 200GBP limit. http://steel-vintage.com/

  13. @the Engine I reckon that far more important than getting a “cool” bike is (especially for girls) is getting her a bike that fits and isgoing to run well. The chances of you finding a women specific 80s bike? Nil.

    I say spend a bit more to get an entry level women’s road bike. Fit is always the most important consideration – esp if u r wanting her to get into riding. And get herproperly by someone who knows how. Maybe try a few local clubs’ second hand sale boards ( don’t know if you have them)?

  15. @the Engine

    So out of the blue coming home from training last night she expressed a desire not only for road bike but quite specifically a steel ’80″²s road bike (apparently they look cool).

    Clearly eldest Mini Engine is her father’s daughter and been subconsciously influenced by the V. I coach teenagers and finding a decent quality road bike for a 14 year old girl is a challenge. £200 is very optimistic for something that will make her on the bike training comfortable and enjoyable. In my experience the female specific geometry is not necessary at this age although a female saddle is. We went for small frame off the peg at £500 each as club bikes. Trek or Giant were more readily available but options have increased in recent years. What about a nice steel single speed? Makes getting used to bike and gears a bit simpler and they are cool.

  16. @The Engine – yeah, cool is very important to girls (and women)…and men. my wife’s mountain bike is red if you ask her. I would say it is lightweight scandium with an XT/XTR mix that weighs in at around 24lbs for a full suspension….

    So colour and looks are very important. if she likes it, she’ll ride it more often. but fit is very important too, just gloss over those details with her as you sweat the fitting.

  17. @Skip – Nice site

    @Marcus – My LBS club hasn’t got a junior section (yet) – and now I’ve found my sensible head and got over the shock of her expressing a liking for classic steel something that fits and can take abuse is obviously the way to go

    @strathlubnaig – did you notice the Weinmann centre pulls and front fork lamp bracket from previous discussions on  http://www.gumtree.com/p/for-sale/viking-hosteller-bicycle/1003440263? Not being tech savvy Gumtree was previously unknown to me.

    @JohnB – I like your thinking and her guns will be like steel on a single speed round these parts – on the strength of about 10 minutes research anything around the £200 mark that is any good has either been worn out or unloved – LBS road going Trek is around the £500 level if you’re clever

    @Dan_R – Agreed – looks and colour matter

  18. @Marko Hi Marko, I don’t know if I like the cantis more than the Vs – I think the latter definitely work better, but it’s all about the looks for me so I just wanted the brakes to match front and rear and I only had the one pair of TRPs. Will test the cantis while I save up for a full set of the mini-Vs, I reckon.

  19. Although for you Oli this won’t be an issue, i found the mini-v’s irritating as shit because of you switched brake pads the futz factor to get em re-set properly was 5minutes of dinking because of the multi-directional near infinite adjustment.  I swapped em for cx50 and cx70 shimano canti’s, which approach road brake feel and do a reaonable job w mud clearing for cx. Put the v-brakes on the commuter for that extra power and no intention of dinking w the brakes and wheel choices…

  21. @Cyclops How is the toe clearance with a 73° head tube? I was noticing how much overlap I have on my road bike.

    I feel like a 73° head tube on a cross bike will be too steep and will steer too fast or the tire will overlap with your shoes.

    Or you’ll have to make the top tube really long to compensate.

  23. @DerHoggz Not true, it’s a combination of the three factors of head angle, rake and trail that really determines the quickness of handling, not one in isolation. A frame with a steep head angle and plenty of fork rake will handle fast while one with little rake will have more trail and handle slower.

  27. @TommyTubolare

    Mr T, may I get your opinion on something? I’m wondering if using a 10 speed Campagnolo chain tool would work for peening the rivet on 11 speed chains? Especially if one puts a solid metal backer bar behind the chain for the peening.

    grazie

  30. After getting my new bike, I have basically put my early 80s Fuji out to pasture.  Recently though, I have been just staring at it, and it is quite beautiful.  Towards the end, the 30 year old parts were all conspiring against me, so I couldn’t wait to upgrade.  While I definitely prefer my new bike, and it is undoubtedly “better”, I have come to appreciate the Fuji more.  I might build it into a commuter, but it would take a significant amount of coin at this point.  Somehow it is missing a chainring bolt, I don’t know how long that was like that, never thought to look.

  34. @Gianni

    It’s harder to do however if you got some mechanical skills it can be done.Both Campagnolo chain tools UT-CN 200 for 10 speed and UT-CN 300 for 11 speed use the same pin UT-CN 301.You have to modify your tool so that the chain rivet will not get pushed forward but will get blocked behind and then you can accurately deform/peen it.If you are thinking of buying a chain tool for Campagnolo chains and you have budget only for one tool 11 speed UT-CN 300 is your better option since you don’t have to peen 10 speed chain rivets and you can do the job well using any quality 10 speed chain tool.Good luck mate.

    http://www.euroasiaimports.com/productcart/pc/Campagnolo-UT-CN301-1733p18972.htm

  36. @TommyTubolare

    @Pedale.Forchetta

    Thanks for the information. I already have the beautiful 10 speed tool. Is there a better looking tool in the tool box? Not in mine. Hence the reluctance to invest in another but soon there will be two 10s and two 11s bikes in the family stable so it would be a useful thing to have.

  39. @Pedale.Forchetta

    Beautiful….I thought I had convinced myself I was going to stick with 10 speed centaur black come April when I move my current centaur back on to the rain bike and pop a new drive train on the Argon 18…..now I am not so sure again!

  40. @Pedale.Forchetta

    Ok fair enough. Speedplay would be my choice for this particular bike and cause it’s all Campagnolo but please ignore it completely and use what you like.It’s an awesome bike by the way.One thing though it’s either me or the photo or both but your front derailleur looks like it’s installed very high above the large chainring given that 1mm works the best and 3mm is the max.height.

  41. @Gianni

    @TommyTubolare

    @Pedale.Forchetta

    Thanks for the information. I already have the beautiful 10 speed tool. Is there a better looking tool in the tool box? Not in mine. Hence the reluctance to invest in another but soon there will be two 10s and two 11s bikes in the family stable so it would be a useful thing to have.

    Yeah Gianni 11 speed in mine so you really should get one too.

    Seriously though it’s a very well made tool and I wouldn’t mind to pay a bit extra if all the tools were as well made as this one.Since you need two tools for 11 speed from Park Tool to do the same job you are going to spend the same amount of money.No diss to Park Tool but Campagnolo tool is on a different level.If you can’t find it for a decent price where you live let me know.It was much more expensive when 11 speed first came out but now many shops have it for a decent price.

  42. @TommyTubolare I’m sorry to say that my technical knowledge is next to zero, that’s why I entrust my bike only to my dear friend and bicycle mechanic Roberto since 1990.

    Today I rode 150 km and more than 10 hills, I can say that everything worked great. Ciao!

  44. @Pedale.Forchetta

    @TommyTubolare It’s simple I like Shimano pedals!

    Gorgeous bike.  Our rides have a lot in common: same builder, Campagnolo gruoppos, Shimano pedals.  I need to post pics of mine and will once I get the steerer cut down.

  46. @Pedale.Forchetta

    @TommyTubolare I’m sorry to say that my technical knowledge is next to zero, that’s why I entrust my bike only to my dear friend and bicycle mechanic Roberto since 1990.

    Today I rode 150 km and more than 10 hills, I can say that everything worked great. Ciao!

    Hmmm, I think I’m gonna need some time alone with that photo later…that is absolutely beautiful.

  47. @Pedale.Forchetta

    It’s simple I like Shimano pedals!

    Good post. I understand now why I have been overlooking deals on Mavic Race pedals (chrome-moly spindle). I am interested in Shimano pedals R670 or R540 (chrome-moly spindle). Thanx

  48. Platform comparison of Mavic Race over Shimano R670

    a third wider. Good transfer!

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