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 ...
@Mirko
The bike looks good mate! Don’t let anyone give you shit about the shifter cables, mine are the same (2010 105 group-san) and I think it looks fine. The fat legs on the other hand need replacement.
Is a 12-27 Campa cassette exotic? I now have an extra set of wheels for two of my Campa-equipped bikes & I wanted to set them up as climbing wheels. Nothing too crazy or sustained where I live in terms of climbing, but some decent stuff. I think 27 should be enough but can’t seem to find it.
13-26 or 13-29 are available but seem strange. I’ve never ridden a cassette with the smallest being a 13.
@Simon
I have a set of Continental Pro Limited Competition ProTection 25mm that are pretty awesome. They’re used by some teams for spring classics. Gatorskin sidewalls, two layers of puncture protection, but still relatively light. Team issue only, so you can’t buy them retail, but they turn up on eBay regularly. Never used the Paves, so I can’t offer a comparison, just another option.
As for mounting fatties on normal tubular rims, that’s what everyone did, road or cross, before the recent wide rim trend. Just make sure your glue job is solid. Mavic’s narrow rims (e.g. the 18mm CX-18) used to come with a stern warning to never use a tire bigger than 20mm, but I’ve done so and somehow survived…
@Ron Campagnolo generally doesn’t do 12-27 AFAIK, just 11- or 12-25. The 13-tooth versions are the options if you want a bigger cog.
@Ron
Both 10 and 11 speed available.
http://www.planetcyclery.com/campagnolo-11-speed-cassettes/
http://www.planetcyclery.com/campagnolo-10-speed-cassettes/
Nate & Tommy – thank you! I’ll check those out.
Since I’m asking gear questions…I was looking to replace some Vittoria Evo Corsa CX tires (clinchers) and was told they have changed/updated this model. Anyone know about this? Also, seems tough to find them in 700x25s.
And do they make Veloflex Masters or Records in 25s? Checked the usual dealers I sometimes use and having a tough time sorting them out.
@Ron I’ve never had a problem finding the Open Corsas in 25. Just got this deal in my inbox in fact.
Looks like Veloflex make the Corsa and Master in 25 clinchers: http://www.veloflextires.com/.
@NateCampagnolo generally doesn’t do 12-27 AFAIK, just 11- or 12-25. The 13-tooth versions are the options if you want a bigger cog.
Wrong you are. I run 12-17. Your options are:
12-29 requires an extra bit on the rear mech.
@Jamie Yup, I stand corrected. Are they new this year?
@pistard
Thanks chap – I’ll look into them . Do they have the same sort of one-piece construction as the other conti tubs? I love conti clinchers but the one thing that’s put me off their tubs is the lack of repairability…never like chucking a 100$ tub in the bin cos it’s got a puncture…
@Jamie
13-26 is your closest. I often buy 13-26 cassettes. After they are run in the winter — take off the 23/26 spider from the back — take off the 13 first position — replace with a 13, 12, 11 first position. Now you have blended together an 11-21 for spring. I have also done this with new 13-26 cassettes from Ebay to make myself a new 11-21.
@Simon
@mcsqueak
nice shoes
@Jamie
I have a 12-28 on the stock shelf made by IRD. Are you guys talking 10 or 11sp? Centaur has a 12-30 and (why?) a 14-23.
Oh and I will have some Miche Supertype cassettes that are completely custom, which is pretty cool I think.
@Dan_R 14-XX is often considered a Junior cassette, to keep the gearing under whatever the limit is for sanctioned racing. And 14-23 is one of the few affordable straight blocks available these days.
@Simon
I’ve fixed a couple of conti tubs with tufo extreme sealant, for small holes. It won’t work for the issues with conti tubs tearing around the valves, but it’s better than tossing a tub with plenty of tread. The tufo – ed tires are relegated to spares/non race tires, but are still good.
Also, if you’re in the states, tire alert repairs tubs – they can replace inner tubes on stitched tubs, and replace base tape.
@pistard
Me like the look of them, very nice – will get looking. Veloflex Arenberg’s seem to get a good press too, so I shall see what turns up at the right price
@minion – no, in NZ – so forced to repair my own. I’ve never really tried sealant. Got to say, the Pave’s have never punctured on me, it’s more that they seem to cut a bit, and the wear isn’t the greatest…
Do bike endoresments come any better?
Not only am I lucky enough to be enjoying a sunny mediterranean training camp, but our group was joined today by Alex Dowsett (Movistar, ex-Sky) – not to put a bunch of chippers and club racers to the sword, but to ride out with us for the first hour and a half before heading off to torture himself with some paced riding. He joined in the rotation, happily talked away to all of us and was generally a thoroughly nice guy.
He also may have made my week, if not my season. His first comment on drawing alongside me (whilst I was riding my Stealth Bomber Look 695): “I like you’re bike, that’s really nice.” From a man on the latest Pinarello Dogma, Record EPS etc. who sees the latest that manufacturers have on offer, I was understandably quite happy. I did point out that his wasn’t exactly a shed either, he shrugged and said “Yeah, it’s alright…”
I was grinning like a berk for the rest of the ride. I’m glad he peeled off before we hit the hills though…
@Fausto Very cool – both the ride and the compliment.
I was having a look at some Looks at the weekend. Rather tasty.
@Chris
I’ve just seen another 695 whilst stopped for lunch (recovery day – half a pizza and a beer in the sunshine), only one I’ve seen this week. Union Flag Premium edition; looked very nice. Considering the number of riders out here I’m happy with the rarity value!
@Fausto The weather in Brizzle must be a hell of a lot better than it is Cambridgeshire. No sun, lots of rain and wind. It’s mildly comforting that it’ll probably be with you in a couple of hours.
Haven’t seen any cyclists out either. Not trying to give the impression that I was out riding, working from home doing crowd control and the little people needed get out of the house for a bit.
Ordered a Nobi RCB1 (standard) Rear Caliper Bracket directly to mount a GoPro on the rear. Video vantage point means that I should be riding on the front without riding off the front. And no shit attached to the bars either.
@unversio
That’s actually really brilliant. The typical front-facing camera mounting system leaves a lot to be desired, mainly that you’re usually treated to shots of people’s asses and not much else. Or if it’s hooked to a helmet, your view changes every time the person needs to look around.
@unversio That mount is pretty darn cool. I need to get a go-pro.
I was actually thinking a great mounting system would be something that went into the rear of the fizik saddles instead of a PRMS or a light. Though they should also make a mud-guard for that like i’ve seen in MSR… hello DIY!
Hah! I’m getting Maria (bike nr 1) some Campa delta brakes!
Felt like sharing.
@mcsqueak The Nobi is truly intended for race numbers. This was the most direct way to mount to the frame without fucking with the frame — and mount directly to the GoPro case or frame. I going to dummy it up with a worthless GoPro (out dated or broken for parts only from Ebay) to see how well it will work first. Then we will see…
@biggles
You’ll need to post photos. And remember, they aren’t for stopping.
@unversio I thought it was a number hanger. Is it stout enough to hold a camera, rather than a 5 gram number plate?
@biggles
Nice! May need to accessorize them with a T-shirt or two!
@Nate RCB is stainless steel and the GoPro is light. My son just got a Hero3 Silver edition and it has the appearance that it came out of a cereal box. Small and light enough for the RCB. But I am going to test the setup with an older GoPro and case to see how vibration over 4 hours will effect the hardware.
@sthilzy those are sweet tee shirts!
@unversio
I have both a GoPro3 and a no.bi number plate bracket – I must admit I hadn’t thought of combining the two, but I’m not sure the bracket will be strong enough, I think the vibration will stop it getting decent footage.
What does work is the K-Edge handlebar clamp on a 31.6 seatpost (providing your frame takes one, spacers work for anything smaller) and one of the selection of mounting brackets to mount the camera upside down behind the saddle. You can use settings to fool the camera into thinking it’s right way up. Nice solid mounting too.
@Chris
The key was in the previous post ‘Mediterranean training camp’ – definitely not Bristol! I’ve been outdone anyway; one of my mates ended up doing a short bit of climbing and descending with Sir Wiggo, got to shake his hand too. Safe to say we’re having a good time out here!
@Fausto You have a valid point. Experimentation required. May revert to a mount on the saddle rails.
K-Edge looks good too.
the bar and saddle rail mounts from k-edge are proper pieces. i wrapped the parts that clamp on with good ol electrical tape to prevent scuffs and such. the problem i’d see with the number holder thing is vibration as mentioned. that, and a big fat tire smack in the middle of the frame.
@roger We will see — 2mm stainless steel.
OK, honest question. I am aware that all things Trek draw scorn and ire from many of the Velominati. I, however, like the way they ride. and I think they represent good value for the money. I am currently testing a Madone 5 with full Ultegra. I like how it rides, and my LBS is offering me a smoking deal on the chartreuse and white one because the color isn’t selling and I could give a rats ass about the color.
I am fully aware, of course, of their sordid history with the Cotho, but I am really wondering if I should give a shit about that. I’ve tested the Colnago CX-1, the Biachi Siempre and the Orbea Orca. For the price, I like the Madone better. Should I be ashamed? Should I care? It’s not like I’m buying blood diamonds, or African ivory, or a coat made from baby seal hide.
Thoughts?
@Spun Up, Buy whatever you feel most comfortable with! I am not a Trek fan either but I have a Madone 5.2 for my winter/rain ride and I actually enjoy it. My main bike was also on your list and I like it even more though…the Orbea. Of course, you need to get what feels best to you and not worry about what some roadie elitists think.
@Dan
I’m helping to locate the Orbea North American headquarters here in Little Rock. I really liked the Orca Silver that I tested, but because i’m involved with the company, and an appointed official, state law says that I have to pay full price. Sucks.
@Dan Literally everyone here is an elitist roadie. It’s pretty much a requirement for reading the posts, let alone posting in the comments section.
@Spun Up simple answer is pick the one that’ll get you out on it at 5am in shit weather…
The BSO is barely a year old but it probably needs new wheels, cassette, chain, headset etc etc etc. If I get a new No. 1 it will become the winter bike so these bits will get up upgraded anyway but I would do it with used parts instead, bear in mind it did only cost £300. Obviously this is down the lines of Rule #12, but I can’t stretch to rule 25 as the tractor cost £75K ;) Budget probably £1K, use will be for sportives and riding on the rough tarmac known as A roads around here.
SOOOO am I snob for wanting a Bianchi? Always fancied the colour of them, no other brand has that sort of identity. Trek are ten a penny and even though Faboo has a trek it still smacks a bit of COTHO. Spesh Roubaix would do nicely but also common and it’ll only remind me I’ll never be TB. Colnago, well I can’t gurn like wee Tommy. Cervelo! Nahhh could never match Franks seat post height so it would make me feel inadequate. Boardman c’mon really, Pinarello ditto.
All comments derogatory or otherwise taken at face value and then ignored while I order Celeste Bianchi.
Oh oh, just remembered another good reason, Johnny Hoogerland rides a Bianchi ! He’s my hero (flutters eyelashes coquettishly)
Has anyone tried the Miche Primato cassettes for Campa? I found a review giving them solid marks, a lot cheaper than Campa (even at the Veloce level) easier to find 12-27, and this is going on a backup wheelset that will see only limited use, so not worried not having DA BEST stuff on there.
Also, a basic question so forgive me. I flatted on my commuter CX bike. Patched it, put the 25-28mm tube back in, remounted the tire, as I always do. The tube seems extra big though and doesn’t really want to fit in the tire. It leaves/has a lump in one spot where it is kind of folded over. Will the tube eventually work itself out?
I have run this tube/tire for 1.5 years, no issue, but wanted to figure this out. Thanks.
@the-farmer Bianchi is indeed as awesome as you make it out to be. Celeste is a glorious colour.
No matter what bike I’ll ride it’ll certainly have a ”Master says faster” bianchi decal on the stem.
Not that I’m easy or anything but that Celeste colour is proper good! Maybe not so much when Ulrich was covered in it but otherwise FAB.
Just a little bit in love right now!
@Ron I used a Miche 9 speed campy-compatible cassette and found the quality far from Campy-level. But for a rain bike or commuter it works OK. If it’s just a backup you can probably save some $ with it.
@Ron I ordered a Miche cassette last summer because I was looking for a 12-27, and I sent it back without installing it. Visually the quality seemed pretty janky — the cogs looked like they had been cast sloppily.
@Ron I’ve been using a 12-27 MIche cassette with 10S Chorus for 2 years without a problem. But it is noisier, and being steel rather than ally, it’s also about 100g heavier than a Campa cassette.