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 ...
@Deakus
I’ve gotta say the ball bag dose take away from the shot and always dress the big ring, she looks cold. Now the bush you stuck it in at least find her a rose bush next time. What really caught my eye is how clean the lines are very nice N1 mate.
@ Deakus Forgot to change the recipient to @ Brian
good point about the big ring,Russ. i’ll have to remember that, cheers.
@thebaron Yes it is. It’s all about looking PRO! That said, it descends just like the YouTube says it should! The wheels are a feathery 1200ish grams. You can really feel the power of the stroke on the up hill.
@Dan_R sorry but that’s a bike that should never have Group-San anywhere near it…
@piwakawaka
Well?
@Mikael Liddy
I’m selling mine if you’d like to upgrade your Fondriest…
@Mikael Liddy
Correct. No closer than than the split second you draw level with the Trek as you whip past in the bunch sprint…
By way of introduction (and I know this is a different league, I hope I’m not lowering the tone), here’s my ride. As I mentioned elsewhere, I’m very new to road bikes and serious cycling generally, having previously only abused a series of poorly-maintained commuter bikes.
Looking after this a bit has opened my eyes. At the risk of sounding even more like a wide-eyed newbie, cleaning out the drive-train and putting on a new chain has given me at least two cogs worth of power since I bought this a few weeks ago, as well as smoother shifting. I haven’t quite got it to fulfilling the Principle of Silence yet, but I’m working on it. Mainly by trying to find where the hell the odd noise is coming from (a bit from the chain somewhere, a rattle from the right brake lever when I take my hand off the hood). I’m not quite sure about the bar position yet, as having it flat leaves the hoods pointing a little far up for my liking and the brake levers sticking out away from my fingers when they’re in the drops, and my fingers are on the long side.
Anyway, the moderate hills around Wuppertal are currently enough for me to imagine I’m climbing mountains, so there’s a long way to go.
@andrew
Looks pretty faultless to me – hello @andrew
@the Engine
Ah, hello back and good to hear, thanks.
@andrew Fine looking ride there Andrew. Welcome to the fold.
@andrew
Now that is how to introduce yourself…..welcome. You are already a cut above some of the flamers and heathens we have had recently, and if you are pedalling that steed around I am sure you will be receiving admiring glances all round from those who follow the path! Don’t worry about lowering the tone there is not much room below me!
@andrew Gorgeous bike, looks great.
Can we have some closeups – show us your lugs son.
Bollocks! Took my N1 in for service today, ahead of a trip to Italy in 3 weeks and got a call to let me know they’d discovered a small crack in the frame on the underside of the BB. Frame to go back to Cervelo under warranty for replacement. That process is likely to take a couple of months. I could be angry but have to thank the LBS for spotting it.
@ChrisO Can do, as soon as there’s decent light again tomorrow. I’m not really sure it’s worth too much scrutiny — I figured when I got it that I needed something I wouldn’t cry over if I hit the tarmac trying to unclip and the paint’s not flawless, even if the chips reveal the whole frame’s chromed. Now I’m on the look-out for n+1, especially after reading It’s All About the Bike, and I’m learning more about what I really want.
I’m lucky in that s-1 is some way off, as my wife has more bikes than I do and likes tweaking derailleurs at least as much. I’d post a shot of her ’80s Guerciotti, but it has some converted bullhorn handlebar arrangement that I can’t bring myself to take seriously.
@Mike_P
And..all good things come to those who wait..er Brand New Frame..HELLO!
@Deakus
Oh I’m pleased in lots of ways, not least being that it’s been found now and not while I’m slogging up or flying down the Dolomites, but it’s N1 and holds a special place. But like you say; new frame! Plus, N2 gets to come and play for a while which is going to be fun. Now I wonder if they’ll decide to give me that R5 Project California frame??? Think I know the answer.
@Mike_P Funnily enough my N1 (Argon 18 Gallium) went back to the outpatients department for minor surgery on Sunday. Over torq’d seatpost collar…(not me I hasten to add).
She will be in bed for a week which means the alu Rain bike comes out of the bike hotel and in to use…vivre la difference!
@Deakus
Bien sur. VLVV
@the Engine
rolls saddle ,classic m8.
@andrew
Looks great. With that kind of bend on the bars they are at the limit of upward rotation, between there and having the drops parallel with the ground is proper. So you were correct in your assessment of not rotating them up more/
@DerHoggz
Yup, wouldn’t want to move the bars too much (if at all). Probably more a case of correcting the hood placement.
@Harminator
Unless you’re planning on giving it away to charity I think it might be beyond my budget…I may also need to move to Frank-esque seat post levels to compensate for the height difference.
@andrew
Firstly, congrats on such a styling steed. Secondly, I’m an Aussie moving to Aachen, Germany next month, keen to cycle and drink wheat beer if you are interested.
First time poster, long time reader, stunning blog guys.
@Mikael Liddy
Having said that @Mikael Liddy, I would generally agree with you given your from my neck of the woods, but, If you look at the curve from the top of the bars it seems to flow nicely into the curve of the hoods, BUGGER the function, I reckon the form looks about right. Either that or I’m wrong
In my humble opinion, the bars should be rotated down a poofteenth. A bit more like this:
@andrew
That’s a beauty. That vintage of Shimano 105 was perhaps the best functioning grouppo ever made. I bought that same set in 7th grade (who knows what year, 1989 or 90?) and I still have it in various states around on a few bikes. Bombproof and functional. And, I always loved the feel of those hoods.
Great score, very nice build. Rotate the bars down a degree or V and you will be able to get to the brakes easier and still have good access from the hoods.
That bike is screaming for some Scott Drop-Ins.
Oh, and that’s my favorite saddle ever. Just rode mine again this weekend. Masterpiece of ass craft right there.
Here’s my Rolls on the steel…
And a gratuitous shot of the sexy-ass Campa brake levers.
@brett not quite right, yet
Thanks for the kind words!
@frank: I’ve adjusted the bars a little and I think I’m happier — a ride this evening will tell the tale. It’s good to hear about the group-san; impressive, though I guess I shouldn’t be surprised, that you can put model and year on it from that one shot! I figure it will be n2 soon enough, and a solid set of components will make for a good rain bike.
Scott drop-ins are new to me, though I’ve found the shots of LeMonster here in `90. I guess it’s an era thing?
@frank and @brian: I like this saddle a lot. It had a Selle Italia Sprint on it at first, nice enough in suede, but I have wide sit-bones for a skinny guy, and the Rolls suits me far better. My arse hasn’t complained at all since the swap.
@mouse, @derHoggz and others re the hoods: I hadn’t realised these were adjustable, so when I get around to putting on some nicer bar tape, I’ll have a look at that, thanks everyone for the pointers.
Here are a few more shots post adjustment, with lug action for @ChrisO… I do like the chrome.
Oh and @copaking, sorry I missed responding before — Aachen is a couple of hours from here (by train… I haven’t ridden it yet) and I’m there semi-regularly for work, so definitely get in touch once you’re here! I’m sure that’s some pretty serious cycling country out there.
@andrew
Glad you cast some light on those details – very nice bike; funky paint job.
@all
I have recently fallen for the idea of vintage steel as n+1 and want to ask you guys how period specific you feel you need to be on your old steels. It seems that downtube shifters are de rigeur but what about pedal cages? Any other items you feel are essential to the experience of retro riding or those you feel are worthy of time shifting forward?
@andrew
With your adjustment, your bars look just right. I don’t think you need to adjust your levers at all. Generally, the lower tip of the brake lever should be in line with the bottom of the drops.
great looking bike!
welcome.
@andrew @mouse yeah I stand corrected, that’s done it beautifully. @Barracuda was right in that the bars were flowing in to the hoods perfectly, hope it’s comfy.
Having some serious N+1 itches that absolutely cannot be scratched at the moment…on the hunt for something reasonably classic that can serve as a single speed commuter for very little outlay & coming up donuts.
@Bespoke Yes, the paint job… very ‘circa 1990’ and a little flash — I’m enjoying it.
FWIW, this had toe-clips on it to start (white Christophe leather straps) which I switched out, at least partly because it was difficult to find shoes with a suitable ridge in the sole to really use them properly — from what I’ve read, this was de rigeur, but I could easily be wrong on that. I’ll probably put them on a steel commuter one day, more for aesthetics than anything else, when I don’t want/need them to be tight enough to make a difference to pedalling.
@Bespoke
Personally, unless you want to grow a horrible giant ‘stash and ride the strade bianchi in a wool uni-tard I would forgo the pedal cages. @Rob likes them but I think they suck. I started with a steel bike, then another steel bike. Over time the second bike, the better one (not the Peugeot) got upgrades like clipless pedals and ergo shifters. The ride is the same, the amenities have been improved and it’s a better bike for it. That’s just my opinion.
Whew, finally some passable photos of N+1. It’s the first “new” bike in 13 years?! The frame was purchased on ebay from Andy in Grand Junction, Co. It’s a 2007 custom for Andy who is a little short than I. Andy took such good care of it that I was nearly buying a brand new bike. I installed the Campagnolo Chorus and stole wheels from the merlin.
It fits very well, it’s much lighter than the merlin, it’s just as comfortable on shiet roads. What’s not to love? I just couldn’t get a Lightspeed carbon/Neil Pryde/Trek/Scott. I had serious carbone for a Colnago C-59, considered asking them to let me test one and never giving it back. For some reason a carbon lugged frame was necessary and Serotta’s fanaticism speaks to me.
I just put on the selle SMP, which I dig, I feel a post on those saddle coming on.
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@Gianni
I understand and, thanks for the reply. So, you’d be a fan of these: http://www.jaguarspeedster.com/: beautiful E-type lines but with upgraded working parts. Thing is, I have a penchant for old things: a cedar strip canoe and an older Italian roadster are my artifacts of self-propelled mobility that fit the equation n+1, so connoisseurship and stewardship is part of the attraction. I have, however, never felt compelled to wear period specific clothes while in either although I do find older wool sweaters quite aesthetic.
As with most things bicycle related, I’m on a steep learning curve. On that note and on my route to V-ship, I just flipped my stem and placed the 5mm spacer on top of the stem in preparation for my ride tomorrow! I’ll see if my back can take it. The bike sure does look a whole lot better.
@Gianni It sure looks like a new bike, the color seems to come alive in the sun light. What color is it?
@Gianni
Sweet. The story of the acquisition reminds me of how I got a gently-used Erickson in the late 80s. Stole it, rode it, loved it, and (fuck!) eventually sold it. Please keep us up to date on the narrative of your relationship with this ride.
Not frame-specific, but I’d like to know more about the SMPs. They look so strange.
@Bespoke
Exactly, sitting on the side of the road, hood up, fucking about with finicky British carbs, a lot of them, life is too short. And those are good looking cars.
I get the need for authentic old machinery. In fact riders should try toe clips and the cleated shoes just so they appreciate how sucky they are. Downtube shifters are fine but toe clips are like using leeches to pull toxins out of the body: sure it may work but why bother.
@Russ
It’s a carbone clear coat with a ruby red tint added. It might be a little faded, now it is more root beer candy color. Down by the BB it is still red.
@PeakInTwoYears
Yeah, it was quite a long hunt. Big frames don’t show up too often. But then there are less people to bid against. The SMP saddles are a very interesting design, bizarre looking yet highly functional ergonomic items. I’ll explain more in an article but I’m a convert.
@Gianni
That’s a stunner. The white stem and seat post collar, tape and saddle are the perfect touch.
And say yes to lugged carbon; i’d be interested to see a discussion on this type of construction vs. monocoque.
@Gianni
@Gianni
Let me know when this is going down, got to get the popcorn popping.
@Gianni
YES to Selle SMP. Aids performance on and off the bike.
@Marcus
Too bad they look like shit.
@Marcus
While we are on the subject, I recently changed from a Selle Italia to a Specialized Romin , also much better for both bike and extra curricular activities.
@Barracuda
Yep, Romin’s the go
SMP v Romin v Fizik Whatever v Whatever… We all know everybody’s taint is shaped differently. But it’s still good to hear what people’s taints are telling them. And caveat emptor taintus, obviously.