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 ...
Merckx 525 and a Belgian signalman
@freddy
Superb! I bet he can still smash it too…
Just finished this build up last night. First ride will be tomorrow with weldertron and his crew. Should be a blast, mud and snow!
@roger Fuck my tits that is ace. Kilroy looks scared.
When are you bringing it out here?
@roger
loving this…
Sorry roger, but a crash on the mtb is going to have me sitting this one out. I can barely do the 7km commute without wanting to call the broom wagon.
That being said, Bitchin’ bike!
@roger stunner
@roger
Oh mommy. A Ti Seven with those fine rose Chris King disc hubs. You are in deed the Man. Go crazy tomorrow.
@roger
Roger, I can’t add anything crept your going to blind some unsuspecting squirrels tomorrow! That package is rad.
Give my best to Buck and all – have fun!
@Weldertron sorry to hear buddy. i ran into a bunch of your mates down here. Didnt get a chance to introduce myself as i was huffing and puffing to keep on a wheel. I hope they all had a great time!
I don’t know shit about CycloCross bikes – but I think I want one. I think it would be a blast to ride some rougher terrain as well as the streets of downtown Toronto.
Ridley is pulling out of all bike stores in Canada in favour of one large national retailer. The bike stores and the previous importer are pissed about it and are blowing out all their Ridley product at what seems to be a rather good deal.
I can buy this 2014 Ridley X-Fire with Sram Rival for $1999 – regular retail is $3000.
Bike details are here:
http://www.livetoplaysports.com/news-press/?p=2979
Am I missing anything here? Good deal? Good bike?
I have cleaved the ram’s horn in two by wrapping white tape on an all black Merckx. The ZIPP tape had been in the toolbox for more than a year and felt obligated to use it up. And made the bars more level in the process.
@roger
@kixsand
I’m not an expert on ‘cross bikes, but I know that there’s one major difference inside the family: the bottom bracket height. Ridley is part of the “Northern European” branch of the family, with a high bottom bracket. Most Italian and many US ‘cross frames have a low bottom bracket, although that is a generalization as more than a few US ‘cross frames also have a Belgian-style high bottom bracket.
The theory behind a high bottom bracket is that you can more effectively pedal around turns, particularly off-camber turns. It can have a distinct effect on the handling of the bike, though. My #1 has a bottom bracket drop of 72mm. My ‘cross bike has an “American” drop of 68mm. Although plenty of criterium-style road bikes have a 68mm bottom bracket drop, to me it feels more like I’m riding on top of the bike rather than on the bike. It’s subtle, but noticeable. My current graveur is a converted LeMond Poprad with 75mm drop, and I really like it’s ride.
Ridley uses a 60mm bottom bracket drop, I think. I could look it up, but I’m too lazy. You should, though. And test ride one. See if you like it. You might not mind it.
For more discussion on the topic, check out: http://belgiumkneewarmers.blogspot.com/2008/01/low-slung-fun.html
@kixsand Do it! And sign up for this, on Sunday: parisancaster.com
@cognition
Excellent advice and something to be aware of …when I’m riding my new Ridley X-Fire that I bought about 2 hours ago!
The bottom bracket is quite a bit higher than my roadie to be sure. Hopefully I don’t find it to be an unpleasant difference. I’ve always felt that different can be a good thing…push you out of your comfort zone a little bit…force you to use different muscles and maybe make you a stronger cyclist.
@bespoke
That’s so funny that you say that. The owner of the store was all over me to ride that race on Sunday too. I really wish that I could have – looks to be a great event and a fitting christening for a new bike! He even said they’d put a rush on the build and have it ready for me to pick up tomorrow if I wanted to enter. However, I have an early afternoon commitment to play father and son hockey with my oldest and I cannot miss that.
@kixsand please see Rule #11
Although you are in the part of the country that’s still in the solid grip of winter…
https://twitter.com/NASA/status/459312837043556352/photo/1
Further to my issues with the BarFly Spoon breaking my Garmin. BarFly actually have been quite interested in my opinion and have offered me a refund. However, I had modified it to pack the gap with a couple of small rubber pads and that seemed to stop the Garmin vibrating so as they seemed the only game in town I decided to keep it. Interestingly though, yesterday they sent me an email saying that they were issuing a voluntary recall on the Spoon as they had found faults in the manufacturing process leading to bubbles in the plastic and suspected mine would have the same and told me to stop using it immediately. So I guess they’ve had some break. So if you are using a BarFly Spoon suggest you contact them and probably make sure you have a tether on the Garmin.
In the interim I came across this http://www.racewaredirect.co.uk/#/shop/4559567829/New-Garmin-200-500-800-Integrated-Mount/7420891 and have just received it. It has a flush base so should not have the problem I mentioned a little while back. Not put it on the bike yet but it looks decently made and certainly appears to hold the Garmin securely. So another option for integrated bars. Interestingly they are produced on a 3D printer.
@DeKerr
Cool and beautiful image DeKerr – so strange to see something so incredibly large in one tiny image, and at such fine detail. It is definitely a reluctant departure of winter in most parts of Canada.
@kixsand Enjoy your new ride. If you’re fast, you could still ride P2A and have time for hockey – the Canadian doubleheader? There is a shorter route from St. George to Ancaster as well, if that helps your timing.
After weeks of thinking it over, and continuing to get ever more annoyed at the beating my back has been takIng on the roads in my area, I took the plunge and bought the BMC GF01 I’ve been eyeing. 6 hour shake down ride today, with a couple of setup tweaks enroute and it’s assumed N1 status. Just need to put the Ambrosios, vittorias and rotunda bars on and it’ll be sorted.
Posted over on the FB page of Luca Scinto, DS of Team Fluoyellow. I think a very tasteful use of fluoness, alloy training wheels, and Cipo flare. And where does one acquire a fluo selle italia turbomatic?
My first proper road bike – classic look and feel in modern Columbus steel.
Checking first with those that appreciate value and a bargain. Anyone interested in Selle Italia Turbomatic Team Edition Saddle // 153×275 mm //75.00 and free shipping
@rfreese888 that’s a pretty bloody good start. Bel Mezzo!
@rfreese888 Super sexy; I like those Condors.
As pretty much no-one gets to post a bike picture without someone pointing out at least one infraction of cycling aesthetics, I will say this: it would just a little more pro and sexy without the wee black caps on the inner-tube valves.
Guys – just swapped out the DA-7800 for Record EPS. The black EPS definitely is better looking and more suited to the frame. Wheels are next on the list, looking for something black, a clincher suitable for some hilly terrain. Maybe some Cafe Roubaix Haleakalas? I will have to swing through Cochrane in the next few weeks on a ride and see….
@GogglesPizano just because that’s a sexy fucking bike & it’s tough to pick much wrong with it I’m gonna have to pull you up on the Rule #26 violation…
@Mikael Liddy
Yeah I was just so excited to pull it out of the truck I also forgot to close front brake, and also in small cog at rear. Of course naturally after getting new gear am faced with 4-5 days of solid Rule #9 conditions starting tomorrow morning.
@GogglesPizano
That frame …. i’ll have one thanks !
@GogglesPizano
These with Yellow bar tape Boom!
Whoops…file was too big, it chopped a few off-
@piwakawaka
Those Mavics with yellow tape with matched brake cables and saddle? although these below are unmatched…. hadn’t thought about throwing a highlight colour in there somewhere. That would be pretty fucking cool looking that’s for sure
@GogglesPizano yours will look better.
@Haldy
You were doing well until I spotted the various EPMS’ and then the family sized holiday luggage strapped under the saddle of the second in line from the right. WTF??
A beautiful line-up though.
@Teocalli
So much of what we use in everyday life could be and I think will be produced on 3D printers in the future. How long til we see one of the major bike manufacturers piloting the process, I wonder?
@Mike_P
The big satchel protects the precious cargo that is my spare FMB tire for the glorious Nemesis wheels on my DeRosa. The quirky nature of Seattle weather( it can rain on you at any moment on mnay days..) and all the grit/grime we have on the road as a result makes me want to protect the cargo as I have had many spare tires( of much lesser quality) just get savaged sittin tucked under the saddle. Here is a pic of it without the Holiday luggage next to my Masi( that only sees dry sunny days and thus has a properly adorned spare) which wasn’t in the other pic.
I am still suffering from the sucker punch in the jaw I got this morning by way of Facebook. I awoke to scan the usual doggerel and saccharine comments about babies looking “the cutest in an Epoch” and then my world fell apart really.
As a fan and owner of several Parlee cycles, they often make kind suggestions as to where I might like to take the direction of my next build by posting true beauties which, I dare say, not only adhere to the rules but often add weight to their very definition alone.
So what the blue fuck is the below?
I can spot several rule violations to start with. Never mind the fact that I am now going to have to destroy all of my Parlee cycles just in case someone asks if I have this model. I couldn’t possibly be held responsible for my reaction.
Wow – who knew that a Cyclocross bike could be so much fun? Not me!
Here she is after my first ride – I was quite pleased by the amount of mud on the bike and on the majority of bits between my head and toes. Spraying my feet with freezing water in near freezing temperatures was oddly refreshing and I might even say, enjoyable.
Comments made here together with my own observations about the high bottom bracket of the ridley had me a little worried about the rideability of this bike. I didn’t get a test drive prior to buying, so I had no idea what to expect. Climbing aboard I definitely felt like it was a higher perch than I was used to with my road bike. I was also offended by the inverted stem bringing those handlebars up high and tight but decided to give them a chance – assuming that the Belgians know a little something about CX geometry and appropriate ride position.
I would say that it took less than 20 minutes before the bike felt natural. Having the handlebars a little closer made it easier to take on the technical bits of trail. That high bottom bracket was aces when it came to pedaling around tight corners. The bike seems well suited to the task of riding in the muck and the slop and over roots and trees the like.
I live in the heart of Toronto. Any of my proper road bike rides involve a 20 – 40 minute drive to get out of the city into an area where a ride can be properly enjoyed with a higher degree of safety than is afforded by the potholes and busy streets of Toronto. You’d think that there wouldn’t be much for trail riding in the heart of Toronto but there are all sorts of options near my house that take me away from people and traffic and bring me closer to nature and the simplicity of making a bike go as fast as possible. I rode for about 75 inutes on this day and the workout I got in that time was better than I could have done on the roadbike with the same amount of time at my disposal.
I am so glad that I pulled the trigger on this bike. So much fun.
What part of Toronto? My dad lives there. Apparently there are some decent trails along the D.VP.
@Weldertron
The mud that you see in the picture above is from the Don Valley. I live in the Yonge and Eglinton area of the city…sort of right smack in the middle. It’s about a 10 minute ride to the valley from my house. There’s a lot of great trails well suited to a cross bike in the valley that will basically let you traverse the entire citry from north to south.
There are also a whole series of very technical and difficult mountain bike trails that I used to ride – severe erosion has left many trails with networks of raised and exposed roots that make riding extremely interesting. The severe slope always means a fall of several meters on one side when you do take a tumble – I’m too old for that shit now.
@Mike_P
It’s happening now! Not really piloted by bike manufacturers.
http://www.renishaw.com/en/first-metal-3d-printed-bicycle-frame-manufactured-by-renishaw-for-empire-cycles–24154
@Bianchi Denti
Take this to the bank: if a pro crashed on this bike, M. Signalman would stand dutifully like this beside said pro got up or the team car arrived. He sure as hell wouldn’t be begging his douchebag friend to take a picture.
@Haldy Rule #12 also applies to guitars I’ve learned. I’ve also learned that in practice, eventually critical mass can be reached. That is the point at which a new guitar could be brought in to the house w/o anyone noticing. Thereby making S-1 a non issue. Yes, critical mass is good. Guitars are a bit different than bikes however as guitars can be spread around the house. Bikes in the bedroom? N+1 to critical mass with the bikes will be a challenge though it’ll be worth the effort. Anyone still maintaining and riding a bike with down tube shifters is a cool cat. Cheers
@wilburrox
Fortunately for me…my VMH is my size, therefore all my steeds( albeit with a shorter stem) fit her. So when I make additions to the fleet, it’s another bike for her to ride as well. Thanks for the compliments on the Masi…finding that baby was a minor miracle( it was NOS when I found it!!)) and is oh so glorious to ride.
The Gravel Bike is 99% done. just need to drill ad install some riv nuts to get a seat tube bottle cage mounted and cut the top off that steer tube.
What year frame is it? My 2012 has seat tube bottle bosses.
@Weldertron
Yup, Its a 2012 and no seat tube bosses.
Fango pre- Paris-Ancaster last Sunday.