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 ...
@Mike_P
Maybe my ambition should be a classic from each decade since the 60s!
@Teocalli
Currently seeking out a reputable frame set from the 60s. What are the classics from the 60s ??
@Teocalli
Columbus or Dedacciai ??
@unversio
Pinarello specified their own Steel that they called Forma. Doubtless though it was one or the other bought in with some tweak. Given that they used Columbus prior to that maybe it was a collaboration with them but I don’t know for sure.
Re the 60s rather depends on whether you want English classic or Euro. This is a decent site to take a wander through.
http://www.classiclightweights.co.uk/builders/guide-to-lightweights-waters.html
@Teocalli My own superstition compels me to always look for Italian threads.
@unversio
Try: http://www.retrospectivecycles.com/pages/vintage-italian-road-bike-manufacturers
Because our house also has a young lady that digs bikes as much as her father. And will likely ride them faster in very near future. I have n+1 squared going on… believe me when I say I have more fun obsessing over my daughter’s bikes than I do my own. And this bike was just put together and piloted to a gold medal in AL State Jr’s Road Race Championship this past w/e. The chainrings are cyclocross w/the big at 44 matching up with a 12 on the cassette for just under 26′ roll out on 23mm tires. So she’s running a 44/36 and a full 11 sp 12-28 with no need to block our any cogs. Perfect. The group san includes what is probably best mech FD available today and she has no issue making full use of the chainrings and has even taken to making the 1 or 2 shifts on the rear to marry up best with a shift on the front. Some folks just get it. We have side loader bottle cages to best fit on the 49cm alloy frame set. It all comes in right at 16lbs with cage and pedals. And its BLACK ! I like black. But best of all, she loves it, Cheers all…
@cognition We have four Megalized bikes in our garage and they all get raced and properly taken care of. Yea, BIG companies do some stupid things BUT they can also do some really cool BIG things and I respect the company. I like the history. I like what they’re doing today. Mostly anyways (hyper green ?? Evade helmet ?? meh). No one can argue that there a lot of good people working for the outfit that love bikes and cycling. The idea behind the Roubaix bike, which Boonen has used to crush cobbles, has been followed by every other company. Their new Epic bikes are flat out phenomenal. They support pro cycling in a BIG way including the ladies. And I like your bike ! Cheers, RC
@wilburrox that is both awesome and daunting (from a potential cost perspective) in equal parts!
@Mikael Liddy yea… the cost side of the equation… When your 10 yr old daughter is flying close to 40 mph down a hill on the wheel of bigger kids, the cost side has a different perspective. And watching her attack a 13 yr old young man going up a hill? What a hoot. My previous n+1 obsession was guitars and after reaching critical mass (a new one could come in to house unnoticed), they’ve that had to take a back seat to the bikes. I’ve even sold a sweet PRS to help cover a HED wheel set and some misc goodies. The thing with guitars is that well bought ones never really lose value. This one here, with more than a little mojo, is good ex:
@il muro di manayunk I love the Ardennes wheel sets… wider, in my mind, is a concept proven.
[dmalbum: path=”/velominati.com/wp-content/uploads/readers/EBruner/2014.09.10.19.18.01/1//”/]
My regular rotation.
Merckx help me. I’m in a crisis.
I’m in the position to pick up a n+1 to improve on my current stable of n=1 at 60% of retail (as a result of it being used as a demo for less than 200km). I even have the VMH’s permission and encouragement to upgrade my ride due to my having made significant improvements in my riding over the season and looking to race (as an middle aged citizen) next year.
Here’s the rub… even at 60% of retail it would require some serious juggling of the finances to achieve, and second… the n+1 is this which I would be upgrading from that, which is a huge jump and one that I question if I’m really worthy of. I mean, once I’ve got this the only place to go, it seems, is there.
This matter was briefly discussed by firelight at the Hurricane Cogal with @cognition raising some good points in support of temperance. I guess I just need a few more.
@DeKerr , in short “JFDI”
More to the point, why not.
I did a similar N+1 two years ago after a neck injury, Trek USPS edition to a Fuji SST. More bike than Ill ever need but love every minute of it.
@Gianni ‘s article on “Define Cyclist” sums it up.
@DeKerr DO IT!
Temperance be damned. Money can be re-earned, and having recently got on board the R3 featured a little further up the page, I’ll happily attest to just how good the R series bikes are. Oddly enough I was never all that keen on Cervelos until I rode that bike, opinion has most certainly changed.
Why buy a bike that’s better than you as a rider? So you have the perfect reason to get out of bed & make sure the engine befits the wheels.
Are you “worthy?” I don’t even understand the question. You’ve got VMH approval. You obviously want the bike, a very nice bike. And you said “juggle finances,” not “sell child’s kidney.” Yeah, I don’t get it.
But if you want an answer, it is “yes.”
@wilburrox Yeah, the Ardennes really are fantastic. I’ve had them about a month and I couldn’t be happier with them.
They turn my Rubino 23s into nearly 26s. I like that they can be run at lower pressures so it feels like they are just gliding over bumps and cracks in the pavement. And they do feel a bit more sure in the corners.
@DeKerr
I don’t know that I’m the voice of temperance. I’m nearing s-1 over here. I just pointed out that you can get some screaming deals on the used market.
Secondarily, though, “don’t race what you can’t afford to replace”. Heard it back in the late ’80’s, but it still applies today. An aluminum race bike with ultegra or even 105 is more than enough bike to start racing on, and wouldn’t leave me terrified of someone else causing me to crash. Just my $0.02; I don’t know that I’d race my #1.
That said, you’re a strong enough rider that you clearly put in the time. And there’s something to be said for getting the bike you really want, rather than gradually spending a bit more every year or two as you upgrade parts and bikes. There’s a good article on that somewhere here.
What you really need is n+2. A great bike, and another to race!
@DeKerr you would be insane not to take advantage of that deal. Do IT!
@DeKerr re my latest Pina my riding buddy said Why? So I just said Why not?
i.e. Do It!
The only justification needed is whether you will appreciate riding it, being worthy of it in the manner you state does not come into the question.
@DeKerr Do it. This is not an impulse purchase. You’ve consulted the VMH and received a green light. You know this is a good deal. Ask yourself, will this deal be on the table in 6 months time? I doubt it. In 12 months time will you be kicking yourself if you don’t do it? Probably.
A year ago I got a screamingly good deal on my #2 – carbon/alloy mix frame, full 105 and nice wheels for under $1K. Did I need it? No. Am I happy I have it? Yes. Do I ride it? Yes? Would I have regretted not buying it? Yes.
Juggle those finances.
@DeKerr
Beyond my earlier comments, you don’t need to worry about “not having anywhere to go” from the R5. You just have to start looking at gravel bikes, cross bikes, mountain bikes, track bikes, etc…
@cognition yes, the adage “don’t race what you can’t replace” is definitely words to live by. I also don’t intend to be the plonker showing up for his first race on something like an R5. Which leads to the added challenge in this dilemna of keeping the V-fund somewhat intact for shit I’m sure to break next year.
@Barracuda, @Mikael Liddy, @wiscot @RedRanger, @Teocalli, @PeakInTwoYears thank you for your encouragement. This was the rational and thoughtful discourse I was expecting on the topic, although I am somewhat disappointed that no one has referenced Rule #5 or gone straight to telling me to pull my head out of my ass.
Part of me has enjoyed using the old 1500 to pass riders on far superior bikes, but perhaps it truly is time to upgrade and do my time in the wind.
@cognition
………..Vintage bikes
For Throwback Thursday, here’s a relic for you.
This was my second somewhat-decent mountain bike, a 1993 Trek 930. I destroyed it in less than a year due to my commute across Puget Sound on the foot ferry. The salt water ate this poor machine alive, and compelled me to never buy a steel bike ever again.
Trick components of the era include a re-branded Tange Struts “Shockwave” elastomer fork and a sweet purple-anodized fork brace. As you can see I we still rocking the toe clips at the time, but I’d soon move to SPDs, as I collected parts for my next bike by hanging them on this one. I sold it to a guy that also rode the ferry, and I watched it gradually decay in his less-caring hands.
I was in college for commercial photography at the time, and this was in my final portfolio. Looking back, I see that I missed getting the valve stems at 12:00 like they should be, but at least I got the tire labels lined up.
@wilburrox
Beautiful! Never sell it!
@ChrissyOne Wo, I thought that shot was from a catalogue, nice!
@DeKerr
Mate, you got permission, you should do it. I was in the same position, we’d just had another kid, busting our asses, tight finances with a little left, and the VMH said I should get my #1. I did feel iffy at the time for going through with it, spoiling myself etc etc, but I love that bike and it has brought me a lot of good times and will bring a lot more. I think if I didn’t get it at the time, I would now be regretting the missed opportunity.
Finally, here’s one for you upcycling folks. It might look a bit crappy, but with a crowbar, hammer, handsaw and an old pallet I banged this up in about 45minutes. Bikes only go in every second slot due to pedal interference, but I’m happy with it. Added an extension on one side to fit an extra bike. Even re-used all the nails, just to see if I could.
@DeKerr if you still haven’t bought it, I beseech you to read this http://www.velominati.com/guest-article/guest-article-jeff-in-petrometros-look-595/ for all the inspiration you need.
Side note, I love spending other people’s money…
@Mikael Liddy hah great blast from the past
@DeKerr A year ago my #1 was a Giant Defy Aluminum. My LBS had a Pinerello Rokh at retail -$1K. Mrs Kyle stepped back when I mentioned the price but did agree. The Giant was a serviceable ride but I’m thrilled with the Pinerello.
I’ll be turning in the keys to the office in about six weeks. The Giant will be turned into a town bike/grocery getter.
Get the bike and post photos!
@VeloSix
Very nice, but there seems to be something humping the seatpost.Is that Force or Red on there? I have Force and love it.
@wiscot
I assumed he must have been running tubs and forgot to take the spare off when he changed wheels…….
@EBruner
I’m sure I’m not the only one to feel this, but I’ll admit to being jealous as fuck!
Here’s my number 1. It’s a Confraude. It just looks like a Concorde but is no more than a sheep in wolf’s clothing – aluminium frame with PDM team livery and 105 bits. It was an absolute bargain. One day I may find a Squadra, but in the meantime, this does just fine.
@DeKerr
First off, you don’t already have one of those. The new one is carbon, the old aluminium. Totally different. It’s like saying, “why should I buy pants, when I already own a shirt.”
The second rationale is that the cost of a great bike is usually insignificant in the grand scheme of things. Enjoy it while you have the health to.
n+1 project arrived to painter as 2 areas need to be painted red to mimic Merckx’s ’69 Tour winner (my birth year). If anybody has any info on what head badge looked like and if there’s a decal out there to be bought, greatly appreciated.
@fignons barber
+1 to all these things. Buy the bike.
If the question is ever “Should I buy this bike?” the answer is always yes. =)
n + 1
@ChrissyOne
+1 indeed. I’ve always been a sucker for lugged frames and chrome chain stays. Very nice.
@Optimiste
Indeed, very nice.
I was powerless against those chrome lugs.
@ChrissyOne Classy! Always lusted after a Pinarello Montello, red with chrome stays/forks. Now one with chrome lugs!
My neo-classic Condor Super Acciaio aka ‘Fausto’
[dmalbum: path=”/velominati.com/wp-content/uploads/readers/rfreese888/2014.09.23.08.31.59/1//”/]
@rfreese888 Sweet
@rfreese888
Droool . . .
@ChrissyOne no, those aren’t lugs… they’re luggs.
Does that one every get ridden? Or does it just hang around to be admired? Is it the Channing Tatum of bikes?
@DeKerr
I just brought it home last night. Went on a bit of a night mission, but haven’t had time to really stretch her legs yet. Bought it from a friend who was a bit too tall for it, for a fraction of what it was new.
It’s such a fun bike, I think I’ll get a lot of use out of it. First I’m going to tear it down and clean/lube everything, and I have a few edits to make””just bought white bar tape to replace that horrid spongy shit, and I ordered Michelin Pro 4s like my Cannondale, only in white-wall for this bike. It’s gonna look awesome.
@EBruner
I take it from the Lemond image you live in one of the southern states then?