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. Another +1 on the CAAD10 for a good first bike for a good price. I’m moving on to a Veloforma this winter, but the C’dale got me back into the sport in a very satisfying way.

  2. @rs_sttr

    Have been lurking on this site for at least 2 years. Thought it was time to get a account.

    Let the roast begin!

    Two years? What took you so long? You waited and waited and waited to see if we would remain as brilliant as you thought we were two years ago or whether the bullshit you found would subside? It’s generally both in near equal measure. Welcome, and nice post of the bike. I’ve got the same cages so you’re just dandy right there. Tire vales are way out of position though . . .

  3. Nice bike. Would look even nicer with the crank arms positioned correctly.

  4. @DeKerr

    @Buck Rogers this reminds me of myself when I started into road cycling. I had no clue how much I should spend or what the differences were. As I did, and as @PanzerPuss has just posted, starting on a decent aluminum frame with a carbon fork that comes in under the $1500CAD new is a solid starting point for anyone. Clincher tires (tyres – you’re british, correct?) just to keep it simple. Then your new Pedalwan will have a solid platform to learn on, without worrying they’re going to trash the Colnago/Bianchi/Merckx/Cervelo.

    And give him a copy of the Rules FFS.

    Congrats on your subjection to the Crown, Buck!

  5. @PeakInTwoYears

    Ok.Fail on my side.

    My first frame was a Colnago Master Olympic art decor built up with 70s Campagnolo parts. I gave it away to pay a Mystic Rats. I got criticized, by friends who have no connection to cycling for selling the Master frame.

    From that point I rode a a Cinelli Vigorelli followed by a Cinelli Mash Bolt, which was to small for me.

    At the moment I have a Cinelli Histogram as a town bike and the Time as a road bike.

    I grew up in northern Italy.

    After thrashing my left knee two times between 2008 and 2011playing football  , I had to search for a new pastime.

    And yes I’m Italian.

  6. @piwakawaka

    Cool bike, cool provenance, shame you won’t be able to put a DT shifter on the Felt! Picture’s when she is built please.

    Thank you. Will do with the Felt when it’s fully built. Still a work in progress. Might have it done next week.

  7. @rs_sttr

    And yes I’m Italian.

    You are fortunate, then. (My mother’s family all came to the US from Abruzzi and Sicilia a generation or two before her.)

    The Master must have been beautiful.

  8. @il muro di manayunk

    I was out for a ride on a local multi-use path this weekend. On the way back, about 10 km from my house there is a downhill s-turn, the right lane of which was covered with tightly packed dead leaves. Long story short: I came around the left hand bend with a little too much speed and at too sharp an angle and my wheels just slipped out from under me. Bruised hip, road rash on the shoulder, cut on left elbow, and whacked the left side of my head on the ground hard enough to crack my helmet in two spots (based on how I’ve felt the last few days, I’m pretty certain I suffered a concussion).

    I consider it a sign of my steadfast adherence to Rule #4 that the first thought I had when I was able to think again was “holy shit I hope I didn’t break my bike.” Fortunately, aside from some holes in my kit, the only damage was a minor scuff on the left brake lever and some ripped bar tape-but I’ll be damned if that minor, barely visible scuff doesn’t still annoy the hell out of me.

    How’s your head? Did you get checked out? We don’t want our champ out for the count.

  9. @rs_sttr

    Have been lurking on this site for at least 2 years. Thought it was time to get a account.

    Let the roast begin!

    My mate has this same frame. I love it! And welcome.

  10. @Buck Rogers

    …”What should I buy?” I asked him how much he wanted to spend and he said, “Not sure. How much should I? I want a solid commuter and something that I can train on.” I told him that one can spend from a few hundred bucks for a new, kind of crappy bike to $12,000 but for a solid starter bike, I would spend around $2,000. He then asked if it should be steel or what and what namebrand. We talked steel a while, I broke out my tubular tire that I have curing in the office and explained tubs vs clinchers and gave him the names of Colnago/Bianchi/Merckx/Cervelo. But, I was just amazed that I had a hard time with figuring out the best recommendation for him. What would you all say to him?

    @Steampunk

    @wilburrox

    This. I still think the CAAD remains the best and most versatile entry-level bike. Start out with Tiagra to save a few shillings. Serviceable muckabout and commuter, but also fleet if you’re trying to lay down some V.

    @PeakInTwoYears

    Another +1 on the CAAD10 for a good first bike for a good price. I’m moving on to a Veloforma this winter, but the C’dale got me back into the sport in a very satisfying way.

    @wiscot

    It should also be mentioned to all Pedalwans and newbies out there that today’s aluminum frames are not those of yesteryear. I recently got rid of my 89 or 90 Trek 1200 alu frame. Man, it was plain gauge crap and as lively as a corpse. My current #4 is a gash alum frame built up with interweb house brand stuff. Comparatively speaking, it’s light years ahead in weight and the molding of the tubes.

    I’m not sure I’d use Tiagra except on a dedicated commuter, but 105 has really trickled down tech from Ultegra and Dura Ace. My #3 is a 2007 Giant TCR3 that had 105 brifters and rear mech. The rest was Tiagra with Alex wheels and house brand bars and stem. Worked fine but everything on the bike (except the brifters) has been upgraded to Sram Rival or better. Again, good stuff, works well. In short, look at the frames as the heart of the bike. Upgrade accordingly but don’t overdo it. You wouldn’t put Dura Ace or Red on a crap, low end carbon frame nor should you put Tiagra on a top end carbon frame. Balance the two and you’ll be fine.

    The above is all great advice.

    What I usually recommend to newbies looking for their first half-decent road bike is to get an aluminum frame bike with 105 groupsan from one of the main UCI WT bike sponsors like C’dale, Giant, Trek or Spesh. This way, you get maximum trickled down effect. Once the addiction takes hold, it’s time to ponder #1 in terms of where one’s passions lie: country of origin, favourite PRO rider or team, inspiring race or stage wins, “steel is real,” club peer pressure, bling, whatever turns your crank. This is where @Buck Rogers‘ Colnago/Bianchi/Merckx/Cervelos come into play and the aluminum frame bike falls in line as the #2, rain, commuter or winter bike. As n+1 rears it’s head it might go to #3 or #4, but still remain a solid bike in the stable.

  11. @rs_sttr

    Have been lurking on this site for at least 2 years. Thought it was time to get a account.

    Let the roast begin!

    Times are cool as fuck. Aside from that the only minor quibble I can see is that the saddle might be. But far forward. Of course, mine tends to end up the same way so I will just stfu now.

  12. @Beers I’m digging the choices of town bikes having come to this site as a fixed rider. All of those town bike choices sound great to me.

    I don’t know vintage so I can’t crap on you for selling [period piece bike] but if you’re happy, screw ’em and ride bikes. I have some friends with serious vintage period pieces but they don’t get ridden like you’d ride a modern fixed and have fun with, lock up and have a beer etc.

  14. my Basic B*tch bike, the only Road one i have.  Shimano 5800 pedals coming tomorrow and the stem needs to be slammed…
    took it to the LBS and said slam it and this is the best i got. [time to DIY that since their steerer-cutter is apparently… i mean, he told me(!) so what did i expect…  opposed to slamming]

  15. @sinikl

    my Basic B*tch bike, the only Road one i have. Shimano 5800 pedals coming tomorrow and the stem needs to be slammed…
    took it to the LBS and said slam it and this is the best i got. [time to DIY that since their steerer-cutter is apparently… i mean, he told me(!) so what did i expect… opposed to slamming]

  17. @freddy Nah, I didn’t think it was serious enough to warrant a hospital visit. I know, I know, better safe than sorry with head injuries, but I didn’t lose consciousness at any point and had no memory loss, just momentarily dazed, a low grade headache, and have felt kinda blah the past few days.

  19. here is a fun pic of my fixed gear
    [IMG]http://i.imgur.com/MX0wELl.jpg[/IMG]

  21. Two engineering students were walking across a university campus when one said, “Where did you get such a great bike?” 
    The second engineer replied, “Well, I was walking along yesterday, minding my own business, when a beautiful woman rode up on this bike, threw it to the ground, took off all her clothes and said, “Take what you want.”
    The first engineer nodded approvingly and said, “Good choice; the clothes probably wouldn’t have fit you anyway.”
    exit stage left…….

  22. @Haldy

    Okay..not a full bike yet..but this is what we are building it upon….

    Shouldn’t both valves be correctly aligned in preparation?

  23.  

    What I usually recommend to newbies looking for their first half-decent road bike is to get an aluminum frame bike with 105 groupsan from one of the main UCI WT bike sponsors like C’dale, Giant, Trek or Spesh. This way, you get maximum trickled down effect. Once the addiction takes hold, it’s time to ponder #1 in terms of where one’s passions lie: country of origin, favourite PRO rider or team, inspiring race or stage wins, “steel is real,” club peer pressure, bling, whatever turns your crank. This is where @Buck Rogers‘ Colnago/Bianchi/Merckx/Cervelos come into play and the aluminum frame bike falls in line as the #2, rain, commuter or winter bike. As n+1 rears it’s head it might go to #3 or #4, but still remain a solid bike in the stable.

    I’ll stick with AL for racing. In part because if I’m gonna be dropped, lapped, whatev, I do not want to be that cat with the pricey C ride getting his a** kicked. Mtn bike? That needs to be C. Especially for racing. Crit race? Alloy is just fine.

  24. @wilburrox

    What I usually recommend to newbies looking for their first half-decent road bike is to get an aluminum frame bike with 105 groupsan from one of the main UCI WT bike sponsors like C’dale, Giant, Trek or Spesh. This way, you get maximum trickled down effect. Once the addiction takes hold, it’s time to ponder #1 in terms of where one’s passions lie: country of origin, favourite PRO rider or team, inspiring race or stage wins, “steel is real,” club peer pressure, bling, whatever turns your crank. This is where @Buck Rogers‘ Colnago/Bianchi/Merckx/Cervelos come into play and the aluminum frame bike falls in line as the #2, rain, commuter or winter bike. As n+1 rears it’s head it might go to #3 or #4, but still remain a solid bike in the stable.

    I’ll stick with AL for racing. In part because if I’m gonna be dropped, lapped, whatev, I do not want to be that cat with the pricey C ride getting his a** kicked. Mtn bike? That needs to be C. Especially for racing. Crit race? Alloy is just fine.

    Holy Hell! you win with that Black Inc CDale. I could stare at that for a while.

  25. @wilburrox

    What I usually recommend to newbies looking for their first half-decent road bike is to get an aluminum frame bike with 105 groupsan from one of the main UCI WT bike sponsors like C’dale, Giant, Trek or Spesh. This way, you get maximum trickled down effect. Once the addiction takes hold, it’s time to ponder #1 in terms of where one’s passions lie: country of origin, favourite PRO rider or team, inspiring race or stage wins, “steel is real,” club peer pressure, bling, whatever turns your crank. This is where @Buck Rogers‘ Colnago/Bianchi/Merckx/Cervelos come into play and the aluminum frame bike falls in line as the #2, rain, commuter or winter bike. As n+1 rears it’s head it might go to #3 or #4, but still remain a solid bike in the stable.

    I’ll stick with AL for racing. In part because if I’m gonna be dropped, lapped, whatev, I do not want to be that cat with the pricey C ride getting his a** kicked. Mtn bike? That needs to be C. Especially for racing. Crit race? Alloy is just fine.

    That’s a mean lookin’ bike there!

  26. Haldy – a great base to begin with! Nice. Looking forward to seeing the full steed.

    Teocalli – strong work. There is never a time like right now to get yer biznass in order.

  27. As an aside, autumn is here for us in the North. Lots of low light rides, lots of bad angles of the sun.

    At this time of year I continually find myself dreaming about a magical day when once per fall season cyclists are allowed to berated, maim, imprison, torture, and delete from the herd all drivers who:

    a) act as if they are the only ones on the way to work or in a rush. I didn’t make you late, you fucking cunt. Leave earlier if you don’t like traffic.

    b) don’t turn their lights on at sunrise or dusk, or even worse, in pouring rain. It’s the fucking law. And, have you noticed that everyone else has their lights on? And, have you noticed that the cyclist you’re about to run over has the Eye of Sauron strapped to his bars? I honestly wonder if some folks either think the cops might not notice their out-of-registration jalopy or if turning on their lights would make their car less fuel efficient. It’s fucking bizarre. And people that stupid don’t think about MPG.

    c) don’t use turns signals. Are you turning? I wouldn’t fucking know since, by all indications, you’re going straight. People also need to signal when moving out of parallel parking spots. Again, the law. No lights, tinted windows, no indication the car is running or about to move. Goddamn dangerous for cyclists, even those riding defensively aggressive.

    October 31st sounds like a great night to tar and feather some unlawful cagers. I’ll bring the scalding tar. And my framepump.

  28. @Teocalli

    @Haldy

    Okay..not a full bike yet..but this is what we are building it upon….

    Shouldn’t both valves be correctly aligned in preparation?

    I think the rule applies when the wheels are mounted on a bicycle, not when sitting alone. Besides..I aligned them this way so that one Golden Ticket and the FMB label could be seen with the background of the wall. Wasn’t sure the phone camers would take a good enough be to be angle to discern those details if not displayed this way.

  29. @Haldy

    @Teocalli

    @Haldy

    Okay..not a full bike yet..but this is what we are building it upon….

    Shouldn’t both valves be correctly aligned in preparation?

    I think the rule applies when the wheels are mounted on a bicycle, not when sitting alone. Besides..I aligned them this way so that one Golden Ticket and the FMB label could be seen with the background of the wall. Wasn’t sure the phone camers would take a good enough be to be angle to discern those details if not displayed this way.

    I did spot the FMB tubs – no wonder the rest of the bike is pending!

  30. @sinikl

    What model is that? Very similar colour scheme to my Felt, which is an F75 and will be with me next week. It’s my first proper road bike so I’m childishly excited.

  31. Ah shit.  My buddy with the bike shop just called to say that he can get me a brand new, still in the box, 2013 model Cannondale Supersix EVO Hi Mod Team Red with Mavic Cosmic Carbone SLR wheels for $4500 (canadian $).  Retail was $9300 for this bike.  The wheels alone have to be worth $1000.  Is this a deal that I can possibly say no to?  The SRAM is 10 speed – big deal.  The wheels weren’t that highly regarded – do I care?

    This bike, does it for me.  I’ve always loved the colours and the geometry of this version of the Cannondale.  Team colours may be a rule violation but with this bike I don’t think I care.

    super six

  34. kix – do you have to run this by a significant other? Sell another bike to get it? That is a nice price for that bike. What was the problem with those wheels? I’m pretty happy with the two different sets of high-end Ksyriums I have, but they ain’t carbone.

  35. Buddy that owns the shop ordered one for himself and it arrived today, so I went down to help him pull it out of the box – big mistake.  It looks fantastic…just perfect.  The FSA SLK cockpit is worth $800.  The wheels are likely worth $1500.  It’s got that lovely green and white Fizik Antares saddle with carbon rails – $200.  It comes with two sets of chain rings – 53/39 and a 50/34!  So I’m paying $2000 for the frame and SRAM red.

    While I’m there drooling over the thing he’s on the phone to Cannondale North America to make sure that they still have one left(there were 4 left last week).  “Dude, there’s only one left on the entire continent – do you want it”?

    Well fuck.  Okay.

    And yes Ron, I do have to sell a bike…just listed my cross bike and may list my Neil Pryde as well.

    And yes, my wife will have something to say about it.  I sent her an e-mail to give her a heads up…no response yet.

    Oh well, it’s done.

  36. @Ron

    The wheels look fantastic, no doubt.  They’re a bit of a hybrid – aluminum wheel with carbon faring and spokes.  The braking surface is aluminum and has a special coating on it to enhance braking performance.  They’re not super light – 1600g and from what I have been able to find they don’t really embody the latest and greatest in aero tech.  But they do look sexy.

    I’ve got a set of DA 9000 C24’s that I’ll likely keep and use as well.  I don’t expect that there will be any issues running those with a Shimano 10 speed cassette on this otherwise SRAM(10sp) drive train?

  37. #27 and #28 set the rules straight on sock length and colour. What about socks(not-oversocks) being worn over leggings/bib longs. Those wearing socks that are too long seem to have this!! but surely its wrong regardless. if it is wrong is it covered but a rule ?

  38. @kixsand

    Buddy that owns the shop ordered one for himself and it arrived today, so I went down to help him pull it out of the box – big mistake. It looks fantastic…just perfect. The FSA SLK cockpit is worth $800. The wheels are likely worth $1500. It’s got that lovely green and white fi’zi:k Antares saddle with carbon rails – $200. It comes with two sets of chain rings – 53/39 and a 50/34! So I’m paying $2000 for the frame and SRAM red.

    While I’m there drooling over the thing he’s on the phone to Cannondale North America to make sure that they still have one left(there were 4 left last week). “Dude, there’s only one left on the entire continent – do you want it”?

    Well fuck. Okay.

    And yes Ron, I do have to sell a bike…just listed my cross bike and may list my Neil Pryde as well.

    And yes, my wife will have something to say about it. I sent her an e-mail to give her a heads up…no response yet.

    Oh well, it’s done.

    Good man! The pain of the beating she will give you and the pain in your wallet will be well forgotten after the first centimetre of the first ride..

  39. @kixsand

    Buddy that owns the shop ordered one for himself and it arrived today, so I went down to help him pull it out of the box – big mistake. It looks fantastic…just perfect. The FSA SLK cockpit is worth $800. The wheels are likely worth $1500. It’s got that lovely green and white fi’zi:k Antares saddle with carbon rails – $200. It comes with two sets of chain rings – 53/39 and a 50/34! So I’m paying $2000 for the frame and SRAM red.

    While I’m there drooling over the thing he’s on the phone to Cannondale North America to make sure that they still have one left(there were 4 left last week). “Dude, there’s only one left on the entire continent – do you want it”?

    Well fuck. Okay.

    And yes Ron, I do have to sell a bike…just listed my cross bike and may list my Neil Pryde as well.

    And yes, my wife will have something to say about it. I sent her an e-mail to give her a heads up…no response yet.

    Oh well, it’s done.

    Check her wardrobe first for any new additions, then you’ll have something to say about it.

  40. I quit drinking about 3 years ago.  When I was drinking I spent north of $100 each week on alcohol and various alcohol related adventures.  So, the way I figure it, I have to spend at least $5000 on something for me every year just to break even – at least that’s how the math works in my head!

    We’ll be just fine.

  42. @humansubmarine

    #27 and #28 set the rules straight on sock length and colour. What about socks(not-oversocks) being worn over leggings/bib longs. Those wearing socks that are too long seem to have this!! but surely its wrong regardless. if it is wrong is it covered but a rule ?

    Socks worn over tights are wrong, in all conditions, as you have stated. This may not be explicitly covered by a Rule but common sense, civility, human decency and the respect of the suffering baby jesus would all be on your side. Not everything has to be spelled out for these miscreants.

  43. @kixsand

    Ah shit. My buddy with the bike shop just called to say that he can get me a brand new, still in the box, 2013 model Cannondale Supersix EVO Hi Mod Team Red with Mavic Cosmic Carbone SLR wheels for $4500 (canadian $). Retail was $9300 for this bike. The wheels alone have to be worth $1000. Is this a deal that I can possibly say no to? The SRAM is 10 speed – big deal. The wheels weren’t that highly regarded – do I care?

    This bike, does it for me. I’ve always loved the colours and the geometry of this version of the Cannondale. Team colours may be a rule violation but with this bike I don’t think I care.

    super six

    You have done well here. May the wife be understanding. This Cannondale continues to get huge reviews, and it looks wicked pissa.

  44. @chrismurphy92

    New #2

    I’m calling BS… No 2 ???  That’s a, “Come on Man”! That’s a no 1 I’m sure on more than a few days. Cheers

  45. @wilburrox

    @w

    @wilburrox

    @chrismurphy92

    New #2

    I’m calling BS… No 2 ??? That’s a, “Come on Man”! That’s a no 1 I’m sure on more than a few days. Cheers

    Pink cages ??? Come on Man !!! Disc brakes ?!? Ohhh that bike’s too cool. Looks like some 32cc tires. Are we saying bring on the cold weather and some mud?

  48. @kixsand

    I quit drinking about 3 years ago. When I was drinking I spent north of $100 each week on alcohol and various alcohol related adventures. So, the way I figure it, I have to spend at least $5000 on something for me every year just to break even – at least that’s how the math works in my head!

    We’ll be just fine.

    Congrats on all of the above, that bike will be crazy light with the C24’s and the ‘broset is a fine bit of gear, gotta love NOS.

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