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 ...
Coming from Astana especially this cracked me up……
http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/latest-news/froome-data-needs-to-be-handled-by-an-official-body-says-astana-coach-202851?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Social
@Teocalli
No chance that kids would ever use them: two beautiful adult girls who follow the “never exercise outside the gym, except for tennis” mindset. They think I’m crazy for riding and racing the bike. My conflict stems around the fact I’m on this “streamline your life” kick. The Canyon is state-of-the-art race bike, and the Fignon is one-of-a-kind, so they are required. The Merckx fitted with a modern Athena 11 speed is a classic with modern shifting performance, while the Colnago is also pleasing. But the Jaegher…..
@fignons barber
While a Jaegher may be a really nice bike, you’ll kick yourself for a long time about selling those other two. Merckx doesn’t make ’em like the MXL anymore. (trust me, I’ve been on the “factory” tour with the Keepers).
So I suggest you take a few deep breaths and meditate a bit more on Rule #12.
@fignons barber
Dang – and that frame looks to be more than 54cm that I ride………..
@Teocalli
close. it’s a colnago 56, which is 54 st ,55 tt, 14.5 ht.
@RobSandy
Ok, here’s a question. I have BB 30 on my #1 with a SRAM force crankset. I’m thinking of going Praxis BB. The issue is, that sets the bearings outside the BB shell – ot inside. Will I need a new crankset (like a GPX) or can I still use the old crank? Methinks I need a new crank as the spindle won’t be long enough. Any advice gratefully received.
@wiscot
Correct you would need a new crank if you currently have internal bearings. The other thing to check (as I found) is whether your BB Shell is smooth bore or stepped internally. If it is stepped this could be an issue with the Praxis if you need to use their internal sleeve as it will not fit through a stepped shell. After some deliberation I cut the sleeve in two as my shell was stepped. I used a home made lathe and a knife blade so that I did not cut away material from the length of the sleeve. It all seems OK though but I have not done much mileage on #1 since fitting. Follow their link to the Frame/BB Guide to see pics of what I mean by Smooth bore and stepped.
@Teocalli
@wiscot
Thanks. I was a long way out of my depth there.
@Teocalli
Oh and it also turns out that a replacement sleeve is only £3 – so made it an easy decision to take a knife to it.
@wiscot
The other thing we found in the fitting was it did not pull through quite as easily as they infer in their instructions! I think it says “it may take quite a lot of force to fully seat” – no kidding!
I fitted it with the shop mechanic and we found a couple of things.
1. It did not really pull through quite as they say just using the drive side part to pull the tube to compress the O ring. So we needed to use a BB press to seat firmly down to the rubber O ring BEFORE pulling through with the Praxis drive side piece.
2. We had to then use a lot of force to feel the thread seat off fully. The shop mechanic was pretty nervous as to how much force we used (he left it to me to finish!). They do say it may require quite a bit and they were not kidding. Having said that we were only using fairly short BB spanners so compared to using a decent torque wrench it was probably no more than a standard screw fit using a longer lever.
@fignons barber
You’re correct.
@Skip
Just did my training ride on the Merckx. Keep.
@fignons barber
ok, first things first, FUCK.YOU!
Now that’s out of the way, from the sounds of things the Jaegher would end up competing with the Cyfac. Not quite the balls out racer, more a one of a kind, awesome ride that you take out for special occasion rides.
So what you’d end up doing is replacing two bikes that obviously hold a place in your heart with one bike that will then be fighting for your attention with another that’s close to your heart (assumption based on user name).
Think it’s time to stick instead of twisting.
@fignons barber
dear god, how could you even consider selling that? Also, that’s a case for Garmin in the pocket if ever I’ve seen one.
@Skip
I’m with you, @Skip…both of those bikes are a recipe for regret. If one had to go, I would chuck the Canyon, but then again I primarily ride plastic bikes so go figure.
…And this is the reason for Rule #12 in the first place.
@Mikael Liddy
This is why I come here; a good dose of rationalization. I don’t know what I was thinking, but at least I had the sense to seek help.
Funny, I’ve been racing on the Cyfac since mid-August ( Canyon was smashed in a race crash). Got the Canyon back about 3 weeks ago and haven’t ridden it once, love the aluminium Cyfac.
I know what you mean about the Garmin, but, like I said, back from training ride.
Thanks for your thoughtful input.
@frank
You two are right. That’s the last time I drink 5 trippels while watching Tiny House Nation marathon. Fuck the simple life. We need more bikes….more bikes!
The Colnago will get a new Campagnolo 11 Speed groupo, and all will once again be right in the universe.
@Mikael Liddy
Very very good advice in general, but I’m going to disagree with one point: the Jaegher is not a mere throwback bike – this is a top of the line, featherweight bike that will compete with anything else. Johan Museeuw has one and he told me it’s the best bike he’s ridden since his Colnago C-40.
But to the point, you can’t get rid of any of those bikes. This is definitely a Rule #12 situation. More money is the answer, not less bikes. Which can be an impossible situation, I know. Maybe if the world goes truly to shit we can start printing our own. You can use my lazerjet if you want.
@frank
true, so it’ll be competing with both the one of a kind Cyfac, and the balls out racer Canyon…while also making him pine for the lost Merckx & Colnago. This is a no brainer when it’s not your money to spend!
@frank
@fignons barber
So sorry, bit late to the “stupid question party ” on your post, but reminded me of the below
Unless you need to sell a kidney in order to keep the quiver together, get the Jaegher and keep the others as well.
You can thanks us later for slapping you out of your drug induced coma.
@Barracuda
Can you please post a smaller graphic? My mate Gulliver is having a hard time reading it.
@frank
Methinks you mean fewer bikes. This is less bike……………
@frank
My brain was still writing cheques that my body couldnt cash at that stage. I’ll look for a smaller on tonight and include a jpg of a magnifying glass.
@RobSandy
Yes, waiting to see on this. I’ll be going from a 50-t to a 53. I have a new chain ready to go, if needed Some nice holiday gifts to self this year. I have three nice road bikes, but 2 of them are in nearly-three awesomeness, yet not quite perfect. New crankset and new wheelset for my Casati coming up, with just the modern, plastic bike still missing the mark. Close, but not there. The fun thing is that I’m not sure what it needs exactly, so I have some good planning to do in 2016.
The red Merckx is incredible. The only road bike I’ve ever sold was my first, which was a size too big. I’d advise against selling any bikes, unless they’re the wrong size or you truly never, ever ride it
Remember: there is always the perfect day for any bike.
Question,
Im moving to California from Switzerland and wondered if anyone knows the best way to insure the stable? Im lucky enough to have around 10 bikes,some of considerable value(most)..
Anyone? It’s theft from the house I’m concerned about.I never leave them out of sight when I’m using them…Cheers
@GalleySlave
Check your homeowner’s insurance policy if you have one. Those policies will typically cover possessions inside the home against theft. You may have to submit an insurance value for the bikes, since I am guessing they are fairly unique and not easily replaced with an exact equivalent like a microwave oven or a TV.
If you don’t own the home, renter’s insurance is available, although the total amount insured is usually quite a bit less than on a homeowner’s policy.
@GalleySlave
Most Americans have Fort Knoxed their homes.
This is the typical home you see in an upper-middle class neighborhood nowadays.
Just add a guard dog, surveillance cameras, and some bobby traps.
@Chipomarc
Even better, fill the yard with booby traps! Unless you’re talking about a bunch of guys called bobby doing security . . . where is that? California?
@wiscot
Good catch!
I’ll blame the beer spills on my stupid Logitech keyboard for that error.
@wiscot Yea, I found that area the other night while exploring the shit areas of L.A. on google street view. Later tonight I’m checking out some streets in Manfredonia Italy on google street view.
@bovary1031
Also check any fine print for “special limits.” Mine will only cover $2k per bicycle without a rider and higher premiums.
@Ron
Switching from a compact to a 52-36 was the best thing I’ve done on my bike. I use all the gears and don’t find myself wanting. That said, I run an 11-28 cassette because some of the hills around here are savagely steep, and at this stage 36-25 might be the death of me.
Also, my Felt is my only road bike so the gearing has to suffice for normal road riding, short crits and TTs.
Rob – Yep, I have traditional cranksets on my other two road bikes, so the one compact never felt quite right to my legs. I’d like all three to have the same. Plus, I can keep the compact on hand should I do any prolonged mtn. riding, which there is around here. But…with the first velominipper on the way in May…I don’t see any long weekend road trips for riding in the near future.
And yes, switching out cassettes, or keeping a variety on hand, is surely better than swapping cranksets.
Fignons Barber – Oh god, the “doesn’t exercise outside the gym” practice is something I find very weird. I ride a bike everywhere, so I have trouble accepting people who fire up the old pollution machine in order to drive to go exercise. I understand some folks have limited access. BUT, I live essentially on the campus of a large, exclusive university. They bill themselves as “green” and pretending to care, even have a famous environmental school. I know it’s just good advertising, but I can’t square their claim with the fact that I see many, many students driving from their dorms to the gym, when the distance is about 2 kms. Why not jog or walk there? Anyway, the driving-to-exercise and only-exercising-at-the-gym stuff bugs me. What’s wrong with walking to the gym or going on a hike? Not trying to bash on your daughters, just pointing out how I’m confused by folks who work hard on their own bodies, but have no trouble polluting the planet en route. Argh.
And in the suburbs it’s one thing, but I live in a relatively dense, mid-sized city. I have lived here for 5 years, no car needed.
pistard – YES! Check on the limits and read the fine print. Same here, my very $ bikes won’t be fully covered by home owner’s insurance. Adding a separate policy just for the bikes was wildly expensive.
The strange thing is that the only possessions of real value that I have are my bikes/cycling stuff and my laptop. I just hope thieves don’t know what a $$$ bike looks like or sells for. We honestly don’t have anything worth stealing if our laptops are out of the house and my wife has all of her rings on. I cherish my home stereo and turntable, but I don’t think anyone steals high-end receivers anymore.
They could steal our china, our nice cutlery, the fancy furniture, but again, I don’t think thieves go for this stuff.
@Ron
That’s the funny thing – if thieves broke into your house and stole the electronics you’d say it was a 36″ Samsung TV (Or whaby name, size, component by component, crank length, stem length, saddle setback, etc, etc. We know what’s important.
@wiscot
I meant to say (or whatever) But bikes? we’d list them by . . . .
@pistard
Thanks all…I will buy a dangerous canine and Claymores…
@GalleySlave
Hmmm I ould be tempted to give Tubeless another shot with these……..
http://www.vittoria.com/tire/corsa-speed-open-tlr/
Wonder how true it is that graphene can be self sealing.
@Teocalli
I’m not, I’ll be in a huff with them until the Pave tubulars and open tubulars come back.
wiscot – Good point. And yes, part of my larger statement was in tune with what you wrote. Aside from the bikes I own and love to ride, I pretty much don’t have anything I’d be overly pissed off about having stolen.
Is this sad? A full-fledged “adult” who doesn’t have anything he cares about besides his bikes? I think not! It’s called Keep It Real.
Mood Ring Blue Gios
@frank
I have 6 road bikes I ride regularly, and my Jaegher is 100% hands down the bike I would keep if I had to have only 1. And the others are a Colnago Master, Colnago C-59, Lemond tdf ’86 Limited edition, Cannondale EVO, BMC Impec.
My Jaegher Interceptor is the best road frame I have had in 30 years of cycling.
@bovary1031
Sweet baby Merckx, that is just stunning. Looks brand new!
@EBruner
High praise, indeed. Ed, what specifically do makes the Jaegher stand out? And Frank, can you elaborate on Museeuw’s thoughts on the Jaegher?
@GalleySlave
Or even better, stay in Switzerland, where are those eidgenössiche Helvetici Velominati? I just missed the Dutch Cogal…
That Gios is fucking bonkers. Good god.
Thinking about some logo bar tape for one of the machines. There is Fizik and Prologo…am I missing others? Bike currently has a Prologo saddle, no fizik parts.
@Ron
It’s a departure from the traditional Gios blue. It upsets some purists, but in certain light it looks blue/purple. Rides great too
I rode my purple bike today! It’s known as “Purple Rain” as it’s my dedicated rain bike, I love Prince, I love that song, and he and I share the same birthday. Oh, and it’s purple.
Lovely Gios, it makes my Tommasini look positively ho-hum. I hope I never grow tired of box section rims and steel bikes!