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 ...
@RedRanger
Not really. I’ve been warned against Mavic hubs in general (cue gnashing of teeth), although that might be a bit dismissive. I’ll do a bit more looking around, though.
@Steampunk
Open Pros are the rims mate. you can get them paired with any hub you want. Shimano, Chris King, DT Swiss…
@Steampunk
These wheels are sweet; I saw G’rilla’s at the Cogal and handled them when mocking him about his tape job. Very light, very smooth bearings. If you’re worried about durability, go for the CX model. I’m 99% sure I’ll pick up a set for myself for racing CX in september.
By the way, the company does most of the wheels for the stock builds on the Van Dessels.
@Buck Rogers
I have to say, I am a tubbie convert. I’ve only managed about 100km on my tubbies, but within the first pedal revolution, you feel the difference in the tires. Amazing. And, if you can take the stress, not much more work to repair. And oh my, that ride is so good. Everything is just more…direct.
Reverence? Well, we impose a 6-month waiting period among the Keepers before declaring anything Reverence-worthy, but I feel it comin’ on strong.
@Steampunk
I’m leaning towards the 22s. There are so many different thoughts on weight vs. aero, but for my riding style I think I’ll get the most benefit by getting the lightest wheels at that price point. I don’t think the extra 5mm of rim will speed me up at all, and my current wheels are way more heavy.
Eventually I’d like to have some zipps or similar that are truly aero, but that is a long ways off and I’d probably be better of getting a new bike before wheels that nice.
Regardless, there seem to be four or five of these companies that all make well-reviewed wheels, all around the same basic price points and weights. I don’t think you can go wrong with them. I’d ask G’rilla for more info if you really want to know more!
The 2012 SRAM Red road disc levers and caliper, unblurred.
@Calmante
That lever is abominable.
@Calmante
Fricken frack!
no sooner than I spout off about some rumour or other, it appears!
I’m intrigued by the possibilities.
Interesting that the Hydraulic Rim Brake has made a reappearance a-la Magura, what -1996? (@Oli, we need an adjudication)
@mcsqueak
As far as bang for buck goes, take a look at these for weight/price from here in Singapore. Website is a bit out of date and I’m not sure what has changed.
At this price I’ll probably give them a go anyway sometime this year, as I’ll be buying them direct. A review I read on them said they were pretty stiff but, as they suggested, roads here in Sing are indeed more smooth than elsewhere.
@Blah
Yup, I’ve looked at those as well! I’ve heard they’re good, but for whatever reason the hubs they designed aren’t sealed well against the rain and are better for dry climes. While I don’t exactly relish riding in the rain as some here do, it does happen because of where I live, so I need hubs that won’t let a bunch of water in.
@Nate
@mouse
I can’t really defend the looks of the thing… yet; but that bit of extra horn (where the master cylinder is housed, I assume) certainly looks like it could be a convenient hand position for fast seated climbing.
@mcsqueak
These look like an awesome deal! Presumably Grilla is very happy with them?
@paolo
All I can say is that while riding the Revolution REV-22 on the Portland Cogal, I beat Frank up all the climbs and in the final sprint.
Couldn’t be happier.
@G’rilla
Even depriving him of that first beer? Damn! I’m sold.
I have a set of Record hubs/Open Pro rims/DT Swiss spoke wheels with Vittoria Evo Corsa clincher tires that I primarily have on my steel Casati. Very nice ride. I’ve had them on my carbon LOOK of late and they even make the ride on that better. I think I’ll save race wheels for my cross bike. I can’t get beyond the classic look and all around performance of low-profile rims with nice hubs. Then again, I’ve never ridden deep carbon rims…
On another note, I had a prolonged dream about gluing up tubulars last night. Did someone plant something inside my pillow? Osmotic tubular convert?
@Ron
It must have been me as I am gluing my tires tonight for the first time in twenty years!!! Say a prayer for me, will you?
@G’rilla
Awesome! I know what my next pair of wheels will be!
(unless I win the lotto in which case it will be the Lightweight carbon clinchers..1150 grams 48mm deep!…$6000 yikes!).
@G’rilla
ERRONEOUS ERRONEOUS! I smoked you in the sprint and caught you back on the big climb before re-exploding. But then I bridged back up.
…and if this Dutch orangutang is your climbing benchmark, you need to rethink your strategy!
@frank
Fuckin’ hell mate.No shit! Frank I think you gonna have to repeat that!!
@frank
Maybe it’s a Dutch thing, but in English, there’s no “g” at the end of orangutan. But I digress. This all smacks of a wee bit too much desperation. Takeaway message: REV-22s are nice wheels?
@paolo
I’ve been toying around getting some Ambrosio Excellight 32h rims with a White Industries front hub and some cheaper rear (my budget only goes so far). I figure they’d be around 1500-1550 g for the set. Silver hubs and spokes, please. Everything I’ve read says they are almost a direct comparison for the Mavic Open Pros (price, weight, performance) but with a bit more name cache.
@Steampunk
Whatever, if I don’t get a red squiggly line, I assume I spelled it right. Can’t be bothered to actually think, you know! The Rev’s are nice wheels, very light and I’ll get a set (different model) for my Nederapp (eventually).
And by the way, when G’rilla passed me on the climb, what does he say? “This seems familiar.” What a shit.
@frank
Well someday when I pass you on a climb, I’ll mix it up and say “this seems new”, just to make you happy.
Nice reminder about the revolutions. I remember when the last time they were brought up. The 22s might fit the bill for the Master build.
Hopefully this works out because I am a complete computer buffooon! I submit my bike to the Velominati to see if I am on the road to looking fabulous! And Pro! I need to look pro because my shop ride is being joined by a Garmin Barracuda rider tomorrow. Can’t say who and apparently he won’t be tweeting about it but I will get pics.
Yeah it’s a compact and the steer tube needs to be cut but right now I am experimenting on making my position better a la Fronks advice of going in small increments.
I had a straight seat post but I was maxed out with the saddle going backwards so now it’s a set back but the saddle is way forward…The position is good but it looks questionable when not actually on the bike.
The new white ladies..just for good measure!
Sorry to be so computer illiterate but how do you make those picture slide shows so I don’t make such gigantic posts??
@paolo
You are looking pretty durn pro with that bike and the shoes. Talk about white shoes, they will never look that white again…DZ?
White shoes, now & forever! I just hope those don’t hurt your feet as much as my Ergo 2s hurt my feet. I love how they look, but wow, they don’t feel so good.
lucky, really like that LOOK but some quieter tape would look better & keep the focus on the sweet frame, in my opinion.
I’ve also lived out of a cold weather climate for too long – it’ll be under 5*C tomorrow for my ride and I’m worried about it. Jeez, how weak. I used to sneer at such temps!
@paolo
Very cool. Don’t worry about the seat post. The reference point is the straight line extending past the post, so I think it looks just fine.
So… You gonna replace that compact?
@Gianni
Not DZ. I thought it was gonna be when the guy from the shop called me coz he lives nearby.
(Apparently they have invited just twenty customers on this secret ride..I was suprised to be included in such lofty company but I’m quite stoked).
I’ve used the shoes twice. So far really really comfy. They say the insole is a big improvment on the 2’s but who knows. Different strokes.. I will keep the old black Shimanos for poor weather.
@Ron
Interesting, were they too narrow for you? I’ve always lusted after Sidi Geniuses but can’t justify the price. I am very happy with my Specialized Comps, even though they don’t qualify as “White Ladies.”
@Calmante
Unapologetically, unequivocally not. I loves it!! I’ve only just given up the EPMS so let me be for a while ;-)
I’ve been looking at pics of other peoples seat posts..I think you’re right.
@paolo
That bike looks faaaaaaaaahhhhbulous! And nice choice on the brand! For the record, there is nothing wrong with a compact; they make all kinds of sense and these days with the modern BB’s and derailleurs that can handle both a standard and compact, there is no reason not to use one. Just don’t go braggin’ about “big ringing” up the local leg shredder, because its not really a “big” ring, is it?
The seatpost looks fine – but the stack of spacers does not, as you already rightly pointed out. But don’t go cutting down the steerer until you’re sure you are happy with the position; you can’t add steerer back on, after all.
I’ve got major shoebone for those Ergo 3’s, though I’m soon to make the swtich to Fizik R3s because everybody’s doin’ it. My Ergo 2’s are looking a bit gray after a winter of slugging through the muck, but nothing a bath in detergent or (worst case) oxy-clean won’t fix.
As a side note – be careful chucking different insoles in cycling shoes. We all love to get on the bandwagon about insoles, but Sidi actually designs the sole of the shoe itself to go with the insole, so its the two combined that you want to keep your eye on, not just the insole. As a final note about insoles, be careful with superfeet – they are designed for walking and are great for that, but cycling is a totally different motion and they’re really not a benefit. Better off with something like the Specialized ones if your insoles don’t work.
As for the photo gallery – when you go to upload photos, just grab more than one at a time and you’ll get the gallery. Our site allows for multi-file uploading, which used to be revolutionary but now its not such a big deal.
@Calmante
I think they qualify as white ladies just fine – and they’re great shoes – Gianni’s choice, I believe. Funny how that “boa” construction is fairly new to cycling, but my nordic ski boots back in 1993 had the same system!
Is that a Time iClic? How do you like them? I’m still on RXS and am happy, though the cleats wear pretty quickly and aren’t cheap. But changing pedals is expensive in a Rule #12 world. But I love me some Time pedals, and Bretto’s reminder that the new Time off-road pedals rock makes me want to bin my Crank Bros even though I’ve had zero issues with them.
@frank, @Ron
Re fit, I am no expert, but it does seem they are made for a narrow fit (they make a wide model, too). I have flipper feet and wide shoes don’t work well for me, so that supports the idea that Sidi are narrow…If it doesn’t work for you, you’ll be in agony, just as if you ride a wide shoe you’ll be unhappy. Get a shoe that fits.
On the topic of shoes (flamesuit on):
I ordered a pair of these suckers the other day for <$50 (Bonktown, hence the flamesuit). They were somewhat of an impulse buy, but I have been having problems with my current shoes numbing my toes after 1.5hr or so.
Now I need an Italian bike…
@frank
You must have missed the conversation over at Reverence: Time iClic. Yes, my favorites so far. Went from Time Impact to Time iClic, and although the entry is very good, it’s not the big jump in performance that I experienced when I moved from Look.
There is something about the cleats that might bother you, though; they are entirely plastic. Because of the new propped open entry, there is no wear during clip-in, and Time decided to skimp on the cleat material. It’s too early for me to tell whether that’s going to be a problem.
@paolo
Very nice bike, paolo. Black and white and Red all over.
@DerHoggz
Aren’t Lake shoes South Korean? Still, those are looking mighty Italian and I’d wear those anytime. And yes, you do need an Italian bike, so do I.
@frank
I did not go for the Fizik’s because as you said, everybody’s doing it.
Ermmm that stack of spacers = one.
Multifile uploading? I fix pumps and compresors and climb filthy great 300ft towers, I can barely type. It’s like trying to decipher a knitting pattern…
@Calmante
I really wanted mine in this color, but the LBS only had them in black.
@Gianni
I think they are from Illinois, not made there for sure, but that is where the company is. It is probably too small to read, but they are “1988 Gavia Edition” as it says on the side, pretty sweet IMO.
@paolo
Really nice bike paolo.
And don’t worry about the bartape.Fizik saddles are much better than their bartape.If you are to change it in the future though get a 3T and their bar plugs will go nicely with your fork.
@MJMoquin
Funny. Opposite with me. LBS had a Christmas sale, went in wanting to buy the all-black version, and they only had the white ones in my 44.5 size. I almost decided to squeeze into the black 44s. Ultimately, they ended up matching my new pedals, though, so that was cool.
@TommyTubolare
Funny you should mention that – I’ve just had a nightmare with Fizik bartape.
I wouldn’t say I was a tape artiste but I’ve never had so much trouble with any tape as I have with the Fizik.
It’s the Microtex in Honey, to match my Brooks Honey saddle (well it used to be honey until the copious sweat of Abu Dhabi darkened it).
It wouldn’t mould around the bends and has caused some little lumps that I’ll be feeling for however long I leave it on there. And the stuff was so thick that I couldn’t fold it into the bar end and get the plug in.
Maybe it’s just this colour version but I would have expected that if they brand it as Microtex it would have the same properties as any other colour.
The moral of the story is that when you have a brand you like, stick to it. I’ve happily used Cinelli (either cork or I quite like their bubble version – excellent grip even when soaked in sweat) and should have stuck with it.
I’ve done the same thing with bib shorts. I am very happy with Giordana stuff and whenever I try something else like Assos or Castelli (V kit excepted) I always regret it and wish I had gone with what I know.
The only problem with that approach is that when they discontinue something you have to start the search for a new favourite with very little frame of reference.
@ChrisO
Excellent point with sticking what works. That aside, the Fizik tape is harder to wrap than others mostly because it doesn’t have the same stretch other tapes use, which a lot of people rely on to get around the bends. The fact is, it still stretches, but you have to use a very consistent pressure to get it smooth, and use the angle of the wrap to get around the bends more than just relying on stretch like you do with other tape.
The flip side is an incredibly flat wrap with no lumps or bends or lumps anywhere.
@frank,@paolo
I have extremely high arches. The maximum arch Specialized insoles feel like a golf ball just behind the center of the ball of the foot. A weird feeling at first. Always strange when walking but great once riding.
@frank
@Calmante
I caved and now I’m eagerly awaiting mine. You can find the carbon iclic’s on ebay for a decent price. Otherwise, if you’re like me and don’t care about having the absolute lightest, you can get a good deal on the basic o’clock pedals right now from Competitive Cyclist.
@xyxax
Black and white and sram red black all over…cheers!
@TommyTubolare
Thank you TT. Why would I worry about the bar tape? I’m with Fronk. I love the Fizik tape esp. the logo one I have now. It is a bugger though, takes me more than a little effort, lot of pressure, gotta stretch it out and go back and re-do if you let the pressure off but once it’s on it’s lovely and thin and stays white. I likes it a lot!
@itburns
I really like the beds in the ergo 3. I only tried an ergo 2 in the shop. This feels higher in the arch but I did meet a guy on todays ride who took the footbeds out of his old S works and put them in his new ergo 3’s. It’s such a personal thing, like saddles and bars and tape. I guess when you find what you like you gotta stay with.
@All I got some new compression socks called swiftwick. At $13 a pair they ain’t cheap but they do rock! Even better than Defeet Airators!
So I was out on a little ride today with this chap.
Now my picture and computer skillz are crap so I don’t have the pic but this guy had a huge EPMS.
He also had a huge garmin with an HR but he was using it for training, he said he was a pro and he came 9th in some race in France last year. I found it hard to believe that. For one thing he was riding on Ksyrium clinchers!! I mean, can’t Garmin give him some decent training wheels.