I use to be a Campy whore, just like most that were into it. Now a DA whore. Have you thought about getting a very light weight steel frame build by a local custom builder? That's something you don't see everyday.

I am painting my a light weight steel frame with my co. name on the downtube. Steel, rides OK, but this frame is special to me. Fun stuff.

I'm happy with the frames I have.....IF I go something different I would likely go full CF or aluminum. The China Syndrome bikes that greglepore has been discussing intrigue me.

I feel odd sending money to China for them though. I see them coming up with decent products then the quality takes a dump. Then communications goes down the tube along with the company.

Some of the best CF work on bikes come out of Taiwan, I suppose China now. I suppose there's the high end Time and Look ahat are still made in France. I question the quality differenced between both if managed well.

A old friend I grew up with racing still does it. A real bike bum. He rides a no name China CF bike with Shimano Ultegra on it. That frame is beat on daily and shows no signs of weakness. He was going to throw it away after a season. Its been four years now. Shocking if you think about it for $600 bucks vs. a $3000+ Pinarello frame.

The romantic days of hand build frames are long gone. I had one, and I can't tell the difference from a frame off the shelf during a race or training.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1365381914.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1365381941.jpg
Pam A.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1365381973.jpg
spinher
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1365382001.jpg
oh ya





http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1365382074.jpg

OOOOOk

A few detail pics of the new ride...

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1365398624.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1365398683.jpg


Been scouring the web searching for more info on Carabela and seeing if there are any other Profesionals for sale... Coming up with mostly Nil. I did find one thing that mentioned that a Tulsa company was the importer to the US, which might explain why JR picked it up new. I did find an article about its baby bro, and it mentions the Pro price as being north of $500 new. :eek:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1365398933.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1365398967.jpg

So I need to get some bar tape (yellow) and some new hoods (natural rubber) to get it back to looking stock. Where would be the best place to buy this stuff?

Also where can I look for info on tuning and lubing it all up. I can tell the brakes and everything could use some adjusting...

Sid, that is a really nice bike. Enjoy it in good health! (I'm like a magpie! I'm drawn to shiny things like chrome lugs!)

When I was a newby, my go-to manual was Richards Bicycle book. Used copies are still available through places like Powells books in Portland. I highly recommend it - the information inside will be germane to the vintage of bike you have, and it's a really fun read. It'll get you in the spirit of a mid '70's bike. (Nostalgia alert!)

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1365421893.jpg

Also, while I was searching for a pic, I noticed that there are downloadable versions of a revised edition. I have no experience with the update, but you might want to give it a try.

Richard's 21st Century Bicycle Book » PDF Magazines - Download Free PDF Magazines for iPad, iPad3, Android Tablets and PC

$595, to be exact. Lot's of cash for a college kid in those days...

JR

That's still a barrel of money to a college kid! With inflation though, that would be comparable to me dropping 1500 now. Definitely a ton of money!

WindCheetah. Coolest trike made.

That would be a fun "date bike"....got any info on that, Byron? Gotta be French.....:rolleyes:

^^^Are those stereo speakers in there? Looks like a neat idea and could see knocking out some kit. I have piles of thin stock to cut up and could size to frame.

Speaking of quirky bikes, have any of you seen the new beach cruisers - 1950's repro/cheapo Schinowinn at Target stores? Bahama themed things. Cute details, little leather accents, teak piece on the rear carrier, etc.. I'm seeing them sale priced $125 to $150 for the entire bike.

http://coolpile.com/tag/us-made/


http://coolpile.com/wp-content/uploa...r-Bike-Bag.jpg

Soo... No recommendations for where to get bar tape, hoods, or straps? Help me out guys I'm not used to buying bicycle parts

Find an old school bike shop near you that has a lot of new old stock.....I have three near me. Play the waiting game on eBay.

I like Cinelli padded tape. I get it from this guy. Cinelli Cork Ribbon Bike Bicycle Handlebar Wrap Tape Splash Green Red White New | eBay

No Clue, but would be easy to duplicate it:cool:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1365480002.jpg

Sid, traditional pros of the 70s and early 80s used white cloth tape. I am not sure if you can find them anymore., but any old white cork tape, Cinelli or Torelli, like Mike said will do the trick. I actually like the cork tape better then the traditional cloth.