Ultimate Bike Thread....

[look 171]

Originally Posted by greglepore

Not very, by modern standards. Built with components of the period, they were around 20lbs.

The ride is sublime, though, and they feel sorta like a big benz-smooth supple, and very very stable.

...and still quick off the saddle. I especially like how it snaps back at you when sprinting off the saddle. I have not found too many other materials that will do that.

That suppleness comes from the steel. On an alum. bike of the same geometry it feels jumpy and unsettling cornering full out over rough roads. Some carbon frames are almost there, but different. (Don't get me wrong,I love carbon and alum for racing. )

[greglepore]

Originally Posted by look 171

...and still quick off the saddle. I especially like how it snaps back at you when sprinting off the saddle. I have not found too many other materials that will do that.

That suppleness comes from the steel. On an alum. bike of the same geometry it feels jumpy and unsettling cornering full out over rough roads. Some carbon frames are almost there, but different. (Don't get me wrong,I love carbon and alum for racing. )

Was having this discussion at a bike shop the other day-the tech there is of the opinion that the trend to super stiff bottom brackets actually waste forward energy because they transmit a lateral load to the tire, slowing forward progress. I'm not sure I buy this and would need finite element analysis or something to tell. They do feel "dead" to me-I prefer my steel bikes for pleasure rides. Carbon doesn't hop around like aluminum, but they don't communicate to me the way steel does. I am building up a way light carbon bike (800g frame with light stays) to see if its any different.

[creaturecat]

Originally Posted by herr_oberst

I'm super - sorry about the cat, John.

(Animals as pets and kids are always going to be a tough combination, family harmony-wise.)

my condolences, as well.

[Joe Bob]

Bicyclists face ‘horn rage’ from driver near Longmont | KWGN.com – Denver, Colorado News & Weather from KWGN-TV Colorado's Own CW Channel 2


THEN....

Horn rage: Boulder judge rejects plea deal for Erie man accused of harassing cyclists - Boulder Daily Camera

[greglepore]

Have this on ebay now, speaking of steel frames: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Eddy-Merckx-MX-Leader-Frame-Team-Motorola-51cm-/130853830548?pt=Road_Bikes&hash=item1e777eff94

[Joe Bob]

Add the link......doesn't come up in an eBay search.

[Joeaksa]

Originally Posted by Joe Bob

THEN....

Horn rage: Boulder judge rejects plea deal for Erie man accused of harassing cyclists - Boulder Daily Camera

Good, the old fart needs to learn to get along with others on the road. A weekend in the "house of doors" might not hurt him either... He still has that "pissed off attitude" towards the world and that needs to change.

[greglepore]

Joe Bob-done, but it comes up if you search Merckx mototola....

[javadog]

Speaking of Merckx... I don't know if this is an "ultimate bike" but it is something that you don't see every day. It's a '79 Carabela Profesional, which is essentially the same thing as a Windsor Profesional ("Mexican Cinelli"), except that it was fitted with the original Dura Ace group and not Campy. It was built with Columbus SL tubing by an ex-Cinelli guy at a factory in Mexico.

This one doesn't have a lot of miles on it. I bought it new in '79 and wasn't really a serious rider. It's been wall art for the last 30 years. For sale, to a good home...

JR

[Joe Bob]

Nice looking....tall frame, I would be on my tippy toes....

[javadog]

Originally Posted by Joe Bob

Nice looking....tall frame, I would be on my tippy toes....

Seat's adjustable, ya know...

25 inch frame. That's about 64cm, to you guys...

JR

[Joe Bob]

I'm not short....but that frame is for someone 6'3 or over......or with legs up to their bunghole.....

[mikeferg75]

Handmade Bicycle show is in Denver this weekend, I should have some cool pics to post soon. Anyone else going?


NAHBS | North American Handmade Bicycle Show | #NAHBS

[Joe Bob]

If you run into any vintage Campy parts.....I need these. I can PM you my # if you think you can help.....




OR need to know if these later snap on caps can be used as replacements to hold on the Delta's dust cover.

[Joe Bob]

The assembled unit looks like this.

[mikeferg75]

Pretty sure it's new stuff only, no swap, but I'll keep my eye out if that's not the case.

There is a vintage mountain bike ride planned as well, I'm planning on that with my 89 Slingshot.

[look 171]

Originally Posted by greglepore

Was having this discussion at a bike shop the other day-the tech there is of the opinion that the trend to super stiff bottom brackets actually waste forward energy because they transmit a lateral load to the tire, slowing forward progress. I'm not sure I buy this and would need finite element analysis or something to tell. They do feel "dead" to me-I prefer my steel bikes for pleasure rides. Carbon doesn't hop around like aluminum, but they don't communicate to me the way steel does. I am building up a way light carbon bike (800g frame with light stays) to see if its any different.

Oh, carbon communicate just fine depending on the builder. All of my previous carbon did with the exception of my Trek OCLV. I am not sure if I buy that BS from your tech neither. Personally I like a stiff BB, and front end. Hell, Most people pump up their their tires to the max. That in itself will screw up your ride quality. Lots of people talk a lot of tech stuff that can only be measure in a lab. Plus, they buy a "racing bike" but ride a century and complain about how harsh the bike is and it isn't comfy like their couch at home. I like steel, and it was the only type of bike I had for years. Now I will always have a carbon bike around. I really like em' that much.

For screwing around and training, I like snapping feel of the bb. For racing, I like a stiff frame. those racing days are over a long time ago. I am having a steel frame painted. AS soon as I get it back from my lazy painter, I will post a pic.

[herr_oberst]

Originally Posted by javadog

Speaking of Merckx... I don't know if this is an "ultimate bike" but it is something that you don't see every day. It's a '79 Carabela Profesional, which is essentially the same thing as a Windsor Profesional ("Mexican Cinelli"), except that it was fitted with the original Dura Ace group and not Campy. It was built with Columbus SL tubing by an ex-Cinelli guy at a factory in Mexico.

This one doesn't have a lot of miles on it. I bought it new in '79 and wasn't really a serious rider. It's been wall art for the last 30 years. For sale, to a good home...

JR

Sid was looking for a bike a while ago, and I think he's rangy, plus he lives in OK!

[porsche4life]

I'm tall... But not nearly that tall..... I'd be game but I doubt I'd fit it. I'm only 6'0" with about a 33"inseam..


I don't recall JR being that tall though...

[javadog]

I'm not. Like I said, the seat post is adjustable...

The fact is, this frame is too big for me if you size it in the classic manner. That said, It makes absolutely no difference to my riding that this frame is too big. That's probably true of most people and you can make the argument that a larger frame has its advantages.

JR