My latest bargain is a ~12 year old Somec. A bargain being a very good bike at a very good price.
I know very little about Somec other than that their overdone banner advertisement GIF makes the classified ads load very slowly on Campy Only. The frame is Columbus SP, cutout lugs, chrome fork, sloping crown, lots of tire clearance. The paint is well done sky-blue over white fade. It came with a mix of Victory and DA components. I asked the seller if he had any toe clip pedals and he traded me a set of like new Campy quills for the used DA clipless, we were both happy. I will remember to ask about this type of trade in the future. I brought the bike home, traded the DA SIS shifters for Suntour Superbe fine power ratchet friction, installed a 30 year old Brooks Pro and ALE cages.
My first ride was 3 hours over mixed small roads. I was afraid the bike would be nervous because the owner described it as very fast. Though more ambiguous, I think it is more accurate to say it is very good. Well balanced, firm, but not harsh, very responsive, but predictable.I had previously leaned towards sport touring bikes after owning a Raleigh Pro that always left me feeling beat up, the Somec taught me I can have a fast firm and comfortable bike.
The best part is it was only 120 miles away, I met the owner 1/2 way, no UPS! He through in spare Victory hubs, a 27 inch rear wheel, toe cilps and brake hoods, all for only $320.
Tom Stanford,
Weatherford, Texas