Hey Boys and Girls,
After reducing the number of Masis in my shop by one today, I decided to take my recently repainted and assembled Keith Lippy frame out for a maiden voyage. I recently bought this 53cm c-t (just about the outer limit of frame size I can fit on) frame from a nearby listmember for $100. It's a touring style frame built from one of the Reynolds boxed sets available to framebuilders in the early 70's. I believe this bike was built in around '72 or '73. I threw an assortment of parts on her including a triple crankset. For this ride I fitted a pair if Campag. Nuevo Tipo (one of my favorite) hubs laced to some Martano tubular rims. Tires are Vittoria CX. Spaced for 5 speed, YAHOO! I didn't know what to expect from this bike, but here's what I got.
I'm not exactly fit right now so I struggle a bit (OK, so I gag like a maggot) on the hills and I'm sure you guys in Greensboro can hear me whine any time anything more than a freeway overpass is looming in front of me. I started out on my "normal" route which takes me directly past Joe Bells' shop about two miles east of here. As I pedaled off and began to attempt to get warmed up I realized how sweetly responsive this bike is, in spite of it's "touring" geometry. The top tube is a bit on the long side for me and my weight is a bit rearward, but it makes this bike feel very nice and smooth. I also behaves well out of the saddle. I was very impressed. I got to JB's place and stopped for a minute to show off my new "girlfriend". JB was rather busy but stopped for a few minutes to admire my bike. Joe Stark took it out for a second to check out the Weinmann centerpull brakes I had fitted to this bike. Those guys and a few other people took a liking to my unusual paint combination; Bright Lime (chartruse) lugs, fork crown, brake bridge, and seat tube panel combines with Key Lime Green main frame. The seat tube panel has a short flamboyant green fade at either end treminated by some thin stripes of gold and black (from a Raleigh decal set). I saved the VERY 70's style "Hippie Dippy Lippy" decals that were on the frame which were blue and white. I taped the bars in blue and used blue toestraps and brake cable housing. Odd but strangely beautiful, kinda like an alien woman from outer space; different but beautiful none the less. But this bike is more than just a pretty face!
On the way over she was so lively, willing, and responsive to my touch that as I left JB's place I headed for the base of Mount Helix which is just outside JB's front door. It's a long, steep, and winding climb. I almost NEVER go up this hill, but frequently come down it from the other direction when "dropping in" on JB. This bike encouraged me to take me..........take me right now.........take me up that hill and POUND me! I did as she requested........God I wish this bike was my girlfriend! Sure it was hard work, but I never had to use the small chainring or even the last cog on the freewheel. She asked for more and I gave it to her. We reached the climax and I was exhausted, but it was such a pleasurable exhaustion! The RIDE wasn't over yet, either. Oh no. Still the fun part. Around here, what goes up must come down. I love to go fast down hill. I'm not reckless (OK, maybe that's debatable at times) but I like to see what each bike can do. That's why we ride these things; we experience the ride and we get tremendous enjoyment doing it. This babydoll glided down the hills like a Silk Teddy slipping to the floor, it was fantastic and made my hair stand on end. YES, my HAIR! What a marvelous buy at $100!
If there is anyone out there who isn't experiencing things like this you are really missing the boat. Next in the line up is a 1973 Colnago Super which I recently picked up. It has had the seat tube replaced but is well aligned and after some clean up of the repair work and a repaint, she's assembled and ready for a shakedown ride when I have some time. I did take it down the street the other day and she promises great things. Colnagos ride wonderfully, to the point that this one probably will make something else stand up. I can hardly wait for our first DATE! Hubba Hubba! A beautiful redhead is in my datebook for the near future also. I have finished painting The Flying Scot I got from Bob Reid a while back. I'm scrounging up the parts right now. I painted her with Bright Orange/Red lugs, crown, bridge, and seat tube bands in contrast to a Rich Salmon frame. Gold decals and pinstriping. This is one awsome "Redish" bike. She's also promising some moments that I won't easily forget! I have to admit, it's great to be a bachelor! Ride, cherish, and enjoy these bikes (as if I need to encourage anyone); it's why we're here. Just owning them is NOT enough. Every bike is full of surprises from my experience. Man, I love my job!
Just thought I'd share this with everyone. Sweet dreams boys and girls.
Brian Baylis La Mesa, CA Keep those tiny 49cm to 53cm frames comming my way. I still have some room in my bathroom for a few bikes. I suppose if I had to I could sleep with a few. Whoa, my puppy's got GAS! What do you do about that? Nothing worse than a puppy with a trouser cough.