Hi all,
I just joined the list, and haven't had a lot of time to review archives yet. I know I can learn a lot of the group.
A bit of my biking History...
I got back into biking almost 20 years ago and it took a while for me to work back toward the classic parts (and steel frames). I started back into biking by buying a Klein Aluminum frame in 1983 and a Campagnolo SR (reduced) group to install on it. I rode that for several years (complete with sew-up wheels), and then migrated to a carbon fiber mountain bike because I though it would be more reliable for commuting. Wrong - seemed like I had a lot more wheel problems with the Mountain bike especially with rim failures.
Then, about five years ago I bought an inexpensive old Fuji Track bike with assorted Japanese & Italian components & sew-ups - just because several of my friends were into fixed-gear riding. I immediately loved the simplicity of the fixed-gear and starting using that for commuting, and then for all of my riding. Of course the urge to get something better took hold, and I was lucky enough to find a beautiful '73 Eisentraut track frame in my size, with full Campy record components (including the record 151-mm bolt circle pista cranks), sew-ups, etc. (My first classic bike). I still ride that on club rides, but it's just too nice to use as a daily commuter. I replaced the Fuji with a Waterford track bike that I now use for commuting.
By now the bike bug started to take hold but I just dont like what most of the companies are turning out these days and since Im not a racer, a bit more weight doesnt matter that much. I have added a fairly recent vintage Huron touring frame (that I still haven't built up), and a nice old Paramount road bike (off E-bay) - for the few times when a fixed gear bike isn't appropriate.
I also follow the fixed-gear list, but need to learn more about the classics as well.
Ben Sanford
Ben@bikerider.com
in too hot - Falls Church, VA