Jan writes:
> Obviously, it depends on what you want from your old bike. My goal is
> to recreate the experience of the old days. To try and become a rider
> from the 1940s for a day.
>
> I feel that the experience of a bike is only complete when it is
> period correct. So while sometimes modern components might work
> better, they would spoil the experience. Yes, a Cambio Corsa bike
> doesn't shift as quickly as many others, but that is part of the fun.
>
> Sorry Jan,
> If I had to ride my '52 Viking Path/Road with 38cm GB bars I'd ride
> it right to the dumpster. My Nitto Noodle bars at 46cm enhance the ride of
> the frame and actually make it better performance-wise. I want to
> experience the frame, but I also want to be comfortable. The soul of the
> bike is still there, and it's my turn to put my mark on it before passing
> it on to the kid. Of course, I wouldn't change anything inherent to the
> frame such as a Cambio-Corsa mechanism. On the other hand I'll pick and
> choose accoutrements to adapt the bike to me. As a result I have a Shimano
> Nexus generator hub (couldn't get a Brit model) for my nighttime commute to
> work, and a Bagman Carradice support ( I tour on a fixed/free), but I kept
> the ton and half Brampton flip-flop with Cyclo 4 speed freewheel and the
> Mavic Racers. I love the bike, but I use it. And if "Daisey" Day, the
> original owner could straddle the thing, he'd recognize it, and probably
> appreciate what I've done to it. If not, too bad. It wasn't found intact
> and unmolested in an attic. It's not Smithsonian material. But when the
> racer-dudes zoom past me and take a look, they always look twice.
> Craig Montgomery
> Tucson