On Saturday, May 24, 2003, at 12:31 PM, BobHoveyGa@aol.com wrote:
> And a non-racer who bought one for general use
> was pretty much considered a "poser".
Just like the late 70s through the 80s in the US. In Europe people
used to see racing bikes for racing. If you were into group ride and
long weekend jaunts it you needed a club bike, similar to the US
sport-touring bikes of the 70s. Otherwise you'd have a "town" bike
with racks and fenders. When this Bianchi was made generally each
member of the family would have one bike that suited the kind of riding
they did.
> Given that, what is the explaination for this bike? Is this really a
> child's
> bike, sold with front and rear derailleurs and tubular tires, a Unica
> saddle?
> Has anyone ever seen a bike like this before, from this time period?
It's a child's racing bike. There were, and still are, large groups
for children's racing. Just like in the US when at the age of 6 you
take your kid out to the BMX track, in Europe they get on the road or
boards. I remember a long time ago reading about a guy and his young
daughter riding the PBP or one of the other big brevets. These bikes
are quite common in europe. In Antwerpen a couple years back I saw a
really nice tricked out track bike with 20" sew-ups, Cinelli bar and
stem, and full Campy, except for the 155mm TA cranks.
> Was there ever children's races in Europe, a group below juniors?
> Maybe a
> pro racer and proud papa had the bike built for his child?
Many of the top racers of yesterday and today got their start from a
cycle racing parent; recognize the name Axel Merckx? If you go into
any pro shop in Europe and ask about children's racing bikes they
should be able to show you a few from quite a few different makes.
Today in Europe BMX is becoming the entry door to cycle racing just as
it's been here in the US for 30 years.
enjoy,
Brandon"monkeyman"Ives
SB, CA
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"Sine coffea nihil sum."
--Sarah Vowell--
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