RE:[CR]The bikes I would most like to own

(Example: History)

From: "Steve Birmingham" <sbirmingham@mindspring.com>
To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Subject: RE:[CR]The bikes I would most like to own
Date: Thu, 23 Jun 2005 23:18:43 -0400
In-Reply-To: <MONKEYFOODFapNuT1FM0000424b@monkeyfood.nt.phred.org>


I have a couple aero bikes from the early 80's, but only one with fairly normal geometry. It's made by Skip Hujsak from Texas, and is Columbus "AIR" tubing.

I've seen the air label on some merely ovalised tube, but this is fully aero, and pretty narrow sideways cross section. It's a little small for me, not bad for seat height, but a bit too short of a top tube. The frame does flex more than most from side to side, but isn't bad if you're more of a spinner than I am, or lighter than I am. All in all, I'd have to say it's just fine for what it was designsed for, which was most likely time trials. (I believe it was actually used for wind tunnel testing for bicycling mgazine, and reviewed on it's own later) But it probably wouldn't be much good for touring, nor would it be a good choice for a strong sprinter.

Like most Bikes or parts, it's no better or worse than any other, as long as it's being used for what it was intended for. Particular easily broken, or poorly made parts excepted, like the sheetmetal brakes Huffy used to use.

The other one I have is True temper steel aero tube, but it's designed for the team pursuit, and has 24" wheels. It's extremely stiff, but I think that's mostly due to how short all the tubes are. This one really only much good for one particular event, but it is a blast to ride once in awhile.

Steve Birmingham Lowell,Ma USA

Date: Thu, 23 Jun 2005 21:52:51 -0400 From: Bianca Pratorius <biankita@earthlink.net> Subject: [CR]The bikes I would most like to own Message: 17

In the early 80's I ran into a period of real or relatively real poverty. About the only extravagance I could afford was a bike because they were practical while at the same time being sensuous. The more you rode your bike the more money you could save for other things. The bikes I most hungered for were the aero bikes that later came with the Shimano AX groupos or the aero Suntour version of it. Those tear drop tubes were so beautiful. Now the bad part is that the bikes were rare then and still rarer now. I have no idea if the aero tubing made for a lesser or a greater bike or if the groupos that later came with them even functioned as well as the standard stuff that we have on most of our restorations now. No one here talks much about those bikes even though some of the nicest examples were available in 1981 or 82. I don't see pictures posted, nor does anyone mention if the tube sets were in any way superior or worse.

Garth Libre in rainy Miami Fl.