>WOW!!!!!!!!! That's a pretty bold statement. Is it a new design? Using
>half lugs like some of the Waterfords I've seen? Is it steel?
>
>Rob Dayton
>Charlotte, NC
>USA
While weight weenies might think that a 23.6 lb. bike would have a weight handicap, I have found that not to be the case. I have ridden both racing and good randonneur bikes on the same courses against the clock and against other riders (who always ride the same bikes). There is no performance difference that can be attributed to the fenders and lights, or their extra weight. (I even have climbed my favorite hill (1.4 miles, 760 feet) on my favorite bike with a 5-lb. load, and my time was within the range of how long it usually takes to climb the hill.)
This does not mean that there is not a performance difference from bike to bike. But weight is only a small factor. In our VBQ tests, we try to determine what these factors are - frame flex, Q factor, tires and more. Part of why we love to ride the classic bikes is that they were built with decades of experience in optimizing performance. This applies both to racing and randonneur bikes.
I know that most magazines tell you that huge progress has been made since you bought your latest wonder bike in March 2005, and that you need a new bike now, or you'll be left in the dust. But VBQ isn't supported by advertising, so I can be honest when I ride the latest Cervelo or Litespeed machines. And I have seen enough riders upgrade to a new bike and then be as fast or even slower than they were on their previous, outdated bikes.
So I stand by my "bold" statement. I invite all doubters with their racing bikes to come to Seattle and we'll go for a ride. That said, Peter wants his bike back, so you better hurry! ;-)
Of course, your mileage may vary, and I am too busy putting out the next VBQ to engage in a flame war.
--
Jan Heine, Seattle
Editor/Publisher
Vintage Bicycle Quarterly
c/o Il Vecchio Bicycles
140 Lakeside Ave, Ste. C
Seattle WA 98122
http://www.vintagebicyclepress.com