I wasn't trying to engage in a flame war. So I'll just end it here. Surprised there aren't more rando bikes in the TdF.
Rob Dayton
Charlotte, NC
USA
Wave of the future)
> >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 their previous, outdated bikes.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