My main ride is a 1974 Carlton Pro. Every 2 years or so I have to take in down for a repaint, because I do train on it (6600 miles/year) and I sweat all over it. Still running Campy NR but modified with 7spd freewheel and Campy Ergo 8speed shifters and rear derailleur. Pedals are Time Impact, Wheels are 80s vintage Rovals. It's down for paint now, so I'm riding my backup: a 1972 Gitane TdF. I really enjoy riding hard on these older bikes. It's my way of making a statement. David "Retro" Vann Tampa, FL, USA --------------------------
Date: Mon, 25 Sep 2006 20:50:32 -0400 From: Craig Ryan <c.ryan@insightbb.com> Subject: Re: [CR]Shocking beautiful unclassical classic Raleigh
Yes, nice observation and it brings up a very good point. What is the best
way to make an older bike more useful/practical for serious riding? What are
the concessions we can make that would keep the spirit of the age, but
provide better service. I know many would say that the old is great and it
shouldn't be changed in any way. But are we willing to trust those 30 year
old pedal axles for the stomping we'd like to give them? And how about that
nice looking stem? And best of all, how can we best take that racing frame
with a 15cm saddle to bars drop and get it to fit our "mellowing" body. At
what point are we going too far? Tires, wheels, pedals, bars? I have a
couple of bikes I can only use to cruise on would never think of taking on a
training ride. But it would be really neat to be able to trust them on a
hard ride. I'm interested in what people think.
Craig Ryan
Noblesville, IN USA