Re: [CR]All These Classic Bikes - Does Anyone have Classic Shoes?!? John'sGon e :-(

(Example: Humor:John Pergolizzi)

Date: Tue, 26 Dec 2006 13:40:37 -0600
From: "John Thompson" <JohnThompson@new.rr.com>
To: "billungardesign@juno.com" <billungardesign@juno.com>
Subject: Re: [CR]All These Classic Bikes - Does Anyone have Classic Shoes?!? John'sGon e :-(
References: <20061225.201738.2183.1543110@webmail12.nyc.untd.com>
In-Reply-To: <20061225.201738.2183.1543110@webmail12.nyc.untd.com>
cc: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org

billungardesign@juno.com wrote:
> Dear CL List-isimos,
> When I was racing in the mid 70's, I think the only shoe I could buy (un
> fortunately no long have), was the plain black Detto Pietro leather shoe
> (leather upper and sole) - I remember buying them from 'ol John Kuchari
> k in Gardena.
>
> John was best known for sewing the very best wool jerseys. He'd measure
> my foot size 42 (8 1/2) , and take a pair into the back room and nail on
> a pair of steel Detto Pietro cleats.
>
> John's gone (I believe), but I wonder if anyone has for sale any of thes
> e old shoes in my size?

John's still around; I had him repair a couple pairs of wool shorts for me last winter. Here's his web site:

http://www.kucharik.com/

It doesn't appear that he does shoes anymore, though.
> PS The alternative is removing my Campy road pedals with toe clips, and
> attaching clipless Looks - but hey, aren't we supposed to be riding clas
> sic bikes right?!?

Keep an eye on eBay; every so often a set (or similar shoe) shows up. Size 42 is small enough that there are still some NOS shoes in circulation. I wear a 41 and it's about the only time I've found it to be an advantage. I had a hard time finding proper steel-toed foot gear back when I worked at Trek.

--
John Thompson (john@os2.dhs.org)
Appleton WI USA