I own a small bunch of bikes. I've now ridden a very large bunch of bikes. I like them all. The mid line Bianchis, the top of the line Ralieghs, the 3Renshos, modern aluminum, cf ot bikes. Some of you who know me, know that last year I made a desperate attempt to restore an all SR Gios to no avail. Others may remember that my wife purchased a Colnago Arabesque which I dutifully maintained for her but didn't ever take more than a test ride around the block. These past two weeks I broke the rule and rode it for an hour each outing. Some of you may laugh either because you already love Italian high end steel or because you love Colnagos or whatever, but I have never experienced anything like this bike. It is my size and fits me well as it does my wife without any alterations (perhaps she was stretching a bit for the 10 cm stem because she wanted to keep the pantograhed club motif.
The Arabesque is both responsive like nothing else, stiff in the rear triangle but supple on the road. It feels much lighter in the pedals than anything else, and I actually feel faster with it. Some may also laugh at the Dura Ace gruppo, but what can I say.. I love that too. Would I fall in love with a Masi the same way? Is there something else on the road that feels like this? Is this one in a million? Who knows? Is it due to the clover leaf Columbus tubing or the super short wheel base ? I'd love to know so I could get another bike in its class, if such a thing exists.
Garth Libre in Miami Fl.