Hello all. After nearly a month of enjoyment reading all of the posts of a very interesting group of bicycle aficionados, I would like to introduce myself and share info about the bikes I ride. I live in Houston, Texas, but commute quite frequently to Kansas where most of my immediate family resides. My first 'ten-speed' bicycle was a Schwinn Varsity Sport which I purchased my senior year in college in 1972. I soon realized that this heavy beast was unsuitable for the long rides I planned to make around the Kansas countryside.
I bought a Peugeot U08 in 1973 and thought it was really something (relatively speaking). Again I was disappointed on long rides, but endured for few years until I bought my first 'pro bike' in 1975. It was an old Frejus which served me well (and which for sentimental reasons I wish I still had.
In 1977 I bought a Colnago Super (I still ride it)(55cm). I built it up with predominately NR, except for the pantographed 53 chainring, and panto brake levers. I put in an Edco alloy headset because I didn't want to wait for an SR from Bikecology. Also I used a Weyless 27.0 seatpost (again, didn't want wait for mail order & my local bikeshop didn't have a Campy in that size). The frame came from Oschner International, and years later a friend (Marcel Calborn) said that it was supposed to be 27.2 but that they didn't prep it.
In 1982 I traded my wife's Viscount (with her marginal approval) to a friend for a Raleigh Competition (all 531 & with 'Carlton' decals on the seat tube) It is Huret equipped and is stamped 'A 706 C' on the BB shell. I believe it is from the 70's??
I have some old gruppos and equipment in storage in Kansas which I hope to get to in the near future. I have a beautiful Trek and a Holdsworth (both 531 frames) which I found at used stores for less than $15 each. Obviously I have been very lucky finding some great stuff.
Okay, sorry for not being more brief. I really enjoy reading everyone's stories. Thanks, Dan Johnson
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