Mr. Tutty: I will not allow you to take away my freedom to use the Altenberger Synchron dual-pivot brake of the 1960s - 1970s (and its clones), with a simple stroke at the keyboard. (tongue in cheek).
I don't plan to do the 508, and did do L'Eroica with clips & cleats. For long rides, at my mid-60s age, I'd rather not do long rides w/o clipless, and I keep my cleated pedals for display.
But, the larger point, made by also by Derek Wilburn, is that establishing fair categories is hard work. I've never designed race cars, but in my youth I did serious "taxonomy," the classification of organisms. One of the glories of the evolution of life is the gradations we see between and among forms. The general rule: whatever the rule, there are going to be exceptions. Like the Syncron.
Oh, I almost forgot. I once made a first series, small-wheel, Moulton into a much more capable on-topic bike. Aluminum rims, proper drive train, etc. But one of the more important upgrades was replacing the awful sidepulls with a pair of proper Synchrons. Because of the suspension and the particular design, it was the best fit, and they worked superbly.
harvey sachs mcLean va usa (just inside the notorious DC Beltway, so I must be part of the problem)
When I first read about this I thought 'great idea'. Then I put my former racecar engineer's cap on and took a look at the rules:
'Classic Rendezvous Division Rules:
- The frame and fork must be lugged steel (but built in ANY year,
including brand new). Yes, we know that aluminum bikes existed before
1983, as well as fillet-brazed steel...
- No more than six cogs on the rear wheel.
- 32 spokes per wheel minimum.
- Friction shifting on the down-tube or bar-ends (must be true friction
shiters; not clickables set in friction mode).
- Toe clips and straps.'
>>
>> Right so I'm lining up with:
>>
*A lugged stem frame and fork featuring compact geometry and a
threadless fork/headset.
>>
*Full 2007 spec Dura Ace components modified as follows: 10 speed
cassette modified by removal of 4 sprockets and replacement by spacers.
>>
*Brifters replaced by Tektro 200 aero levers and friction gear levers.
>>
*Carbon fibre triple crankset to give 18 gears covering former 2 x10 range.
>>
*Deep dish carbon aero 'V' rims - 32 bladed spokes per wheel of course.
>>
*Tri bars.
>>
*Toeclips and straps.
>>
Fully compliant with the rules? - Yes.
>>
"Classic Rendezvous" - No.
>>
Back to the drawing board re the rules, Chris.
>>
May I suggest that the rules should also specify in addition to those
posted:
>>
*Threaded steerers and quill type stems
>>
*Brake levers to be non-aero type, brakes to be single pivot or centre
pull only.
>>
*Carbon fibre and titanium to be banned.
>>
*No more than 2 chainwheels (no triples)
>>
*Rims to have a maximun depth of 19mm (3/4")
>>
*Tri bars banned.
>>
Peter Tutty