A 1974 Garlatti -- I got it as NOS in 2006 and it had never been assembled. Garlatti was (a faik) a small shop out of Parma making pretty basic steel frame bikes dur ing the 70s - I have no other info. It came w/ 27x1 1/4's on the waffle finish rims, and an unlabeled 3-arm c ottered crank set. It was wrapped in the crimped, crinkly paper 'padding' of the day, and had a manila stock card tied with sisal string. White w/ blue trim & decals, chromed fork ends, and the work-a-day Campag nolo Valentino derailleurs, it was also 'Italian rigged', with the rear b rake on the left. I still have the original parts, but I ride it with a Campagnolo Record crankset and have mavic 700s for wheels & a 5 speed Regina cog set. I've done a 250 in 3 day charity ride (Trans NH MDA ride) on it, and it's a co mfortable ride.
Why? Well, I had an off topic specialized getting back into riding after too many years where work interfered with life - lots of gears, flick the wrist and roll over hills ... but when I got the Garlatti I reconnected with thinking riding. All of us know that on some hills you have to size it up before you get there, pick a gear, and that's pretty much where you 'll be. I just don't shift as much from the down tube, so I think I'm mor e aware of how I'm riding - more focused, better connected.
ok -- that's my engineering background talking. The real reason is it jus t talks to me. Really -- indulge a short story:
Written at first light, just before a KOF ride ...
"Hey, there. My bike calls. Been too long. Unh, mm.
She. Yes, she. (If you have to ask thereâs no way youâd u nderstand the explanation.) Jet velvet black, gleaming alloy chain rings & cogs. Smooth, and ready for the teeth to grab the chain and drive forwa rd⦠She knows Iâve been with that Japanese trollop. A sed uctive Geisha VdIO with HRM clip, rpm, direct watts read out and kcal bur ned. Yes. Hotel exer-cycle. Dripped sweat all over her and loved it. Hour s â well, as hard as I could until each hour was up.
I donât mind, she says. (ah, bikes!) It makes you stronger. Bette r. Letâs do a long one, today.
The waiting boxes in the mail yield their venerated cargo. OK, just old. A NIB 3ttt stem and a vintage Selle Italia brown leather Super Corsa sadd le. The other bike calls --
He. (relax) He seems like a he. A 1974 (more or less â he doesnâ t really know) Garlatti from Parma, Italy. Not a show bike. Honest, and hard working. Forgotten in a box for decades, I found him and cleane d him up. He speaks to me like an old guy from the village cycle shop. Kn ows what it means to work. May have actually met with Eddy or Roger or Be rnard. Certainly knew their mechanics. Itâs like having a great u ncle show you the trade at its roots.
Basics, he repeats. I can teach you all the basic strengths again. Rememb er why you like to ride. No, he didnât mean that as a question. T rash in the bin; saddle and stem on the bench near the tools. The old man winks, the Dolomitesâ crease his smile. Sheâll understan d, we both say."
Think I'll skip out early from work today and go ride. On a real bike.
Bob Hillery
Stratham, New Hampshire
USA - and it's finally spring and the tress are just beginning to realize
it ...