View Full Version : My Everyday Rider
I built up a Bianchi last fall to take the pressure off the Lemond. Turns out the Bianchi is so darn beautiful I can't stand to get it all beat up on these late winter Ohio roads. :love:
So I picked up a plain old '85 Trek 460 recently for cheap, added Open Pro wheels with Vittoria tires, 105 brake calipers and Blackburn bottle cages, all from my my junk box. Unlike me, this bike is fast and climbs well. I can ride it every day and not worry.
Are others as hung up as I am about keeping their nice bikes in good shape and clean?
Retro Grouch
03-13-07, 04:52 PM
So you get a hat to keep the rain off of your head. Then you get one of those plastic covers to keep the rain off of your hat. Then you buy an umbrella... Next thing you know you have to buy a house with a bigger garage.
CrossChain
03-13-07, 05:11 PM
The opposite for me. I ride 'em all over in the hopes that "wearing" them out will hasten a new bike. Trouble is, bikes don't much wear out if you maintain them. They just get that "old friend" well used look.
Kind of like wives?
Retro Grouch
03-13-07, 05:24 PM
bikes don't much wear out if you maintain them.
+1. If you're honest with yourself, it's hard to really wear out a bike.
Trouble is, bikes don't much wear out if you maintain them. They just get that "old friend" well used look.
Kind of like wives?
Very true, I do all my own work so things never get to the point of failure. I could easily get by with one bike. I think I just like to be surrounded by bikes, uh...clean bikes. :o
BTW, I loved the hat analogy.:lol:
DnvrFox
03-13-07, 06:24 PM
So, how long until it "Turns out the Trek is so darn beautiful I can't stand to get it all beat up on these late winter Ohio roads?"
Nice bike
maddmaxx
03-13-07, 07:11 PM
After cleaning, a touch of wax helps. Makes it easier to clean next time.
Are others as hung up as I am about keeping their nice bikes in good shape and clean?
I can't say my Frankenbikes are "nice," if by that you mean others would lust after them. But I do keep all three clean, lubed and greased if only because it gives me something to do when I should be cleaning the gutters or painting a bedroom.
Jet Travis
03-13-07, 09:19 PM
Are others as hung up as I am about keeping their nice bikes in good shape and clean?
As a guy who owns seven bikes myself, I take this to mean: "I needed another project, and, besides, dear, it keeps me out of worse trouble."
BTW, Louis, that Trek looks very nice.
centexwoody
03-14-07, 08:38 AM
This inspires me to find a LARGE steel frame on E-bay to build into a properly-size bicycle for me. I was sized for a 68 but I've not found that large a frame anywhere outside a custom builder.
Oh, to be normal size...
Nice bike, by the way, and it is waaay to nice to ride out on those dirty roads - I'd just keep it clean and protected and trust that your heirs will auction it through Sotheby's for really big bucks or donate it to the BF 50+ Bicycle Hall of Fame (possible locations currently being scouted in San Diego by DG). :D
stapfam
03-14-07, 10:04 AM
Despite all my good intentions- If I ride the bike it gets dirty.
Bikes meant to get used and as my bike does not have a self cleaning surface- I have a problem.
Retro Grouch
03-14-07, 12:29 PM
Despite all my good intentions- If I ride the bike it gets dirty.
Bikes meant to get used and as my bike does not have a self cleaning surface- I have a problem.
That's what I think too but I also have way more bikes than I can justify so I don't begrudge the OP holding back his nicest bikes to ride only on sunny days. I do the same thing.
Thanks for the "nice bike" comments. In that pic I had just finished a ride and hosed the gunk off before going inside for the camera. You can see the water droplets hanging from the pump. I think I'm starting to bond with this bike too. Maybe I should look into picking up an old bike to ride so this bike stays clean. Hmmmm...:p
Digital Gee
03-14-07, 10:09 PM
Thanks for the "nice bike" comments. In that pic I had just finished a ride and hosed the gunk off before going inside for the camera. You can see the water droplets hanging from the pump. I think I'm starting to bond with this bike too. Maybe I should look into picking up an old bike to ride so this bike stays clean. Hmmmm...:p
You know, those tires might look mighty pretty on The Diego. What are they? And, do they cost an arm and a leg, or can they be had for just one limb? What about flat resistant?
You know, those tires might look mighty pretty on The Diego. What are they? And, do they cost an arm and a leg, or can they be had for just one limb? What about flat resistant?
These tires were on a set of wheels I bought a while back. I like 'em, they ride nice, grippy but fast and are fairly light at about 230g. The label reads: "Vittoria Action Pro Intrepid PRB Kevlar 3D compound". They are not flat resistant, the "kevlar" on the label, I believe, is refering to the bead only and not a kevlar belt.
I'm pretty sure Vittoria does not make this tire anymore but they do make lots of others that are available in colors including yellow. Most lightweight tires will indeed cost an arm and a leg regardless of the manufacturer.
The red bike/yellow bar tape, cages, cable housing, etc. was popular in the 80's. Yes, the Diego would look gnarly festooned in yellow trim. Go for eet, mon.:)
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