Fifty Plus (50+) - New Bike!

Although my Klein was fun, when I went over 20 miles on it it just beat me up. So I have replaced it with this Mondonico! It is just as fun as the Klein, way prettier, and flys like the wind.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showpost.php?p=5225590&postcount=10

Very nice, the OCP in me is crying from your bar position however. :eek:

That's only temporary. I have to get a new stem and bars for it. It's got a very* long top tube to it, and an aggressive stance.

There are several of us here with the short leg/long trunk problem. This leads to questions about negative numbers and the formula's for standover height.

Theory has it that Italian designed bikes have shorter virtual top tubes for a given seat tube height and are not suitable for "us"

That's only temporary. I have to get a new stem and bars for it. It's got a very* long top tube to it, and an aggressive stance.

I know, it would just look so much nicer with the bars adjusted. The rules for bike pictures are::)

1. Remove any seat packs, pumps etc that are not OCP
2. Find a white garage door to pose bike next to, unless your bike is white, then don't bother posting a picture
3. Picture must be of the drive side with the crank at 12 o'clock
4. If possible pull your seat post up as high as possible to create as big as drop as possible between seat and bars - racy
5. make sure stem is flipped

Once you post the picture you can readjust the bike to be comfortable and add all of the necessary equipment you really needed to ride it.

Nice bike! Steel is real and lugged steel is the realest steel, for real. :)

Its a beauty!

That bar positions looks reasonable to me!

Nice clean looking bike. Never heard of that brand before, but I'm not well versed on older road bikes.

That bar positions looks reasonable to me!

Nice clean looking bike. Never heard of that brand before, but I'm not well versed on older road bikes.

If you were, you would definitely have heard of Mondonico (http://www.torelli.com/mondonico/mndnico.html).

Italian road bikes are my bane. They are the ones which have the geometry most unfriendly to my body.

There are several of us here with the short leg/long trunk problem. This leads to questions about negative numbers and the formula's for standover height.

Theory has it that Italian designed bikes have shorter virtual top tubes for a given seat tube height and are not suitable for "us"

I went down an measured it compared to my same-sized Bridgestone. The top tube is 1" longer. I thought that would be a good thing, but it may not be. I have to do some stuff to it before I can really ride it a long way. I know, for one thing, the cranks are too long, and also that the gearing is totally beyond my abilities.

It has that funny 600/ultegra group on it, and I'm trying to figure out what dang parts I need. I may have to just bring it in to a shop.

I think I just really like the history of bikes, and how different they all feel. I can totally see me with my Atlantis as my main bike for the next 30 years, with a couple of ever-changing special-use bikes. I'll always want a fast, pretty bike and I'll always want a utility errand bike. Part of the fun is seeing what each bike has to offer, and what its soul is like! But since I always* have to swap out the stem and bars it's a dang good thing I've learned how to do it myself so I don't have to keep buying new ones.

If I don't fall in love with this bike, I can sell it for the same price (probably more) in a year or two and get to know another bike. But so far, I'm enamored with it.

What's so strange about the 600/Ultegra group? That looks like the same crank that came on my RB-1 when it was new in '92. Pretty standard stuff for the time. The rear derailleur looks newer, possibly a replacement. Oh, if you change the crank, be aware that the bottom bracket is probably Italian threaded.

What's so strange about the 600/Ultegra group? That looks like the same crank that came on my RB-1 when it was new in '92. Pretty standard stuff for the time. The rear derailleur looks newer, possibly a replacement. Oh, if you change the crank, be aware that the bottom bracket is probably Italian threaded.

Oh! Thankyou! I would have forgotten completely about Italian threading. French I was all afraid of, but I hadn't even thought of Italian bikes.

The 600/Ultegra group is strange because it makes it hard to do searches for the right parts. You don't know quite how the person has phrased it... they may just call it 600 or maybe Ultegra or they may use a hypen and not a slash. And I don't know where the cut-offs are, so I don't know quite what works with what. I just have to learn more about it.

All I know is that I can't ride it without new cogs.

I went down an measured it compared to my same-sized Bridgestone. The top tube is 1" longer. I thought that would be a good thing, but it may not be. I have to do some stuff to it before I can really ride it a long way. I know, for one thing, the cranks are too long, and also that the gearing is totally beyond my abilities.
It has that funny 600/ultegra group on it, and I'm trying to figure out what dang parts I need. I may have to just bring it in to a shop.

I think I just really like the history of bikes, and how different they all feel. I can totally see me with my Atlantis as my main bike for the next 30 years, with a couple of ever-changing special-use bikes. I'll always want a fast, pretty bike and I'll always want a utility errand bike. Part of the fun is seeing what each bike has to offer, and what its soul is like! But since I always* have to swap out the stem and bars it's a dang good thing I've learned how to do it myself so I don't have to keep buying new ones.

If I don't fall in love with this bike, I can sell it for the same price (probably more) in a year or two and get to know another bike. But so far, I'm enamored with it.

:lol: I saw the 52/42 chain rings and the tiny cassette. I was going to comment and I read your initial post that said the bike "flys like the wind". Well, I thought OP must generate some serious power so this is all the gears that are needed.;)

The 600/Ultegra group is strange because it makes it hard to do searches for the right parts. You don't know quite how the person has phrased it... they may just call it 600 or maybe Ultegra or they may use a hypen and not a slash. And I don't know where the cut-offs are, so I don't know quite what works with what. I just have to learn more about it.

All I know is that I can't ride it without new cogs.

That is only important if you are trying to replace it with the exact same parts. It doesn't have to be the same group. I would guess you have a 7 speed cassette? If so, you just need a Shimano compatible 7 speed cassette to replace it. If you want to go with a much larger rear cogset, you'll probably need a MTB derailleur. Any Shimano will work.
If you want a new crank, just get one with the right crank arm length that takes a square taper BB spindle. Anything except Campagnolo because they have a different taper. If the bottom bracket is in good shape, you won't need to replace it as long as the spindle length works with the new crank. If you do need a new bottom bracket (likely if you change to a triple), then you can get any crank you like. Just get the compatible Italian threaded bottom bracket to go with it. A Sugino XD triple would look good on that bike.

Should be much more comfortable. My lugged steel gets ridden at least once a week. Nice ride.

That is only important if you are trying to replace it with the exact same parts. It doesn't have to be the same group. I would guess you have a 7 speed cassette? If so, you just need a Shimano compatible 7 speed cassette to replace it. If you want to go with a much larger rear cogset, you'll probably need a MTB derailleur. Any Shimano will work.
If you want a new crank, just get one with the right crank arm length that takes a square taper BB spindle. Anything except Campagnolo because they have a different taper. If the bottom bracket is in good shape, you won't need to replace it as long as the spindle length works with the new crank. If you do need a new bottom bracket (likely if you change to a triple), then you can get any crank you like. Just get the compatible Italian threaded bottom bracket to go with it. A Sugino XD triple would look good on that bike.


Thank you for simplifying it all for me. I was trying to stay with the exact era of parts because I wasn't sure how things changed when the 600/Ultegra went to just Ultegra. I didn't know all the parts were so interchangeable!!! Now, since I have a freewheel, is that going to mess with anything? I know chain width is an issue, but I think only for 9-10 speeds?

So do I have to take the BB out to find the spindle length to know what kind of compact crank I should order?

Actually, I like your triple recommendation. I like triples, just in general. I'll go price this stuff out.

:lol: I saw the 52/42 chain rings and the tiny cassette. I was going to comment and I read your initial post that said the bike "flys like the wind". Well, I thought OP must generate some serious power so this is all the gears that are needed.;)

Let me clarify! While COASTING down grades and when used as a 3-speed, the bike shows great responsiveness without being all skittish and reactive like my Klein! I feel very safe on this bike, even when going pretty fast downhill. The bike I'm replacing also "flys like the wind" but it has a mind of its own so I apply the brakes at the slightest provocation.

All three of my bikes are lugged steel. Sweet to see a slender chromed fork with graceful crown and "skinny" tubing. Grow weary of seeing almost exclusively chubby and stubby iterations of classic bike frames among my friends. Tan sidewalls would enhance the look even more. Let's see...and gum hoods. Maybe spiral that computer wire around the brake cable housing, get some metal toe clips (Christophe), etc.

Forgive my bossiness....just re-living my more youthful years.

Let me clarify! While COASTING down grades and when used as a 3-speed, the bike shows great responsiveness without being all skittish and reactive like my Klein! I feel very safe on this bike, even when going pretty fast downhill. The bike I'm replacing also "flys like the wind" but it has a mind of its own so I apply the brakes at the slightest provocation.

No clarification needed...It is a great bike and that is the gearing provided at that time. The Italian bikes of that time were geared high and one had to be a great shape to ride them. I am sure you will set it up so that it works for you and your terrain.:)

Thank you for simplifying it all for me. I was trying to stay with the exact era of parts because I wasn't sure how things changed when the 600/Ultegra went to just Ultegra. I didn't know all the parts were so interchangeable!!! Now, since I have a freewheel, is that going to mess with anything? I know chain width is an issue, but I think only for 9-10 speeds?

So do I have to take the BB out to find the spindle length to know what kind of compact crank I should order?

Actually, I like your triple recommendation. I like triples, just in general. I'll go price this stuff out.

OK. Since you have a freewheel, you have to replace it with a freewheel. :) They are still available made by Shimano or Sunrace, though sizes are much more limited than in the good old days of Sachs freewheels.
If you want a triple, my choice would be the Sugino XD600. Alfred E Bikes has the best price I've seen. Your BB spindle is probably 113 or 115mm. That may work just fine with the XD crank, or you may need a 118. I would try it if the existing one runs smoothly. If it is the loose ball bearing type, you can replace the bearings and repack it with grease. Or you can replace it with a cartridge type. Shimano UN54 or similar should be around $25.
Have fun!

Although my Klein was fun, when I went over 20 miles on it it just beat me up. So I have replaced it with this Mondonico! It is just as fun as the Klein, way prettier, and flys like the wind.

Nice looking bike.

But you "replaced" a bike? I thought we were just supposed to add to our bikes:rolleyes:

With that gearing, how are you doing going up hillls?

Nice looking bike.

But you "replaced" a bike? I thought we were just supposed to add to our bikes:rolleyes:

I have made a vow several times during my life. The first was when I was learning how to quilt, and met other quilters. Their homes were filled with fabric, floor to ceiling, that had collected dust for 30 years. I vowed I would never keep unused fabric.

Then, when I got into dogs and met dog people, I saw homes that were filled with dog art. (And TROPHIES!) I once was in a house where there was literally hundereds of dog things in the house. It was a collection which filled even the bathrooms. I started to get tons of dog-art presents for my birthday and Christmas. Whenever someone saw anything with a dog on it, they got it for me. I had dog hangars, dog watches, dog mugs, etc.

Now, I am a minimalist type person. I like and keep sentimental things, but I don't tend to accumulate things besides shoes and computer stuff. So, I told everyone that I was really into dog Christmas Ornaments. I now have over 100 dog ornaments, and the rest of my house is dog-art free! Not that I don't like* dog art... I just didn't want my hobby to overtake my life. I adore the dog ornaments, and it makes giving me gifts easy for people.

So, back to bikes. I was having breakfast with a friend and showing him the bike I was working on. He looked at me and said, "You're not going to be one of those old ladies who owns 40 cats, are you? Except the cats will be bikes?" So I made my third vow! I haven't decided on the number of bikes I'll limit myself to, but I will limit them!


With that gearing, how are you doing going up hillls?

I'm not! In fact I hurt my knee going up a hill in the easiest gear! The guy I bought it from used it as a commuter. He was the real deal. And a cool guy... he's into mushing, too, and I'm going to give him a Norwegian Kick Sled I've had sitting in the basement. I have met the coolest people in my Craig's List transactions.

There are several of us here with the short leg/long trunk problem. This leads to questions about negative numbers and the formula's for standover height.

Theory has it that Italian designed bikes have shorter virtual top tubes for a given seat tube height and are not suitable for "us"

Thats me - almost 6'2" with a 32" inseam. I swear the conventions say I need a 56cm frame but I ride frames between 58cm and 64cm.

Thats me - almost 6'2" with a 32" inseam. I swear the conventions say I need a 56cm frame but I ride frames between 58cm and 64cm.

That would be me at 6'0" with a 30" inseam and maybe just maybe a 31" bike standover measurement.

For the road bike I went with a big 57 to get the appropriate top tube length and just let the standover fall where it may.

On the MTB however I went with a HARO V4 frame as its virtual top tube length is huge compared to the size of the bike. In addition, the HARO has a severely sloped top tube. It looks like (and HARO's background is) a large scale BMX/dirt jumper. For the large folks out there, the frame is also overbuilt with gussets and even a seat tube brace. Still tops (bottoms) the scale under 25lbs with disc's and no carbon in sight.

I'm at 5'8-1/2" on a 58cm bike? Although this new bike is a 59, but with a really low BB. Anything smaller than 55 is too small to ride.

To straighten the stem, straddle the front wheel. Hold the wheel in place with your knees, the stem with one hand and the wrench in the other. But the real problem is the angle of the bars. You can probably raise the stem up to the max line. If it is already at the line, consider getting one that is a little taller, when you get one with a shorter reach.
You can also get a 11/28t freewheel. That will be almost the same as a compact crank. Go to Sheldon Brown's Gear Guide (http://sheldonbrown.com/gears/) and plug in the numbers for various combinations. You could also get a 14/32t, which will give you a lower gear than a compact, with your present freewheel. However, if you do that, you will need a long reach rear derailleur. But that will probably still be cheaper than a new crank and bb.

Thanks! I'm going to the LBS today to get a nitto stem and noodle bars and some kind of solution for the cogs. I think I'd like to ride it this fall before I do anything major to it. I am just so pleased that I don't have to worry too much about staying within the time period. Uniglide, Hyperglide, freewheels all at the same time with different chains (and tools!) to go with them. Way too much info to figure out theoretically. It's the kind of stuff you have to work out case by case and gain experience, I guess.

Thanks! I'm going to the LBS today to get a nitto stem and noodle bars and some kind of solution for the cogs. I think I'd like to ride it this fall before I do anything major to it. I am just so pleased that I don't have to worry too much about staying within the time period. Uniglide, Hyperglide, freewheels all at the same time with different chains (and tools!) to go with them. Way too much info to figure out theoretically. It's the kind of stuff you have to work out case by case and gain experience, I guess.
Good ideas, all of them.

Nice bike! If you're going to change cranks, why not try a compact crankset with the cogs you have. You can probably use the same derailleurs (you might have to lower the FD a hair). That would give you significantly lower gears for climbing, while still giving you reasonably close gear rations.

Italian road bikes are my bane. They are the ones which have the geometry most unfriendly to my body.In that case, they might be just the thing for me. :D Hmmm... new Italian road bike. :love:

Nice bike! If you're going to change cranks, why not try a compact crankset with the cogs you have. You can probably use the same derailleurs (you might have to lower the FD a hair). That would give you significantly lower gears for climbing, while still giving you reasonably close gear rations.

The problem with compact cranks and 6, 7 or 8 speed rear ends is getting the range you want without having big jumps between the gears. If the smallest few cogs are more than one tooth apart, the steps get up to 10 - 15 gear inches. That's a big step if you are trying to keep up your speed on rolling hills. But you are right, for more casual riding it can work very well.

I'm dealing with that issue now on my Bridgestone with a 7 speed and a compact double. The only cassettes I can find with single steps for the fist 3 cogs are 12-21 and 13-23. I'm going to try both and see how they work. I suspect I'll want the 23 more than the 12. For the really hilly rides, I'll put on something with a wider range and live with the bigger steps.

Thanks! I'm going to the LBS today to get a nitto stem and noodle bars and some kind of solution for the cogs.

So I went in to the local LBS (with my bike) which has a reputation for specializing in vintage bikes, and asked for the above. The kid said, "Well, once you add all that up, you're half-way to a new bike." I said, mouth open, "How much do these parts cost* here???" He said, "Well after you add in new bar tape and stuff, it'll be around $150."

That's what I get for being a middle-aged fat female cyclist... :o

In the kid's defense, after I sputtered, "But....it's a Mondonico!" He looked kinda shocked, said, "Well, it's a different thing if it has sentimental value..." and then was totally helpful.

So I went in to the local LBS with my bike which has a reputation for specializing in vintage bikes, and asked for the above. The kid said, "Well, once you add all that up, you're half-way to a new bike." I said, mouth open, "How much do these parts cost* here???" He said, "Well after you add in new bar tape and stuff, it'll be around $150."

That's what I get for being a middle-aged fat cyclist...:o

In the kid's defense, after I sputtered, "But....it's a Mondonico!" He looked kinda shocked, and then was totally helpful.

I got the impression from something you said earlier in this thread that you would be swapping the stem and bars from another bike.

I got the impression from something you said earlier in this thread that you would be swapping the stem and bars from another bike.

I was thinking I was going to get another set... The Klein is up north and I didn't want to rip it apart before I see how this works for me. But I decided not to get them, as I did have a set on the bike I'm using to learn overhauling on, and it wasn't taped up yet. So I got a cheaper stem for the SR and I'll use some old bars I have laying around for that bike. So I just just got the cogs, tape, a cable and some tools. And a different seat post. The Campy seatpost is shaped and won't go low enough. Oh, and the cheaper stem for the SR.

So, after all the different gearing options discussed, what size cassette did you get?

13-24... the megarange would have required a new derailleur.

So you now have 52/42 in front and 13-24 in the rear?

You are still going to have a quite a challenge on hills, I think.

Yeah, but the whole cogset was only $24, so it will let me see if the bike feels good once it's fitted.

The bike and I are kind of in the dating phase, the engagement/marriage phases are a ways off!