Mika

Mika here

Hello to all from the poorest large city in the USA

I just restarted cycling, in August, after a 12 year hiatus.


Had my Razesa w/Campy stripped and rebuilt, as well as changing rims from MA4 tubulars to Open Pro clinchers. Had to get a new headset.. went with a Chris King Gripnut.

I regret taking a dozen years off, but I'm am very happy to have rediscovered the joys of riding.

Also, I'm glad to have discovered bikeforums.com. What a great resource.


Bye bye

JavaMan

Hello from Southern California! Sounds like you have a pretty nice bike. Did you do another sport for 12 years or did you just sit around? Anyway, welcome back to cycling, and welcome to bike forums.
Tom

Mika

Hi there, Tom

Thanks for the welcome.

A personal tragedy (and resulting depression) did it to me. Plus, I started a business in '96.

My Razesa is a very nice bike. Top o' the line (in 1985) silver braised lugged steel SLX. Campy groupo, Cinelli bar and stem, Mavic rims (I looked again.. they were GP 4's), Soffatti Professionale seat, Colombus forks, downtube shifters.. Measured and made for me. Its of the older large frame geometry (as in: not a compact). Chromed.

I had to have the lacquer stripped off (& lost the decals in the process) because it was just falling off of the chrome. Very few minor rust spots. I also felt that I needed to get clincher rims (good tubular tires are just too pricey - I used to use Wolbers), as well as some modern pedals - Dura Ace 7800 SPD w/float (I used to use campy rattraps).

In total, it weighs 18.75 lbs. Rides like a dream and as quiet as a whisper.



Thanks for asking.

JavaMan

Isn't it great to be back into cycling? Sounds like you had just as much fun fixing up the bike as you do riding it. Good luck to you and ride safely.
Tom

sailor1

Hi Mika,
I just joined too;I live in Fort Lauderdale.
Used to race in the 70s, just cruise now.
I bought this really cool vintage Bianchi road bike, and am looking for some good one/one and a half hour rides to get up to speed.

Tony

Mika

Thanks a lot, Tom. Back at ya!

Mika

Hi Tony

When I restarted in August a 15 mile ride hurt! It didn't take long to get back in reasonable shape... about 6-7 weeks. The beer gut diminished greatly in that time, so it became easier to push my fat ass around. I'm working my way back to be able to do weekend centuries without it hurting too much. Longest ride since restarting: 80 somewhat painful miles. I'll be working up the speed a little more when I increase my endurance.

Where/what are your rides in Ft Lauderdale? How's the traffic situation?


Take care,
Mika