Or, seeing Europe on a shoestring.

My current stable isn't really set up for any long distance riding, my modern climber bike is a little too stiff and too eager (TWSS), and my ALAN, whilst a fine machine, is not well suited for fenders and a little luggage. Oh, and apparently it will explode down the road somewhere due to failure of the aluminium steerer. The corncob gearing with tall rings is probably not the best set-up after 8 hours of riding.

Enter the Giant.

In a way, this was the gateway bike that hooked me to C&V bikes, it was the first I purchased. But being Hi-Ten and equiped with horrible low end components, it was soon abandoned for better bikes with moar Campagnolo.

pic break:

Driveway shot:

Untitled by ctjr, on Flickr

As you can see, the brakes only offer a rude, impolite nod to the concept of stopping the bike. The headset can use some cleaning as well.


I just had a little 50 km shakedown ride to see what the niggles are. So far, only the horrible plastic saddle is switched out for a well-worn Brooks, but it needs more work. The FD is tweaked and I absolutely hate the feel of the Shimano SIS system. Sure, it works, but it just feels so damn nasty and cheap. Tullio's finest have spoiled me.

It needs fenders and a saddle bag, that's for sure, plus a nice handlebar mounted light.

So, what to do? Should I go all the way and install a Campagnolo daytona group, or take it slow and sensible and install a Shimano STX 7 speed group with a megarange freewheel in the back? I have both, but there are some pro's and cons. 7 speed will force me into DT shifters, which is fine, but I'm not sure how that will work out past 160 kms, and I'll have to build/source a new wheelset. The Daytona set will cost a lot more in cables and chain, and will be a lipstick-on-a-pig atrocity. Brakes at either build will be MAFAC's upgraded with koolstop pads and Ti hardware.