Well, my five months in Jamaica are almost up, for this year. Some interesting changes in where my wife and I live (back in Treasure Beach, now) and loving it. Anyway…
My 1982 Bianchi Touring and I have spent a good deal of time together, going most of the usual places I ride, and trying out a new trail (secondary highway) or two. Crashed once, cracked a rib and felt like a bloody fool, trying to untangle a shoe lace from the front skewer. Felling better now that it is easy to breathe again, but the story of my crash is still of local interest.
The Bianchi turned out to be a pretty decent ride, offering solid yet nimble feel, in most situations encountered. Sometimes, however, the rough aggregate, used on most roads, was so rough, that the bike would chatter, but still hold a decent line, responding.
The Canti brakes, matched to Ambrosia anodized rims, worked just great, never needing any adjustment during the entire season. Nor did the wheels need any adjustment, going out of true not once.
The hub choice, Campy Record, proved to be a good choice, as I knew they would. A decent set of tires (Panaracer Pasela - compliments of a local bike shop), completed the running gear.
The Suntour transmission, almost completely NOS, worked without incident, requiring only minor tweaking, to make up for cable stretch. Never dropped the chain once and never dropped down to the granny gear, either. Special thanks to the forum member who sold me the Barcon shifters. They are a pleasure to use.
With my screwed up wrists (Carpal Tunnel), I can choose to ride the hoods or the drops. So, with only one exception, I set my bikes up for hood riding. The Exage levers proved, as I knew they would, to be a good choice for me.
And, though I appreciate the comfort of the Selle Italia saddle, suede is not a good choice for the tropical environment, in my opinion. With that in mind, I will bring a spare something, next year, in case the Selle goes for a dump.
Anyway, had a great time (cept for the rib thing) and hope to do it again, next year.
Can’t wait to get at the Rabineick, when I get back Canada…
