Old 10-07-19, 12:08 PM
  #104  
Bill in VA
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Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Northern Virginia
Posts: 727

Bikes: Current: 2016 Bianchi Volpe; 1973 Peugeot UO-8. Past: 1974 Fuji S-10-S with custom black Imron paint by Stinsman Racing of PA.

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For me, it was in 2016 when I replaced my circa 1973 vintage Fuji (still have my first 'real 10-speed' Peugeot UO-8) with a 2016 Bianchi Volpe. I was looking to replace the Fuji due to 27" non-hook bead rims which severely limited tire choices, plus, more importantly it had become a bit too large (57cm) as I had aged. I had also dropped a lot of weight and set up a rewards heirarchy with a Waterford/Gunnar built semi-retro at the peak. My requirements were steel butted frame, and silver components if possible, a triple crank and indexed shifting, and rim brakes. I tested a few bikes, but when I tried a used, but too small Bianchi Volpe, I went to look at a correctly sized version (55cm with French fit) and was hooked by its agile ride and total lack of flex going up hills. A bonus was cantilever brakes, which have always interested me (massive tire flexibility) and black paint (like my repainted Fuji). I have ditched the OEM saddle for a Brooks Cambium C-17 and the OEM Vittoria 'clodhopper' (dead and heavy) Randanneur tires for Conti GP4000SII. I later added a second wheelset with Velocity Dyad rims and Rene Herse (Compass) 32mm tires (pictured) and tire savers. I use the Contis if there is any chance of rain or wet roads.

Last edited by Bill in VA; 10-07-19 at 12:12 PM.
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