Ride, Wrench, Swap, Race
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Northern California
Posts: 9,193
Bikes: Cheltenham-Pedersen racer, Boulder F/S Paris-Roubaix, Varsity racer, '52 Christophe, '62 Continental, '92 Merckx, '75 Limongi, '76 Presto, '72 Gitane SC, '71 Schwinn SS, etc.
Mentioned: 132 Post(s)
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Belgium:
Merckx frames are perhaps the best I've ridden(?), though technically Belgium's not on the list (and none are very light).
Some great ones from Japan, my Pro Tour and my ONP immediately come to mind.
My Konno-built Allez perhaps having some USA influence, at least branded as such.
USA:
My Nobilette is super-spirited. My Trek 720 "Cadillac" is uniquely smooth. My Davidson Impulse is so well-rounded and so rewarding of hard efforts, and my fillet-brazed Ritchey is almost too nice to ride! My Bayliss-painted Richard Moon WAS too nice to ride, so I moved it on to a new owner.
France:
My Limongi is another great one for fast riding, and I've enjoyed riding many a Peugeot!
Italy:
My Bianchi Nuovo Racing seems to fight above it's weight so to speak, and my Mondonico-built Masi is one really fine rider. I'm still looking for a C&V Colnago in my size.
England:
My Marlboro-era Holdsworth Special is I think my best all-round road-going bike for longer rides, soaks up bumps like nothing else in it's class and is a good climber.
My Hong Kong-made Kobe Cobra is impressive for it's modest price point.
Other modest bikes like a Carbolite UO9 Super Sport, Steyr Clubman, Schwinn Supersports and Raleigh Super Course all made favorable impressions over many miles, though are bikes without sprinting capability.