C&V Confessional
#77
Senior Member

Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 640
Likes: 52
From: York, England after 15 years in Massachusetts
Bikes: 1 frame and a heap of pieces
I prefer Shimano brifters over Campagnolo, I like the moving brake lever. I also think tri color is a fantastic group, better shifting than any campagnolo I have ridden and at least equal aesthetically.
I broke my tail bone because the Tommasini was not going to hit the ground.
I buy my wife bikes I want but are not in my size.
I am a bike snob, unless it's me riding the lesser bike, then it's a good honest entry level machine.
Brookes do not fit on any reasonably modern (70's on) bike.
Twine, nothing on a bike should be held on with a bit of string.
I rode a Viscount Death Fork for 3 years and didn't swap it just to annoy people.
I don't wear a helmet.
Brifters are better than DT.
i like aluminum.
i like how low spoke count wheels look.
i like colored tires
i have mixed shimano and campagnolo.
i have towed a trail a bike with a Tommasini, a 853 Lemond, Pinarello Catena Lusso and a number of other light road bikes that have no business dragging my 210lb *** around let alone doing it with another 65-75lb swinging off the seat post.
I prefer riding in Converse sneakers to my bike shoes.
there is more but I have to go do stuff
I broke my tail bone because the Tommasini was not going to hit the ground.
I buy my wife bikes I want but are not in my size.
I am a bike snob, unless it's me riding the lesser bike, then it's a good honest entry level machine.
Brookes do not fit on any reasonably modern (70's on) bike.
Twine, nothing on a bike should be held on with a bit of string.
I rode a Viscount Death Fork for 3 years and didn't swap it just to annoy people.
I don't wear a helmet.
Brifters are better than DT.
i like aluminum.
i like how low spoke count wheels look.
i like colored tires
i have mixed shimano and campagnolo.
i have towed a trail a bike with a Tommasini, a 853 Lemond, Pinarello Catena Lusso and a number of other light road bikes that have no business dragging my 210lb *** around let alone doing it with another 65-75lb swinging off the seat post.
I prefer riding in Converse sneakers to my bike shoes.
there is more but I have to go do stuff
#78
Señor Member



Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 18,487
Likes: 1,568
From: Hardy, VA
Bikes: Mostly English - predominantly Raleighs
My toe-clip shoes for cycling are an old pair of indoor soccer shoes that should have been retired during the GW Bush administration.
__________________
In search of what to search for.
In search of what to search for.
#79
aka Tom Reingold




Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 44,338
Likes: 6,640
From: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
This stuff is great. I can say many of the things said here.
My confession: I joined bikeforums in 2009. I looked around at the various subforums and thought C&V was stupid. Who wants to go on and on about obsolete antiques? Oh, man, they're extolling Brooks saddles! Get a life, folks. In time, I realized that my main bike was old, merely because I've had it for a long time. I like the new stuff, but not enough to spend money on it, so my old stuff suits me fine. And the truth is, I am quite sentimental about the old stuff, not just for its elegance, but also because I came of age when it was state of the art. The C&V subforum is the most holistic of all here. We talk about the bikes, the riding, the maintenance, and other important life matters. And I rediscovered Brooks saddles. I already had one on my McLean, my pride and joy bike, but I didn't appreciate it all that much. Now I have three Brooks saddles and an RHM saddle, all installed on my bikes, and I'm always on the watch for more bargains on decent leather saddles.
My confession: I joined bikeforums in 2009. I looked around at the various subforums and thought C&V was stupid. Who wants to go on and on about obsolete antiques? Oh, man, they're extolling Brooks saddles! Get a life, folks. In time, I realized that my main bike was old, merely because I've had it for a long time. I like the new stuff, but not enough to spend money on it, so my old stuff suits me fine. And the truth is, I am quite sentimental about the old stuff, not just for its elegance, but also because I came of age when it was state of the art. The C&V subforum is the most holistic of all here. We talk about the bikes, the riding, the maintenance, and other important life matters. And I rediscovered Brooks saddles. I already had one on my McLean, my pride and joy bike, but I didn't appreciate it all that much. Now I have three Brooks saddles and an RHM saddle, all installed on my bikes, and I'm always on the watch for more bargains on decent leather saddles.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#80
Fat Guy on a Little Bike


Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 15,946
Likes: 371
From: Philadelphia, PA
Bikes: Two wheeled ones
This stuff is great. I can say many of the things said here.
My confession: I joined bikeforums in 2009. I looked around at the various subforums and thought C&V was stupid. Who wants to go on and on about obsolete antiques? Oh, man, they're extolling Brooks saddles! Get a life, folks. In time, I realized that my main bike was old, merely because I've had it for a long time. I like the new stuff, but not enough to spend money on it, so my old stuff suits me fine. And the truth is, I am quite sentimental about the old stuff, not just for its elegance, but also because I came of age when it was state of the art. The C&V subforum is the most holistic of all here. We talk about the bikes, the riding, the maintenance, and other important life matters. And I rediscovered Brooks saddles. I already had one on my McLean, my pride and joy bike, but I didn't appreciate it all that much. Now I have three Brooks saddles and an RHM saddle, all installed on my bikes, and I'm always on the watch for more bargains on decent leather saddles.
My confession: I joined bikeforums in 2009. I looked around at the various subforums and thought C&V was stupid. Who wants to go on and on about obsolete antiques? Oh, man, they're extolling Brooks saddles! Get a life, folks. In time, I realized that my main bike was old, merely because I've had it for a long time. I like the new stuff, but not enough to spend money on it, so my old stuff suits me fine. And the truth is, I am quite sentimental about the old stuff, not just for its elegance, but also because I came of age when it was state of the art. The C&V subforum is the most holistic of all here. We talk about the bikes, the riding, the maintenance, and other important life matters. And I rediscovered Brooks saddles. I already had one on my McLean, my pride and joy bike, but I didn't appreciate it all that much. Now I have three Brooks saddles and an RHM saddle, all installed on my bikes, and I'm always on the watch for more bargains on decent leather saddles.
#81
aka Tom Reingold




Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 44,338
Likes: 6,640
From: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
Long ago, I was speaking with a guy who specialized in repainting bike frames. He said he has painted some Huffys and Murrays. I told him what a waste I thought that was. He said, no, people are just as attached to their bikes as you are to yours. He had a very good point.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#82
Thread Starter
I AM AI
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 4,291
Likes: 1,172
From: Tucson, AZ
Bikes: 2008 S-Works Roubaix SL, 1979 Raleigh Comp GS, 1978 Schwinn Volare
__________________
A race bike in any era is a highly personal choice that at its "best" balances the requirements of fit, weight, handling, durability and cost tempered by the willingness to toss it and oneself down the pavement at considerable speed. ~Bandera
A race bike in any era is a highly personal choice that at its "best" balances the requirements of fit, weight, handling, durability and cost tempered by the willingness to toss it and oneself down the pavement at considerable speed. ~Bandera
#83
#84
aka Tom Reingold




Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 44,338
Likes: 6,640
From: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
Oh, and I'm still riding a 40-year-old Viscount death fork.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#85
Senior Member

Joined: May 2014
Posts: 2,547
Likes: 660
Bikes: yes
I tried cloth bar tape and hated it.
Also I was seriously unimpressed by my Brooks B-17 that turned into an a$$ hatchet on a rainy 100-mile gravel race - necessitating a mad scramble to find a suitable replacement just 2 weeks before the Dirty Kanza. (Selle Italia Flite which did fine, if you're interested.)
I love brifters.
I really dislike Specialized's intellectual property tactics, but damned if they don't make some good products.
Edited to add: when I type the letters "oct" my phone automatically suggests "Octalink" instead of "October".
Also I was seriously unimpressed by my Brooks B-17 that turned into an a$$ hatchet on a rainy 100-mile gravel race - necessitating a mad scramble to find a suitable replacement just 2 weeks before the Dirty Kanza. (Selle Italia Flite which did fine, if you're interested.)
I love brifters.
I really dislike Specialized's intellectual property tactics, but damned if they don't make some good products.
Edited to add: when I type the letters "oct" my phone automatically suggests "Octalink" instead of "October".
Last edited by ksryder; 08-18-15 at 09:52 AM.
#86
Fat Guy on a Little Bike


Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 15,946
Likes: 371
From: Philadelphia, PA
Bikes: Two wheeled ones
I tried cloth bar tape and hated it.
Also I was seriously unimpressed by my Brooks B-17 that turned into an a$$ hatchet on a rainy 100-mile gravel race - necessitating a mad scramble to find a suitable replacement just 2 weeks before the Dirty Kanza. (Selle Italia Flite which did fine, if you're interested.)
I love brifters.
I really dislike Specialized's intellectual property tactics, but damned if they don't make some good products.
Edited to add: when I type the letters "oct" my phone automatically suggests "Octalink" instead of "October".
Also I was seriously unimpressed by my Brooks B-17 that turned into an a$$ hatchet on a rainy 100-mile gravel race - necessitating a mad scramble to find a suitable replacement just 2 weeks before the Dirty Kanza. (Selle Italia Flite which did fine, if you're interested.)
I love brifters.
I really dislike Specialized's intellectual property tactics, but damned if they don't make some good products.
Edited to add: when I type the letters "oct" my phone automatically suggests "Octalink" instead of "October".
#87
I have given up wrenching on bikes. The co-op closed, the bikes are all to a point where they run well, so I stopped tinkering. I thinned the herd etc. I kept wanting to get a new part, but then couldn't remember if it fit my bike or not, and then just gave up on it all. I need to finish a single speed conversion, but I haven't really given the concern about ordering a new chain.
#90
Great confessions going on here.
-I talk to my bikes or sometimes sing jazz (mostly Ella) while riding downhill fast (I'm often quite nervous & afraid I'll fall).
-Tried the twine & shellac handlebar treatment and didn't really like it. I twine so well, some have suggested I take up fly fishing & make my own flies.
-I bought a 2015 Surly (it's steel) with "brifters" and disc brakes - and LOVE it.
-I am no longer eager to "Rivendell-ize" all my new bike acquisitions.
-I enjoy taking apart Sturmey Archer hubs...all the way down, cleaning, lubing, reassembling....very calming.
-I talk to my bikes or sometimes sing jazz (mostly Ella) while riding downhill fast (I'm often quite nervous & afraid I'll fall).
-Tried the twine & shellac handlebar treatment and didn't really like it. I twine so well, some have suggested I take up fly fishing & make my own flies.
-I bought a 2015 Surly (it's steel) with "brifters" and disc brakes - and LOVE it.
-I am no longer eager to "Rivendell-ize" all my new bike acquisitions.
-I enjoy taking apart Sturmey Archer hubs...all the way down, cleaning, lubing, reassembling....very calming.
#91
#92
Fat Guy on a Little Bike


Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 15,946
Likes: 371
From: Philadelphia, PA
Bikes: Two wheeled ones
I wear Adidas soccer shorts over my Pearl Izumis because I hate the aesthetics of lycra. I use SPDs on every bike I have...including classic Italians with all Campy. I wear SPD sandals and even other Freds think I dress like a dork.
#93
Phyllo-buster


Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 9,281
Likes: 2,703
From: Nova Scotia
Bikes: roadsters, club bikes, fixed and classic
I'm prone to taking multiple bikes apart, mix it all up in a bucket (and don't skimp on the paté) and make "custom" frankenbikes. Obviously, more come apart than go back together, leaving me with way too many spare parts to store properly. Sincere apologies to my oh-so-tolerant wife.
Also I've never disassembled an SA hub. Then again, never had to and don't really want to since there'd be more parts to stash.
Also I've never disassembled an SA hub. Then again, never had to and don't really want to since there'd be more parts to stash.
#94
Senior Member


Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 7,726
Likes: 4,191
From: Berkeley, CA
Bikes: 72 Cilo Pacer, 72 Gitane GT, 72 Peugeot PX10, 73 Speedwell Ti,l, 75 Peugeot PR-10L, 80 Colnago Super, 81 Zinn, 85 ALAN Cross, 85 De Rosa Pro, 86 Look 753, 86 Look KG86, 89 Parkpre Team, 90 Parkpre Team MTB, 90 Merlin
I have the wonderful Bikesmith cotter press, and have used it successfully in the past. But, for the life of me, I can't get the cotter pin on my Peugeot UE-8's nds crank arm to fit right. It came lose about 6 months ago. Every couple months, I get the conviction to try and file and fit in another cotter pin, and every time I fail.
#95
I have the wonderful Bikesmith cotter press, and have used it successfully in the past. But, for the life of me, I can't get the cotter pin on my Peugeot UE-8's nds crank arm to fit right. It came lose about 6 months ago. Every couple months, I get the conviction to try and file and fit in another cotter pin, and every time I fail.
#96
All Campy All The Time


Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,432
Likes: 124
From: Richmond, Virginia
Bikes: Listed in my signature.
I can disassemble and reassemble an automotive 4-speed manual transmission and a Honda motorcycle gearbox, but I just see confusion when I look at the parts for the SA gear hub. Maybe in the next life.
__________________
My C&V Bikes:
1972 Bottecchia Professional, 1972 Legnano Olympiade Record,
1982 Colnago Super, 1987 Bottecchia Team C-Record,
1988 Pinarello Montello, 1990 Masi Nuova Strada Super Record,
1995 Bianchi Campione d'Italia, 1995 DeBernardi Thron
My C&V Bikes:
1972 Bottecchia Professional, 1972 Legnano Olympiade Record,
1982 Colnago Super, 1987 Bottecchia Team C-Record,
1988 Pinarello Montello, 1990 Masi Nuova Strada Super Record,
1995 Bianchi Campione d'Italia, 1995 DeBernardi Thron
#99
Full Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 440
Likes: 98
From: Eastern Washington
Bikes: 1978 Raleigh Competition-1974 Raleigh Folder-1983 Austro Daimler-198? Fuji Monterey-Surly LHT-Surly Karate Monkey-Surly Cross Check
I've given most of my bikes the same name...I call them all G*dd*mn*t
#100
Extraordinary Magnitude


Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 14,087
Likes: 2,146
From: Waukesha WI
Bikes: 1978 Trek TX700; 1978/79 Trek 736; 1984 Specialized Stumpjumper Sport; 1984 Schwinn Voyageur SP; 1985 Trek 620; 1985 Trek 720; 1986 Trek 400 Elance; 1987 Schwinn High Sierra; 1990 Miyata 1000LT
Tons of confessions to make...
Some embarrassing, some like badges of honor.
I don't get to ride as much as I'd like anymore- I sound like a walking injury report.
I think the only thing "Campagnolo" I have in use are some dropouts and fork ends.
Some embarrassing, some like badges of honor.
I don't get to ride as much as I'd like anymore- I sound like a walking injury report.
I think the only thing "Campagnolo" I have in use are some dropouts and fork ends.
__________________
*Recipient of the 2006 Time Magazine "Person Of The Year" Award*
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.



