Jamaica Bianchi...
 

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…

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/785/4...5a97415d_z.jpg

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.

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/822/2...bba38ce6_b.jpg

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.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4782/...79faabd4_z.jpg

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/817/2...29291a42_b.jpg

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.

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/805/2...2f1c8b64_z.jpg

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.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4778/...6f4e78b1_b.jpg

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.

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/821/2...8e12c352_z.jpg

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/799/4...e06cc2fd_z.jpg

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…

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4491/...c5d16e6c_b.jpg

My Bianchi's are jealous! Glad you had a trusty Italian steed to keep you company on your travels.

Just Curious [MENTION=84826]randyjawa[/MENTION] were you running your barcons in friction or indexed mode? Lovely Bianchi by the way

Odd chainring setup any specific reasons?

Jeez, wish my shakedown test rides lasted for 5 months in Jamaica.

Now that I know your annual "leave of bike hunting absence" [MENTION=84826]randyjawa[/MENTION], I ought to brave the treacherous winter drive up to Thunder Bay and try to clear house on vintage bikes when you're gone!

Hey! Try to keep rubber side down!
Ride safe.. glad you are ok.

I hate to be the one to bring this up, but that looks like one of those stamped and folded Ishiwata fork crowns that were somewhat prone to failure. Please keep a very close eye on it.

The transmission is set-up in indexed mode and works very well. Quite frankly, these Barcons are the nicest ever used.

I believe that the crank set was original to the bike but, honestly, I am not positive. My interest in the bike has little to do with the bike, only with the performance. And performance is pretty darn good, in my opinion. The bike could use a wash, though.

Better bring a snow shovel and a four wheel drive. My bikes are protected by two things. They are stored/displayed at a local bike shop and those not on display are on the other side of a sleeping black bear.

Too late! Already crashed and damaged a rib on my right side. Not bad now, but hard to take a breath for a few weeks.