What's your C&V weak spot?
10-22-18, 09:18 PM
#26
Master Parts Rearranger
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@Dfrost has said, many times, there is no 63cm frame that I could not love. He is pretty much on the money. 63-66cm frames just get me. Yes, they are my size, so the practical "I could build/I could ride this!" aspect is in full effect, but the fact that there are few of these gentle giants out there (let alone originally produced) makes them special to me. Why did I finally--after staring at it off and on for most of the year--buy a 1980 Trek 410 frameset (for $25) with somewhat bubbled paint and minor internal (bottom of top tube only) rust issues when I have a near-perfect 1981 710 with Reynolds 531 tubing? 1) It's an old Trek! 2) Ishiwata 022 tubing that I've never tried before! 3) It's a big boy 65cm frame = super legit! 4) The dark steel blue metallic paint is pretty! 5) I didn't want it going to the big bike rack in the sky
Nice vintage high-end Schwinns. Dag-nabbit.
Nice vintage high-end Schwinns. Dag-nabbit.
10-22-18, 09:47 PM
#27
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My weakness is focus. I'll buy anything that is old and cheap, then either ignore while it takes up space in my shop, or waste time getting it ready for a flip that doesn't bring in that much profit. 
I should just get rid of everything I don't absolutely love and limit myself to 'grail' purchases. The problem with that theory is, some of the stuff I absolutely love is stuff I picked up because it was - you guessed it - old and cheap.
Vicious cycle.
Case in point: I was given a pair of Ross Super Grand Tour Professionals by a local lady who was cleaning out her barn. And while I appreciated the acquisition of two full Shimano 600 Arabesque groups, I wanted to love the bigger 25" (63cm) of the two frames as it was in pretty nice shape, and my preferred size. I built it several ways, including using my best wheel sets, and could not find a way to want to actually ride this bike. Absolutely horrendous. Worst frame ever.
Since then I've come to know you and David quite well, I wish I'd saved this frame so the both of you could continue to test your "anything big" theory.
But I sold it several years ago as a rather cool-looking (but absolutely horrendous) fixie.
I should just get rid of everything I don't absolutely love and limit myself to 'grail' purchases. The problem with that theory is, some of the stuff I absolutely love is stuff I picked up because it was - you guessed it - old and cheap.
Vicious cycle.
@Dfrost has said, many times, there is no 63cm frame that I could not love. He is pretty much on the money. 63-66cm frames just get me...
Since then I've come to know you and David quite well, I wish I'd saved this frame so the both of you could continue to test your "anything big" theory.
But I sold it several years ago as a rather cool-looking (but absolutely horrendous) fixie.
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● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●
● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●
Last edited by Lascauxcaveman; 10-23-18 at 12:24 AM.
10-22-18, 10:23 PM
#28
Extraordinary Magnitude
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I still love chrome and fillet brazing. I love that Terminator 2 look of the tubes melting into each other. Someday I'll get one!
I think mid 80s tourers are the coolest bikes. The top of the line models, with the butted tubing, all the braze ons and appointments... that's the cat's pyjamas.
Wide profile cantilever brakes. I think I've read all the mechanical advantage stuff that shows the low profile brakes have better "stopping power," but a set of BR-M732 brakes on the front fork make a bike look tough.
The upper level Suntour components are awesome.
Dura Ace 7703 and 7803 rear derailleurs...
Shiny High Flange hubs...
There's more, there's always more...
I think mid 80s tourers are the coolest bikes. The top of the line models, with the butted tubing, all the braze ons and appointments... that's the cat's pyjamas.
Wide profile cantilever brakes. I think I've read all the mechanical advantage stuff that shows the low profile brakes have better "stopping power," but a set of BR-M732 brakes on the front fork make a bike look tough.
The upper level Suntour components are awesome.
Dura Ace 7703 and 7803 rear derailleurs...
Shiny High Flange hubs...
There's more, there's always more...
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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.
10-23-18, 03:10 AM
#29
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Chrome lugs and/or chrome "socks" on fork and stays.
Finding the next cool old bike is my weak spot, for sure. I love the search, always filled with hope, and, once in a while, something cool surfaces for very little cash outlay...
...or not so little cash outlay...
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"98% of the bikes I buy are projects".
"98% of the bikes I buy are projects".
10-23-18, 04:49 AM
#30
What??? Only 2 wheels?
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I'd have to say chrome. To judge from the motley collection of bikes around here I'd have to add high-end Italian and funky French.
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With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller
Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
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10-23-18, 04:54 AM
#31
aire díthrub
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Black paint, gold lug lining, chrome, polished nickel, white/ivory/cream tires, wooden rims, large chainrings, decorative chainrings, high flange hubs.
10-23-18, 05:28 AM
#32
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Anything made before Taiwan started building bikes that I can get for under $100. I really just like the thrill of finding something super inexpensive and either riding it or finding someone I can give it to who will enjoy it.
10-23-18, 07:13 AM
#33
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any bike that comes into my garage...
the obsession continues...
must. have. bikes.
the obsession continues...
must. have. bikes.
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Somewhere, a village is missing its idiot.
10-23-18, 07:16 AM
#34
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10-23-18, 07:40 AM
#35
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I have some of a lot of the week spots mentioned, the only outlier is enjoyment in C&V rescues. Some bikes/frames were beaters destined for over crowded bike racks on campus, some ideal and even advertised as fixie candidates, one missing a fork, a Zurich that had been chained to an apartment 3rd floor balcony rail in the AZ sun for years when I tracked down the owner, even the Shimano Ultegra name was bleached off of the calipers.
10-23-18, 12:26 PM
#36
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C&V bikes are my weak spot.
10-23-18, 08:43 PM
#37
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Lugged touring bikes, amd Ive never done more than bike camping with them. My whole family now has very nice touring bike that never go touring.
Oh, and Brooks saddles.
Oh, and Brooks saddles.
10-23-18, 11:40 PM
#38
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Dirt cheap bikes, especially if they are in pretty good original condition. That is how I ended up with a matching pair of Ross Mt. Hood mountain bikes. I didn't really need another mountain bike, almost all of my riding is on the road. But when they drop in my lap for next to nothing, who am I to say no? I don't mind spending a couple bucks to keep it out of a landfill or scrap yard. I wish I had the same luck finding road bikes.
10-24-18, 03:44 AM
#39
Me duelen las nalgas
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Univega's Bi-Axial Power Oval frame.
I keep hoping to find another in either a solid color or one to repaint in something less extravagant than the splattertastic paint. I'd like a finish to enhance the lines of the tapering oval rather than overwhelming the frame with head shop blacklight poster art paint.
Motobecane's 1970s curvy forks.
I keep hoping to find another in either a solid color or one to repaint in something less extravagant than the splattertastic paint. I'd like a finish to enhance the lines of the tapering oval rather than overwhelming the frame with head shop blacklight poster art paint.
Motobecane's 1970s curvy forks.
10-24-18, 06:17 AM
#40
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Italian bikes!
They really do have that special something that just makes me feel fast and quick. The Italians I have had the pleasure of riding always urge me to go faster and take it to another gear. There is no easy ride on an Italian, but if you want a go-quick ride, they can't be beat IMHO.
They really do have that special something that just makes me feel fast and quick. The Italians I have had the pleasure of riding always urge me to go faster and take it to another gear. There is no easy ride on an Italian, but if you want a go-quick ride, they can't be beat IMHO.
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10-24-18, 06:54 AM
#41
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My weak spot is the sad slightly downtrodden lugged frame that needs a home. I have managed to restrict myself to older Treks.... so far. Ok, one really sad Schwinn snuck into my shop but that was out of pity.
10-24-18, 07:35 AM
#42
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Neglected old stuff that has fallen on hard times - particularly if it is cheap, and especially if it's French.
10-24-18, 10:38 AM
#43
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Any bike with no fender or rack mounts (chieerios) . Tubular wheels and corn cobs .
IMG_0014 by mark westi, on Flickr
DSCF2216 by mark westi, on Flickr
IMG_0014 by mark westi, on Flickr
DSCF2216 by mark westi, on Flickr
10-24-18, 11:26 AM
#44
Senior Member
Function. Specifically anything to do with touring. Mid 80's to early 90's production touring bikes and all the braze on fittings, gadgets, bags, etc. that went with them.
Also tried and true products and designs that have stood the test of time - Brooks saddles for one. Come to think of it I don't know if I can think of anything else that meets my criteria other than steel frames...............
Also tried and true products and designs that have stood the test of time - Brooks saddles for one. Come to think of it I don't know if I can think of anything else that meets my criteria other than steel frames...............
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Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride - JFK
Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride - JFK
10-24-18, 11:30 AM
#45
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My C&V weakness is pretty much any bike that @sloar picks up. He finds beautiful bikes that are all in my size.
10-24-18, 11:40 AM
#46
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Raleigh + 197x + 531.
Brooks saddles are in the mix also.
Responsive, high volume tires are getting there.
Brooks saddles are in the mix also.
Responsive, high volume tires are getting there.
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In search of what to search for.
In search of what to search for.
10-24-18, 12:46 PM
#47
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Tripping over a bike/frame, getting a vision, and then obsessiing and overthinking everything until I have the parts and do the build.... then it was worth it all. and all in all cheaper than golf
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Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can
(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can
(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)
10-24-18, 01:44 PM
#48
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Lugs, Chrome, beautiful components ...did I say Lugs?
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10-24-18, 01:59 PM
#49
Partially Sane.
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Apparently, it's mostly Treks & Cannondales, for me. I've been going towards newer though, mostly for better gearing & braking, on touring bikes.
And I'm a sucker for just about anything anodized, especially in the purple that doesn't look very pink. 🤔😉
And I'm a sucker for just about anything anodized, especially in the purple that doesn't look very pink. 🤔😉
10-24-18, 04:14 PM
#50
The Huffmeister
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