Bikingshearer came over this Sunday, and we had ourselves a bike-build party. Rich worked on his stunning Fuso, and I took a wrench to the Dancelli frame set I bought a while back. It is almost finished, save for the bar tape and the FD. I had a devil of a time adjusting the Campy "race" triple FD, and I still don't like it. I'm going to have to scrounge up a 2006 Veloce/Centaur to replace it.

Anyhow, I took it for a quick 22 mile shakedown spin today, and it runs nice. Go ahead and take your shots about the color, but I got a lot of positive attention from the ladies down at the local coffee shop - always a nice thing.

Wheels are courtesy of Bikingshearer - I bought the parts, and he was kind enough to take time out of his life to build them for me (for the record - Mavic OP's, DT Swiss DB spokes, and 32h Chorus hubs). Rich even came up with a donor saddle, a nice Selle San Marco Rolls.

Hahaha oh wow. That frame is so 80s it hurts.

Nice build though.

ps: I happen to own a jacket that would go great with that bike:

Nothing wrong with that suit ----- looks great, and fast too. Lp

Might look 80's, but it is newer. Standard 130mm rear dropouts, and Columbus MAX tubing. They didn't import 'em into the States though, so perhaps the 80's lasted longer in Europe.

I used black everywhere I could to butch it up some, but you still need sunglasses to look at it in full sun. Those pics were taken under an overcast sky in late afternoon.

it's the fork: those sparkles always get the girls

Nice job on that build BBM! I like it.

BBM, White tape, trust me on that one.

The stem looks longer than I thought you used.

I love it, very nice looking.

Try the Campy Comp FD, for $40, how can you go wrong?

Hey - you told me a while ago to get the black stuff with white stitching from PBK, so that's what I did.

Good eye on the stem - it is 10mm longer than my usual 100mm. I couldn't resist a $5 bargain bin 3ttt stem, even if it is a bit longer. It worked ok because as it turns out the TT on the Dancelli is about 10mm shorter than the Palo Alto and the Cinelli. Just got lucky

I might try the Comp, but I have a line on a Veloce and a Centaur for the about the same price (each). Might as well go with what I know.....

Yeah, I forgot about the black stuff from PBK. I really like it, great grip, and it doesn't show the dirt.

Let's see a picture with the tape!

How does that MAX tubing ride? I've heard it's super stiff.

I like the color!

Are open pros only made in 32 hole?

Only 22 miles so far - dunno. I hedged my bet, though, and put 25c tires on it for comfort.

28, 32, or 36 drilling.

Shhhhh...... don't tell Jim. I like it better than his version.

Bigbossman...I'd love to read any eloquent description you write on how your MAX frameset rides...I'm especially interested if you find it too stiff/harsh and only good for short rides.

I have an NOS Columbus MAX frame in my personal parts inventory (a Sancineto...likely manufactured in 1994...pearl white with gold accents/trim) and I'm very curious how it will ride when built. Frankly, it's last on my list as I believe it may provide a harsh ride.

My current riders are made of Columbus SL (a Bottecchia) and Columbus MiniMax (a Ciocc). My SL seems to provide a "softer" ride than the MiniMax (a less robust version of MAX tubing). In fact, I'd go as far to say that the MiniMax feels "solid" or "stiff" in comparison to the SL tubing...but I wouldn't call the MiniMax tiring to ride over long distances.

Of course, I've read all about how this could all be perception, and how framebuilders back in the day "switched" tubing even on professional cyclists and they didn't even notice (or repainted and they were fooled that a different tubing was used). Nevertheless, since you've just built it up, I thought you might have a recent perception of the MAX tubing.

As soon as I get some longer rides on it, I'll let you know.

My main ride is that red Palo Alto, which is Columbus SL. While the bike's geometry makes it very responsive, it is also a smooth rider and I can sometimes see the fork flex a bit as it soaks up road imperfections. I love the way this bike rides, and it is my gold standard to which all comparisons are made.

The Dancelli is all MAX tubing, including the fork. It is noticeably stiffer, and there is no detectable fork flex. What this means for longer rides is anyone's guess, but it should make for a decent climber. Now, I'm a big guy and a poor climber, so I might not notice improved climbing ability (ivy can only climb a wall so fast), and the extra stiffness might be a benefit or a show-stopper.

I can tell you that if it turns out I can't ride this bike on longer rides, it'll get stripped and sold off PDQ.

Thanks...please keep me posted on your experience with MAX. I also ride large frames (59-60cm, center to center). Regarding Columbus SL, I beleive we share the same view...it's a comfortable ride...I think Columbus SL is under-rated as a "bottom of the line tubing" (i.e., it seems SLX is always more desireable). My next build is a SLX-SP, so I'll finally be able to do somewhat of a comparison.

I've always been amazed that you can balance at the speeds you ride

Nice looking build bossman I'm not sure you can call it "butch" with a straight face, but the black accents set off the "bright bits" nicely.

OK - now it's done. I'm happy with the stem length, so I wrapped the bars with some Eleganza tape from PBK. Came out nice.

trick looking ride and great build

Looks good BBM. Black with the black bars was definitely the way to go.

I did the same on my Primato. I'll send you the pics.

That thing is sex on wheels. Beauty.

And love the choice of wheels. Those low-spoke count wheels just bug me, especially on classic lugged steel frames.