Vintage Cyclocross ?
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Medina, OH
Posts: 275
Bikes: 85 Cilo, '91 Bianchi Volpe, '00 Gary Fisher, '74 Raleigh SuperCourse, '06 Soma Groove, '09 Nashbar X
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Vintage Cyclocross ?
So after my ride today, I was sitting out on the deck with my laptop and recovery beverage(s) (Fat Tire - a buddy went to Indiana last weekend & brought back several cases), and got an email from the LBS that they're doing a cx skills clinic in town in a few weeks.
My fitness is still terrible, I'm a few thousand miles short of where I should be training/fitness base-wise, but what the heck...
I've been practicing mounts and dismounts for something to mix it up while riding to/from cheerleading practice with my daughter-she thinks there's something wrong with me when I go running past her carrying the bike: 'People are watching, daddy'.
Short term plan is to get a set of 32-35c cx tires on the Volpe and go embarrass myself. If I don't die during the clinic, I'll try a race & see if that kills me.
I figure it's a win/win- if I embarrass myself, it's the bike's fault for being so old; if I actually finish anything other than DFL, it's an uber-win. Either way I have more motivation to train, lose weight, and watch the diet, so that makes it a win no matter what.
My fitness is still terrible, I'm a few thousand miles short of where I should be training/fitness base-wise, but what the heck...
I've been practicing mounts and dismounts for something to mix it up while riding to/from cheerleading practice with my daughter-she thinks there's something wrong with me when I go running past her carrying the bike: 'People are watching, daddy'.
Short term plan is to get a set of 32-35c cx tires on the Volpe and go embarrass myself. If I don't die during the clinic, I'll try a race & see if that kills me.
I figure it's a win/win- if I embarrass myself, it's the bike's fault for being so old; if I actually finish anything other than DFL, it's an uber-win. Either way I have more motivation to train, lose weight, and watch the diet, so that makes it a win no matter what.
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sacramento, California, USA
Posts: 40,865
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur
Mentioned: 68 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2952 Post(s)
Liked 3,106 Times
in
1,417 Posts
Do it!
You won't be the oldest. You won't be the least fit. You won't have the oldest bike. But you will have fun. I did my first CX race on a 89 Trek 660 that I jammed knobby tires into. Oh, and it was a single speed. I had a blast. You will too.
You won't be the oldest. You won't be the least fit. You won't have the oldest bike. But you will have fun. I did my first CX race on a 89 Trek 660 that I jammed knobby tires into. Oh, and it was a single speed. I had a blast. You will too.
#5
Senior Member
Good on ya! Sounds awesome. I've been considering setting up my early 70s Atala Grand Prix with cross tires and a 1x5-7 setup and giving it a go.
There's a big USGP of CX event here in November. I'm looking forward to checking that out.
There's a big USGP of CX event here in November. I'm looking forward to checking that out.
__________________
Bikes on Flickr
I prefer email to private messages. You can contact me at justinhughes@me.com
Bikes on Flickr
I prefer email to private messages. You can contact me at justinhughes@me.com
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: the LOU, Mo
Posts: 584
Bikes: Bianchi Nuevo Alloro, Cannondale ST400, Fuji Palisade, GT Timberline FS, Raleigh Technium 420, Schwinn Moab, Schwinn Passage, Schwinn Tempo, Specialized Sirrus Elite (aluminum), Specialized Sirrus Triple (steel), Trek 7.6, Viner Road Record
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 15 Post(s)
Liked 65 Times
in
19 Posts
Do the cheerleading workout that your daughter does and eat the same diet.
Believe me, you'll lose weight and be in the best shape of your entire life.
#8
Bianchi Goddess
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Shady Pines Retirement Fort Wayne, In
Posts: 27,844
Bikes: Too many to list here check my signature.
Mentioned: 192 Post(s)
Tagged: 2 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2925 Post(s)
Liked 2,921 Times
in
1,489 Posts
Short term plan is to get a set of 32-35c cx tires on the Volpe and go embarrass myself.
your actually going to take your Volpe off road? shame on you
your actually going to take your Volpe off road? shame on you
__________________
“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sacramento, California, USA
Posts: 40,865
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur
Mentioned: 68 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2952 Post(s)
Liked 3,106 Times
in
1,417 Posts
#10
Curmudgeon in Training
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Rural Retreat, VA
Posts: 1,956
Bikes: 1974 Gazelle Champion Mondial, 2010 Cannondale Trail SL, 1988 Peugeot Nice, 1992ish Stumpjumper Comp,1990's Schwinn Moab
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 19 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 9 Times
in
8 Posts
I have similar plans for my Peugeot Nice. At least in terms of set up. The people I ride with are on cross bikes and go on trails quite a bit. I'm stuck with road bikes and mountain bikes which can't hang on gearing. Post some pictures as you go so I can steal ideas...
#11
Mud, Gore & Guts
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Bloomfield, NJ
Posts: 497
Bikes: 2012 Van Dessel Gin & Trombones; 2011 Masi Speciale SSCX; '87 Peugeot Cannonball Express
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
You are going to have so much fun at your clinic. I just did one at Rutgers and had a blast. It's hard as Hell, but well worth it. I intended on taking my (new) Masi CXSS, but it ended up taking my 25YO "Vintage" Peugeot MTB. I strapped on skinny tires, and went for it. Although heavier than I wanted, it did great. It also ended up being an ice breaker when people started asking where my rear brake was. (CS mounted U-brake).
There were all types of bikes represented there from fully suspended MTB, to high end CX. There was even a couple doing the clinic with a tandem. I know I'm excited to start the season no matter what bike I end up riding.
Don't worry about your fitness. It'll come. Again all levels of fitness were represented and it didn't matter. They broke us into groups on the second day for those who wanted a slower pace or wanted more work on skills and for those who wanted more race pace experience. At the end we rejoined and did the course three times to get practical experience on the skills we learned.
Enjoy your clinic, now get out and ride!
There were all types of bikes represented there from fully suspended MTB, to high end CX. There was even a couple doing the clinic with a tandem. I know I'm excited to start the season no matter what bike I end up riding.
Don't worry about your fitness. It'll come. Again all levels of fitness were represented and it didn't matter. They broke us into groups on the second day for those who wanted a slower pace or wanted more work on skills and for those who wanted more race pace experience. At the end we rejoined and did the course three times to get practical experience on the skills we learned.
Enjoy your clinic, now get out and ride!
#12
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Medina, OH
Posts: 275
Bikes: 85 Cilo, '91 Bianchi Volpe, '00 Gary Fisher, '74 Raleigh SuperCourse, '06 Soma Groove, '09 Nashbar X
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
(Don't worry, N+1 theorem mandates that something more appropriate will be smuggled into the garage if I like it)
Glad this started a good discussion!!
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: EagleRiver AK
Posts: 1,306
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 28 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 60 Times
in
33 Posts
Seems as if the volpe started life in mid 80's as an early road/offroad hybrid. Not exactly a full race CX bike but more of a hybrid before there were upright hybrids. Later volpe models morphed into more of a touring bike. What year is yours, have any pictures?
#16
Bianchi Goddess
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Shady Pines Retirement Fort Wayne, In
Posts: 27,844
Bikes: Too many to list here check my signature.
Mentioned: 192 Post(s)
Tagged: 2 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2925 Post(s)
Liked 2,921 Times
in
1,489 Posts
Isn't that what it was designed for ? It came with 700x35 knobbies when I got it. Plus after all the winter riding, crashing, and commuting on crappy Cleveland roads that it used to do, it's still straight.
(Don't worry, N+1 theorem mandates that something more appropriate will be smuggled into the garage if I like it)
Glad this started a good discussion!!
(Don't worry, N+1 theorem mandates that something more appropriate will be smuggled into the garage if I like it)
Glad this started a good discussion!!
glad to oblige.
here is my '86 Volpe is sexxy Sizzling Peach. the 'original hybrid' as Bianchi called it a few years later.
here is my '89 Equinox a few steps up from the Volpe. a real cross bike but on the heavy side
and my '90ish Boarala cross frame currently set up with IGH
__________________
“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sacramento, California, USA
Posts: 40,865
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur
Mentioned: 68 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2952 Post(s)
Liked 3,106 Times
in
1,417 Posts
I'm going to start with 39x17 because that's what I have laying around. It's a bit higher than conventional wisdom calls for (2:1), but the first race of the season is pancake flat and dry. I will probably go lower as the season goes on and my spin gets better.
#18
Amazing, but true...
Go all out, do the race in 80's neon lycra, fingerless neon gloves, and some rec-spec's. Even if you DFL, it'll be obvious your there for the fun, and everybody wins
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: adelaide, australia
Posts: 2,798
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 227 Post(s)
Liked 388 Times
in
149 Posts
This is a 1021 steel 83model Ricardo I did up awhile ago.
I has 700x35c cross tires fitted, I think any frame built for 27 inch wheels will take a 700x35 wheel and tire.
Its brilliant to ride with this setup.
I has 700x35c cross tires fitted, I think any frame built for 27 inch wheels will take a 700x35 wheel and tire.
Its brilliant to ride with this setup.
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Bowling Green, KY
Posts: 123
Bikes: 1978 Peugeot UO-8, 198? Motobecane Sport Jubile - 1985 Peugeot UO-10 - 1980 Schwinn World Tourist - Volkscycle SS Custom - 2007 Orbea Volata
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I built a recreational cyclocross bike a few years back. By recreational I mean … non-competitive. I ride it off-road around parks and the like. It's a single speed.
More pics here: https://gallery.me.com/stephen.ogden#...r=white&sel=30
More pics here: https://gallery.me.com/stephen.ogden#...r=white&sel=30
#21
Bianchi Goddess
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Shady Pines Retirement Fort Wayne, In
Posts: 27,844
Bikes: Too many to list here check my signature.
Mentioned: 192 Post(s)
Tagged: 2 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2925 Post(s)
Liked 2,921 Times
in
1,489 Posts
this is great looking. I love the 'shorty' fender in the rear
__________________
“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
#22
Senior Member
Some very interesting coversions. Especially the oggypop one is very unconventional. Looks like a very creative approach. Chapeau.
Not a conversion, but born for the purpose is my team Batavus-Gonso Batavus Professional. The pic is taken in another season and I can tel the bike behaved well in the conditions. I do not know how wide the tires are, but they are still the original tubulars
Not a conversion, but born for the purpose is my team Batavus-Gonso Batavus Professional. The pic is taken in another season and I can tel the bike behaved well in the conditions. I do not know how wide the tires are, but they are still the original tubulars
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Posts: 4,466
Bikes: many
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 16 Times
in
13 Posts
Here are a couple more -- 1995 Land Shark X Shark and my recently converted 1988 Fisher Procaliber MTB to SS trail bomber:
#24
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Medina, OH
Posts: 275
Bikes: 85 Cilo, '91 Bianchi Volpe, '00 Gary Fisher, '74 Raleigh SuperCourse, '06 Soma Groove, '09 Nashbar X
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Just make sure you leave the rear rack on the bike when you race.......
Beautiful collection of C&V cross bikes, everybody!!
Oggypop - that thing is great- very elegant!! What frame & fork is that?
BG - your bikes put mine to shame. The 87 definitely has great build details, especially the fork.
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Posts: 4,466
Bikes: many
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 16 Times
in
13 Posts
OK, you all have inspired me. It so happens that I have two 1989 Trek 660's -- my original gray and blue in primo stock condition and another white that has been raced hard but is in good condition and set up as an SS.
Now, the question is, how should I set it up as a CX bike -- SS or geared? DTs or barends? One or two chainrings?
Now, the question is, how should I set it up as a CX bike -- SS or geared? DTs or barends? One or two chainrings?