Echoes of Elegant Cycling....an old "troll".
 

John E., you'll appreciate this.

The road this morning suddenly changed elevation. My fingers deftly darted to the downtube and with not much more than a caress, sent the chain flying across 3 cogs to land with a satisfying, meaty and manly ka-chunk. The Mavic Simplex retro-friction shifters, spare and elegant as a ballerina, as rock-steady and enduring as a drill sergeant, had done their job yet again-- just as they had for Sean Kelly and countless others a gazillion times. My partner, lunging for his Ultegra STI, with hoods as large and hard as a sleazy stripper's plastic-packed breasts, was clicking, clacking, and finger flipping like a hyper-metabolic mongoose.

Eventually, he found the right gear. Ka-klick

Admittedly, I sometimes don't ka-chunk, usually when in close vicinity to a cement truck or Rottweiler.

That said, my Campy Ergo's arrived, along with a Jtek Shiftmate...just waiting for the ($$$ gulp!) Campy cable set. I'll let you know my impressions of modern techno-life. Like comparing Madonna to Mozart?

Is this what they mean by bike porn? This morning, I noticed my own bike leaning casually against the deck as if to say, "I could take take you or leave you." But her firmly erect spoke nipples told a different story. They silently said, "This bike wants to be ridden and ridden hard."

Ahh, Blackberry, now I know how you threw out your back!

I'm not certain what I should say to you two? :eek: But what does it matter? Today is Pentecost--- I have the H.S. to translate for me! ;)

GrannyGear, you'll never shift the same again. :( ka-chunk!

I'm telling you, PastorBob, this is the first thread that has me blushing! :o

This has probably been covered in other threads but worth stating again. The modern technology (Campy Ergo) is not just marketing hype or planned obselescence (sp?). The new stuff is (IMHO) superior to shifting systems of the past. I still love my 5 cog freehubs and smooth, quiet friction shifts but with smaller increments between gears it is easier to maintain a steady cadence. It feels like I ride faster with the same effort on my newer bikes. I still ride my Centurion and Peugeot frequently, reveling in the nostalgia of friction and enjoying the feel of the older frames.

The biggest downside is maintenance on 8, 9 or 10 speed systems. Keeping my hands on the handlebars at all times is an advantage to my way of thinking.

Can't wait to hear your opinion on Campy Ergo.

A prayer wouldn't hurt!!!

I stand here redfaced and, having take a cold shower, cooled down.....I fear for Blackberry however-- unlike me, he's married and shouldn't be noticing his bike's ample enticements.

Wildwood above.....I was surprized at how easy it is to hit friction shifts with a narrower chain and closer set cogs on a 9spd-- seems counterintuitive. Despite my retro fooling around above, I'm quite excited to get my ergo set up and rolling. I will post my impressions. Its like my father discovering how much better Tommy Dorsey sounded on cd...though he still longed for his old 78's.

DeeGee, we know you've been reading the first two posts over and over again. Once you stop telling fibs you'll no longer be a wooden puppet but a real, live boy.

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