Gazelle completed!
02-22-15, 08:08 AM
#26
If I own it, I ride it
Join Date: Nov 2005
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Nice looking Gazelle. Enjoy the ride.
02-22-15, 08:45 AM
#27
Freewheel Medic
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What!!! [MENTION=190941]jimmuller[/MENTION], no tubulars!!!!!! 
I do like it! Now if we can convince Sharon to ride her new Terry, maybe our summer New England get together ride can be a C&V criterium. But I'll only do so if [MENTION=368671]Ed.[/MENTION] keeps the sleigh bells!
I do like it! Now if we can convince Sharon to ride her new Terry, maybe our summer New England get together ride can be a C&V criterium. But I'll only do so if [MENTION=368671]Ed.[/MENTION] keeps the sleigh bells!
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Bob
Enjoying the GA coast all year long!
Thanks for visiting my website: www.freewheelspa.com
Bob
Enjoying the GA coast all year long!
Thanks for visiting my website: www.freewheelspa.com
02-22-15, 10:46 AM
#28
What??? Only 2 wheels?
Thread Starter
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Sharon has been liking the Terry on a trainer too.
As for Ed.'s bells, they would be essential if we rode today:
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With great bikes comes great responsibility.
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02-22-15, 10:57 AM
#29
Junior Member
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Bikes: '73 Raleigh RRA,'81 Team/Pro Miyatas, '83 Mercian Vincitore, '85 E.M Corsa, '85 Cherubim, '85 Raleigh Prestige, '89/90 3Rensho, '85 Allez, '86 Bertoni, '90 GL Ventoux, '91 RB-2/RB-1, '92 Bianchi SBX,'92 Miyata 914/714, '98 Colnago Decor, '98 GT Force
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magnifico biseklita!
02-22-15, 03:44 PM
#32
Polymultiplié
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Non-aero, French fit. Just the way I like it. Well done. Looking forward to the ride reports.
02-22-15, 05:19 PM
#33
working on my sandal tan
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Great-looking bike, Jim! I don't know if I've noticed or commented on this before, but I think we'd be able to hop onto each others' bikes and ride without much trouble. The Gazelle is set up almost identically to my '87 Bianchi. 
02-22-15, 09:36 PM
#35
aka Tom Reingold
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Wow, 22-1/2 pounds is pretty light!
Perhaps @Italuminum or [MENTION=173992]non-fixie[/MENTION] can provide us with a recording of how to pronounce the name correctly. I heard it recently, but I don't want to try myself.
Perhaps @Italuminum or [MENTION=173992]non-fixie[/MENTION] can provide us with a recording of how to pronounce the name correctly. I heard it recently, but I don't want to try myself.
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Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments. Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments. Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
02-23-15, 05:50 AM
#37
What??? Only 2 wheels?
Thread Starter
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Perhaps @Italuminum or @non-fixie can provide us with a recording of how to pronounce the name correctly.
All I need now is for the snow to go away. And some instructions in English on how to use those muskets.
Added:
See post 2433 in this thread:
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vi...y-98.html#2433
__________________
Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller
Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller
Last edited by jimmuller; 02-23-15 at 06:10 AM. Reason: added link, fixed spelling
02-23-15, 06:06 AM
#38
Cisalpinist
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Holland
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Bikes: blue ones.
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Wow, 22-1/2 pounds is pretty light!
Perhaps @Italuminum or @non-fixie can provide us with a recording of how to pronounce the name correctly. I heard it recently, but I don't want to try myself.
Perhaps @Italuminum or @non-fixie can provide us with a recording of how to pronounce the name correctly. I heard it recently, but I don't want to try myself.
02-23-15, 11:18 AM
#39
Senior Member
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Beautiful bike, you really got a clean one - paint and decals look perfect. Must be frustrating to be snowbound with a freshly built bike. Isn't there a high school gym where you can do laps or something?
02-23-15, 11:34 AM
#40
What??? Only 2 wheels?
Thread Starter
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Even with the paint issues, it does look great from 10ft away. When I'm riding it nobody will get any closer to me than that!
They'll never catch me or I'll never catch them, and the latter is the more likely possibility.
Frustrating, yes!
__________________
Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller
Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller
Last edited by jimmuller; 02-23-15 at 11:37 AM.
03-07-15, 02:33 PM
#41
What??? Only 2 wheels?
Thread Starter
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Location: Boston-ish, MA
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Bikes: 72 Peugeot UO-8, 82 Peugeot TH8, 87 Bianchi Brava, 76? Masi Grand Criterium, 74 Motobecane Champion Team, 86 & 77 Gazelle champion mondial, 81? Grandis, 82? Tommasini, 83 Peugeot PF10
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I finally got to ride this bike today despite the 35degF weather.
Just took it around the neighborhood to get a feel for the handling and to dial in the saddle and bar heights. It is very quick, very responsive. Quick to turn is certainly a function of the geometry, quick to accelerate is probably due to the wheels (which I had built originally for the Masi). As I recall, the Motobecane is like this but this Gazelle is a bit lighter, I think. Then again, with all the snow around I haven't ridden a bike in maybe 45 days, so my memory certainly needs recalibrating.
But this bike? Yow! It's a serious keeper!
Just took it around the neighborhood to get a feel for the handling and to dial in the saddle and bar heights. It is very quick, very responsive. Quick to turn is certainly a function of the geometry, quick to accelerate is probably due to the wheels (which I had built originally for the Masi). As I recall, the Motobecane is like this but this Gazelle is a bit lighter, I think. Then again, with all the snow around I haven't ridden a bike in maybe 45 days, so my memory certainly needs recalibrating.
But this bike? Yow! It's a serious keeper!
__________________
Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller
Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller
03-07-15, 03:57 PM
#42
Polymultiplié
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Sounds good!
03-07-15, 04:04 PM
#43
Freewheel Medic
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: An Island on the Coast of GA!
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You are experiencing PUE, or Pent Up Energy, from too much winter. 
. Right now a Barbie Bike with 12" wheels would feel good!
. Right now a Barbie Bike with 12" wheels would feel good!
__________________
Bob
Enjoying the GA coast all year long!
Thanks for visiting my website: www.freewheelspa.com
Bob
Enjoying the GA coast all year long!
Thanks for visiting my website: www.freewheelspa.com
03-07-15, 10:25 PM
#44
If I own it, I ride it
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Cardinal Country
Posts: 5,590
Bikes: Lejeune(14), Raleigh, Raysport, Jan De Reus, Gazelle, Masi, B. Carré(4), Springfield, Greg Lemond, Andre Bertin, Schwinn Paramount
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I finally got to ride this bike today despite the 35degF weather.
Just took it around the neighborhood to get a feel for the handling and to dial in the saddle and bar heights. It is very quick, very responsive. Quick to turn is certainly a function of the geometry, quick to accelerate is probably due to the wheels (which I had built originally for the Masi). As I recall, the Motobecane is like this but this Gazelle is a bit lighter, I think. Then again, with all the snow around I haven't ridden a bike in maybe 45 days, so my memory certainly needs recalibrating. But this bike? Yow! It's a serious keeper!
Just took it around the neighborhood to get a feel for the handling and to dial in the saddle and bar heights. It is very quick, very responsive. Quick to turn is certainly a function of the geometry, quick to accelerate is probably due to the wheels (which I had built originally for the Masi). As I recall, the Motobecane is like this but this Gazelle is a bit lighter, I think. Then again, with all the snow around I haven't ridden a bike in maybe 45 days, so my memory certainly needs recalibrating.
But this bike? Yow! It's a serious keeper!
04-24-15, 06:58 PM
#45
What??? Only 2 wheels?
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Boston-ish, MA
Posts: 13,438
Bikes: 72 Peugeot UO-8, 82 Peugeot TH8, 87 Bianchi Brava, 76? Masi Grand Criterium, 74 Motobecane Champion Team, 86 & 77 Gazelle champion mondial, 81? Grandis, 82? Tommasini, 83 Peugeot PF10
Liked 658 Times
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Gazelle Ride Report
Gazelle report:
Today I rode the Gazelle on my commute, its first "serious" ride. I'd previously ridden it for a simple 45min ride around the neighborhood, with one moderate climb. My commute is more aggressive, the usual route about 16 miles with about 700ft of climbing each way, and I'm usually hammering reasonably hard. So today's ride was a true test.
On the return I tried a shortcut to avoid one particular stretch of road but I'd misunderremembered a map and ended up taking a long cut instead. It added 3 marvelous miles and another 310ft of climbing. Not a bad day!
My first impression is that the Gazelle is a screamer. It is happy running fast, and to judge by what gears and cadence I was running it was faster than I'm usually going. It likes to accelerate too, possibly due to the light wheels and tires.
The handling seems pretty neutral with quick steering. My Masi seems to have a psychic connection to my brain because it knows exactly what I want without me telling it. The Motobecane seemingly will over-cook any turn if I don't pay attention, but doesn't take offense at being corrected. The Gazelle seems to fall between them, not quite as psychic as the Masi but naturally cooperative.
It currently wears Veloflex Master tires, 23mm which I ran at 140psi. They feel almost like tubulars. It has quite a bit of road feel, maybe a bit harsher than most of my other bikes but not uncomfortable. On smooth new pavement it glides smoothly at speed. I used high gear a few times today too, 52/14, which I rarely do my other bikes.
The gearing took some getting used to. The 52-38 chainrings and a wide range 6-spd 14-34 FW give it a reasonable 1-1/2 step crossover. My Masi has the same FW but only 1/2 step crossover with 47-42 rings. My other bikes with 1-1/2 steps have compact doubles and smaller FW steps. The Cyclone GT handles the FW okay but the lever requires a subtle touch! The low gear is a click lower than my other bikes so it would be the choice for a steep hill.
Bottom line - Its a bike to ride fast and far!
Today I rode the Gazelle on my commute, its first "serious" ride. I'd previously ridden it for a simple 45min ride around the neighborhood, with one moderate climb. My commute is more aggressive, the usual route about 16 miles with about 700ft of climbing each way, and I'm usually hammering reasonably hard. So today's ride was a true test.
On the return I tried a shortcut to avoid one particular stretch of road but I'd misunderremembered a map and ended up taking a long cut instead. It added 3 marvelous miles and another 310ft of climbing. Not a bad day!
My first impression is that the Gazelle is a screamer. It is happy running fast, and to judge by what gears and cadence I was running it was faster than I'm usually going. It likes to accelerate too, possibly due to the light wheels and tires.
The handling seems pretty neutral with quick steering. My Masi seems to have a psychic connection to my brain because it knows exactly what I want without me telling it. The Motobecane seemingly will over-cook any turn if I don't pay attention, but doesn't take offense at being corrected. The Gazelle seems to fall between them, not quite as psychic as the Masi but naturally cooperative.
It currently wears Veloflex Master tires, 23mm which I ran at 140psi. They feel almost like tubulars. It has quite a bit of road feel, maybe a bit harsher than most of my other bikes but not uncomfortable. On smooth new pavement it glides smoothly at speed. I used high gear a few times today too, 52/14, which I rarely do my other bikes.
The gearing took some getting used to. The 52-38 chainrings and a wide range 6-spd 14-34 FW give it a reasonable 1-1/2 step crossover. My Masi has the same FW but only 1/2 step crossover with 47-42 rings. My other bikes with 1-1/2 steps have compact doubles and smaller FW steps. The Cyclone GT handles the FW okay but the lever requires a subtle touch! The low gear is a click lower than my other bikes so it would be the choice for a steep hill.
Bottom line - Its a bike to ride fast and far!
__________________
Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller
Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller
Last edited by jimmuller; 04-24-15 at 07:08 PM.
04-24-15, 07:19 PM
#46
Senior Member
I tried counting the cogs but am not sure how many there are. You did mention freewheel, so maybe 6 or up to 7? I ask because I see the Cyclone RD & wonder how many cogs it would cover.
Nice build.
Nice build.
04-24-15, 07:29 PM
#47
What??? Only 2 wheels?
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2010
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The FW is a 6-spd, 14-16-19-23-28-34. The Cyclone GT RD seems to have no trouble with the range or large cog. It might be near its limit though; I really don't remember. I would have checked total range, large cog, and chain length when I built it.
__________________
Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller
Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller
Last edited by jimmuller; 04-24-15 at 08:23 PM.
04-24-15, 08:28 PM
#49
What??? Only 2 wheels?
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Boston-ish, MA
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Bikes: 72 Peugeot UO-8, 82 Peugeot TH8, 87 Bianchi Brava, 76? Masi Grand Criterium, 74 Motobecane Champion Team, 86 & 77 Gazelle champion mondial, 81? Grandis, 82? Tommasini, 83 Peugeot PF10
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Thanks. (And thanks, Pastor Bob. My image is ruined. Then again, it was ruined from the beginning, so never mind.) The barbie bike was one of several at Pastor Bob's dump which most of us modeled during his Hills & Lakes ride a few years ago. It handled okay but was a bit small for me. Maybe with a longer seatpost though...
__________________
Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller
Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller
