UKBouldering.com
the shizzle => shootin' the shit => two wheel spiel => Topic started by: Paul B on April 14, 2009, 04:22:12 pm
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Right Lycra Clad Lovelies ;D I was hoping someone might be able to point me in the direction of a good beginner road bike as more time spent away from climbing will probably lead to being less injured (and oddly probably more actual climbing). I know with my limited experience of buying bikes it is far too easy to spend a shed load of cash that isn't really necessary, hopefully this thread might stop me doing this.
(Sorry Fatdoc)
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I'd recommend.....
(http://i41.tinypic.com/23vdhdy.jpg)
(http://i43.tinypic.com/2qb9kao.jpg)
or perhaps....
(http://i43.tinypic.com/4zwxu1.jpg)
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Sod that Jasper, I reckon Paul ought to scrap the bike idea and get one of these badboys for transport round Shef:
(http://www.puntonai.com/zorb-sunset.jpg)
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I think that's an italian-made suit of armour?
Some people prefer this stuff:
(http://www.japanesearmor.com/spanish/spanish_files/Armor9000USD-side.jpg)
Seriously, as a fairly recent (but occasional) convert to the ways of lycra I would recommend something with an alloy frame, carbon front forks and a triple chainring. A double chainring will make getting up Sheffield hills no fun, and compacts are fine for people who have strong legs - a triple chainring will give you a couple of extra gears to play with and by the time it's worn out you'll be strong enough to move to a compact.
For the choice between Shimano/Campagnolo/SRAM, then there's a lot of pish talked. They are all good, so I suggest having a look at the levers, and see what you like the feel of in your hands. Shimano tend to be fatter, campag are slimmer with a thumb lever and SRAM seem to be between the two.
For geometry, there's sloping and the more tradition shape. Don't get hung up on what's best/better, just go for something you like the look of. The same goes for colour - if you have a bike you look at and think "hey, that looks great" you'll be more likely to get out and use it.
If you've got mountain bike shoes/clipless pedals then use then to start with - pedals are fortunately about the easiest thing to upgrade on a road bike.
I've no idea about where you'd go for a good new or second hand bike, but I'm sure someone will be able to give you some local help.
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I'd recommend.....
(http://i41.tinypic.com/23vdhdy.jpg)
(http://i43.tinypic.com/2qb9kao.jpg)
or perhaps....
(http://i43.tinypic.com/4zwxu1.jpg)
Ha, Strangely I have everything bar the suit of armour. Bought the helmet after following a nasty red streak through the snow in Val D'isere. It stopped at an unfortunate ladies head.
Maybe I should purchase a Dainese Airbag? (She won't let me buy the bike I want that would match that!)`
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Sod that Jasper, I reckon Paul ought to scrap the bike idea and get one of these badboys for transport round Shef:
(http://www.puntonai.com/zorb-sunset.jpg)
I was also bought a roll down a hill in one of those for Christmas. I shit you not.
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Back on topic...what's your budget Paul?
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these (http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Focus_Cayo_105_2009/5360037591/) are good bikes, and the 105 is reliable gear, but you pay a bit more now the £/E rate has plummeted.
I'd have got this (http://www.planet-x-warehouse.co.uk/?p=1819), but it seems to have dissappeared off the Planet x site at the mo, might be worth checking with them if there's any plans to do another complete bike based on this frame in the near future.
EDIT: though perhaps it's not very likely given that Brant has left the company and the frame is no longer available either!
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Back on topic...what's your budget Paul?
I don't really know as I don't really know how much would be a reasonable amount. Duma's suggestions look a little pricey for me though!
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i'm trying to sort out one of these http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Wilier_La_Triestina-Lampre_Road_Bike/5360040042/ (http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Wilier_La_Triestina-Lampre_Road_Bike/5360040042/) for my sister at the moment.
i think last year's version was called the lavaredo.
the mortirolo is also ace, if a little more expensive...
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Paul, you might struggle to get much for less than 600 notes.
This (http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Giant_SCR_1_Road_Bike/5360037570/) looks a good deal, with 105 for under £640, but they've only got small available - how tall are you?
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Paul, you might struggle to get much for less than 600 notes.
This (http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Giant_SCR_1_Road_Bike/5360037570/) looks a good deal, with 105 for under £640, but they've only got small available - how tall are you?
600 ish notes is fine (gulp) but the first one you posted was nearly a grand :-[
I'm 5ft 6 ish. 52cm frame?
A guy in my office pointed out this:
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/felt/f95-team-issue-2009-road-bike-ec017090 (http://www.evanscycles.com/products/felt/f95-team-issue-2009-road-bike-ec017090)
which I've found elsewhere for £619, comments?
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Have a look at this little lot.
http://www.roadcyclinguk.com/news/article/mps/uan/3957 (http://www.roadcyclinguk.com/news/article/mps/uan/3957)
Or if you can stretch a bit further the Wilier above is a nice machine (but I ride a Wilier) so am biased. - If you go for Wilier and live near Sheffield think about going to Stanley Fearne's at Matlock - will worth the trip to a good old fashioned bike shop with sound advice and mechanics.
http://www.stanleyfearns.co.uk/road.html (http://www.stanleyfearns.co.uk/road.html)
Or if you can stretch a bit further a Cannondale - which you can buy from La Bicletta.
http://www.labicicleta.co.uk/cannondale-caad-9-tiagra-i232.html (http://www.labicicleta.co.uk/cannondale-caad-9-tiagra-i232.html)
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thanks for that, the buyers guide has two bikes I've already been pointed at in it!
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I love my Trek 1.2 (http://www.trekbikes.com/uk/en/bikes/road/). Got it for less than £500 in Sheffield last year.
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it might be worth looking at evans cycles.is there one in the sheffield area.they've got a sale on of last years models.they were doing a bianchi with front and rear carbon forks with mainly ultegra for £700 reduced from a grand.
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Seems that Leeds is the closest (22.9 mi)
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Have a look at this little lot.
http://www.roadcyclinguk.com/news/article/mps/uan/3957 (http://www.roadcyclinguk.com/news/article/mps/uan/3957)
Or if you can stretch a bit further the Wilier above is a nice machine (but I ride a Wilier) so am biased. - If you go for Wilier and live near Sheffield think about going to Stanley Fearne's at Matlock - will worth the trip to a good old fashioned bike shop with sound advice and mechanics.
http://www.stanleyfearns.co.uk/road.html (http://www.stanleyfearns.co.uk/road.html)
Fatkid speaks, I second.
Wilier, break your budget.
You'll never need to upgrade unless you stop climbing and hit the race circuit.
Stanley Fearn's is the best shop in the world.
Btw, they do £600 Bianchi bikes
If you buy from James I'll kill you, slowly
Or if you can stretch a bit further a Cannondale - which you can buy from La Bicletta.
http://www.labicicleta.co.uk/cannondale-caad-9-tiagra-i232.html (http://www.labicicleta.co.uk/cannondale-caad-9-tiagra-i232.html)
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hey paul.hope you and nat are good.i have a bianchi .alu frame carbon forks with campag rings.cost 500 notes from james cycles.you should be able to get it ont btw scheme.which means you can pay monthly int free.quite happily do 60 mile in a day in total comfort.plus it has great italian styling.
have a good trip trip to albarracin
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Need to do some shopping here too http://www.wiggle.co.uk/c/cycle/7/Locks/ (http://www.wiggle.co.uk/c/cycle/7/Locks/)
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best bang for the buck (http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Kiron_Scandium_2009_Road_Bike/5360037396/), in your size too
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a little too much buck I'm afraid...
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Get on ebay.
Decide what sort of thing you want, what size, buget etc first and then get watching. There are some great bargins to be had especially in more unusual sizes - 52 for example.
My flatmate just bought a 52cm Bianchi 1885 hydro carbon with Record/chorus mix, mavic kysium wheels, loads of bling like a record seatpost etc for £650. It is mint. the bloke who sold it was gutted.
I have had good bike experiences on ebay myself.
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I've got a :-
Dolan Prefissio frame, ITM carbon/ alu bars
Ritchey adjustable stem
Carbon forks and seat post
Campag xenon 9 speed
Hand built wheels on Italian rims
Look pedals
If you want it for commuting then its got full 'guards on as well
for sale
All black - looks great. 30 months old.
I'll post up some pics later if I get chance. You're welcome to take it for a test ride if you want.
I reckon its worth about £350, but I guess one of the good things about posting on here is that I'll get plenty of opinions as to the reasonableness of the price.
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To be perfectly honest, all the big names do a bike in the £400-£600 price bracket and the only thing that's significatly different is the frame. So pick a colour you like!
Base your choice on the quality of the frame and not the componentry as you can always upgrade that. I'd also recommend buying a last seasons model if buying new. There are some awesome deals on ebay though.
My own perference would be to steer clear of the mainstream brands and root through ebay to get something a bit more individual...colnago, principia, condor, tifosi, de rosa, cinelli, orbea perhaps.
I've got wood now.
Alternatively, how about somwhere like Ribble where you can build your own bike.
http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/BikeBuilder.asp (http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/BikeBuilder.asp)
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I've got a :-
Dolan Prefissio frame, ITM carbon/ alu bars
Ritchey adjustable stem
Carbon forks and seat post
Campag xenon 9 speed
Hand built wheels on Italian rims
Look pedals
If you want it for commuting then its got full 'guards on as well
for sale
what size is it?
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what size is it?
Its a 54cm. I've got 4 spacers on it and the seatpost at its fullest extension, but the truth is its just too small for me.
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If you buy from James I'll kill you, slowly
ah... trouble is they're about a 100 quid cheaper than anywhere else on the Felt...
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nice enough
(http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/product-images-large/felt-f95-garmin-team-replica-road-bike-46088.jpg)
..but look at what you could have for 170 squids more..
(http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/images/prod_15503.jpg) (50cm only)
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..but look at what you could have for 170 squids more..
Ahhh... I started this thread to suppress the want syndrome!
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Ahhh... I started this thread to suppress the want syndrome!
That was never going to happen - the problem with road bikes is that there are so many declinations of equipment level that there's always just a bit more money for the next step up.
Coupled to this is the extremely broad price range, which has the effect of warping your perception of what is a reasonable price. Spend too long reading bike mags and you suddenly find yourself thinking that xxxx€ is actually quite reasonable for a bike.
Before you know it, you'll be seriously considering something that costs more than my car, an weighs about as much as one of my legs (i.e. not much).
Stay strong, stick to your budget as much as possible and remember that these days a bike that's "good enough" will be pretty bloody good indeed.
... and whatever you buy, you'll still get burnt off by old guys on steel bikes wearing woollen shorts ...
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yes palomides is right.my winter is better than bikes i've raced on.i've also barely been able to hang the wheel of guys on bikes i wouldn't have risked riding on to the local shops.but carbon fibre is soooooooooommmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. :great:
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yes palomides is right.my winter is better than bikes i've raced on.i've also barely been able to hang the wheel of guys on bikes i wouldn't have risked riding on to the local shops.but carbon fibre is soooooooooommmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. :great:
AKA my Dad although he's always opted for the more embaressing lycra option!
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Its like I need a Wilier Cento Uno with Super Record and Lightweight wheels - no honestly I do. Or I'd settle for a settle pair of tune hubbed hand-built wheels to bring the price down a fraction.
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i had a look at the cento uno the other day... it does look even more amazing in the flesh.
the izoard is nice too.
but it's not the same.
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If you buy from James I'll kill you, slowly
ah... trouble is they're about a 100 quid cheaper than anywhere else on the Felt...
If you buy from James I'll kill you, slowly
ah... trouble is they're about a 100 quid cheaper than anywhere else on the Felt...
How about a few of us chip in a tenner each for you not to buy it from JE James? :please:
Here's a very long thread on another forum just for people to complain about JE James.
http://www.singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/je-james-cycles (http://www.singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/je-james-cycles)
A few other shops on Google have the Felt at £600, but not in your size, might be worth seeing if they can get you one if you are sure of your size. Or as others have said second hand is a good option, that Felt weighs over 21lbs, which is quite a lot by road bike standards.
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haha I'll try to avoid it if I can? Having said that, I went to both the Sheffield and Chesterfield shop and got nothing but excellent service and the attention of a member of staff for bloody ages at both shops.
Got sized up and it seems like I require a 52 in the felt and a 53 with Bianchi...
This:
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/bianchi/nirone-7-sora-2009-road-bike-ec016954 (http://www.evanscycles.com/products/bianchi/nirone-7-sora-2009-road-bike-ec016954)
was thrown up as another alternative, 9 speed cassette instead of 8 on the felt... anybody got anything to say?
Spoke to another friend who found a bargain bike second hand but I really don't have a clue what to search for, if there's anything anybody has seen I'd really appreciate being pointed in the right direction!
Thanks.
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I had to visit JE James yesterday morning to buy some tyres and over heard they have a 3 week wait for repairs - 3 weeks & you'd probably find it needed more repairs when you get your bike back than when it went in.
I also visited la bicicletta and they are soon to start stocking Cervelo and Serotta. :-\
BTW I didn't buy anything but some Tune hubbed wheels were tempting.
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I got a pair of new wheels on order from them. Mavic reflex tubular rims, Tune hubs, x-ray spokes, handbuilt. So on that note I will shortly be flogging my Ksyrium SL's (shimano free-hub) if anyone is in the market for a nice stiff, light pair of clinchers. Me - I'm going fully old-school with tubs again :thumbsup:
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I'm thinking of upgrading to some ksyrium elites so a secondhand pair of SL's might fit the bill
any more details ?
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In silver, 2007 version so the pair weighs in at just over 1400 grams for the pair. Well looked after, never been crashed, and not done many wet miles. Still as true as the day they were bought, and they'll come with the Michelin ProRace 2 tyres on them aswell. I'll be flogging them as soon as my new wheels have arrived - this could take some time, but hopefully in the next few weeks. PM me if you're keen - I dunno how much they're worth, but I'll have a think!
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not sure how your two different sizes, 52cm in the Felt and 53cm inthe Bianchi, your size should be from your inside leg so either the frames are measure differently ie one is centre-to-centre and the other centre to top, is only 1cm difference though so may be just different angles to get you the correct top tube length.
Sora is ok to start with, good thing with the cheaper Shimano these days is they're using more plastic/alloy which means it doesn't rust as easily, functionally its a good group. The rear hub of Shimano will hold 8, 9 and 10 speed blocks, possibly also 11 if/when they release it, its the width of the chain that changes and the spacing between cogs so the whell should be ok for upgrades. The rear mech should have enough range to cover a 9 speed block but if you 8 speed sti units, you may get skipping/chain suck if you try and force it to run 9 speed. Lance etc won the tour on 8 speed (I think) so if it's good enough for him then you should be fine. One thing to make sure is get the width of your bars right, shop would advise, to narrow and thye'll feel awkward, I run 46cm but am 6'2".
Dom
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i would assume that the different sizes come from the angles of seat tube making the reach different along the top tube.
i really would avoid buying a "big name" bike. you could get a much higher spec for the money buying from someone like ribble who do not have a brand to support like trek etc...
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I got a pair of new wheels on order from them. Mavic reflex tubular rims, Tune hubs, x-ray spokes, handbuilt. So on that note I will shortly be flogging my Ksyrium SL's (shimano free-hub) if anyone is in the market for a nice stiff, light pair of clinchers. Me - I'm going fully old-school with tubs again :thumbsup:
what prompted the change to tubs?
i do like my old rolf tub wheels, but i do worry what might happen if i got a puncture when i'm miles from home...
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what prompted the change to tubs?
I ride tubs on my 'bling' wheels (a pair of Planet X pro carbon 50's) but there are a number of drawbacks with these. Briefly, they are 'cheap' carbon wheels, so they are not very well balanced, the hubs are poor, they are quite heavy compared to other carbon wheels and I have had a number of problems with them (bust spokes, etc, etc). Also, carbon rims don't brake as well as alloy rims. However, they are very quick on the flat and the fact that you have tubulars on them makes them even quicker. If you get a puncture, pop the valve core out, squirt in half a tube of Tufo tubular tyre sealant, pump it back up and off you go. I also like the extra safety feature that you can still ride your bike on a punctured tubular tyre, which gives you time to stop and fix it if you puncture at speed, unlike a high-speed puncture on a clincher tyre where you are more than likely going down...
What I really want is a lightweight pair of handbuilt wheels on german hubs and with a tubular rim. Solves all of my wheels requirements. Strong and stiff, will last for ever, the pair weigh less than almost any factory built alloy wheel, run on tubs so super quick and less chance of crashing if you get a flat on an alpine descent, metal braking surface so will stop way better than a carbon rim, easier to maintain than a carbon rim with concealed nipples if you need to true it or you break a spoke, and all for way less than half the price of an equivalent factory-made wheel.
Its sad but true that there are stacks of awesome factory built wheels out there providing you want to use clincher tyres. If you want to use tubs, there is very little on market unless you want expensive carbon, and I have issues with spending well over a grand on a pair of Zipp 303's when I could never, ever do them the justice they deserve. I am taking the 'stealth-punter' approach and going hand-built. Its the future.....
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ah ha!
that's interesting... esp re the tufo sealant.
i have the original wheels from my (vintage) colnago. old ambrosio tub rims laced to record hubs. on the basis of that, i think i'm going to start riding them again.
i would love a set of 303s or 404s though. hmmm.
i agree though that hand built wheels are superb. my harry rowlands have been going strong for ages...
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FYI The Uk Road Cycling website have been testing some tubeless tyres
http://www.roadcyclinguk.com/news/article/mps/uan/3492 (http://www.roadcyclinguk.com/news/article/mps/uan/3492)
they look like a bit of a halfway house ?
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Tubeless are supposed to be good, and solve the weight and ride issues people have with clinchers. But, you can't ride them flat like you can with a tubular, and currently there is very little choice in tyres. Given that its early days for tubeless (whilst I'm sure they are very good...) I'm sticking to tried and tested tubs. Its all down to personal preference really.
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...although this is an interesting diversion, has paulb made up his mind yet..?
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After a 3 week Royal Mail saga, I've finally taken delivery of one of these beauties in mint nick for a bargainous amount from eBay...
(http://www.speeds-cycles.co.uk/user/news/img_trek15triple.jpg)
2008 Trek 1.5 Triple :great:
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...although this is an interesting diversion, has paulb made up his mind yet..?
paulb went to Albarracin and got sunburnt.
I think the Bianchi C22 would be what I'd go for from the two i've been on BUT... More and more people have been telling me of second hand bargains they've bought so I'll be cruising Ebay with intent.
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aye, teh bay's a rich seam
dug up this nugget (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Colnago-Super-1979-Campagnolo-Nuovo-Record-Groupset_W0QQitemZ220399807800QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Bikes_GL?hash=item220399807800&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1688%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318) yesterday
(http://i.ebayimg.com/18/!BQ3-Zl!Bmk~$(KGrHgoH-EEEjlLlyOEvBJ7LJU7ntQ~~_1.JPG)
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Decathlon???
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Similar price to the Bianchi and Felt?
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aye, teh bay's a rich seam
dug up this nugget (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Colnago-Super-1979-Campagnolo-Nuovo-Record-Groupset_W0QQitemZ220399807800QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Bikes_GL?hash=item220399807800&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1688%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318) yesterday
(http://i.ebayimg.com/18/!BQ3-Zl!Bmk~$(KGrHgoH-EEEjlLlyOEvBJ7LJU7ntQ~~_1.JPG)
that's quite like my one.
i've just replaced the brake pads, cos i think the ones that were on it had been on for years - they worked for a tiny bit and then faded horrendously...
i too have two wheelsets. it came with tubular wheels and a vicious block - 11-19?!
i then got a more sensible geared set of clincher wheels.
i need to get out on that bike a bit more... in a suitably wooly jersey.
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is that the one that was at the 'works for ages?
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no, i picked it up from bristol
rides like a dream with the gp4's and 16-20 block
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Nah - it was my bike down at The Works, but our receptionist Chris now owns it. Its our new take on the Ride to Work scheme....we only provide the finest vintage racing bikes for our staff (free of charge, of course!)
Percy (on Graemes login, cos the silly twat has gone out and forgotten to log out again... he's probably off down to Athena to buy an Alan Shearer poster for his mastubatorium...)
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any jobs going?! - sounds like a nice incentive!!!!
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that last post was in jest by the way, so nobody bother going and giving me negative karma for "wanting to blag into the works" or owt.
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Percy,
Who is building your wheels?