Biking.
What’s it?
Yeah yeah, I do know, it’s driving a motorcycle. However what’s it? Some say it’s a sport, others preserve it’s a type of transportation, and nonetheless others insist that it’s each.
However if you happen to’re really a bicycle owner, you realize all of those individuals are unsuitable, and that biking is neither a sport nor a type of transportation. Biking is an affliction. A illness. A compulsion. A psychological dysfunction.
Think about…effectively, me. I’ve all of the bicycles I may presumably need or want, together with a couple of I’d characterize as the kinds of “dream bikes” I by no means thought I’d be lucky sufficient to personal. Furthermore, the huge and unique Traditional Cycle museum is principally my very own private lending library. Then there’s the truth that I spent half of final 12 months dealing why my pal’s large assortment of bicycles and elements after he died, which was tough each emotionally and pragmatically. When you’ve ever discovered your self in an identical place, you might be able to relate to the next:
Like drowning in beer, immediately having extra bike stuff than you realize what to do with will not be almost as a lot enjoyable as you may think, and after I lastly did promote, donate, and in any other case re-home all that stuff, I felt profoundly relieved. Actually the very last thing I needed was Extra Stuff.
And but what to I do in my idle moments when regular individuals are watching the Tick Tocks or the Immediate Grahams? I’m shopping the classifieds taking a look at used bikes. Why do I do that, although relating to bikes I’ve every part I’ve ever needed? It’s as a result of I’ve a illness [see above] and if you happen to learn this weblog you in all probability have it too. Folks go on and on about Jobst Brandt and the way he invented gravel and the way he used to climb the Alps in a 52×13 or no matter, however to me probably the most spectacular factor about him by far is that he solely had one bike. Now that’s power! In the meantime, I’ve arguably too many bikes, but right here I’m taking a look at these listings anyway since you by no means know.
Like every TBD (Terminal Bike Dork), I’ve bought just a few bikes and frames I preserve behind my thoughts that I’d perhaps purchase if one had been ever to pop up for a extremely low worth. For me, a kind of (I’m virtually ashamed to say) is the outdated Trek OCLV body that grew to become well-known because the US Postal bike in the course of the reign of Lance Armstrong–I don’t imply within the precise US Postal colours or a workforce reproduction particularly, I simply imply that mannequin body:
Why? Nicely, I’ve a weak spot for turn-of-the-century street racing bikes as a result of I used to be at my Fredliest throughout that point, and setting apart all of the mishigas that ensued these venerable OCLV frames got here to dominate the period. Oddly on the time they by no means actually appealed to me, as I related them with furry legs and handlebar mirrors. However now I’ve furry legs and may in all probability think about a handlebar mirror, so I’m curious to strive one–not curious sufficient to spend something near a significant amount of cash on it, however sufficient that after I’m bored I’ll kind of half-look for a deal, like if you’re feeling snacky and begin rummaging round within the kitchen.
All of that is to say that over the weekend I believed perhaps I’d discovered a such a deal after I got here throughout a list for just about precisely this bike, solely within the triple configuration:
[Looks hairy-legged and handlebar-mirrored standing still.]
I didn’t need a complete bike, however the body was proper, it regarded prefer it had barely been ridden, and the value was near what I’d think about paying for only a body. Furthermore, having lately bought some bike stuff, I had a little bit of a slush fund to work with. And sure, I’m effectively conscious that that is the epitome of the company street bike, however I needed an outdated OCLV street body to mess around with, what can I say?
The one situation was that the bike was simply far sufficient away that driving all that distance to get it appeared a bit unhappy and determined. I exchanged just a few messages with the vendor within the hopes he’d perhaps meet me someplace a bit bit nearer, however he was uncomfortable touring to satisfy a stranger and as a substitute most well-liked me to come back to his dwelling. On reflection it appears odd you’d invite an entire stranger to your private home quite than assembly him in a public place with plenty of folks round, however truthful sufficient.
I then got here throughout one other advert that caught my curiosity, with an asking worth method decrease than that of the Trek. It was a Chris Huber. An precise Chris Huber.
What, you’ve by no means heard of a Chris Huber? Don’t fear, I hadn’t both. However perhaps a few of you realize he’s a former professional who rode for the Coors Gentle workforce, and he additionally held the human-powered land velocity file for awhile. As for the bikes that bear his identify, the Web bears little proof of them, and for all I do know that is the one one. However from the not-so-great non-drive aspect photograph the body gave the impression to be constructed from Easton aluminum, and it had a Reynolds Ouzo Professional fork, which signifies a higher-end street bike of the aughts. The title of the itemizing referred to as it a “girls’s bike,” however aside from a saddle and quick stem that recommended a lady rider, I couldn’t see something gender-specific about it, and it appeared prefer it would possibly match me simply advantageous. It additionally had Campagnolo 10-speed elements, and if you’re flipping via categorized adverts it goes with out saying you’re looking out for Campagnolo 10-speed elements. And it was a 15-minute drive from my dwelling, not removed from Cease & Store, and I at all times want stuff at Cease & Store.
Now, I don’t find out about you, however after I discover an obscure street bike with Campy elements for in regards to the worth of a high-end saddle, and I’ve bought a moderately-sized Bike Stuff Slush Pile, and I would like cat meals kitty litter–each of which they’ve at Cease & Store–I get in The Automotive That I Personal and I come dwelling with all the above.
Right here’s the bike, precisely because it was after I picked it up:
And right here it’s after I fitted it to myself, bought it operating acceptably, and took it out for its first decently lengthy trip:
When buying the bike, I wasn’t even certain I’d preserve it intact, since I didn’t know if it could match me. Nevertheless, the match is definitely fairly good, and to this point it’s plenty of enjoyable to trip–so long as you get pleasure from driving gentle and snappy street racing bikes with Campy shifters, that’s, which I actually do. Additionally, the vendor spoke very fondly of how a lot she loved the bike earlier than shifting from California to New York, so I’m glad to maintain it rolling in that spirit.
Total the bike is in good condition for its age, although it may use all the same old stuff older bikes normally do, like bar tape, brake lever hoods, cables, chain, and all that stuff. Nevertheless, every part works, so for now anyway I’m going to do as little as doable whereas I get to understand it:
Although the rear brake pads in all probability shouldn’t wait:
[Those pads have 10 more years of dry riding left, or 50 yards if it rains.]
Thankfully I believe I’ve some Campy pads in my disgracefully disorganized Brake Pad Drawer of Disgrace.
And whereas recent cables are at all times a good suggestion, the bike is shifting effectively, and I used to be fortunate sufficient that these had been lengthy sufficient to accommodate a considerably longer stem:
And sure, the bike even got here with the pump.
The body is in excellent form, with no dents and simply sufficient scratches that you just don’t care if it will get any extra scratches, which is an efficient place to be with a motorcycle:
The chain must also get replaced, however if you do that you just typically discover you need to substitute the cassette too, so till I can affirm I’ve a spare 10-speed Campagnolo cassette I simply revived this one with Dumonde:
So total it nonetheless wants consideration, however there’s nothing conserving me from driving and having fun with it within the meantime.
Better of all, the stem that got here with it’s good for a 32-inch gravel bike!
Time to construct a motorcycle round it.
This actually is a illness.
