redrhodie
05-21-2008, 08:22 AM
I just got back from my first ride on my new "junk bike" :D! It's a 1982 (I think) Eddy Merckx, steel, fire engine red, that lookes like this one (http://www.cadre.org/Merckx/5A-979-Z/merckx01hc5.jpg).
The components are all over the place, some Campy, some Shimano, mostly mid range, a lot of stuff I pulled off my Dolce, some stuff is vintage. I tried to keep the price down, but yeah, that didn't quite work out as planned. The gotta haves (Selle An Atomica saddle, Shimano short reach shifters, etc, etc, etc added up to make this a pretty pricey "junk bike"). But, to put it in a way I know you'll appreciate, the ride is like hot chocolate! Thick and rich, with whipped cream on the top.
Now to the ride…I thought I was just going out to Sweet Berry Farm, which is about 5 miles, but I didn't want to stop, so I ended up riding my 25 mile loop. The added weight on the hills and smaller cassette wasn't a problem, but I didn't ride one really big hill I usually do. Downhills were FAST because of the added weight. Going over bumps was fun, and, the best part of all was riding no hands. It was so steady and responsive. Steel is everything I was hoping for.
My other bike is a Merckx Fuga, alu with carbon stays and fork. That one's like Cappuccino, with an extra shot of espresso. Zippy and wired, like my favorite drink in the world (when made by the baker at Pasta Beach who looks like Paolo Bettini). That bike is crazy fun, and a little addictive.
I know, how many Merckxes does one girl need? I think 2 is perfect!
The components are all over the place, some Campy, some Shimano, mostly mid range, a lot of stuff I pulled off my Dolce, some stuff is vintage. I tried to keep the price down, but yeah, that didn't quite work out as planned. The gotta haves (Selle An Atomica saddle, Shimano short reach shifters, etc, etc, etc added up to make this a pretty pricey "junk bike"). But, to put it in a way I know you'll appreciate, the ride is like hot chocolate! Thick and rich, with whipped cream on the top.
Now to the ride…I thought I was just going out to Sweet Berry Farm, which is about 5 miles, but I didn't want to stop, so I ended up riding my 25 mile loop. The added weight on the hills and smaller cassette wasn't a problem, but I didn't ride one really big hill I usually do. Downhills were FAST because of the added weight. Going over bumps was fun, and, the best part of all was riding no hands. It was so steady and responsive. Steel is everything I was hoping for.
My other bike is a Merckx Fuga, alu with carbon stays and fork. That one's like Cappuccino, with an extra shot of espresso. Zippy and wired, like my favorite drink in the world (when made by the baker at Pasta Beach who looks like Paolo Bettini). That bike is crazy fun, and a little addictive.
I know, how many Merckxes does one girl need? I think 2 is perfect!