Originally Posted by
Kontact
I get the spirit, what becomes painful is actually dealing with the specifics. Where would I get cleated shoes in 9 wide? Why wouldn't I use an old 28 spoke front wheel that is from the only old fashioned wheelset I have?
Basically, some of the intended fun is spoiled by navigating the legalities.
We want people to rediscover the beauty of fatigue and the thrill of conquest.
GIANCARLO BROCCI, Creator of L'Eroica
You might say "pain" or at least discomfort
is the spirit of the event. Part of that can be about navigating the "legalities." Part of that is certainly doing the event on a bike that isn't what you might normally ride. Go with it, man, don't fight it.
That said, the only thing that isn't really up to modern snuff on my oldish bikes is the gearing and the brakes. (Well, and the weight, but whatever. It's not a race.) Those make it exciting going both up and down hill. But they are actually really comfortable to ride. I dare say more comfortable than a modern stiff bike.
What size bike do you ride? I've got one I could lend you if you're around my size. If you're not I've got plenty of wheels with a legal number of spokes. Don't sweat it.
Originally Posted by
Kontact
Or Dura Ace.
Yeah, just turn the clickity off. You don't need that.