Softride question
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 58
Bikes: 3 Woodrup Star Trophy models, Bianchi Pista, Ochsner, Rockhopper, Puch Mistral Leader, Mercian Touring, Bridgestone XO-2, Basso Gap
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Softride question
Anyone know anything about one of these? What should I look for? It's a barn find.
Thanks.
Osmium.
#2
Sr Member on Sr bikes
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Central Florida, USA
Posts: 1,987
Bikes: Litespeed (9); Slingshot (9); Specialized (3); Kestrel (2); Cervelo (1); FELT (1); Trek (2)
Mentioned: 39 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 433 Post(s)
Liked 3,443 Times
in
994 Posts
This photo is from a CL ad originating in Stockbridge, MI that has at least one additional photo. I remember this guy (name on bike). I raced triathlons, many in Michigan, in the late 80s to early 2000s. I don't remember seeing this bike though. It looks like an late 90s/early 2000s Softride Rocket TT model, likely 650c wheels based on the CL ad. Also, the paint job is custom, and the beam has been altered. You can find Softrides in original condition and rideable shape on eBay for $300. They were fast bikes on the flats because of better than average aerodynamics, but dogs in the hills because of their relatively greater weight. Also, if you didn't have a smooth pedal stroke, you tended to bob along as you rode which reduced efficiency. The beam design typically soaked up road shock, so many people like them for long rides in states with rough roads (e.g. Michigan), but this time-trial/triathlon model had a straight stiff beam that, subjectively, reduced the road shock less than strictly road models. My opinion -- it looks too rough and unloved, even for $150. The usual mechanical issue with these bikes, especially those with the aerodynamic wing-like aluminum or carbon frame, occurred at the beam/frame interface. The CL ad indicates the condition is salvage. It's an honest assessment.
__________________
WTB: Slingshot bicycle promotional documents (catalog, pamphlets, etc).
WTB: American Cycling May - Aug, Oct, Dec 1966.
WTB: Bicycle Guide issues 1984 (any); Jun 1987; Jul, Nov/Dec 1992; Apr 1994; 1996 -1998 (any)
WTB: Bike World issue Jun 1974.
WTB: Slingshot bicycle promotional documents (catalog, pamphlets, etc).
WTB: American Cycling May - Aug, Oct, Dec 1966.
WTB: Bicycle Guide issues 1984 (any); Jun 1987; Jul, Nov/Dec 1992; Apr 1994; 1996 -1998 (any)
WTB: Bike World issue Jun 1974.
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: 37°22′17″N 122°8′15″W
Posts: 59
Bikes: Softride (Classic & RockeTT), Griffen Vulcan, Litech Magnesium rigid bike, Raleigh FS MTB, Lemond Zurich
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: San Jose (Willow Glen) Ca
Posts: 9,829
Bikes: Kirk Custom JK Special, '84 Team Miyata,(dura ace old school) 80?? SR Semi-Pro 600 Arabesque
Mentioned: 106 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2336 Post(s)
Liked 2,804 Times
in
1,532 Posts
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: 37°22′17″N 122°8′15″W
Posts: 59
Bikes: Softride (Classic & RockeTT), Griffen Vulcan, Litech Magnesium rigid bike, Raleigh FS MTB, Lemond Zurich
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Central Florida, USA
Posts: 1,987
Bikes: Litespeed (9); Slingshot (9); Specialized (3); Kestrel (2); Cervelo (1); FELT (1); Trek (2)
Mentioned: 39 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 433 Post(s)
Liked 3,443 Times
in
994 Posts
I really like the mirror finish on the right. Have only seen that a few times. Nice wheel decision too.
What's going on in the yellow bike derailleur area?
What's going on in the yellow bike derailleur area?
__________________
WTB: Slingshot bicycle promotional documents (catalog, pamphlets, etc).
WTB: American Cycling May - Aug, Oct, Dec 1966.
WTB: Bicycle Guide issues 1984 (any); Jun 1987; Jul, Nov/Dec 1992; Apr 1994; 1996 -1998 (any)
WTB: Bike World issue Jun 1974.
WTB: Slingshot bicycle promotional documents (catalog, pamphlets, etc).
WTB: American Cycling May - Aug, Oct, Dec 1966.
WTB: Bicycle Guide issues 1984 (any); Jun 1987; Jul, Nov/Dec 1992; Apr 1994; 1996 -1998 (any)
WTB: Bike World issue Jun 1974.
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: 37°22′17″N 122°8′15″W
Posts: 59
Bikes: Softride (Classic & RockeTT), Griffen Vulcan, Litech Magnesium rigid bike, Raleigh FS MTB, Lemond Zurich
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I put that on there for storage as I don't ride the Softrides as much due to parts being hard to find.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
byrd48
Classic and Vintage Bicycles: Whats it Worth? Appraisals.
6
08-15-14 07:02 PM
smontanaro
Classic and Vintage Bicycles: Whats it Worth? Appraisals.
5
03-09-14 02:53 PM
SixFootFive
Classic and Vintage Bicycles: Whats it Worth? Appraisals.
2
01-18-10 05:57 PM