What were some of the common 'trick' modifications to road bikes back in the 70s/80s?
#76
Senior Member
You could do that. But remember, the Huffy is your superpower. If you ever find yourself transported back to the start line of a junior race in about 1978, you leave the dust caps in place. You make sure that you are wearing a Bell Biker and a plain cotton jersey.You’re playing a long game here. The bike alone will make sure that people will avoid you in any tight spots and the jersey and helmet will let you suck wheels at will, because a ( insert favorite insult here) could never be strong enough to do a decent pull. Then when you end up in the breakaway, you can wait for the sprint, because we all know Huffys are too heavy for a sprint.
Victory is yours!
Victory is yours!
Likes For Mr. Spadoni:
#77
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Bastrop Texas
Posts: 4,483
Bikes: Univega, Peu P6, Peu PR-10, Ted Williams, Peu UO-8, Peu UO-18 Mixte, Peu Dolomites
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 968 Post(s)
Liked 1,631 Times
in
1,047 Posts
In the 1970s I do remember allot of teens would tilt drop bars up and back on their Ten Speeds... Ha
It was common and oddly I can't seem ta find a picture.
It was common and oddly I can't seem ta find a picture.
__________________
No matter where you're at... There you are... Δf:=f(1/2)-f(-1/2)
No matter where you're at... There you are... Δf:=f(1/2)-f(-1/2)
Last edited by zandoval; 12-23-23 at 08:05 PM.
#78
Ride, Wrench, Swap, Race
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Northern California
Posts: 9,194
Bikes: Cheltenham-Pedersen racer, Boulder F/S Paris-Roubaix, Varsity racer, '52 Christophe, '62 Continental, '92 Merckx, '75 Limongi, '76 Presto, '72 Gitane SC, '71 Schwinn SS, etc.
Mentioned: 132 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1565 Post(s)
Liked 1,296 Times
in
866 Posts
But I haven't seen many handlebars set that way in recent years, perhaps because the over-supply of old road bikes pouring into thrift stores has dried up a bit since 2002.
Or perhaps because of lax enforcement out on the roads, they're still driving?
Likes For dddd:
#79
Full Member
Join Date: Jan 2023
Posts: 469
Bikes: Two Peter Mooney customs, a 1980 Trek 510 townie, a Marin Stelvio set up for TTs.
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 228 Post(s)
Liked 294 Times
in
161 Posts
Maybe, but I remember a significant amount of the stuff at a local crit that likely happened not too far from '88. I will freely admit that I much prefer sponge cork whether in a garish design or not. Benotto is just wonderful for transmitting road buzz right into one's wrists. Yucko!
#80
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 20,305
Mentioned: 130 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3464 Post(s)
Liked 2,831 Times
in
1,997 Posts
For a good while in the oughts, seemed like the riders on the streets who appeared as bums (who perhaps still had to get to the bars after a dwi) were all on bikes set up that way.
But I haven't seen many handlebars set that way in recent years, perhaps because the over-supply of old road bikes pouring into thrift stores has dried up a bit since 2002.
Or perhaps because of lax enforcement out on the roads, they're still driving?
But I haven't seen many handlebars set that way in recent years, perhaps because the over-supply of old road bikes pouring into thrift stores has dried up a bit since 2002.
Or perhaps because of lax enforcement out on the roads, they're still driving?
#81
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 20,305
Mentioned: 130 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3464 Post(s)
Liked 2,831 Times
in
1,997 Posts
Likes For repechage:
#82
Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Seattle
Posts: 147
Bikes: Masi Gran Criterium, Derosa, Ron Cooper, Davidson, Miyata 912, Le Jeune, Klein Rascals, AMP Research B3, B4, B5, PX10,Holdsworth, Schwinn Paramount, Frejus, Erickson, Simoncini SLX, Cecil Walker
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 54 Post(s)
Liked 115 Times
in
52 Posts
Some people made and drilled up their own parts:
#83
Cantilever believer
Join Date: Nov 2021
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 1,566
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 536 Post(s)
Liked 1,839 Times
in
832 Posts
Maybe, but I remember a significant amount of the stuff at a local crit that likely happened not too far from '88. I will freely admit that I much prefer sponge cork whether in a garish design or not. Benotto is just wonderful for transmitting road buzz right into one's wrists. Yucko!
But I knew if I had Grab-Ons on my racer in competition, that would be a bit too much for those who would forgive my use of non-Superbe Suntour componentry. "Real" racers Just Didn't Do That back then.
Knowing what I know now, I 'd probably install half-Grab-Ons under cloth tape, and them devise some convincingly-conveyed story such as "you mean you haven't heard this is the new thing they're using in the Spring Classics?" Still probably wouldn't get away with it, but at least I'd have handlebar cushiness.
__________________
Richard C. Moeur, PE - Phoenix AZ, USA
https://www.richardcmoeur.com/bikestuf.html
Richard C. Moeur, PE - Phoenix AZ, USA
https://www.richardcmoeur.com/bikestuf.html
#84
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 20,305
Mentioned: 130 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3464 Post(s)
Liked 2,831 Times
in
1,997 Posts
If one wanted actual shock absorption, one installed Grab-Ons, which I did on my touring bike. Benotto is about as shock-absorbing (and grippy) as cellophane (which it seemed to resemble.) But Benotto users could look down their snobby noses at those lost souls who had (gasp) Hunt-Wilde tape on their bars. Even though they both were remarkably similar, only the Hunt-Wilde bar plugs were vastly superior.
But I knew if I had Grab-Ons on my racer in competition, that would be a bit too much for those who would forgive my use of non-Superbe Suntour componentry. "Real" racers Just Didn't Do That back then.
Knowing what I know now, I 'd probably install half-Grab-Ons under cloth tape, and them devise some convincingly-conveyed story such as "you mean you haven't heard this is the new thing they're using in the Spring Classics?" Still probably wouldn't get away with it, but at least I'd have handlebar cushiness.
But I knew if I had Grab-Ons on my racer in competition, that would be a bit too much for those who would forgive my use of non-Superbe Suntour componentry. "Real" racers Just Didn't Do That back then.
Knowing what I know now, I 'd probably install half-Grab-Ons under cloth tape, and them devise some convincingly-conveyed story such as "you mean you haven't heard this is the new thing they're using in the Spring Classics?" Still probably wouldn't get away with it, but at least I'd have handlebar cushiness.
Grab On later had a thin version, approx 3mm, maybe 2.5mm thick. Looked less bloated.
Likes For repechage:
#85
too many bikes
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Berkeley, CA
Posts: 64
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 34 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 32 Times
in
16 Posts
“Lightweight” rim strips
In the 1980’s some of us used packing tape in place of the rubber rim strips or Velox cloth tape to save a few grams of rotating weight. I have since switched to the thin plastic strips that are much better, but I don’t think those were widely available in the early 80s
#86
Japan Tourism Bureau
Join Date: Oct 2022
Location: Yokohama, Japan
Posts: 306
Bikes: Eddy Merckx Corsa Extra Molteni 2005, Colnago Master X-light Mapei 2020
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 87 Post(s)
Liked 736 Times
in
210 Posts
Drillum, yes, Eddy Merckx started at 1969 Tour de France.
I don't know who milled and polished this seat post.
I don't know who milled and polished this seat post.
Likes For darkmoon:
#87
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Peoria, IL
Posts: 4,478
Mentioned: 86 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1829 Post(s)
Liked 3,376 Times
in
1,580 Posts
Schwinn had one like that but a segment of a nickel plated Varsity, Huret mfg derailleurs, small rotating handle on the drive side to impart the demo movement. Was useful to help show cross chaining that was high wear and drag. That one had to keep pedaling to shift. A problem was a few of the Japanese front mechs were forward to move to the big ring, not back. Could confuse some.
I do wonder if Jon Williams was intentionally emulating the appearance of it when he created his drillium version.
Steve in Peoria
Likes For steelbikeguy:
#88
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 4,489
Mentioned: 102 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1641 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 831 Times
in
540 Posts
__________________
72 Line Seeker
83 Davidson Signature
84 Peugeot PSV
84 Peugeot PY10FC
84 Gitane Tour de France.
85 Vitus Plus Carbone 7
86 ALAN Record Carbonio
86 Medici Aerodynamic (Project)
88 Pinarello Montello
89 Bottecchia Professional Chorus SL
95 Trek 5500 OCLV (Project)
72 Line Seeker
83 Davidson Signature
84 Peugeot PSV
84 Peugeot PY10FC
84 Gitane Tour de France.
85 Vitus Plus Carbone 7
86 ALAN Record Carbonio
86 Medici Aerodynamic (Project)
88 Pinarello Montello
89 Bottecchia Professional Chorus SL
95 Trek 5500 OCLV (Project)
Likes For Chombi1:
#89
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: PDX
Posts: 13,047
Bikes: Merz x 5 + Specialized Merz Allez x 2, Strawberry/Newlands/DiNucci/Ti x3, Gordon, Fuso/Moulton x2, Bornstein, Paisley,1958-74 Paramounts x3, 3rensho, 74 Moto TC, 73-78 Raleigh Pro's x5, Marinoni x2, 1960 Cinelli SC, 1980 Bianchi SC, PX-10 X 2
Mentioned: 267 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4513 Post(s)
Liked 6,388 Times
in
3,673 Posts
Yeah, it was being scrapped so I grabbed it.
Story goes it was ridden many miles but.........
don't think I ever would.
It was pretty rough and actually cleaned up well, I have considered adding an internal sleeve, but again.........
Story goes it was ridden many miles but.........
don't think I ever would.
It was pretty rough and actually cleaned up well, I have considered adding an internal sleeve, but again.........
#90
blahblahblah chrome moly
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Seattle
Posts: 1,994
Mentioned: 92 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1181 Post(s)
Liked 2,576 Times
in
1,076 Posts
An ex-teammate of mine was badly injured when his seatpost shaft broke, and the remaining shard "ripped him a new one". I wasn't there but heard about it. He was off the bike for a long time and even quit cycling for a while (can't blame him), though I heard more recently he's back to riding.
Likes For bulgie:
#91
The Huffmeister
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: The Le Grande HQ
Posts: 2,741
Bikes: '79 Trek 938, '86 Jim Merz Allez SE, '90 Miyata 1000, '68 PX-10, '80 PXN-10, '73 Super Course, '87 Guerciotti, '83 Trek 600, '80 Huffy Le Grande
Mentioned: 45 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1227 Post(s)
Liked 3,560 Times
in
1,412 Posts
An ex-teammate of mine was badly injured when his seatpost shaft broke, and the remaining shard "ripped him a new one". I wasn't there but heard about it. He was off the bike for a long time and even quit cycling for a while (can't blame him), though I heard more recently he's back to riding.
__________________
There were 135 Confentes, but only one...Huffente!
There were 135 Confentes, but only one...Huffente!
#92
blahblahblah chrome moly
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Seattle
Posts: 1,994
Mentioned: 92 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1181 Post(s)
Liked 2,576 Times
in
1,076 Posts
#93
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: City of Angels
Posts: 4,870
Bikes: A few too many
Mentioned: 42 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1364 Post(s)
Liked 2,182 Times
in
1,184 Posts
Titanium components from Pino Morroni. I had his quick-release skewers on my Assenmacher late 70s. Interesting article here: TheRetroGrouch - Pino
Best, Ben
__________________
"EVERY PERSON IS GUILTY OF ALL THE GOOD THEY DID NOT DO"
Voltaire
Voice recognition may sometimes create odd spelling and grammatical errors
"EVERY PERSON IS GUILTY OF ALL THE GOOD THEY DID NOT DO"
Voltaire
Voice recognition may sometimes create odd spelling and grammatical errors
#94
^ * * ^ * * ^
Join Date: May 2014
Location: FL USA
Posts: 165
Bikes: 1977 Tom Kellogg Nr. 27 - 1984 Bob Jackson - 1987 Alpineer - 1999 Bianchi - 2002 LeMond Buenos Aries- 2007 Specialized Tarmac Pro - 2017 Mongoose Argus Comp FatBike - 2024 Gravity 29er 1-Speed Monstercross
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 67 Post(s)
Liked 290 Times
in
94 Posts
Likes For cegerer:
#95
Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Seattle
Posts: 147
Bikes: Masi Gran Criterium, Derosa, Ron Cooper, Davidson, Miyata 912, Le Jeune, Klein Rascals, AMP Research B3, B4, B5, PX10,Holdsworth, Schwinn Paramount, Frejus, Erickson, Simoncini SLX, Cecil Walker
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 54 Post(s)
Liked 115 Times
in
52 Posts
Sometimes they'd go too far perhaps. The other brake lever snapped on this bike:
Likes For cheffyjay:
#96
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: City of Angels
Posts: 4,870
Bikes: A few too many
Mentioned: 42 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1364 Post(s)
Liked 2,182 Times
in
1,184 Posts
Yes , know them well................71E
Still have it................
Best, Ben
Still have it................
Best, Ben
__________________
"EVERY PERSON IS GUILTY OF ALL THE GOOD THEY DID NOT DO"
Voltaire
Voice recognition may sometimes create odd spelling and grammatical errors
"EVERY PERSON IS GUILTY OF ALL THE GOOD THEY DID NOT DO"
Voltaire
Voice recognition may sometimes create odd spelling and grammatical errors
Likes For xiaoman1:
#97
blahblahblah chrome moly
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Seattle
Posts: 1,994
Mentioned: 92 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1181 Post(s)
Liked 2,576 Times
in
1,076 Posts
Frank Spivey was never famous exactly but maybe well-known in some circles. He made drilling jigs that allowed him to quickly and precisely drill a series of hole in graduated sizes in things like brake levers, front derailer cages etc.
I started to write "I hate..." but that's too strong, for how I feel about amateur drillium where the holes aren't equally spaced or in a straight line. Not hate, but it ruins the part or even the whole bike, for me.
Likes For bulgie:
#98
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 20,305
Mentioned: 130 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3464 Post(s)
Liked 2,831 Times
in
1,997 Posts
I agree, but there are exceptions, some of the 1960’s pro’s bikes had drilling that was eyeballed, no rotary table, a certain charm that can very quickly drift to careless.
#99
blahblahblah chrome moly
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Seattle
Posts: 1,994
Mentioned: 92 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1181 Post(s)
Liked 2,576 Times
in
1,076 Posts
here's a treasure trove of Frank Spivey parts and drilling jig pictures, on Chuck Schmidt's Velo Retro site:
Velo-Retro: Peter Johnson
Of course the Peter Johnson frame is to die for also.
Velo-Retro: Peter Johnson
Of course the Peter Johnson frame is to die for also.
Likes For bulgie:
#100
Super Moderator
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Ffld Cnty Connecticut
Posts: 21,843
Bikes: Old Steelies I made, Old Cannondales
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1173 Post(s)
Liked 927 Times
in
612 Posts
Suntour Winner Ultra-7 freewheel with Aluminum body.
Fiamme Yellow label Ergal rims. I was "heavy" at 170 lbs so I only raced them on the front wheel. Most weight weenie stuff seemed too risky or expensive for little or no benefit.
Weyless Hubs. I still use the front wheel. Rear is 120 mm freewheel
Modolo plastic shifters (snapped in half)
Campy Titanium BB spindle (broke on a group ride). I never would have bought it, but it came on a bike with a damaged frame I bought to use for parts,
Aluminum toe clips (snapped off)
Fiamme Yellow label Ergal rims. I was "heavy" at 170 lbs so I only raced them on the front wheel. Most weight weenie stuff seemed too risky or expensive for little or no benefit.
Weyless Hubs. I still use the front wheel. Rear is 120 mm freewheel
Modolo plastic shifters (snapped in half)
Campy Titanium BB spindle (broke on a group ride). I never would have bought it, but it came on a bike with a damaged frame I bought to use for parts,
Aluminum toe clips (snapped off)
__________________
Bikes: Old steel race bikes, old Cannondale race bikes, less old Cannondale race bike, crappy old mtn bike.
FYI: https://www.bikeforums.net/forum-sugg...ad-please.html
Bikes: Old steel race bikes, old Cannondale race bikes, less old Cannondale race bike, crappy old mtn bike.
FYI: https://www.bikeforums.net/forum-sugg...ad-please.html
Last edited by Homebrew01; 12-25-23 at 04:39 PM.
Likes For Homebrew01: