canklecat

Here *was* my '89 Ironman last week, subject to change this weekend. My endocrinologist told me a couple of weeks ago to take it easier until the thyroid meds take effect, which will be about another month. Naturally, being impatient, I ignored her. After three consecutive ride days Tuesday-Thursday, two on the Ironman and a 40 miler on gravel Thursday on the Univega, I could barely walk Friday and mostly napped all Saturday. I figure if I disassemble the Ironman that'll force me to rest for a couple of days.



1989 Centurion Ironman Expert -- last week. About to change. Again. Mostly original, except for the 50/39 Vuelta SE Plus chainrings, 13-25 SunRace chromed freewheel, and shorty 90mm stem. New Tacx sealed bearing pulleys fixed a dragging GPX rear derailleur -- less friction than the original sintered bushing bearings, only $13. Since January, new Continental Ultra Sport II, 700x23 in blue sidewalls -- only $12/ea via a brief Amazon sale. The Conti US2 700x25 I rode last year were still good, but I couldn't pass up the $12 price on the blue stripe 700x23. They feel about the same, but handle fast curves better than the x25s with those skinny Araya CTL-370 rims.


I'm about to swap out the original bar and try a Cinelli compact bar @texaspandj sent. And I already have some new cables and blue Jagwire housings to install. I've already replaced the shifter cables (and that little loop of blue cable housing around the rear derailleur, the only use of shifter cable housing on the entire bike -- unlike my Univega and Globe, which use a lot more cable housing for brakes and shifters).

And I have two sets of blue bar wrap ready to go. I think I'll use the Arundel Gecko for now, with the subtle black on dark blue lizard skin pattern. I don't remember the brand of black foam tape I used for the past year, but it was only $5 from Jenson USA -- some generic stuff that was really good quality and comfy.

I also need to replace the original Suntour brake pads. I kept 'em as long as possible because they look good -- subtle, not blocky, and looked good with the GPX aero calipers. They were virtually unused when I bought the bike in summer 2017, and had good grip for awhile after scuffing the glaze off the pads -- the rubber was still pliable under the crusty glaze from age. But after lots of outdoor rides scuffing the pad contact surface with files isn't restoring the grip. The last few rides I'm needing to brake sooner on fast downhills and can't lock up the wheels anymore. I'm guessing that after sitting in storage for 20+ years and lots of outdoor exposure to sun and ozone from traffic, the old rubber is finally showing its age. Thanks, @RobbieTunes and @TXsailor for the recommendations for replacement pads. I'll check REI or just order some online.

At the moment I'm using the Selle Italia Q-Bik saddle, instead of the Selle Italia SLS Kit Carbonio I rode all of 2018. I prefer the flatter, firmer SLS Kit Carbonio, but it wasn't comfortable with the aero bars -- leaning that far forward put too much pressure on the perineum, even with the nose titled down a bit. The Q-Bik is slightly curved, has a more padding, a small pressure relief cutout, and a flexible shell. With the nose tipped slightly downward it's comfortable without putting too much pressure on the hands, wrists and elbows. I've lost about 10 lbs the past year, including what little fat was padding my sit bones, so eventually I'll probably need a Flow type saddle with a larger perineum relief cutout.

Those cheap white plastic bottle holders came with the bike. One is a Trek, the other a no-name. They're lightweight and work well so I've kept 'em. I had to reinforce the bolt holes with an oversized washer to keep the bolt head from punching through the soft plastic.

The orange and black Serfas small Speed Bag holds a spare tube, a few tools, Lezyne self-stick patch kit in a little flat envelope, a couple of zip ties for repairs, KMC Missing Link II, and there's still room for other junk -- a small container with ibuprofen and antihistamines, asthma meds, my albuterol inhaler (hasn't given me Froome or Contador superpowers, alas), a couple of Clif mocha gels. Cygolite Hotshot on the bag loop -- the Hotshots are so lightweight with really good clips it's never popped off and doesn't sag much. I use the expandable medium Speed Bag on my Univega hybrid. Good bags, inexpensive with highly visible reflective strips.

I switch between a couple of mini-pumps, a Topeak RaceRocket HP, and a Blackburn Core Slim. I've used both several times on the road. The trick to mini-pumps is to use the bicep to pull the pump toward the torso, using the other hand to brace against the torso. Much stronger than pushing and using the weaker triceps, pecs and lats. I developed that technique after my right shoulder was broken and dislocated last year. I used my left arm bicep to do the hard work, just using my busted right arm to brace the pump.

The Blackburn, which is Presta only, usually lives on the Ironman. The Topeak is convertible for Presta and Schrader -- it usually goes on my hybrid. The Blackburn has more "leverage" with a longer tube, but the hard metal edges on the end caps are uncomfortable for getting maximum pressure in road tires -- I need to wrap my gloves around the end caps. But the Blackburn has a useful metal Presta core tool in the end cap, while the Topeak is useless soft plastic. The Topeak is a better design overall, and the longer version of the HP would be better than the Blackburn. Just little touches make a big difference in mini-pumps. I haven't gone to CO2 yet but probably will add one to the seat bag.

Cheap wireless computer, $12 via Amazon. It works. Usually matches my Strava and Wahoo Fitness phone data within a few nths. Good enough. But I need a sensor for the rear wheel to use on the trainer sessions. This wireless computer won't reach the rear wheel.

For a couple of weeks I tried those nifty classic Scott aero bars @texaspandj sent me, but my old and new neck/back/shoulder injuries won't cooperate. I need more physical therapy (waiting for an upcoming VA appointment to schedule me for PT).

I can manage up to 5 minutes in the aero bars on the indoor trainer, but that's with my head down whenever my neck got tired. On the road I could manage only about 30 seconds at a time. And the balance was a big challenge. On the indoor trainer I set up the front wheel level using a couple of books with slick covers, so the wheel would shift a bit when my balance was off. But it's not the same as actual road riding.

And I couldn't seem to get a good compromise between saddle and bar heights suitable for both the aero bar and drops. I'd need to raise the stem about 1/2" to 1", possibly go back to the Ironman's original 130mm stem (I can see now why the original stem was so long), and possibly raise the seat post just a bit.

But until my back, neck and shoulder are in better shape it's moot. I'd be chasing my tail trying to set up the bike. I think I'm gonna look for another Ironman or comparable bike and dedicate it to the indoor trainer, with the Scott aero bar. That would encourage me to keep working on it. I can tell after two weeks of trying that it would actually help strengthen my neck and upper back, but it'll take a few months.



Selle Italia Q-Bik, nose tipped slightly downward. Usually I prefer the firmer, flatter Selle Italia SLS Kit Carbonio, but the Q-Bik is good too. Just takes a different setup. Serfas small Speed Bag with Cygolite Hotshot on loop.






BTW, I did use padding on the Scott forearm rests. This was the day I took off the temporary pads and hadn't replaced them for photos.

The blue tape and black marker on the stem and seat post are reminders for former heights. I've been experimenting with a toe-down pedaling style, and raised the saddle to give it a try. I'm no Jacques Anquetil.

texaspandj

Son...that's how you write a post.
I wouldn't worry about the aero bars however... when you do... put some padding on the elbow rest, raise stem till you're completely comfortable in aero position, and finally angle aero bars upward til it's in your face almost like a down hill skier.
Having said that (<terminology I learned from bike forums) Don't use your aero bars yet. Get comfortable with your handlebars position, then when (and only when) you're comfortable with your new bar setup, push your saddle forward...just enough to where you're at a happy medium between road and aero position...Not that you asked for my opinion/experience.

canklecat

That's good advice. You've used aero bars since Hector was a pup, so I'll take that advice.

I was getting more comfortable with them on each ride. The main obstacle, besides the aches and pains, has been the wind. I don't mind steady wind of 15-20 mph, but it's been gusty and swirly too. My favorite nearby training route really funnels that wind in some, ah... interesting ways. But the route has some places where I could get into the aero bar position for up to a mile at a time. My confidence grew with each practice session.

A fellow not far away has been offering a Diamondback Master TG and Trek 1000 Alpha, both my size, so I might grab one or the other and dedicate it to the Cycleops trainer with the Scott bar installed. That'll give me plenty of time to keep working on my conditioning. If I'm recalling correctly some folks have said the Diamondback Master frames weren't quite as light as the Ironman, so the Diamondback will make a good trainer bike. I'm not sure about the Trek. I know it's an aluminum frame and a decent entry level road bike. But other than the Ironman the only other road bike I've ridden in the past few years was a good used Specialized Tarmac. Huge difference, and way out of my price range. But fun to test ride.

BTW, I had used pads on the forearm rests. Just temporary -- those foam sheets of packing material, taped onto the rests. I had just removed them for the photos because the pads and masking tape were kinda ugly. I'm saving the good padding material you sent until I settle on a more permanent setup.

canklecat

I got a kick out of this part of the story:
"
Like The Tubes, Linda Sweeney was way ahead of her time. White Punks on Dope -- the theme song of the 1990s Tour de France.

seypat

That's a great story. I wonder how aero the setup with the basket was? It must have been ok.

BTW, that story has a girl named Linda, on a bike, and inspirational music. Included are the Tubes, which were on The Fishin' Musician, (Canada) and White Men on Dope. That sound like a story that could be mentioned elsewhere. Just saying.

canklecat

Yeah, the front basket anecdote got me. Reminds me of all the times some commuter who's default is beast mode has passed me. I'll be ticking along at a slightly more than comfortable pace on my Ironman or Univega, and this guy on a 30 lb steel touring bike with racks and panniers cruises by with a cheery "On your left", like it was nothing. Several times over the past couplafew years on the MUP. No idea who he is but I wish I had his legs and lungs.

My only consolation is he's maybe half my age. But still... it reminds me not to spend too much money on speed. Instead, spend money on a fountain of youth. Since PEDs are hard to find and afford, that narrows down "fountain of youth" to "next bike project."

markwesti

Here is a nice Purple Haze in 50cm , friendly price too . I'm digin' the saddle .

https://ventura.craigslist.org/bik/d...814020352.html

markwesti

This is kind of a hoot , read the ad .

https://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/...819434037.html

canklecat

Heh! Makes sense. Ride a nice bike, make it look like crap nobody would want to steal.

My dad did that with a Mercedes in college in the early '60s. Although it's possible nobody would steal it anyway. He couldn't get engine parts to keep it running in original condition so he installed a Willys Jeep engine and drivetrain. Useless for long highway trips but a good stealth ATV for rough winters.

My solution for an errand bike is to use one that cost only $100 and would be easy to replace if it were stolen. It doesn't actually look bad. But it's so heavy it would discourage most thieves. With heavy duty puncture proof tires, rack, panniers and locks it weighs about 40 lbs, pretty much like a city rental bike. And the wheelbase is too long for the city bus racks. I suspect anyone who stole it would abandon it within a few days.

xiaoman1 

Anything wrong with the rake on the fork?

Ex Pres 

OK, here's the MV Ironman in current form, still w/temporary black bar tape but I feel fuscia coming. Components are mostly Sachs Huret 8s Ergo. (some courtesy of @RobbieTunes) The crankset required some, uh, we'll call them repairs.

I added some more 80's bling, with 600 triangular pedals and a pair of NOS Tricolor shoes complete with the correct SM-PD64 cleats.
I started out today practicing on the trainer. Not too bad clipping in and out once I figured it out, but I'll never ride this combo road fixed.

texaspandj

Very Cool setup.

canklecat

Yeah, that does look crashy after checking the other pics in that CL ad.

texaspandj

Bahaha, Quote of the year (so far) on this thread.

RobbieTunes

Very, very cool. Show bike, for sure.

texaspandj

Come on man, "Crashy" hilarious!
Sorry people's, but just every time I say it in my head I laugh out loud.

seypat

I thought it was funny, also. Canklecat can bring the zingers. Now if Deal4fuji could post the standup comedian with the drum accompaniment GIF, it would be complete.

markwesti

Well here it is Tony , bummer not your size . I'm very tempted .

https://losangeles.craigslist.org/lg...823289611.html

Deal4Fuji

You rang....

canklecat

Odd setup as shown (what's up with those brake levers?), but if the frame is good and most components are usable that could be a good project.

seypat

There you go!

texaspandj

Here's one for the collective minds. Obviously, for good or bad reasons, or for no reason at all, Centurion Ironman is the king of vintage "triathlon " bikes, but how many other bikes were touted or at least branded as triathlon bikes but we're in reality just road bikes? But name the model.
Peugeot triathlon.
Nishiki triA.
Pinarello triathlon victory.
fuji and Bridgestone had them but I don't remember the model name. My guess if searching, they're all from the early '80s. Also some things I guess were triathlon specific like trying to keep it aerodynamic and most bikies will say the geometry was different to make handling easier for wanbabe cyclist or maybe because it made riding 112 miles easier. Also too the quality and price was mid range
Today there are really triathlon specific bikes but man apparently price is no object.

top506

Miyata 512 (and to a lesser extant 912) come to mind as well.

Top

Classtime 

markwesti

Here is a SPC , apparently they really hold their re sale value . Prolly because the bearings are sealed against contamination by moisture and dirt . Surely you know I jest actually they were vary nice bikes

https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/...809674955.html