Best overall bike you ever rode, bar none. One choice only.
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11-09-21, 10:04 AM
#27
Le savonnier
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It's only a humble Motobecane Grand Record, but man is it a great rider. Bonus points for being heavily customized:
Although of course I have high hopes for this one, a custom Hampsten Strada Bianca (not the actual bike or build, but it is the actual color; delivery in about 4 months):
Although of course I have high hopes for this one, a custom Hampsten Strada Bianca (not the actual bike or build, but it is the actual color; delivery in about 4 months):
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11-09-21, 10:54 AM
#28
weapons-grade bolognium
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Ticks all the boxes for comfort, fit, and durability. Corners like nobody's business and it's orange.
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11-09-21, 11:09 AM
#29
Junior Member
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Location: Northern Virginia
Posts: 108
Bikes: Motobecane Grand Record, Motobecane Super Mirage (3x5 speeds), Motobecane Mirage, Atala (unknown model), Peugeot mixte frame Tourist and Schwinn Sport. A bunch more kids bikes. Most recently a Trek Verve One, tricked up for serious touring.
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I had a bike in undergraduate school and medical school that was a 60s Magistroni frame and all Campy components except Brooks saddle and TTT stem/handlebars. Painted it yellow-green for safety under the Rotunda at the U of VA (would not have gotten away with that now!). It was stolen from my car right in front of my house in 1976. It was the sweetest riding bike I have ever owned and I miss it still to this day. Its replacement was a 1975-6 Motobecane with the same components but, as good as it was and still is, it does not match the comfort and stability of "Thunderball Grease Slapper II" as it was called. I do not have a photo of it in digital format but somewhere in my slide collection it will probably materialize, at least to reminisce over.
Last edited by sbrudno; 11-09-21 at 11:13 AM.
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11-09-21, 11:16 AM
#30
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Bikes: Motobecane Grand Record, Motobecane Super Mirage (3x5 speeds), Motobecane Mirage, Atala (unknown model), Peugeot mixte frame Tourist and Schwinn Sport. A bunch more kids bikes. Most recently a Trek Verve One, tricked up for serious touring.
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Great bike. Was the rear brake designed to be at that angle? If so, is there a mechanical rationale for it?
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11-09-21, 11:30 AM
#32
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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
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Are we still talking about C+V? 
Gentlemen -- avert your eyes -- its carbon, has knobbies and has been built within the past year ----- Given my current circumstances, the Yeti SB-100 is the best bike i have ever ridden - and im not saying that because of the ridiculous amount invested either. Despite being a short travel "downcountry" (new MTB buzzword) bike, this will eat up blue trails at a DH park and on fireroad transitions, will roll as fast as a gravel bike ---- In fact as we enter the winter season, that is my goal to install some narrowish tires and the set of Jones H-bars i have lying about for gravel and pavement cruising.
Buuuuuuuut -------- If i have to make a choice from my vintage stable , my vote goes to my old DeBErnardi. I rode this as my primary bike for 4 years in the 90's when i was very active so im guessing it has north of 40,000 miles on it -- i restored it a few years ago, and the bike still feels the same -- fits me perfectly and is a sentimental favorite too. The only change i need to make is to procure a set of Highway One bars for it as the super deep drop Cinelli's are no longer kind to my current beer belly
Also, -- a resto mod DeRosa i built --- the way it is specced with the modern cockpit and 31.8 barsmade it feel super responsive. Also sourced a compact Centaur crankset to mimic the gearing on a modern bike. I wanted this one as my primary, ride it forever bike, but alas, it was a hair too big and despite the bikes capabilities, i was never as comfortable on it as the DeBernardi. But it impressed me so much i am passively looking for a 53c frameset, as this one measured 54.5
Buuuuuuuut -------- If i have to make a choice from my vintage stable , my vote goes to my old DeBErnardi. I rode this as my primary bike for 4 years in the 90's when i was very active so im guessing it has north of 40,000 miles on it -- i restored it a few years ago, and the bike still feels the same -- fits me perfectly and is a sentimental favorite too. The only change i need to make is to procure a set of Highway One bars for it as the super deep drop Cinelli's are no longer kind to my current beer belly
Also, -- a resto mod DeRosa i built --- the way it is specced with the modern cockpit and 31.8 barsmade it feel super responsive. Also sourced a compact Centaur crankset to mimic the gearing on a modern bike. I wanted this one as my primary, ride it forever bike, but alas, it was a hair too big and despite the bikes capabilities, i was never as comfortable on it as the DeBernardi. But it impressed me so much i am passively looking for a 53c frameset, as this one measured 54.5
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11-09-21, 11:45 AM
#34
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This is very subjective as we all know and shifting sands at best. My bikes are not asked to do what many here ask of theirs. I don't ride that hard, never raced, got nothing for hills but can ride all day when called for.
For me fit and comfort are king with the "kool aid" factor always weighing in heavily.
This has been the current favorite for awhile now.
Runner up, maybe #1 but haven't ridden it enough yet.
For me fit and comfort are king with the "kool aid" factor always weighing in heavily.
This has been the current favorite for awhile now.
Runner up, maybe #1 but haven't ridden it enough yet.
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11-09-21, 11:48 AM
#35
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At the risk of coming across as a Grant Petersen fanboy, I've got to go with the 7 iron, my 1982 Specialized Sequoia:
For a guy with a garage full of Italian racing bikes, I place relatively little importance on things like snappiness and speed, though this bike isn't bad in those areas. Every bike is slow and a bad climber with me on the saddle, but the Sequoia does as well as any of my bikes. My first impression the day I finished building it was that it even coasts faster than my other bikes. I know that sounds silly, but that's the way it feels. One of my friends suggested that maybe I finally got a rear wheel in straight. I say it planes.
The Sequoia fits me perfectly; it's comfortable like an old shoe; and it's very versatile. I've used it for everything from gravel rides to touring and been happy.
For a guy with a garage full of Italian racing bikes, I place relatively little importance on things like snappiness and speed, though this bike isn't bad in those areas. Every bike is slow and a bad climber with me on the saddle, but the Sequoia does as well as any of my bikes. My first impression the day I finished building it was that it even coasts faster than my other bikes. I know that sounds silly, but that's the way it feels. One of my friends suggested that maybe I finally got a rear wheel in straight. I say it planes.
The Sequoia fits me perfectly; it's comfortable like an old shoe; and it's very versatile. I've used it for everything from gravel rides to touring and been happy.
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11-09-21, 11:49 AM
#36
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No worries, the Yeti of course brings plenty of cred with it and is certainly cool as heck, no question.
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11-09-21, 11:53 AM
#37
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Hey OP didn't specify 
I mentioned the word "steel" in my post, doesn't that count for something?
But if I had to pick a steel bike it would be a tie between the '83 Trek 630 and the '86 Schwinn Voyageur.
I mentioned the word "steel" in my post, doesn't that count for something?But if I had to pick a steel bike it would be a tie between the '83 Trek 630 and the '86 Schwinn Voyageur.
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2014 Cannondale SuperSix EVO 2
2019 Salsa Warbird
2014 Cannondale SuperSix EVO 2
2019 Salsa Warbird
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11-09-21, 12:38 PM
#39
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Best is a bit fuzzy so I will do 2 categories
Best feeling, lively like I can do anything, just ride bike:
84 team miyata with mavic gel330 tubular rims (close to NOS wheelsmith build) , challenge elite 25 mm tires at 130. Dura Ace friction. rims and tires are a huge part of the equation. technically the rims are are on the light side for me. Same bike with ma40 rims and 28mm Gravel Kings took every thing Cino could throw at it
Best overall package, ride, gear, function 85 Team miyata with 5800 105 11speed. run mavic open pro with 28 mm Conti GP 5000 clincher with tube and Mavic Reflex with Vittoria 30mm Corsa Controls. hard to say which wheel/tire combo is the best....going to try do a loop and switch comparison
Best feeling, lively like I can do anything, just ride bike:
84 team miyata with mavic gel330 tubular rims (close to NOS wheelsmith build) , challenge elite 25 mm tires at 130. Dura Ace friction. rims and tires are a huge part of the equation. technically the rims are are on the light side for me. Same bike with ma40 rims and 28mm Gravel Kings took every thing Cino could throw at it
Best overall package, ride, gear, function 85 Team miyata with 5800 105 11speed. run mavic open pro with 28 mm Conti GP 5000 clincher with tube and Mavic Reflex with Vittoria 30mm Corsa Controls. hard to say which wheel/tire combo is the best....going to try do a loop and switch comparison
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Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can
(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can
(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)
11-09-21, 12:38 PM
#40
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Alas, the last frame i bid on on ebay went for $715 - was a newer Neo Primato with no fork --- i had only placed a $400 bid which i thought was a princely sum considering the lack of a fork, but the resto mod idea worked on my other one, so i thought i could go full bore with carbon fork and modern drivetrain and amenities
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11-09-21, 12:40 PM
#41
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This is very subjective as we all know and shifting sands at best. My bikes are not asked to do what many here ask of theirs. I don't ride that hard, never raced, got nothing for hills but can ride all day when called for.
For me fit and comfort are king with the "kool aid" factor always weighing in heavily.
This has been the current favorite for awhile now.
Runner up, maybe #1 but haven't ridden it enough yet.
For me fit and comfort are king with the "kool aid" factor always weighing in heavily.
This has been the current favorite for awhile now.
Runner up, maybe #1 but haven't ridden it enough yet.
Always a feast for the eyes ! - still cant get enough of looking at this Strawberry !
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11-09-21, 12:56 PM
#42
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This. Very comfortable, smooth shifting, lots of gears, great brakes. The keeper, if I got rid of everything else. Only a lowly Trek, obviously my palate is not that sophisticated.
Tim
Slightly modified 88 Trek 400T ( all Malliard and Matrix items replaced with Shimano and Campy, big improvement )
Tim
Slightly modified 88 Trek 400T ( all Malliard and Matrix items replaced with Shimano and Campy, big improvement )
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11-09-21, 01:12 PM
#43
Shifting is fun!
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If I could keep only one bike, it would be - after lots of pointing of life-threatening devices - the best compromise between spirited rides and leisurely touring, which is - no contest - my Roy Thame:
11-09-21, 01:15 PM
#44
Senior Member
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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
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Met up with the last leg of @gugie's MMT and I ride out in the Gorge several times a year, the only place I normally travel to ride.
Planning the last ride of the year out there this Sunday if the weather is ok, care to join in?
That Merz's home base is Cascade Locks, the original owner that I got it from was the locks manager when he had it built. Rode it 3500 mi. cross country solo with his wife as sag 2 weeks after he got it.
Always seems like the bike is happy when we get out there, maybe its just me, the Kool aid, or.....
Planning the last ride of the year out there this Sunday if the weather is ok, care to join in?
That Merz's home base is Cascade Locks, the original owner that I got it from was the locks manager when he had it built. Rode it 3500 mi. cross country solo with his wife as sag 2 weeks after he got it.
Always seems like the bike is happy when we get out there, maybe its just me, the Kool aid, or.....
11-09-21, 01:19 PM
#45
Senior Member
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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
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11-09-21, 01:21 PM
#46
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11-09-21, 01:23 PM
#47
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I like my Colnago C40.
I still like the old Colnago Super too, but it is getting a little old.
The C40 just feels like a bike should feel!!!
11-09-21, 01:28 PM
#48
Phyllo-buster
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Sold it in 2002 but would buy it back if I could only have one all purpose bike. 93 T-1000.
It loved to be laden and challenged. Big fun.
It loved to be laden and challenged. Big fun.
Last edited by clubman; 11-09-21 at 08:12 PM.
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11-09-21, 01:29 PM
#49
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Yeah I really shouldn’t do that, old Treks really do start at quite a high point, in the pecking order. Thanks!
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11-09-21, 01:31 PM
#50
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I guess I'm different. For me, the bike is truly a keeper when I don't notice anything about it while riding. We become one and it becomes an extension of me. That's a great bike.
Last edited by seypat; 11-09-21 at 01:35 PM.