Best overall bike you ever rode, bar none. One choice only.
11-13-21, 07:32 AM
#151
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 4,704
Bikes: 82 Medici, 2011 Richard Sachs, 2011 Milwaukee Road
Mentioned: 55 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1949 Post(s)
Liked 2,010 Times
in
1,109 Posts
11-13-21, 08:01 AM
#152
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Utah
Posts: 8,671
Bikes: Paletti,Pinarello Monviso,Duell Vienna,Giordana XL Super,Lemond Maillot Juane.& custom,PDG Paramount,Fuji Opus III,Davidson Impulse,Pashley Guv'nor,Evans,Fishlips,Y-Foil,Softride, Tetra Pro, CAAD8 Optimo,
Mentioned: 156 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2323 Post(s)
Liked 4,988 Times
in
1,776 Posts
Ugh....the memories! Wrecked on a bike like this as a kid and still have the scar from the tall handlebar embedding into my gut. Ahhh the follies of youth, LOL!
In fact, that was the bike given to me by a stranger. We were dirt poor and I had no bike. This man brought it by the house one day and gave it too me. I sometimes think that is why all these years later I spend so much time fixing up old bikes just to pass them on at a loss. I guess my way of paying back for that kind act.
In fact, that was the bike given to me by a stranger. We were dirt poor and I had no bike. This man brought it by the house one day and gave it too me. I sometimes think that is why all these years later I spend so much time fixing up old bikes just to pass them on at a loss. I guess my way of paying back for that kind act.
__________________
Steel is real...and comfy.
Steel is real...and comfy.
Likes For jamesdak:
11-13-21, 08:14 AM
#153
Zip tie Karen
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Fair Oaks Ranch, TX
Posts: 7,004
Bikes: '13 Motobecane Fantom29 HT, '16 Motobecane Turino Pro Disc, '18 Velobuild VB-R-022, '21 Tsunami SNM-100
Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1465 Post(s)
Liked 1,542 Times
in
806 Posts
I built up a 1979 Peugeot PXN-10 with my hand built tubular wheelset. Although I've ridden bikes with greater name prestige, this PXN-10 was the best riding, most enjoyable feel I've ever had on a road bike. I'm not sure whether I have a photo or not. Looking.
11-13-21, 10:05 AM
#154
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: South shore, L.I., NY
Posts: 6,882
Bikes: Flyxii FR322, Cannondale Topstone, Miyata City Liner, Specialized Chisel, Specialized Epic Evo
Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3238 Post(s)
Liked 2,084 Times
in
1,180 Posts
Best overall is my current Cannondale Topstone aluminum. Its a 105 equipped bike with a 30/46 crank and an 11-34 cassette so has great gearing for when I ride places with hills. I purchased a 2nd set of wheels, run road 28mm tires and a 12-25 cassette so its my go-to bike for when I'm not doing hard group rides, its as comfortable a bike as I've owned, the FSA Adventure h-bar is really comfortable. The other set of wheels i have the hill cassette on as well as Panaracer 43mm Gravel Kings. I value practicality and this bike is all that.
11-13-21, 02:15 PM
#155
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Yucatán. México
Posts: 6,230
Bikes: 79 Trek 930 is back on the road, 80 Trek 414, 84 Schwinn Letour Luxe,87 Schwinn Prelude, 92 Schwinn Paramount PDG 5
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3191 Post(s)
Liked 1,841 Times
in
1,161 Posts
Likes For seedsbelize2:
11-13-21, 06:58 PM
#156
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Hervey Bay, Qld, Australia.
Posts: 2,928
Bikes: Colnago (82, 85, 89, 90, 91, 96, 03), 85 Cinelli, 90 Rossin, 83 Alan, 82 Bianchi, 78 Fountain, 2 x Pinarello, Malvern Star (37), Hillman (70's), 80's Beretto Lo-Pro Track, 80's Kenevans Lo-Pro, Columbus Max (95), DeGrandi (80's) Track.
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 179 Post(s)
Liked 198 Times
in
124 Posts
Thanks for the interest guys. Yes it is made from Tange Prestige tubes and Rossin's own cast lugs. It's not all that light but definitely not heavy at all. The ride is really predictable and comfortable yet responsive. I've never ridden a bike made from Tange tubing before and I really like this Tange tubing. Most tubes have a hexagonal profile. It is a fantastic bike to ride. I always sing the praises of Colnago's of the 80's and 90's due to their fit and ride qualities but this frame does more than match my Colnago's - which is quite a revelation to me.
I did fix my thread featuring my Rossin Prestige by updating the photos.
I did fix my thread featuring my Rossin Prestige by updating the photos.
Last edited by Gary Fountain; 11-13-21 at 07:02 PM.
Likes For Gary Fountain:
11-14-21, 05:33 AM
#157
Standard Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Brunswick, Maine
Posts: 4,268
Bikes: 1948 P. Barnard & Son, 1962 Rudge Sports, 1963 Freddie Grubb Routier, 1980 Manufrance Hirondelle, 1983 F. Moser Sprint, 1989 Raleigh Technium Pre, 2001 Raleigh M80
Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1297 Post(s)
Liked 940 Times
in
490 Posts
Vitus 172 tubing. The ride I've been looking for all my life. Bike has been mine for about 3 years. Built it up myself, hand-selected the components. Right now, it is using a Simplex 303 Touriste r.d., not the pictured Suntour Vx.
Last edited by 1989Pre; 11-14-21 at 06:29 AM.
Likes For 1989Pre:
11-15-21, 12:41 PM
#158
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: atlanta ga
Posts: 245
Bikes: road: 1999 GT road:40Kmi+ // 2001 fuji finest AL:9Kmi+//1991 schwinn paramount ODG:0.1Kmi+
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 19 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 10 Times
in
7 Posts
Klein Quantum Pro (all dura ace)
Likes For wle:
11-15-21, 01:50 PM
#159
Junior Member
Hmmm...only one, eh. Ok then...one for the road, one for off-road
11-15-21, 04:16 PM
#160
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2021
Location: London
Posts: 564
Bikes: Motobecane C41, Matsu$hita Nashonaru
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 215 Post(s)
Liked 431 Times
in
253 Posts
It's only a humble Motobecane Grand Record, but man is it a great rider. Bonus points for being heavily customized:
Although of course I have high hopes for this one, a custom Hampsten Strada Bianca (not the actual bike or build, but it is the actual color; delivery in about 4 months):
Although of course I have high hopes for this one, a custom Hampsten Strada Bianca (not the actual bike or build, but it is the actual color; delivery in about 4 months):
Likes For jay4usc:
11-15-21, 05:12 PM
#162
2k miles from the midwest
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Washington
Posts: 1,964
Bikes: ~'75 Colin Laing, '80s Schwinn SuperSport 650b, ex-Backroads ti project...
Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 525 Post(s)
Liked 931 Times
in
446 Posts
jay4usc I got to ride one of these that came in for a tune and it was surprisingly good. I only had it out for a few miles, but easily one of the "Coolest" bikes I've ridden.
11-15-21, 05:31 PM
#163
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2021
Location: London
Posts: 564
Bikes: Motobecane C41, Matsu$hita Nashonaru
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 215 Post(s)
Liked 431 Times
in
253 Posts
Because they are the best? 
But seriously, steel frames back in the 70's and 80's were built by people who have been building frames for decades and even if these were factory made as opposed to mysterious hermit artisans living in secluded huts in the remote areas of Piedmont, these factories had decades to refine their production, the employees had decades to improve their skills. That's not to say that every steel bicycle will be fantastic, but when they were good, they were really good.
But seriously, steel frames back in the 70's and 80's were built by people who have been building frames for decades and even if these were factory made as opposed to mysterious hermit artisans living in secluded huts in the remote areas of Piedmont, these factories had decades to refine their production, the employees had decades to improve their skills. That's not to say that every steel bicycle will be fantastic, but when they were good, they were really good.
Likes For Wileyone:
11-16-21, 02:00 AM
#165
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Berkeley, CA
Posts: 7,244
Bikes: '72 Cilo Pacer, '72 Gitane Gran Tourisme, '72 Peugeot PX10, '73 Speedwell Ti, '74 Peugeot UE-8, '75 Peugeot PR-10L, '80 Colnago Super, '85 De Rosa Pro, '86 Look Equipe 753, '86 Look KG86, '89 Parkpre Team, '90 Parkpre Team MTB, '90 Merlin
Mentioned: 87 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 834 Post(s)
Liked 2,125 Times
in
554 Posts
I know you all must be sick of seeing my LOOK by now, but it's my clear favorite (followed by the Merlin and then De Rosa Pro). Magical 753r tubing and a perfect fit. It has a lively feel, combined with all-day comfort and excellent handling. I've had it since I was a teenager and it still induces smiles every time I ride it.
[/url]
[/url]
Likes For gaucho777:
11-16-21, 06:46 AM
#166
Fat Guy on a Little Bike
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Posts: 15,944
Bikes: Two wheeled ones
Mentioned: 42 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1254 Post(s)
Liked 345 Times
in
174 Posts
My Marnati - but I don't think it's fair to count that as a custom bike.
A couple come to mind, but I'm going with the Merlin.
a couple of the heavy contenders:
De Rosa Primato
Picchio
69’ Cinelli SC
Pete Matthews
Last edited by KonAaron Snake; 11-16-21 at 07:01 AM.
Likes For KonAaron Snake:
11-16-21, 02:52 PM
#167
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Pacific Northwest
Posts: 1,989
Bikes: ‘87 Marinoni SLX Sports Tourer, ‘79 Miyata 912 by Gugificazione
Mentioned: 166 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 500 Post(s)
Liked 466 Times
in
256 Posts
The ‘87 Marinoni SLX Sports Tourer (Ms. Marinoni’s description) is clearly my best. It has an amazing feel, as well as being incredibly versatile, with 700x28 and 32’s, and 650Bx38 and 42’s in the eight years I’ve owned it. I’m using the 38’s these days and in the photo below, liking the slightly more relaxed feel on our horrible Seattle pavement. Nice that fenders fit over those, but not using them days since there’s also now a dedicated fender bike.
A ‘92 Klein Performance was my sole ride for the first 10 years when I returned to cycling, and it was even more versatile in some respects. It worked well for everything from fast group rides (back when I was doing those), many centuries+, and was a fantastic credit card tourer on two trips to Europe. Unfortunately, it was a also size too small for me, which worked when I was younger and still flexible. It really could have used today’s fatter and supple tires to offset its harsh ride. My son enjoys it now and it fits him better. It still gets compliments for the incredible paint after almost 30 years. I’ll hold off on Klein photos since the rule for this thread is “One choice only.”
A ‘92 Klein Performance was my sole ride for the first 10 years when I returned to cycling, and it was even more versatile in some respects. It worked well for everything from fast group rides (back when I was doing those), many centuries+, and was a fantastic credit card tourer on two trips to Europe. Unfortunately, it was a also size too small for me, which worked when I was younger and still flexible. It really could have used today’s fatter and supple tires to offset its harsh ride. My son enjoys it now and it fits him better. It still gets compliments for the incredible paint after almost 30 years. I’ll hold off on Klein photos since the rule for this thread is “One choice only.”
Last edited by Dfrost; 11-16-21 at 11:54 PM.
11-16-21, 03:03 PM
#168
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: PDX
Posts: 13,038
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: 4511 Post(s)
Liked 6,378 Times
in
3,667 Posts
A ‘92 Klein Performance was my sole ride for the first 10 years when I returned to cycling, and it was even more versatile in some respects. It worked well for everything from fast group rides (back when I was doing those), many centuries+, and was a fantastic credit card tourer on two trips to Europe. Unfortunately, it was a also size too small for me, which worked when I was younger and still flexible. It really could have used today’s fatter and supple tires to offset its harsh ride. My son enjoys it now, and it still gets compliments for the incredible paint. I’ll hold off on Klein photos since the rule for this thread is “One choice only.”
11-16-21, 03:16 PM
#169
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Pacific Northwest
Posts: 1,989
Bikes: ‘87 Marinoni SLX Sports Tourer, ‘79 Miyata 912 by Gugificazione
Mentioned: 166 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 500 Post(s)
Liked 466 Times
in
256 Posts
’92 Klein Performance described two posts up.The Time CF fork in this picture, a lovely gift from my best buddy cyclist wife, replaced the stock aluminum fork but didn’t do much to resolve the harsh ride on bad pavement.
Last edited by Dfrost; 11-16-21 at 11:50 PM.
11-16-21, 03:43 PM
#170
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: PDX
Posts: 13,038
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: 4511 Post(s)
Liked 6,378 Times
in
3,667 Posts
You would have had to carbon up the rest, SP, stem, bars and it still may not have done much. My rain bike is an alu Fuji, that came with a carbon fork, I added a SP and Shockstop stem which did help a lot but still.....
11-16-21, 03:57 PM
#171
Crawlin' up, flyin' down
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Democratic Peoples' Republic of Berkeley
Posts: 5,653
Bikes: 1967 Paramount; 1982-ish Ron Cooper; 1978 Eisentraut "A"; two mid-1960s Cinelli Speciale Corsas; and others in various stages of non-rideability.
Mentioned: 40 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1025 Post(s)
Liked 2,525 Times
in
1,055 Posts
I know you all must be sick of seeing my LOOK by now, but it's my clear favorite (followed by the Merlin and then De Rosa Pro). Magical 753r tubing and a perfect fit. It has a lively feel, combined with all-day comfort and excellent handling. I've had it since I was a teenager and it still induces smiles every time I ride it.
__________________
"I'm in shape -- round is a shape." Andy Rooney
"I'm in shape -- round is a shape." Andy Rooney
Likes For bikingshearer:
11-16-21, 04:06 PM
#172
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2021
Posts: 4,083
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2333 Post(s)
Liked 2,097 Times
in
1,314 Posts
My 1972 Masi Gran Criterium has done duty racing, commuting, and touring. The geometry is more like a sport tourer compared to some racing bikes. With plump, high quality tubulars, it just melts under you. Sadly, I don't ride it anymore and can't bring myself to sell it.
11-16-21, 04:17 PM
#173
Senior Member
Probably this one, but then again, maybe not.
Likes For rjhammett:
11-17-21, 11:05 AM
#175
Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: SANTA CRUZ
Posts: 159
Bikes: 82 Univega Specialissima, Bike Friday Pocket Rocket, Kona Wheelhouse, Rocky Mtn Thunderbolt, Viner Strada Bianca, ~73 Bob Jackson, ~75 Volkscycle Mark100.
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 70 Post(s)
Liked 183 Times
in
73 Posts
Maybe I misunderstood. I would think a custom bike would be more likely to make the grade. Never even heard of Marnati. Looks nice though!