jamesdak 

Much better details than I captured this winter when I finished this one. Plus I found a more matching saddle for the GIro D'Italia theme. The bike isn't mint but it's really nice for the age. Still haven't ridden it yet. Want the knee fully healed and legs strong so I can do it justice on it's maiden ride. Some details may bother the purist but I have to ride these so cockpit compromises happen. Also I already spend way too much on these to things a Nitto stem vs hunting down a "proper" Italian one are important to me. Comfort while riding rules!

jamesdak 

jamesdak 

jamesdak 

non-fixie 

Quite proper.

Robvolz 

the pink cable crimps show the kind of detail you prefer.

Awesome.

SwimmerMike 

Not only are your bikes amazing, the level of attention to detail is great, but your ability to capture the bikes (I used plurals since I just finished looking at the Vitalicio Saguaros team bike) so well in the photo shoots I find even more impressive.

Bianchigirll 

That's beautiful. I just saw another one just like it somewhere

jamesdak 

I got cleared to start clipping in again. So I took this out for a little test of the bike and of the knee. Both did fine. I kept the pace really slow the first three miles but once I saw nothing was going south with the repaired knee I opened this ol' italian beauty up for the next three miles. The bike felt great once the speed got up over 20 mph. Only did a short 11 miles on it but this one should be a fine ride once my legs are back up to full strength. Upshifts on this one are really light and smooth, I like it!

AdventureManCO 

Beautiful bike, and wonderful photos!

Couple thoughts...

That very minor rusting on the pantograph on the top of the fork crown, I'm betting some Evaporust dabbed on w/ a Q-tip and with some cling-wrap over the top would sort that out in less than 24hrs. Poof, gone

It also looked like the rubber sheath on that bike stand was ripped - is it steel underneath? I'd just hate to see it mar or gouge part of the hub if it is sliding against it. Since it is obvious that you are someone who really loves and pays attention to the details, I can imagine that would be really upsetting if that happened!

Please let me state that none of these points are critiques, nor intended to be interpreted as such. Only good vibes from me, good sir, for all your beautiful rides.

How does this one compare to 'the standard' - the XL Super?

georges1

Very nice motta and glad you can clip again

MooneyBloke

Gawd, but I lurve pearl finishes. If I ever get one (or both) of my Mooneys repainted, I'll strongly consider a pearl.

jamesdak 

Well, we think alike. I went to put this back into the bike cave this morning and realized I keep forgetting to get Evaporust each time I'm in town. So I hoped online and ordered some. And yes, I need to fix that stand. I only think about it each time I use it (like this morning) and then it slips my mind. Maybe while I'm off next week I'll remember to do something about it.

I can't honestly assess how good any of the "newer" bikes are right now. My legs are still pretty worthless and until I can hammer away for at least a full 20+ miles it's hard to say. The one thing I am noticing right now as I rotate through the various bikes is just how uncomfortable some of them are when riding slow and heavy on the saddle. The Trek 5200 and the C4 Air One killed me on their rides. Stiff C.F. frames? None of the steel ones are hurting me, not even that Olmo Forma I thought would be stiff. I am getting ready to take out the Colnago C40 again so we'll see how that goes. As of right now the nicest of the 5 winter "new" bikes has been that Raleigh Supercourse Technium. It felt great under me.

jamesdak 

Now that I've gotten several rides in on the various bikes I picked up this winter I think I can make some initial observations on this one. I'm still not back to normal speed but I am getting closer. I took this one out today on my 27 mile route. The same route I did yesterday on the Merckx Corsa 01. Yesterday was 71 degrees and windy. Today was 85 degrees and windy. Between the two bikes the Motta was a lot faster over the route and just plain felt lighter, quicker, more responsive, and more comfortable than the Merckx. The Merckx is two pounds lighter, has lighter wheels running lighter tires, 11 speeds, and a preferred Avocet 02 saddle. But to me the pink Motta just feels like the better bike under me in use. Once I get a calm day out on the Motta I have no doubt it will be easy to get into the "19 mph club".

I'll also say the 8 speed C-Record parts on this are just a joy to use. The action is so light and precise when you shift, I'm really enjoying them.


I do wish it was setup for two bottle cages. I could have used the extra water today.