noglider 

You definitely belong here. You are one of us.

RubeRad

Wow, that's a VERY Tolkeinian set of names! I had to look up Vala, I'm not all that familiar with Silmarillion, I don't think I ever read all of it.

wphamilton

I know that The cheap knockoff is something like VERTU CCAV

noglider 

Don't buy that one. I did. First, it ripped my trousers, then it broke.

cosmonhat

These 2 are a bit overbuilt for my relatively short commute (1mi bike, train, 4mi bike), but maybe I'll forget to stop at work one day and just keep riding! The Centurion is my very first road bike and has gone through 3 iterations: 1) 3-speed SA hub to original 27" rims, 2) flat bar single-speed to 700c rims, 3) 650b conversion. I alternate between the LHT and Centurion somewhat at random.

wphamilton

Yep, that's what my research suggested also. I've got one in the closet, but just to see what it looked and felt like ($11).

Soft plastic, not going to last long and where the rails are mounted into the plastic is a particular weak point. You need high density or even carbon fiber like the actual Tioga brand saddle.

fabiotux

Sorry about the off-topic.
If you like fantasy literature, I really recommend "The Silmarillion". It's a kind of "Genesis" of Middle-Earth.
In a "short way", check it out an explanation about the "Vala": The Silmarillion - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

RubeRad

Wow, those are both lovely. Do you always keep them that clean, or did they get spruced up for pictures?

What are those leather seats? Not Brooks, but they look very nice. On the LHT it kinda looks like a Selle Anatomica without the cutout, but did you lace it yourself?

Also, what's going on with your bar tape? I kind of see some interesting bicolor design going on, it looks cool.

cosmonhat

Thanks RubeRad. These pics were taken soon after they were built up. Their current state is a bit more dusty, although the fenders do a good job of keeping them clean.

The LHT saddle is a Selle Anatomica with the cutout, which is hard to see in the pics. The side flared out too much and started to irritate my thighs, so I punched some holes and laced them up. The Centurion has a Gilles Berhoud saddle, which I got used and is very comfy.

As for the bar tape, I got the inspirations from here: Harlequin Pattern Handlebar Wrap. The LHT tape was clear shellacked and retained the original colors. The brown shellack I used on the Centurion turned the tapes from red/yellow to the colors you see now. Only 3 thin applications were needed.

The other nice features I'd like to point out are the cranks. Those are the vintage Deore Dyna Drive cranks with some TA/VO rings. I really dig those cranks and pedals!

RubeRad

I get that too...

Sixty Fiver

Sweet builds.

esmith2039

My commuter Specialized Hardrock 90s vintage so I'm told.

rmfnla

I think I once read that even the Tioga is recommended to be replaced every year or so...

AlTheKiller

love the surly and centurion. what size/model tires on the centurion?

If I ever do the few mods I want to my KHS, to make it more rough road light touring and less balloon bike city stomper, I'll probably ditch the balloon tire CST 2.35s for some of those brown Big Apples in 2.15. Probably a better fit on my rims anyways.

fabiotux

Hi there!
Wow...they're just fantastic!
Congratz!

I'm very fan of Campy's Ergopower!

cosmonhat

Thanks. The tires are standard Compass Loup Loup Pass (Compass Bicycles: 650B Tires). They've been great and my favorite thus far. I also like the Big Apples on the LHT. They are fairly smooth on good roads, but really excel on the rougher stuff. I had no problems going on dirt and gravel with them.

cosmonhat

Thanks. I'm a big fan of the Campy Ergos as well. If you look closely, you may notice that I'm using 8 speed cassettes with Shimano derailleurs. The shifting is spot on...except you only use 8 of 10 shifts. I prefer using 8 speed drivetrains, as the parts are much cheaper, and I have amassed quite a few older cranks/derailleurs. On the LHT, the quickshift isn't the best for the front derailleur due to the "indexing" limitations.

katsrevenge

Current steed. Short commute all I need are lights and my coffee. mmm, coffee!

fabiotux

Interesting this thing about the 8 speed cassettes with 10 speed shifters.
I own a Road Bike with Xenon 9v (shifter & derailleurs) and an Ultegra 9v cassette. Works like a clock!
There is a kind of "trick" to make it work perfectly, because the spacers between the sprockets are quite similar in width, so you can use it with no big issues if you apply correctly this "trick".

And definitely, I agree with you: 8 (and 9) speeds are much cheaper than 10 and 11 speeds, specially here in Brazil.
Another issue here is the lack of good bikeshops that sells Campagnolo equipament.

; )

arsprod 

Ahhh, my heart is fluttering! My first 'real' road bike was a Centurion of the same early 80's vintage (I have pictures, which is a little embarrassing!). I loved that bike but traded it in when STI showed up. I HAD to have STI shifting and it never occurred to me (then) to upgrade. Ah well, live and learn! Beautiful bikes

RubeRad

Very nice! That bike looks like it needs a coffee-cup holder...

Are the orange and yellow meant to flap in the wind as visibility indicators? And what's that little purple thing between the top- and down-tubes?

cosmonhat

I'm a bit of a tinkerer and the Centurion has been the perfect guinea pig for my experiments in cycling. The current form is its 3rd iteration since it came into my stable. I've stop short of making changes to the frame aside from spreading the rear dropouts, though I've entertained thoughts of adding another set of water bosses. I see Centurions on CL quite often, so your chances of rekindling that lost love look good.

cosmonhat

I really like the saddle and cream tires.

katsrevenge

It is a nice cruising bike, LOL. Coffee fits right in. The orange thing is a hunter's hi-vis bandana. It is supposed to be very visible. The yellow thing in a minion from a cereal box..and the purple thingy is a bunch of little rubber bands all looped together. They both serve no purpose other than to give color to an otherwise dark bike.

Thanks! That's my Brooks splurge. I like the cream tires too, even if they show so much dirt.

arsprod 

Oh geez, don't tempt me! I'm already hiding bikes so I don't get yelled at