> Jim McCoin wrote:
> >
> (cut)
> > Classic content, I bought the Coppi, Anquetil combination DVD and there
is a brief seen of Fausto shifting a Cambio Corsa, very smooth and elegant.
To which Chuck Schmidt added:
> I had always wondered how it was to ride a Campagnolo
> Paris-Roubaix derailleur.
>
> I've put about 60 miles on it so far and I'm getting better, but "smooth
> and elegant" doesn't describe my technique yet ;)
>
> I can see why you were expected to pull out of the pace line to execute
> a shift with Cambio Corsa and Paris-Roubaix derailleurs, as you
> definitely have to look down to see what cog the chain shifted to.
>
> How's it ride? Like you're on a cloud; the del Mondos measure an actual
> 29 mm! And all you hear is the hiss of the tires on the pavement as
> there are no pulleys to make noise. Gear is 49T with a 16-18-20-22, so
> spinning is the name of the game.
I rode this bike many more miles than Chuck, but I can say that even now, I would not call my shifting smooth or elegant. The same also holds true of my Cambio Corsa. One of the Vittoria Margherita gear bikes I have owned was a bit smoother and could be handled with a modicum of elegance. The French derailleur gears from the same period were smoother but nowhere near as solid. Chuck's comment about the smoothness is very true, nothing beats the silence of a Corsa or Paris-Roubaix geared bike. Putting on wood rims makes it even better! A true delight to ride. If you ever get the chance, I recommend the experience to anybody.
Steven Maasland Moorestown, NJ
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