I'm planning to ride the l'Eroica event in Tuscany on September 26th. It
is a 200 km 'randonee' over the gravel roads of Tuscany where participants
are asked to ride vintage or classic bikes. The organizers give 1980 as the
cut off year but many ride much older bikes some going back to the early
1900s. Have any of the list members ridden l'Eroica, or intend doing so this
year? If so I'd like to get some idea of the terrain.
I'm planning to ride a Mariposa that I built in 1971 which is fitted
with a Campag Paris-Roubaix derailleur. As P-R riders will know the gear
range is limited by the length of the drop-outs. At the moment I have a
15-23 freewheel and a 46T ring which gives me gears of 54" - 82". The
drop-outs won't allow me a much wider range. The 54" may be a bit of a
struggle, so if anyone has an idea of the course profile I would be pleased
to hear from them.
The Mariposa I intend to ride is the only North American bike I've seen
or heard of which is built with the Paris-Roubaix drop-outs. Does anyone
know of any others?
Riders of P-R or Corsa derailleurs will know that it is very important
to have the correct pointed tooth freewheel sprockets. As far as I know
these haven't been made since the mid 1950s. Does anyone know a source?
Mike Barry.
Bicycle Specialties, Toronto.