Re: [CR]tire size/type for L'Eroica?

(Example: Framebuilders:Richard Moon)

Date: Thu, 5 Oct 2006 18:28:20 -0700 (GMT-07:00)
From: "Guy Apple" <cinelliguy@earthlink.net>
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: Re: [CR]tire size/type for L'Eroica?


Hi to all,

Mike makes good points. On my 1972 Legnano (touring type layout) I ran 700X28 touring tires @ 80psi last Sunday at L'Eroica and would not recommend it or do that again. First off I flatted once from a pinch cut from a large sharp rock. If I had a larger tire that may not have happened. Anyway, I handled the overall tire situation ok but there are times when I felt that I was on the ragged edge of control and grip. When I do that ride again, hopefully next year I will run a 700X32, maybe a cyclocross tire. There was this one time when Bob and I were decending fast down a steep section of gravel road. I we were really hauling and Bob was back there just laughing (about 30 feet behind me), the kind laugh that just comes out in the face of danger. We were both on the very edge of braking and grip and we both knew it! It was just nuts. For me, bigger tires would have made feel a bit better there...a bit.

As for the handlebar padding that is a personal thing to me, I don't need the padding for comfort and actually would feel a bit out of touch with the feel of the road surface under me if my bars were too padded up. Eroica is techncally demanding and you need all the vintage bike related help one can get. :-)

Best regards,

Guy Apple Sunnyvale CA USA

-----Original Message-----

>From: Michael Schmidt <mdschmidt@patmedia.net>

>Sent: Oct 5, 2006 3:15 PM

>To: Eric Meddaugh <eric.m@rocketmail.com>, classicrendezvous@bikelist.org

>Subject: Re: [CR]tire size/type for L'Eroica?

>

>Eric,

>

>Based upon the many bikes that I saw, tire size was all over the map. I

>elected to run 700x37 for a more comfortable ride. Tire pressure was at 70

>lbs. I would not recommend going below a 700x32. The white roads have

>rocks, loose gravel ruts and pot holes so wheel strength was important too.

>I ran on an old set of Phil Wood/Mavic with 36/40 spoke count. I would run

>the same set again. How fast can you go? Depends on your motor. My hands

>were feeling numb after a while on the white roads so pad your handlebars.

>Downhill on the white roads with a switch back can be tricky considering the

>rocks and ruts.

>

>The bike will take a beating at the end of the day so make certain that

>everything is right and tight.

>

>

>

>Mike Schmidt

>Stirling, NJ

>USA

>Third Rock From the Sun

>

>

>

>

>On 10/5/06 5:09 PM, "Eric Meddaugh" <eric.m@rocketmail.com> wrote:

>

>> Hail the returning Heros of L'Eroica! I'm sure the rest of us were all with

>> you in spirit if not in the flesh. Personally, I'm jealous & would've love

>> d to have been there. Loved all the pics and reports, keep 'em coming pleas

>> e.=0A=0AOne question: What tires did you use and would you switch to someth

>> ing different? These are all pre 1980 bikes so I'm assuming there were most

>> ly race or touring style bikes? Would a wider tire have worked better or ma

>> de any difference at all? How fast can you go on those white roads anyway?

>> OK, that's more than one question - I'll stop now...=0A=0AEric Meddaugh=0A(

>> at work in rainy) Palo Alto, CA=0A =0A