Hmm, it depends on what the ultimate objective is.
If the question is what is the most "righteous" vintage machine I have, it would be the '82 Stan Pike racer, a 753R dream. Judicious parts selection have brought it down to about 19 pounds (as I weigh over 100 kilos I don't dare go any lighter), and it rides straight with neutral steering (neither twitchy nor loggy), excellent ride comfort and good climbing and accelleration. For a classic era performance frame, I've never ridden or heard of anything better. Extra mojo points for original finish and the typical Stan Pike super clean lug work and assembly accuracy. A simple clean frame in the Fonvielle McLean style, which suits my personal tastes just fine. Plus it has some "Mario" style mystique as Stan left us much too young so you can't just run out and order a new one.
But if the question is what bike is the "best, most functional and versatile" tool for all my current riding while still looking good, it would be my '06 KOF Bruce Gordon. The Pike's narrow gearing, tight clearances and fragile wheels limit it's uses to fair weather day rides on good roads. The Gordon, while several pounds heavier, has the stout wheels, fat tires, racks, fenders, triple gears and wide range rear cluster that lets it function well on any ride anywhere. Plus it also rides like a dream, albeit more as a touring frame that a racer. It will do any ride the Pike would do, although it won't go so fast up the hills, and it will handle a whole lot of roads, loads and storms that would force the Pike back into the stable. Plus it's just as purty, too. And both frames are from builders who are, in my opinion, at the top of the heap in quality.
Or if the question is to which frame do I have the greatest sentimental attachment, my humble 1980 Marinoni takes the prize. Marinonis aren't the flashiest, fanciest or hardest to get items. But they are straighforward, honest working frames built by a guy who knew his onions and who made a fine riding bike that was affordable to the American bike geek masses in the 70's and 80's. Too poor to afford one on my own, my Dad matched my summer earnings of 1979 and presto, the frame and Campy group were in reach. (Thanks Dad, wherever you are.) It's been through uncounted iterations, nearly all my century rides (it's been a while since I rode centuries, of course) and is packed with happy memories of glorious rides past. Currently serving as a 650b conversion/commuter, it looks good for another 28 years of service. Thanks, Guiseppe.
So there you have it. A definite maybe from the heartland.
Tom Adams Manhattan, Kansas, USA (the Little Apple)
cwstudio@aol.com wrote: Hello all,
Here's an interesting question:
If you could keep only one bike to ride from your current stable, no matter how grand or humble that stable may be, which bike would it be, and why?
Best regards,
Chris Wimpey
San Diego, California
USA
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