Re: [CR] Info on my Medici Pro Strada

(Example: Framebuilders:Alex Singer)

Date: Wed, 5 Aug 2009 20:46:50 -0400
From: "David G. White" <whiteknight@burlingtontelecom.net>
To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
References: <537611.40830.qm@web80503.mail.mud.yahoo.com> <4A7A197E.10900@usc.edu>
In-Reply-To: <4A7A197E.10900@usc.edu>
Subject: Re: [CR] Info on my Medici Pro Strada


You asked:

Q: Is combining eras like that considered OK by vintage bike fans?

A: I'm a fool to weigh in to this touchy topic! Nonetheless, my answer: it depends. If the bike is a rare or exceptional example of an era or a particular maker, or a bike with a special history -- then it is not ok. But if it's a typical example -- even of a very fine bike (like a Colnago or a Medici) -- then swapping parts, upgrading systems, trying different enhancements is fine. Bike officianados have always tweaked and customized their bikes to suit their needs and preferences. Parts wear out. New parts appear on the market and look interesting to try. I say, some bikes are museum pieces, but most should be ridden. I completely support keeping a bike that is found in original condition, in that condition., but I'm equally fine with adding tweaks to bikes that are not original or particularly rare -- whether it's a saddle that fits your butt better, or a preference for Simplex retrofriction sifters over the original Campy ones, or whatever.

There is a lot of gray area in this question and each of us might draw the line at a different point, but unless you've got something truly special -- I'd say, do whatever will result in you enjoying a bike more and riding it more often.

Cheers!

David

David G. White Burlington, VT

Rich Pinder wrote:
> Hi Tom, and welcome to the list
>
>> Is combining eras like that considered OK by vintage bike fans?
> OH my...this may unleash a slew of replies. The official answer is NO
> NO NO to this question..and I'm often on the edge of being struck down
> by the vintage bike gods on such topics !! My bike pictures often tip
> off the fact that I do mix a couple impurities on my bikes - usually
> in the saddles and pedals area. This list tributes the vintage
> scene, and my saddles and pedals do go against the grain.
>
> (But I always keep the originals !)
>
> Rich Pinder
> Sherman Oaks, ca
>
>
> Thomas Sacco wrote:
>> I'm pretty new to this list and was glad to see what look like modern
>> pedals and seat on your vintage bike, Rich. I have Egg Beaters and
>> San Marco Ponza saddles on my early 70's Zeus and 80's Cilo, and am
>> putting Egg Beaters, a leather Fizik Arione saddle, 3TTT Evo stem and
>> Deda anatomic bars on another early Zeus I just got. Is combining
>> eras like that considered OK by vintage bike fans? Yours is the first
>> other old steel bike I've seen with pedals like mine.
>>
>> Tom Sacco
>> Oakland CA
>>
>> --- On *Wed, 8/5/09, Rich Pinder /<rpinder@usc.edu>/* wrote:
>>
>>
>> From: Rich Pinder <rpinder@usc.edu>
>> Subject: Re: [CR] Info on my Medici Pro Strada
>> To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
>> Date: Wednesday, August 5, 2009, 10:28 AM
>>
>> Hi Sonny,
>> Nice looker... On our So Cal vintage ride this last week, I
>> brought out my Pro Strada - and was reminded now nice it rides.
>> Mike Howard was on the ride, and I asked him about the Medici
>> serial number database question. He didn't think there exists a
>> true 'database' of the various Medici models that were built.
>> The syntax is of the numbering (i think) is logical and
>> intuitive: You own a 55cm frame, and it was the 2,615th frame
>> made (or... STAMPED !!).
>>
>> Mine has the 61 0387 - so it's a big 61cm, pretty early
>> one. Pic at:
>> http://www-hsc.usc.edu/~rpinder/Medici.html
>> http://www-hsc.usc.edu/%7Erpinder/Medici.html
>>
>> Rich Pinder
>> Sherman Oaks, CA
>>
>> Sonny Tran wrote:
>> > Hello folks,
>> > I just recently acquired one of the bikes I've wanted for a long
>> time. It's a beauty and there is very little damage aside from
>> paint chips here and there. I wanted to know if any Medici experts
>> could provide some information on it.
>> > Serial # 55 02615
>> > I bought the bike setup with;
>> > Handlebar/Stem - Cinelli 64 + Cinelli 1R stem
>> (black)Brakes/Levers - Campy Super Record brakesetHeadset - Campy
>> Super RecordFront Derailleur - Campy Super RecordRear Derailleur -
>> Campy C-RecordShifters - Suntour SuperbeSeatpost - Suntour
>> SuperbeCranks - Campy C-RecordWheels - Suntour Superbe hubs +
>> Mavic Open 4CD rims
>> > I'd love to know the exact year and possibly who built the frame
>> and who did the paint job. I was also told it was made of Tange
>> Prestige, but the frame does not have a decal to indicate this is
>> accurate. Picture links are below. Thanks for the help everyone!
>> >
>>
>> http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v295/TigerPrawn/Medici.jpghttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v295/TigerPrawn/Medici2.jpg
>>
>> > -Sonny
>> > -----
>> > Sonny TranSan Jose, CA
>> >
>> >
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