If u could have any bike that is no longer made, what would it be?

[bicycletricycle]

I love these childish exercises.

Any bike , no longer made / builder no longer building.

I think I might go for a sweet jack Taylor touring bike, custom racks and nervex lugs and box pinstriping and a matching trailer, the works.

Or

Hetchins magnum opus, a later one with c record and deltas


Anyone else want to play?

[phcollard]

Merckx Corsa Extra Team Panasonic size 55.

That's it!

Holy Grail found.

Quest over!

http://www.cycleexif.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/eddy-merckx-team-panasonic-1.jpg

[jtakeda]

Eisentraut model a

Or Chris chance road.

[pinkshogun]

love those 80's fades

[Flaroc01]

Brian Bayliss retired last November. His work was pure art.
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ohlSdNDg1tU/S3juF-xuGMI/AAAAAAAAAIw/MJkU5RiVRsM/s1600/track_bike_3_006.jpg

[Uncle Jam's Army]

Dave Tesch 101

[seanile]

https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5213/5384841571_4cdf41f12b_z.jpg

[merckx]

This machine would get the job done.

[donevwil]

How about never made ?

A Merckx MXL in Motorola colors with a 62cm top tube. Or for that matter any MAX bike with a 62TT.

[ceolwulf]

Can I get an updated version?

http://p1.pinkbike.com/photo/2591/pbpic2591437.jpg

[thirdgenbird]

Can I get an updated version?

http://p1.pinkbike.com/photo/2591/pbpic2591437.jpg

Wow, that is a killer frame, crank, and handlebar combo. The rest suits it nicely, but those parts stand out. I love those early carbon record cranks.

[pdmtong]

Merlin newsboy

Ritchey p-23

Bridgestone XO-1

Pick one? Newsboy!

[axel23]

That's easy. This one. And it's about as good as it gets.

[shinomaster]

My dad loved this bike so much.. then he was hit by a car and the frame got totaled.. I wish I could get him a new one.

[Scooper]

A Wright Cycle Company "Van Cleve" with a 24" frame, please. :)

[don'TreadOnMe]

A Merckx.
Measured by Eddy.
Made in the factory next to his house.

[tiretrax]

My dad loved this bike so much.. then he was hit by a car and the frame got totaled.. I wish I could get him a new one.

That's awful. I hope your dad was ok. Ebay.

Steel Merckx, Hetchins (which are available again), Rene Herse, italian Masi.

[rugbysecondrow]

A vintage Specialized Stumpjumper, 1982. The old school MTB, bi plane fork...I would rock that bike.

Cheers

[gomango]

I'd take my XO-1 back in a heartbeat.

Fun bike that would suit my needs just fine.

[gomango]

A vintage Specialized Stumpjumper, 1982. The old school MTB, bi plane fork...I would rock that bike.

Cheers

I have a cherry 1983 Stumpjumper Sport. Great all arounder.

[rugbysecondrow]

I have a cherry 1983 Stumpjumper Sport. Great all arounder.

I just cussed at you a little bit. Out loud and everything. :)

[gomango]

I just cussed at you a little bit. Out loud and everything. :)

Want a pic or three? :)

[zetroc]

Steel Land Shark track bike.

Schwinn Paramount, Nervex Pro lugs, chrome with lugs lined in white.

[rugbysecondrow]

Want a pic or three? :)


Actually, I would. Also, how tall are you? :banana:

[FlashUNC]

One of these...

http://www.cyclesportmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/servais-knaven-p-r-gw.jpg

[texbike]

A vintage Specialized Stumpjumper, 1982. The old school MTB, bi plane fork...I would rock that bike.

Cheers

Actually, I would. :banana:

Here's another one for you. This is my 83...

http://i1235.photobucket.com/albums/ff427/mspess/IMG_2154_zpsf9c9600a.jpg (http://s1235.photobucket.com/user/mspess/media/IMG_2154_zpsf9c9600a.jpg.html)
http://i1235.photobucket.com/albums/ff427/mspess/IMG_2155_zps2c3f9133.jpg (http://s1235.photobucket.com/user/mspess/media/IMG_2155_zps2c3f9133.jpg.html)
http://i1235.photobucket.com/albums/ff427/mspess/IMG_2157_zps1db83c23.jpg (http://s1235.photobucket.com/user/mspess/media/IMG_2157_zps1db83c23.jpg.html)

Texbike

[texbike]

The bike that is no longer made that I would most want is a Vamoots SL. They're exceedingly rare. The Compact SL is much more common and even those are rarely seen. I just dig the level (well not quite level..) top tube of the Vamoots versus the Compact.

Texbike

[SPOKE]

Stainless Rigi in my size........

[Bob Ross]

The bike that is no longer made that I would most want is a Vamoots SL.

I was going to say a Schwinn Stingray Krate...but you reminded me, a Vamoots SL was on my wish list for a good chunk of the past decade. Also, a BMC SLC01.

But mostly a Schwinn Stingray Krate
http://www.antiquewhs.com/2005013.jpg

[FastforaSlowGuy]

I sold my Serotta TG in horrid team colors for $700 to pay for a moving truck in grad school. I still hold out hope that I'll run into it some day.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[DRZRM]

Slim Chance or a Yo Eddie Ti...or both! Yeah a Slim Chance and a Yo Eddie Ti.

[happycampyer]

A Serotta MeiVici exactly like mine but built for electronic shifting. When mine was made, I thought about having it built with drilling for electric and putting Di2 on it until Camagnolo introduced EPS, but we couldn't get Campagnolo to confirm whether Di2 drillings would work for EPS (which was still in the late stages of development), so I balked and had it built for mechanical shifting.

Tex, the Vamoots SL is a great bike. If those photos are xjahx's (they look like it), that's my old frame. If I had gotten it in custom geometry to fit me properly, I would still have it.

[93legendti]

Bridgestone RB-1
Serotta Legend ST with 42cm chain stays - one of the best riding bikes I have owned.

[texbike]

Tex, the Vamoots SL is a great bike. If those photos are xjahx's (they look like it), that's my old frame. If I had gotten it in custom geometry to fit me properly, I would still have it.

Hey Happy,

They may have been his pictures, but I'm not sure. They were Googled from an old ebay auction. Simple, elegant, and beautiful frameset, isn't it? :)

Texbike

[gomango]

Actually, I would. Also, how tall are you? :banana:

Just a little over 6', but I like to ride a larger frame.

My wife currently rides it on gravel rides and what not.

Pics when junior gets off the main computer.

[happycampyer]

Hey Happy,

They may have been his pictures, but I'm not sure. They were Googled from an old ebay auction. Simple, elegant, and beautiful frameset, isn't it? :)

TexbikeHa! That was it:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Moots-Vamoots-SL-Titanium-Road-Frame-Carbon-Fork-56cm-/200639948818?nma=true&si=SLFGTPj7aj6ChZ5jo3DSbhaszFQ%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

That was the photo location for all of xjahx's sales. Somewhere I think I still have the yellow tag for that frame, so if anyone out there owns the frame and stumbles upon this thread, pm me.

P.S. A frame that almost became an If-u-could-have-any-bike-that-is-no-longer made,-what-would-it-be? frame for me is a Serotta Legend. I was lucky to place an order last summer after Serotta reopened its production and before it stopped producing Serottas. Sadly, no one in their right mind will ever put as much into the fabrication of a ti frame as the Legend.

[gomango]

1983 Stumpjumper Sport

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2780/4249106331_f177ec7004_o.jpg

[fogrider]

Steel Land Shark track bike.

Schwinn Paramount, Nervex Pro lugs, chrome with lugs lined in white.

I have an orange track Paramount with yellow lines on the lugs, go the fixgeargallery archives number 219: http://www.fixedgeargallery.com/williamlim.htm

[fogrider]

A couple of years ago, I came across a Ron Cooper on cl, the seller said he was the original owner. It was now rattle can black and built as a fixie. The frame looked perfect even though the original fork and paint was gone. I stripped it down and it sat for months until I found a 1" carbon fork and a few other parts. It was about a year before I got it running with down tube shifters and spare wheels. Well, after a block I knew it was special...the ride was solid and responsive. I found a Ron Cooper fork and had it resprayed and dressed with campy 10 and carbon rims...its now my main ride. https://www.flickr.com/photos/72776081@N03/sets/72157635239066004

[don compton]

The Rivendell Rambouillet.

[Keith A]

A vintage Specialized Stumpjumper, 1982. The old school MTB, bi plane fork...I would rock that bike.

CheersHow about an 89 Rock Hopper?
http://spacecoast.craigslist.org/bik/4403870953.html

[Elefantino]

Landshark Roadshark 62x59, the wilder paint scheme the better.

Legend OS, same dimensions, nude ti.

[kohlboto]

Specialized steel Allez Pro....the silver one with yellow lettering...1993-ish?

[Steelman]

Merckx Titanium EX, with Eddy's own steel fork designed for this frame.

For groupset: 2000 Record 9sp (last year with downtube option).

[yashcha]

Easy.
1997 Ritchey Road Logic in Cobalt Blue.

[Stan Lee]

A Mcclung...I think he's still making them?

[rugbysecondrow]

I enjoyed seeing those, thanks

Here's another one for you. This is my 83...

http://i1235.photobucket.com/albums/ff427/mspess/IMG_2154_zpsf9c9600a.jpg (http://s1235.photobucket.com/user/mspess/media/IMG_2154_zpsf9c9600a.jpg.html)
http://i1235.photobucket.com/albums/ff427/mspess/IMG_2155_zps2c3f9133.jpg (http://s1235.photobucket.com/user/mspess/media/IMG_2155_zps2c3f9133.jpg.html)
http://i1235.photobucket.com/albums/ff427/mspess/IMG_2157_zps1db83c23.jpg (http://s1235.photobucket.com/user/mspess/media/IMG_2157_zps1db83c23.jpg.html)

Texbike

[saab2000]

That's easy. This one. And it's about as good as it gets.

Now we're talking.

Look needed to update, not replace, the 585 series. And they needed to make it in 1-cm increments with their old geometry. If they had done this I might never need a new brand of bike again.

I fit between the L and the XL and with their old 381/481 series they had the perfect sizing but lost that perfection with the 585.

Bring back an updated version of the 585, 1cm increments (or at least a couple more sizes than S,M,L,XL and XXL and you'll have me for life. Their current bikes do nothing for me.

[paredown]

Classic steel aside, the bike I regret not getting was the custom color tangerine Look 585.

I'm not sure why, but the color just floated my boat, and even though I have not owned a full carbon frame, I thought this would have been a good place to start....

[Veloo]

This blue/ white Tommasini Diamante. Late 80's early 90s.
Saw one on eBay couple years ago but didn't feel it was reasonably priced.

[ceolwulf]

Specialized steel Allez Pro....the silver one with yellow lettering...1993-ish?


Good choice and that reminds me what was that one road bike resulting from Specialized's brief experiment with metal matrix technology? I'd like one of those, even if only for a collection.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[jr59]

Mario Confente;

Pic shamelessly stolen from the web;

[seanile]

This blue/ white Tommasini Diamante. Late 80's early 90s.
Saw one on eBay couple years ago but didn't feel it was reasonably priced.

is that made with Columbus MS?

[thirdgenbird]

Good choice and that reminds me what was that one road bike resulting from Specialized's brief experiment with metal matrix technology? I'd like one of those, even if only for a collection.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

My dad had an s-works m2 road bike and m2 stumpjumper. I wished I had a shot to buy the road frame. I still know who has it. It's still in use.

I kinda want the green Alex m4. I would dress it with an alter stem and 10 or 11spd campagnolo. Maybe the black shamals (the deep section ones)

http://img.epinions.com/images/opti/28/7d/1999_Specialized_Allez_M4_Pro-bikes.jpg

[malcolm]

I was going to say a Schwinn Stingray Krate...but you reminded me, a Vamoots SL was on my wish list for a good chunk of the past decade. Also, a BMC SLC01.

But mostly a Schwinn Stingray Krate
http://www.antiquewhs.com/2005013.jpg


Used to have an orange crate, 5 speed stick on the top tube, pure awesome. Put a million miles on that thing.

[mhespenheide]

My dad had an s-works m2 road bike and m2 stumpjumper. I wished I had a shot to buy the road frame. I still know who has it. It's still in use.

I kinda want the green Alex m4. I would dress it with an alter stem and 10 or 11spd campagnolo. Maybe the black shamals (the deep section ones)

http://img.epinions.com/images/opti/28/7d/1999_Specialized_Allez_M4_Pro-bikes.jpg

What size are you? Quite tall?
PSA:
Here's an XXL on eBay... (http://www.ebay.com/itm/SPECIALIZED-ALLEZ-M4-Aluminum-XXL-62cm-Frame-Carbon-Fiber-Fork-Road-Race-Bicycle-/121317121762?pt=US_Bicycles_Frames&hash=item1c3f105ee2)

[PacNW2Ford]

10th Anniversary Fat Chance

runner ups:

Fat City Slim Chance
Bontrager Race Lite OR
WTB Phoenix

[rnhood]

My dad had an s-works m2 road bike and m2 stumpjumper. I wished I had a shot to buy the road frame. I still know who has it. It's still in use.

I kinda want the green Alex m4. I would dress it with an alter stem and 10 or 11spd campagnolo. Maybe the black shamals (the deep section ones)

http://img.epinions.com/images/opti/28/7d/1999_Specialized_Allez_M4_Pro-bikes.jpg


A bike ahead of its time. They are hard to come by today.

[Veloo]

is that made with Columbus MS?

Yes, it's MS tubing. The coolest tubing ever. At least back then...

[echelon_john]

This. In this "colorway."

[thirdgenbird]

What size are you? Quite tall?
PSA:
Here's an XXL on eBay... (http://www.ebay.com/itm/SPECIALIZED-ALLEZ-M4-Aluminum-XXL-62cm-Frame-Carbon-Fiber-Fork-Road-Race-Bicycle-/121317121762?pt=US_Bicycles_Frames&hash=item1c3f105ee2)

Too big for me. Probably a good thing. I've got no need for this thing :)

This. In this "colorway."

Hot

[bart998]

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4136/4851202606_831d40e317_s.jp

http://www.classiclightweights.co.uk/builders/phipps5.jpgg

[foon]

This. In this "colorway."

That saddle!! Definitely a nice touch. :cool:

[blessthismess]

This. In this "colorway."

Oh man, beautiful bike, yeah while your at it I'll take one too, in a 57!

[sparky33]

The Rivendell Rambouillet.


Make that one orange.

Legolas gets my Rivendell vote.

[fourflys]

not sure why, but would love to have (in this color):
Salsa La Raza
http://salsacycles.com/files/bikes/arch_laraza.jpg

or:
Salsa La Cruz
http://salsacycles.com/files/bikes/arch_lacruz.jpg

Of course, I think I may have these in my Black Mountain Cycles Cross and Road! (minus the disc on the cross)

[fourflys]

Make that one orange.

Legolas gets my Rivendell vote.

agree... Orange Ram or Legolas would be awesome!

[bobswire]

Serotta Legend.

[sante pollastri]

another Telavio.

[benitosan1972]

Didn't read the entire thread to see if already mentioned, but a minty fresh 1991 Cannondale Track full Suntour Superbe Pro group in size 60cm, please! Or, a 2004 black Bianchi Pista Concept in 59cm.

[BenCalvert]

A litespeed classic, dura ace. From the Chattanooga times

[tuscanyswe]

Serotta Legend.

Good call, i could be persuaded to ride one of these too.

[tv_vt]

NOS? Probably a Merckx. Either a Team SC (in any of the paint schemes it came in) or a century geometry Corsa Extra. If I could pick out the paint scheme on the CE, even better.

[danielpack22@ma]

This bike! I could set it with my IF and Firefly for a family reunion.
A buddy has one in solid green. It's a fantastic bike.

This. In this "colorway."

[TBDSeattle]

Classic steel aside, the bike I regret not getting was the custom color tangerine Look 585.

I'm not sure why, but the color just floated my boat, and even though I have not owned a full carbon frame, I thought this would have been a good place to start....

I bought my 585 frame from a forumite a couple of years ago and built it up with a 10sp group I had in the garage, and added kings to DT Swiss wheels. I was riding that bike on Saturday and falling in love with it again. Someone asked me to sell it on Sunday... and I smiled an said "no."

http://i755.photobucket.com/albums/xx192/tbdphotobucket/Look%20585/2013-04-06144413_zps80c717fd.jpg (http://s755.photobucket.com/user/tbdphotobucket/media/Look%20585/2013-04-06144413_zps80c717fd.jpg.html)

[Mattbotak]

Klein Adroit

[fourflys]

I find it enjoyable and reassuring that the majority of the bikes mentioned in this thread are pretty normal bikes... nothing real exotic...

guess I found the right group those many years ago... :banana:

[djg]

Plenty of appealing classics but, in truth, I'm plenty happy with my current bikes.

Still, give me the BMI and lungs (and mane) I had when I was racing in college and I'll gladly pass on all other bikes ever in favor of the Raleigh 531 road bike that I had in those days.

[gianni]

I'm happy to see the love for the slim chance and the look 585. Tally another vote for each for me.

[Waldo]

I want my yellow '75 Pogliaghi back...

[bluesea]

Took me this long to figure it out, but now I'm jone'sin big time.

- Lemond Calfee (preferably in Team Z) or
- ADR theme Bottecchia

[gaucho753]

Cinelli from the pre-Columbo era

Lugged Landshark

Any number of classic French randonneurs

Galmozzi

3Rensho track bike

Merlin Extralight

Wizard (Brian Baylis & Mike Howard)

Carlsbad Masi

Ron Cooper

Oh, you just said one? I guess I don't have room for all those anyway…I'll stick with the pre-Columbo Cinelli then. ;)

[Scooper]

Cinelli from the pre-Columbo era

Uh, pre-Colombo. ;)

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d7/k4drd/Bicycles/Tubing/Columbustubihomepage_zps0822b83b.jpg

[dawgie]

Ritchey Swiss Cross, size 57, one of the old red-and-white ones with a steel fork and curved seat stays. That is my current Holy Grail, although I have Ritchey Breakaway Cross that substitutes nicely.

[GeoffT]

I imagine you could ask me this at different periods in my life and I would give you different answers, but today that answer is what I'm working on right now, restoring on old Klein that had been left for dead into a modern race bike.

[cnighbor1]

YES I had one ordered from Hetchins in the 70's

[v531xc]

This. In this "colorway."

Hell. Yes.

!!!

[Aaron O]

Cinelli from the pre-Columbo era

Lugged Landshark

Any number of classic French randonneurs

Galmozzi

3Rensho track bike

Merlin Extralight

Wizard (Brian Baylis & Mike Howard)

Carlsbad Masi

Ron Cooper

Oh, you just said one? I guess I don't have room for all those anyway…I'll stick with the pre-Columbo Cinelli then. ;)

I'm with you on most of these...especially pre-ABG Merlin.

How about a trek y-foil 77? Always wanted to try one of those.

Press lug De Rosa, Galmozzi, Jeff Redcay, Ephgrave. I'd love to order a Tom Kellogg Ross and ride around with a Ross branded SL frame. I'd love an Umberto Marnati along with my Daniele built. How about a a Tom Ritchey built Palo Alto?

I know it's not fancy, but I already miss the existence of Lemond.

Interesting that there were so few mentions of Confente.

[jr59]

I'm with you on most of these...especially pre-ABG Merlin.

How about a trek y-foil 77? Always wanted to try one of those.

Press lug De Rosa, Galmozzi, Jeff Redcay, Ephgrave. I'd love to order a Tom Kellogg Ross and ride around with a Ross branded SL frame. I'd love an Umberto Marnati along with my Daniele built.

I know it's not fancy, but I already miss the existence of Lemond.

Interesting that there were so few mentions of Confente.

There was one.:banana::banana:

[jtakeda]

Cinelli from the pre-Columbo era

Lugged Landshark

Any number of classic French randonneurs

Galmozzi

3Rensho track bike

Merlin Extralight

Wizard (Brian Baylis & Mike Howard)

Carlsbad Masi

Ron Cooper

Oh, you just said one? I guess I don't have room for all those anyway…I'll stick with the pre-Columbo Cinelli then. ;)

What size do you ride?

Maybe you can try out my lugged landshark or Merlin.

Merlin's come up often, you can see what the fuss is about.

[bikinchris]

If I had my dream bike from my youth, it would be an Austro Daimler Vent Noir. A dark chrome frame with super record parts and tubular wheels. I probably wouldn't ride it much though.

[gaucho753]

Uh, pre-Colombo. ;)


Oops. :)

What size do you ride?

Maybe you can try out my lugged landshark or Merlin.

Merlin's come up often, you can see what the fuss is about.

Ideal size is 56 st x 57 tt. I do see Merlins in my size for sale occasionally. In fact, there's a guy who taunts me by parking his Porsche around town near my old office and just leaves his Merlin (or occassionally a 70s Colnago) on the rack unlocked. I got in the habit of leaving notes suggesting he sell me his bikes before some steals them. The Landsharks seem harder to come by but there are still a few around, especially here in CA. It's only a matter of time and proper budgeting before I find mine...

I'm with you on most of these...especially pre-ABG Merlin.

How about a trek y-foil 77? Always wanted to try one of those.

Press lug De Rosa, Galmozzi, Jeff Redcay, Ephgrave. I'd love to order a Tom Kellogg Ross and ride around with a Ross branded SL frame. I'd love an Umberto Marnati along with my Daniele built. How about a a Tom Ritchey built Palo Alto?

I know it's not fancy, but I already miss the existence of Lemond.

Interesting that there were so few mentions of Confente.

Well your Merlin is fantastic for sure!

The Trek y-foils never did it for me. Seemed like something more for the tri crowd.

De Rosa, Galmozzi, Redcay, Ephgrave...yes, yes, yes, yes. Too many right answers! ;)

[jtakeda]

I'm too small for you.

I'm 54-56cm.

If we were the same size we could ride and switch bikes half way through so we could try each others.

Unfortunately I'd be super stretched and you'd be super cramped.

[d_douglas]

I havent paid much attention to this thread, but checked it out last night - it is interesting how many people rave about Look 585s - it must be the most quoted bike in the thread. I rode with a buddy who loved his and rode alot.

Is the 595 essentially the same thing, but with the ISP? I think there were recently a few big ones for sale here, werent there? It makes me want to find one of these 'cheap' machines in XL!

I am not so nostalgic about things past, but it is fun to read about people with alot more experience than I have with riding great bikes.

[Keith A]

...

Is the 595 essentially the same thing, but with the ISP? I think there were recently a few big ones for sale here, werent there? It makes me want to find one of these 'cheap' machines in XL!
...I'm pretty sure the 595 had a few more differences that the 585 other than the ISP. I know it also used a tapered steerer tube rather than the straight 1 1/8" on the 585.

[Joel]

Team Raleigh 753.

That and I'd be a very happy camper!

[rain dogs]

Ok, everyone has covered nearly all the amazing steel frames in history, so I'll suggest this:

http://autobus.cyclingnews.com/photos/2004/tech/probikes/euskaltel_orbea/mayo_ventoux15.jpg

For years I wanted an Orbea made from Starship tubing. Hell, still would love to be able to get an Arin today. But especially that one above, nuts geometry custom made for Mayo, It's crazy. It's sick. You might say it's crazy sick. :eek: But not with Shimano.

[joosttx]

Titanium Yo Eddy.

[cmbicycles]

Either a merlin extralight or a merlin built spectrum super... I liked the internal tunnel for the brake housing they used to do.

Sent from my SCH-S738C using Tapatalk

[d_douglas]

I'm pretty sure the 595 had a few more differences that the 585 other than the ISP. I know it also used a tapered steerer tube rather than the straight 1 1/8" on the 585.

Right, the 585 seems like a carbon analogue to a lugged steel bike. The 595 seems like it is more 'modern'. I love me a good tapered steerer, personally...

[esldude]

Right, the 585 seems like a carbon analogue to a lugged steel bike. The 595 seems like it is more 'modern'. I love me a good tapered steerer, personally...

Actually, though the 585 looked like a straight carbon analog to lugged steel it wasn't. The tubing was varied in thickness and other properties internally. Making it much more sophisticated than it appeared externally. It was not a case of make some tubes and lugs of carbon and make an old school frame. Which is probably why it had its own and often loved riding quality. Sweet riding frames to say the least.

Now my choice for the question would be a Serotta Ottrott. Better than a 585 I do believe.

[El Chaba]

Ok, everyone has covered nearly all the amazing steel frames in history, so I'll suggest this:

http://autobus.cyclingnews.com/photos/2004/tech/probikes/euskaltel_orbea/mayo_ventoux15.jpg

For years I wanted an Orbea made from Starship tubing. Hell, still would love to be able to get an Arin today. But especially that one above, nuts geometry custom made for Mayo, It's crazy. It's sick. You might say it's crazy sick. :eek: But not with Shimano.

I bought one as a "souvenir" from the 2001 Vuelta. At that time, the team was using two models: One was made from Altec tubing and had a very light duty set of carbon seatstays...columbus Link i believe....The other moder was made from Columbus Starship. They were intended to be climbing bikes, but the riders used them all of the time with the other models largely relegated to the roof racks. The other essential funky parts from that time are the ITM magnesium "The Stem" (as in your photo) and the "Michelin" tubulars, which looked like re-labelled Dugasts to me.....and the Selle Bassano "Boxster" saddle in team orange (not shown in your photo) Orbea made a really nice aluminum frame back in that time period.

[Ithadan]

Something with a cambio corsa shifter.

[thirdgenbird]

Something with a cambio corsa shifter.

This is about the only thing that would make me add a 4th bike.

[batman1425]

Ok, everyone has covered nearly all the amazing steel frames in history, so I'll suggest this:

http://autobus.cyclingnews.com/photos/2004/tech/probikes/euskaltel_orbea/mayo_ventoux15.jpg



I literally just finished building one of these up for my neighbor. Was one of the team spare frames. He used it as his primary racing bike for years before he moved to carbon. Recently hurt his back and wants to switch back as the fit was a bit more relaxed that his other ride. Built it up with DA7800 all round with 32 spoke tubulars. Really nice frame only issue was the original fork was toast - dropout pulled out. Luckily he had a spare from a later model Onyx that fit and even matched the paint scheme.