Pick three, my lord....

[Tickdoc]

It was bike wash for three of mine today, and it prompted me to take this pic of them freshly cleaned. And it made me think...

https://i.imgur.com/ci40gVW.jpg

It made me think it would be fun to hear each of you pick three of your own and compare them.

Three bikes that couldn’t be more different from each other but all are the same. Why did you pick them, why do you keep them, what are your like and dislikes?

Peg and seven are set up for comfort. Colnago older and racier.

Colnago CT1 is rat racer worn with peeling paint and an old original oof paint scheme. I desperately want to strip it down and have it repainted but I can’t do it. I love the worn look and the peeling paint and the old leather wrap. It shifts for crap with worn cables and needs a refresh but I can’t. This makes the third time I think I’ve washed it since picking it up off the forum here years ago. The record/chorus 10 shifts smoother than anything I own. It makes no noise when shifting and is also the smoothest pedaling bike I own(Phil wood bb). It also handles sharper than anything else, but he front end can be jarringly harsh. There is something inherently satisfying showing up for a group ride on a bike that was made before some of the guys you ride with were even out of diapers.

The peg duende in somebody was also a forum find. It is is sublimely smooth and fits me perfect. It is art on wheels but more subdued than some other peg schemes. The back end is soft and is great for longish rides, but it will still “get up” in a moments notice. It also climbs way better than a steel bike should. Now that Dario is gone, it represents something I always admired but never thought I could obtain, and is a keeper.

The seven Odonata is my go to bike and my travel bike. Lightest, fastest, more miles miles by me than anything else I own. Everything on it is replaced and upgraded and it still looks fresh. It was an eBay find and a bit of an ugly duckling that I won for the price of the groupset and wheels. I expected to sell the frame when I got it but fell in love with its ride. Someone before me stripped the decals but you can still see the ghost image of seven on the downtube in bright light. When I got it it had a 140cm stem and a ridiculously tall stack. It obviously didn’t fit the person before me. It’s a stock 56 and 55 is my dandy, but it works really well for long rides. The enve 3.4 wheels are from an old cervelo s3 I owned upgraded with green decals. They go fast and stop slow.

So, whatcha got?

[ultraman6970]

Paletti...fantastic ride, NOS... started growing in me because this is the last frame I got a few months ago. Old classic short wheelbase italian geometry, the thing just works. This thing comes with OS Thron, which is like an oversized SL tubing, rides similar to max IMO, do it all frame.

EM corsa... ex team bike with an interesting geometry aswell, what else can I say? I doubt will ever need a super corsa, but maybe a mxl because had max bikes before but so far SL continues being one of my fav tubing series. Do it all bike aswell.

Looks 481sl team... same than the EM, what else can I say? not much... light, and worked since day one, been scrambling trying to find some hardware parts to have in hand because so far have no intentions to let this one go. Do it all bike.

Pretty much this are all the bikes I have, have no room neither budget for something else.

[oldpotatoe]

Easy

-Merckx MXLeader with EPS...daily, nice weather driver.

-Moots Vamoots with friction Campag, Phil BB/hubs-wet weather, nasty day driver

-Ciocc SL from 1985 with mix of Super Record/Nuovo Record for L'eroica

:)

[mktng]

-Merckx MXLeader with EPS...daily, nice weather driver.



Thank you for reminding me that this bike exists. : )!
https://cyclingtips.com/2017/06/a-special-eddy-merckx-mx-leader-built-with-campagnolo-athena-eps/

[saab2000]

Looks 481sl team... same than the EM, what else can I say? not much... light, and worked since day one, been scrambling trying to find some hardware parts to have in hand because so far have no intentions to let this one go. Do it all bike.



You are lucky to have this one. I had a 381 Look, which was quite similar to the 481. Since I moved to 585s for my Look fix I no longer search for a 481. But it was my lust back in the late 1990s and early 2000s. My 381 was really a nice bike and only sold because I replicated nearly all the positive characteristics in my Zanconato road bike.

So, with that in mind, here are my choices.

https://live.staticflickr.com/1939/43579056980_41be5f329b_b.jpg

This one was modeled after my Look 381 for fit and handling. It is essentially perfect and the one bike that could probably be my only bike if I had to go down to one. I don't fetishize steel, but this one is really nice riding and the weight isn't slowing me down. It'll easily take 28s if I so desire and the fit is just totally natural to me. All contact points are perfect.

https://live.staticflickr.com/7851/47210513641_dcafd32d33_b.jpg

This Independent Fabrication is now about 6 years old and soldiers on. It is a fantastic all-arounder with room for fat tires and fenders. Take the fenders off and we have a useful gravel bike. Contact points based on the Zanconato, based on the Look 381, but modified slightly for the more casual nature of gravel and winter and wet weather riding.

https://live.staticflickr.com/8551/30065386332_29f63bf743_b.jpg

This Look 585 came to me on this forum and is a respray from the original. Frankly, I like this paint job a lot. The normal Look 585s have WAY too much graphic treatment and way too many logos, even for this Look 585 fan.

This is a standard 585 AFAIK. I also own an Ultra. I think the Ultra is stiffer, but for all I know it's a placebo effect and since I don't know if this is an Ultra or not, I just ride and try not to think too much about it. Ride is sweet and muted and handling is perfect. Today these are old fashioned and out of date compared to modern superbikes, but these tick off a lot of boxes of good looks, good ride, good handling, no gimmicks, etc. No internal cables, standard seat post size, etc. Just all-around great road bikes.

This one pictured lives at my mother's place in Minneapolis and now sports a Fizik Arione and Boyd Altamont Lite wheels.

[prototoast]

This seems like a fun idea.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47952152021_58c65cf534_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2g4njaK)20190403_161146 (https://flic.kr/p/2g4njaK) by Dan Mahoney (https://www.flickr.com/photos/danmahoney/), on Flickr

Forgione, Italian-made, Columbus Spirit, fillet brazed road bike. This bike has an incredible "spring" to it that just makes me want to go fast whenever I ride it. Love the way this feels when I'm pushing the pace, but I tend to go for another bike for a long day in the saddle.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47952106602_731dbc2050_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2g4n5EE)20190502_143556 (https://flic.kr/p/2g4n5EE) by Dan Mahoney (https://www.flickr.com/photos/danmahoney/), on Flickr

This one is a stock Ritchey Breakaway that I got for travel. It has surprised me with how well it rides and handles. It almost makes me think that if this had been my first bike, I never would have started down the path of custom frames. The biggest weakness is it feels a little flexy for me in a sprint, but at power under about 700 watts, it's great.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47952107192_b691d914a9_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2g4n5QQ)20181128_154521 (1) (https://flic.kr/p/2g4n5QQ) by Dan Mahoney (https://www.flickr.com/photos/danmahoney/), on Flickr

I don't know if this counts as cheating for this thread, since this last frame is one I made myself. It's really my do-everything bike. Feels good climbing, descending, in group rides, or centuries. I've taken it off road, and generally ride the hell out of it without worrying too much about beating it up. Thinking about replicating this build but with disc brakes for my next one.

[AngryScientist]

Even though i own more bikes than i have any excuse, for, i do believe a 3 bike stable would be ideal for the routine riding i typically do. If i had to pick 3 of my bikes to keep and shed the rest, here's what i would probably wind up with:

Geekhouse All-Rounder:

room for bike tires. gravel bike, rough road bike, foul weather bike:

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-az4xf5qQnNY/U_pKpT2TINI/AAAAAAAABwY/0DoUeNWo90g/s1200/P1080300.JPG

zanc road-32

do it all road bike. this bike covers 95% of the stuff i would ride with a few wheel/tire combos.

https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6S6GBwza9Ow/WcJrLmjeqjI/AAAAAAAAC4U/aMa1uqzQRlAnArDxXOUtNoP5U5I0oH0KQCLcBGAs/s1140/IMG_1226.JPG

Serotta travel bike.

i travel a lot, so gotta have a travel bike. doubles as a ride all day, sweet steel roadie.

https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DgTiM-TD_Sw/W0pvH3mS9aI/AAAAAAAADDo/AsJnfjPWjB8BLM-rQ5ig_XlMfvzbUCsGgCLcBGAs/s1140/IMG_0600.JPG

[Matthew]

I've already posted pics of my three elsewhere but they include a Moots Compact, Colnago EPS, and a Serotta Meivici. The Moots is a 2009 stock frame. 7800 Dura Ace. Probably my favorite ever. Really does everything well. Fast if you want it to be and all day comfort too. Love the simple look and ease of maintenance. Straight forward cable routing and threaded BB. Fits great and you already know about the Moots' craftsmanship. Stellar bike. The Colnago I picked up here from Robj. I had it resprayed by Allan Wanta. It is my go to for fast group rides though all of my bikes are capable for that. For being a pure racing frame it's actually quite comfortable and have done at least two centuries on it. Mechanical Campy on this one. Excellent overall bike. My Meivici I picked up on ebay. It's a 2006 but it was NOS. Love the paint, I'm a sucker for panels. I believe it was custom but the buyer bailed out so it wasn't built for me. With a -17 stem it fits beautifully. A more forgiving ride than the Colnago and on par with the Moots. Guessing the tubes are 6.5 stiffness. A great do it all bike like the Moots. Paint work and craftsmanship are incredible. Dura Ace 7900 on this bike. I am incredibly lucky to own three great bikes. I really have no desire for anything else. But if I could swing it a Firefly or IF would be on the top of my list.

[choke]

The Strada Bianca, because it's a great bike and was made for me.

http://hampco.ciocctoo.com/070416c.jpg

The Losa is probably my 2nd favorite. It just rides and handles so well that it pretty much disappears underneath me.

http://cycle.ciocctoo.com/losa1.jpg

The 3rd pick is harder but I think I'd go with the 1966 Frejus Super Corsa. It's a classic, rides very nice and of course being that old it will also take some fat tires.

http://cycle.ciocctoo.com/frej0409b.jpg

[Clean39T]

Been thinking about this a fair amount lately. My "three bike" stable needs one race bike, one fondo bike, and one gravel bike - with all of those categories being loosely defined.

Current:

Race: Battaglin Power+
Fondo: Kirk MRB
Gravel: BMC MC Canti

Future (by end of the year?):

Race: something with a steel fork - currently considering candidates
Fondo: Kirk MRB
Gravel: Rock Lobster - should have this together in a few weeks - but also wouldn't mind having a Kirk monstercross with Campy 12 disc someday

If I ever live near trails, an MTB would be added, and if in the city, a single-speed grocery-getter.

Otherwise, that's my three bikes that meet all my riding needs.

[Tickdoc]

Beautiful bikes and I am surprised by the amount of older frames picked so far. I expected more gravel. Keep em coming!

[prototoast]

Beautiful bikes and I am surprised by the amount of older frames picked so far. I expected more gravel. Keep em coming!

I thought the point of the thread was to not pick a gravel bike. Obviously "this is my road bike, this is my gravel bike, this is my mountain bike" would be a simple comparison. I thought the challenge was to describe the differences between three ostensibly similar road bikes.

[tuscanyswe]

This because it rides sublime and look better than any other bicycle ive owned according to me :)

https://live.staticflickr.com/7844/47483467032_d9bd18b7d9_h.jpg


This because you need something tianium that will look and perform the same no matter what the conditions are and what you throw at it. I really like that i dont have to worry about the finish regardless of weather and wear. Its mindfulness for a bike geek :)

https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8553/30016821472_8fb3428033_h.jpg


And this because i always seem to need that next project to keep me pondering on what stuff to buy. There needs to be a "next one" in my stable and this is currently it.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47952993237_1ac401d191_b.jpg

[sparky33]

It made me think it would be fun to hear each of you pick three of your own and compare them.

Three bikes that couldn’t be more different from each other but all are the same. Why did you pick them, why do you keep them, what are your like and dislikes?

I thought the point of the thread was to not pick a gravel bike. Obviously "this is my road bike, this is my gravel bike, this is my mountain bike" would be a simple comparison. I thought the challenge was to describe the differences between three ostensibly similar road bikes.

I also took this to mean, pick three of a kind (e.g. 3 road) and then explain the variation.
There might be some who can put up three gravel bikes, no?

*this is a safe space, so it is OK to admit having a handful of redundant bikes.

[Matthew]

That Tommasini is absolute perfection.

[FlashUNC]

The list is an ever-evolving one. But here's three:

Gaulzetti Pavaix: Craig set out to build the best carbon race bike for cobbled roads, and I think he succeeded in spades. Give me this thing a 1,000% over beyond whatever headset shock nonsense Specialized debuted at the sportive and race this year. It's burly and tough while still riding like a nimble, agile race bike. The Time VXR was the gold standard for carbon road bikes for me for a long time. This blows anything else carbon I've had out of the water. And clearance for 30s.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/40678899343_8d6b3bf519_b.jpg

Della Santa Ossobucco: If you want the ideal for a lugged steel race frame, it's a Della Santa. Roland built 'em basically the same way he's built them for the last four decades. The only change being the chainstays that are mostly just because they look cool. Not a ton of builders out there these days doing lugs, with the speed he'd turn them around, and level of craftsmanship he'd put into it. How many guys are still doing custom rakes on full steel forks?

https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1545/25073669085_7e21bba612_o.jpg

Rock Lobster Road Lobster: Paul is phenomenal with aluminum, and aside from my incoming Gaulzetti Interclub, I'd say this is the place to go for alloy road or cross. Stupidly beefy and stiff, yet still avoids that aluminum reputation for beercan harshness. Paul makes his hay in the cross and gravel worlds, but this one is his version of a Wednesday Night Worlds crit bike, and it delivers in spades. Not the bike for a 5 hour cruise at a Fondo or the bike you want to ride no-handed over broken pavement. The tapered fork and 44mm headtube are crazy stiff. It's the bike that sets all the PBs on descents in the Berkeley Hills.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4667/39825543961_30527d798e_b.jpg

[Black Dog]

Easy for me too:

1991 Serrotta Colorado II with 11sp Athena (must have silver) for nice weather solo rides

Litespeed Icon with 11sp Chorus for group rides and crappy weather etc...

Crammerotti with 1st gen 8 speed record ergo with fenders for commuting and outright wet rides.


https://forums.thepaceline.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=1697943529&stc=1&d=1501246196

http://i900.photobucket.com/albums/ac209/BlackDogryka/Bike/file_zps15b85287.jpg

[weisan]

===================Commercial Break===================

If you currently don't "qualify" to play on this thread because your bike quiver is <3, go here at once and pick up your next N+!:

https://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=238107

=============End of Commercial Break====================

[Tickdoc]

I thought the point of the thread was to not pick a gravel bike. Obviously "this is my road bike, this is my gravel bike, this is my mountain bike" would be a simple comparison. I thought the challenge was to describe the differences between three ostensibly similar road bikes.

Well it is, and it isn’t. Gravel has taken over and become that second or third road bike for so many of you that I can’t exclude it. Hell, post a bmw bike if you want. I just like to see what three bikes captivate you. I just happen to not do gravel ( intentionally) and focus on the road.

[azrider]

Thank you for reminding me that this bike exists. : )!
https://cyclingtips.com/2017/06/a-special-eddy-merckx-mx-leader-built-with-campagnolo-athena-eps/

Neat!

[john903]

1. I have my Curtlo all rounder. It is my do it all bike winter/ spring it becomes my fendered fixed gear come summer/fall my fully geared with Campy ready for adventure bike

2. My Match built Hampsten Cinghale currently in Summer mode Campy Centaur 10 with Hyperons. This is my go fast bike which is also comfortable for long days.

3. A Hot Tubes cross frame patiently waiting to be built as I gather parts for it.

[cmbicycles]

===================Commercial Break===================

If you currently don't "qualify" to play on this thread because your bike quiver is <3, go here at once and pick up your next N+!:

https://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=238107

=============End of Commercial Break====================Weisan, I think you missed the intent of the three you are supposed to pick. It's three you want to keep, not sell. ;)

[pbarry]

There are no rules. ;)
Great thread BTW.

[XXtwindad]

You are lucky to have this one. I had a 381 Look, which was quite similar to the 481. Since I moved to 585s for my Look fix I no longer search for a 481. But it was my lust back in the late 1990s and early 2000s. My 381 was really a nice bike and only sold because I replicated nearly all the positive characteristics in my Zanconato road bike.

So, with that in mind, here are my choices.

https://live.staticflickr.com/1939/43579056980_41be5f329b_b.jpg

This one was modeled after my Look 381 for fit and handling. It is essentially perfect and the one bike that could probably be my only bike if I had to go down to one. I don't fetishize steel, but this one is really nice riding and the weight isn't slowing me down. It'll easily take 28s if I so desire and the fit is just totally natural to me. All contact points are perfect.

https://live.staticflickr.com/7851/47210513641_dcafd32d33_b.jpg

This Independent Fabrication is now about 6 years old and soldiers on. It is a fantastic all-arounder with room for fat tires and fenders. Take the fenders off and we have a useful gravel bike. Contact points based on the Zanconato, based on the Look 381, but modified slightly for the more casual nature of gravel and winter and wet weather riding.

https://live.staticflickr.com/8551/30065386332_29f63bf743_b.jpg

This Look 585 came to me on this forum and is a respray from the original. Frankly, I like this paint job a lot. The normal Look 585s have WAY too much graphic treatment and way too many logos, even for this Look 585 fan.

This is a standard 585 AFAIK. I also own an Ultra. I think the Ultra is stiffer, but for all I know it's a placebo effect and since I don't know if this is an Ultra or not, I just ride and try not to think too much about it. Ride is sweet and muted and handling is perfect. Today these are old fashioned and out of date compared to modern superbikes, but these tick off a lot of boxes of good looks, good ride, good handling, no gimmicks, etc. No internal cables, standard seat post size, etc. Just all-around great road bikes.

This one pictured lives at my mother's place in Minneapolis and now sports a Fizik Arione and Boyd Altamont Lite wheels.

There is something timeless and elegant about a raw Ti Indy Fab bike. The font and the logo are totally classy. And the headbadge is first rate as well. Really sharp bike.

[choke]

I expected more gravel.

There might be some who can put up three gravel bikes, no?While I know that mine don't meet the current common view, I consider all three that I posted as gravel bikes. They certainly see more miles on dirt and gravel than they do on pavement.

[Kirk007]

I've got a double trifecta which probably is a few bikes too many.

Good ole road bikes: Hampsten carbon, Sachs team, Pegoretti Marcelo and Spectrum steel inbound. At least one, maybe 2 probably need rehomed. Hampco is the best performing, designed as lighter
And in theory more compliant than the Peg. Sachs has that steel is real ride - nice Sunday casual ride. Peg - Dario's interpretation of a steel race bike.

Road to trail: Spectrum ti disc, Kirk disc cross, 333FAB AirLandSea. The Spectrum could be a one and done bike for any ride that needs up to a 35mm tire. So could the Kirk but it has a 4 lb weight penalty compared to the Spectrum. The ride doesn't reflect it. The AirLandSea is really a 650b 47mm rough road, trail bike.

Each is a little different but to be honest there's too much overlap in this stable.

Sent from my moto z3 using Tapatalk

[jamesdak]

The Strada Bianca, because it's a great bike and was made for me.

http://hampco.ciocctoo.com/070416c.jpg

The Losa is probably my 2nd favorite. It just rides and handles so well that it pretty much disappears underneath me.

http://cycle.ciocctoo.com/losa1.jpg

The 3rd pick is harder but I think I'd go with the 1966 Frejus Super Corsa. It's a classic, rides very nice and of course being that old it will also take some fat tires.

http://cycle.ciocctoo.com/frej0409b.jpg

I love your taste in bikes!

[jamesdak]

Hmmmm....only three....hmmmmm.......

Well for sure I want to mention this one. Mid/late 90's Giordana XL Super made with Excell Podium steel. Designed by Dario P. and built by Billato. This bike is like great sex each and every time I take it out. There's just something magical about how it feels under me. This is pretty much a modern setup with Campagnolo 11 speed Athena. Does everything greatly, smooth ride, climbs well, accelerates like a banshee, etc, etc, etc. Weighs in at 19 lbs, 9 ozs fully built up and ready to go.

https://pbase.com/jhuddle/image/164621709.jpg

https://pbase.com/jhuddle/image/162350426.jpg

At the opposite end in the 1985 Fuji Opus II. Another one I'll never let go. This is just so classic and beautiful looking and another pure joy to ride. This one sports super sexy looking and feeling Superbe Pro components with friction shifting. This one is heavier at 22 lbs 6 ozs and smaller. Still waiting to find the perfect tubular setup for this. The ride is sublime.

https://pbase.com/jhuddle/image/167931185.jpg

https://pbase.com/jhuddle/image/167931190.jpg

https://pbase.com/jhuddle/image/167931178.jpg

The third...hmmm....the third...

I guess I'll throw this into the mix just because.

A 1999 Trek Y Foil I found as a NOS frame this winter. Recently built up with a Ultegra R8000 groupset. It's been a crazy wet and windy spring for us so I've yet to get in a decent full ride on this. Still, it feels like a rocket when I get on it and I expect great things from it. Still in the back of my head I sometimes wonder if I should sell it since it doesn't fit into my stable of 25+ steel rides.

https://pbase.com/jhuddle/image/168673020.jpg

https://pbase.com/jhuddle/image/169089586.jpg

Of course, to me the concept of three bikes just does not compute, LOL!

https://pbase.com/jhuddle/image/168369141.jpg

[Tickdoc]

Hmmmm....only three....hmmmmm.......

Well for sure I want to mention this one. Mid/late 90's Giordana XL Super made with Excell Podium steel. Designed by Dario P. and built by Billato. This bike is like great sex each and every time I take it out. There's just something magical about how it feels under me. This is pretty much a modern setup with Campagnolo 11 speed Athena. Does everything greatly, smooth ride, climbs well, accelerates like a banshee, etc, etc, etc. Weighs in at 19 lbs, 9 ozs fully built up and ready to go.

https://pbase.com/jhuddle/image/164621709.jpg

https://pbase.com/jhuddle/image/162350426.jpg

At the opposite end in the 1985 Fuji Opus II. Another one I'll never let go. This is just so classic and beautiful looking and another pure joy to ride. This one sports super sexy looking and feeling Superbe Pro components with friction shifting. This one is heavier at 22 lbs 6 ozs and smaller. Still waiting to find the perfect tubular setup for this. The ride is sublime.

https://pbase.com/jhuddle/image/167931185.jpg

https://pbase.com/jhuddle/image/167931190.jpg

https://pbase.com/jhuddle/image/167931178.jpg

The third...hmmm....the third...

I guess I'll throw this into the mix just because.

A 1999 Trek Y Foil I found as a NOS frame this winter. Recently built up with a Ultegra R8000 groupset. It's been a crazy wet and windy spring for us so I've yet to get in a decent full ride on this. Still, it feels like a rocket when I get on it and I expect great things from it. Still in the back of my head I sometimes wonder if I should sell it since it doesn't fit into my stable of 25+ steel rides.

https://pbase.com/jhuddle/image/168673020.jpg

https://pbase.com/jhuddle/image/169089586.jpg

Of course, to me the concept of three bikes just does not compute, LOL!

https://pbase.com/jhuddle/image/168369141.jpg

That is great. that superbe pro makes me weak in the knees.

Go ahead and post three more!

[mtechnica]

Bianchi 928 lugged carbon, year unknown. Campagnolo zonda c17, 5800, stages, 3T, selle italia, continental. 56cm. This is a really stiff frame for full power efforts and my other bikes are a bit lacking in comparison when it comes to getting really rowdy. It’s still reasonably comfortable on really long rides. Compared to newer fancier bikes it’s a little heavy and not especially aero but with the 40cm bars and 10cm of drop it’s fast enough. Someday I will probably replace it with a full aero racing bike, but some deeper wheels could get me most of the benefits I would imagine.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47959284521_6fd7240861_b.jpg

Calfee (carbonframes) tetra-pro, year unknown. Dura Ace and Ultegra 10 speed mix, Campagnolo Scirocco C17, pro/shimano, selle italia, continental. 56cm. This bike is the comfy old pair of shoes. It has a great springy, lively feel and it absorbs bad road surfaces like nothing else I’ve ridden. You can definitely get it to flex significantly but it doesn’t seem to be too slow. I have some strava top 10s on sprints and even uphill sprints on this bike, against some pretty competitive times on segments with thousands of results, so it’s hard for me to fault it too much. That said for everyday riding it can’t be beat, which is why I commute on this one mainly. It’s so comfortable you can almost doze off riding it.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47959284446_87b79620fc_b.jpg

1985 Eddy Merckx Corsa Extra. Full Dura Ace, but not completely 7400 series. 3TTT, selle italia, continental. 56cm. I rode this one at eroica and it was awesome. It’s above average in everything one would care about, especially the handling. It’s the best steel bike I’ve had and I’ve had a few good ones. It will even hold up under uphill sprints but obviously it’s not the stiffest. It climbs reasonably efficiently too in spite of its weight (20-21lb).

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47959245177_9ca0982fce_b.jpg

[Matthew]

Man, some great bikes here. Love that Giordana. Great paint scheme and the chain stay bridge is sweet. Makes me wish I had a steel bike.

[Monsieur Toast]

I've got two bikes I love (Della Santa & Serotta) and this thread is driving me nuts. Really feel like I should impulse buy a few more bikes this week, then go through the hardship of narrowing it down to just my favorite three.

[pdonk]

I've got two bikes I love (Della Santa & Serotta) and this thread is driving me nuts. Really feel like I should impulse buy a few more bikes this week, then go through the hardship of narrowing it down to just my favorite three.

Same here, except I think I know what I would get - either a carbon focused gravel bike or a fillet focused gravel bike.

Right now my moots is my wet weather/back up bike and the SV is the raod bike, plus paths plus gravel.


My dekerf is my mtb and child hauler.

[KJMUNC]

Really hard to choose the 3rd, but the first two are easy:

Trek Domane Classics - because it's thoroughly modern, super comfortable, and has Roubaix history

Merckx Team SC - the one bike I always come back to, pinnacle of early 00's alloy and just fun to ride. Doesn't hurt that it was built for Axel.

Merckx EMX-5 - this is the hard one. Was down to this, Cipo's Bianchi FG Lite or Yates's MXL. I chose Boonen's bike because it's racier and just more fun to ride - and heck, Tommeke rode it. It's close to a coin-flip but if the house were on fire I'd grab this one first.

[Tickdoc]

Really hard to choose the 3rd, but the first two are easy:

Trek Domane Classics - because it's thoroughly modern, super comfortable, and has Roubaix history

Merckx Team SC - the one bike I always come back to, pinnacle of early 00's alloy and just fun to ride. Doesn't hurt that it was built for Axel.

Merckx EMX-5 - this is the hard one. Was down to this, Cipo's Bianchi FG Lite or Yates's MXL. I chose Boonen's bike because it's racier and just more fun to ride - and heck, Tommeke rode it. It's close to a coin-flip but if the house were on fire I'd grab this one first.

Surprising third from you! I was expecting to see the MXL first. If there is time, I'm running back into the house for that one.

[weisan]

Weisan, I think you missed the intent of the three you are supposed to pick. It's three you want to keep, not sell. ;)

One got sold this morning, only 3 left, Act Fast!

https://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=238107

[KJMUNC]

Surprising third from you! I was expecting to see the MXL first. If there is time, I'm running back into the house for that one.

Yeah, like I said it was tough....probably partially driven by the fact that I rode both in the last week and didn't feel great on the MXL and had a good day on the EMX. I do like the idea of having steel-aluminum-carbon as my three....but also hard to leave out the FG as it's so unique!

[mhespenheide]

Okay, I'll play. :) Three variations on a road bike:

#1, The Felt F1-PR. The frame is unique (at at least it was, at the time it was offered; Cervelo offered the "mud" frame a little earlier, but that was an ultra-limited production run and never sold to the public) in being a full-bore Pro Team race bike that also fit wider road tires. Not a gravel bike, but rather a bike designed for Paris-Roubaix and hence the PR addendum. Honestly, it's just a touch too big for me, but with a couple of tweaks for fit it's pretty darn great. The geometry is a little more laid-back and falls on the stability end of the spectrum so that it can help shepherd its rider through the long/abusive day in the saddle. I run 32's on wide rims and it helps immensely with the local pavement that's in poor repair. A lighter pair of wheels helped liven up the handling, so thanks to @Clean39T for those.

#2, The LeMond Victoire. Bought off eBay and ridden for about six months before I measured it and found it a size smaller than the seller had claimed. It's technically a 59, where I was looking for the 61cm. But it's just fun, and helps me understand why pros will sometimes size down their frames. The handling is great -- more on the responsive end of the spectrum, and it's stiff but not harsh. That said, it barely fits 27's, so it's mostly a bike to bring along on trips or (sadly) remain exiled to the trainer. But every time I take it out, I'm reminded why I like it and think I should take it out more often. It just carves descents. I'm toying with the idea of putting one of the Canyon VLCS seatposts and a steel fork on it to help take the edge off of the bumps. If, somehow, I could magically fit 32's on it, I'd probably sell the Felt even though the Felt is technically a "better" bike.

#3, The Bianchi. My first good bike. Bought new in 1987 and then stored in my parent's basement for a couple decades before I worked with a framebuilder to resurrect it this past year. Thanks to some minor tweaks, it now fits 33's at the absolute limit of short-reach brakes. It's my Eroica bike (with different pedals) and, if you can get past the weight, rides beautifully. Balanced. Neither too twitchy nor too stable. Climbs Kiler canyon and descends Santa Rosa creek road with no complaints. If the house is on fire, this is the one I'm grabbing for its memories; the others, while mine, don't have the depths of memories that this one does.

[andeww]

that bianchi is perfect.

[Hilltopperny]

JKS Special is my go to good weather road bike so far this season. It is everything I like and more for the road. Climbs and descends over the crappy upstate NY roads amazingly and I feel fresh after riding it. It is an all day kind of ride. I can't see it going anywhere anytime soon and that's saying a lot!

MRB is my in-between bike for all but Winter riding. It has fender mounts, Dynamo hub and front lighting, 3 bottle bosses, canti brakes and can fit up to a 35mm tire. I have just started to enjoy this one over the past week and it is a stunning bicycle. Rides like a dream and the Joe Bell paint over David Kirks fillet brazed tubes it's straight up sexy! Don't see this one going anywhere in the near future either.

No22 Drifter is my old faithful. I had it built with rack and fender mounts for versatility. It has been to D2R2 ,the Farmer's Daughter and Ididaride gravel. It is my go to for rides involving lots of gravel and dirt. I have it set up mid compact with 11-40 cassette. The ride is all day comfortable, but still snappy when pushed and very capable over rough terrain. It can also be ridden year round with relatively low maintenance.

Honorable mention to my No22 Great Divide. It is my winter and poor weather road bike. A fantastic all arounder and a keeper along with the 3 above. All of my other bikes are expendable. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190530/4e54f6eb008b86724c9e5052ec45baa4.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190530/1d54a7a1ef724ff05e0130b37d315970.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190530/e4d14fd4d39cb9bd29e50dc4f73b8530.jpg

Sent from my moto g(6) play using Tapatalk

[madsciencenow]

I’m choosing from my current line-up which has three horses in the stable so this is a pretty easy decision. If you ask me in a couple months or to consider previously owned bikes I would probably answer differently.

C60: This is an amazing bike that mutes the road feel and I feel like I could ride all day with no problem. At the same time I can hammer for a couple hours and feel great as well.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190530/3bdb055327b6d7d9a408f7ed0639d91d.jpg

RSL: This bike is similar to the C60 in how I feel like I can ride it but the ride quality provides smoothness and some real road feel that the C60 lacks. It also is Ti so I don't feel bad about not cleaning constantly or riding in the rain. It also fits 28s which the C60 does not so I have some additional tire options.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190530/2b136745aaac2cc99a67e1a3ffdac349.jpg

Routt: I don't get to ride this bike enough but the time I spend on it I absolutely love. I kinda forget about the bike and can either hammer on gravel or tool around the local forest preserves with it. I've set it up with 650b and 700c and it works well with both set-ups. The 650b set-up has plenty of clearance for 42s and could probably go a bit wider but the etap front derailleur is a bit limiting.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190530/32319ebc603d78056247a936ae97e04d.jpg


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[Tickdoc]

some strong arguments for a gravel bike in these posts. Great looking rigs and keep em coming!

[Bob Ross]

What the hell, I'll play:

This 2006 Cannondale Synapse Carbon 2 was my first "real" road bike of the modern age. The things that initially attracted me to it were the ride -- it literally felt like it floated on a cushion of air a quarter-inch above the pavement -- and the non-twitchy steering -- it held a line like it was controlled by robots.
After 13 years I'm rarely aware of that "cushion of air" quality any more, though I can occasionally reacquaint myself with that sensation if I think about it really hard, and the auto-pilot steering feels almost as much of a liability as it does an advantage. I retired it to my parents garage in Arizona a couple years ago so it only gets ridden two or three weeks a year, but it's perfect for that. Still has the original Ultegra 6600 groupset, 50/34 chainrings with 11-26 cassette. The dork disc and toeclip pedals are long gone.
https://i.postimg.cc/QdsRccWj/my-Synapse21-2-zpscljvyy88.jpg

The 2016 Richard Sachs Signature is set up pretty aggressively, slightly more saddle-to-bar drop than my other bikes, which adds to the Long&Low geometry to make it feel like a bona fide badass race bike. It's definitely the bike to bring on the punchy competitive rides with the Fast Kids™ though the past two years I've done some longer (~85-100 mile) cooperative group rides on it and it ain't no slouch. But it's definitely the one I reach for if I need to get ~25 miles in before work and I only have an hour. Campy Record with 50/34 and 11-25.
https://i.postimg.cc/pdG6VX6s/Pier-in-Piermont-zpsztgb5ugx.jpg

My 2010 Carl Strong is the one my body just loves to climb atop...every single time I start to ride it there is an overt momentary sensation of "Ahhh, yes, everything is in exactly the right place!" I mostly use it for longer group rides, hilly events, and vacations (especially if lots of climbing is involved), but it's a remarkably responsive spunky sprinter too. TIG-welded steel with S&S couplers, updated (long after this photo was taken) to SRAM eTap with 50/34 and 11-28.
https://i.postimg.cc/MpDg5XyV/my-Strong-zps89b0de57-1.jpg

[gone]

One got sold this morning, only 3 left, Act Fast!

https://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=238107
Are you going to spam every thread posted with your classifieds?

This is really annoying. Post an effing ad like everybody else. Stop spamming unrelated threads.

Unless you think you're special?

[gone]

And here (https://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=238089&highlight=scicon) is a nice case for you to ship one of your three favorite bikes in.

I'll be posting ads for pedals, wheels, group, etc., and will add to this thread when I do.

[weisan]

Unless you think you're special?

I AM ...SPECIAL!

Can't you see that?

[Mzilliox]

Wow, this is a fun one, and i have trouble with it

#1 Goodrich Pegorichie steel
https://live.staticflickr.com/1797/42229432560_bbea7b4b86_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/27kET3Q)blue on fire (https://flic.kr/p/27kET3Q) by Matt.zilliox (https://www.flickr.com/photos/41573599@N06/), on Flickr


#2 Festka One
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47114208694_490c070a6d_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2eMjCP1)Festka rain (https://flic.kr/p/2eMjCP1) by Matt.zilliox (https://www.flickr.com/photos/41573599@N06/), on Flickr

#3 Heretic Gravel
https://live.staticflickr.com/897/28450483618_0fa13525d4_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Km5azC)Gravel Heretic CL2 (https://flic.kr/p/Km5azC) by Matt.zilliox (https://www.flickr.com/photos/41573599@N06/), on Flickr

The Goodrich just gets the nod for 1st over the Festka, and that is only because of longevity and sentimentality. They are both amazing bikes that i am lucky to own and ride. The geometry on them is almost identical oddly enough. The Festka has a shorter wheelbase and seems a bit quicker steering. its also a fair bit lighter at 14.5 to 15lbs compared to 17.5 or 18. The Goodrich would be my choice on any ride over 60 miles as it soaks up the bumps just a bit more, and has a bit more of a familiar feel. Its a hell of a bike and gives up very little to the modern Festka.

the Heretic Gravel bike has the same fit points too, as it was made with the Goodrich geo, but its been tweaked for offroad goodness. This bike is different feeling though with its 1x system and ti cushiness. this thing really soaks the bumps, but i did also take a local road KOM on it, so its no slouch when the going gets fast. its my mountain goat, and it does everything well and then some. if i can figure out how to fit a rear rack on it, it will do fishing duty as well.

honorable mention goes to Berty, because shes my longest tenured and most adored.
https://live.staticflickr.com/7876/46657437164_9df1f34eb5_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2e5XyxN)Ohberty (https://flic.kr/p/2e5XyxN) by Matt.zilliox (https://www.flickr.com/photos/41573599@N06/), on Flickr