Sunday, June 30, 2013

Test Ride - Centurion Equipe


I took the Centurion "Cinelli" Equipe out for a 15-miler this morning around the neighborhood. While there were no hills, cobblestones, switchbacks, or other fun obstacles to provide a "proper" test ride evaluation, there were squirrels to dodge and I came close to hitting a skunk, so perhaps this counts toward the bike's adequate handling characteristics. 

The first couple miles were somewhat uncomfortable, but this was no fault of the bike. Had to adjust the seat back an inch and tilt it up a bit. I prefer to have the nose of my saddles a couple of degrees above horizontal. I truly distaste leaning into the bars to keep myself "back" on my saddles. If you find yourself with numb palms or fingers after a ride, make sure your not leaning into the bars too much. You should feel neutral on your bike - well-balanced and not pitched forward, fighting to keep yourself from sliding off the front or the back of your saddle. 

Enough for the riding lessons. Once I adjusted the seat, the Centurion disappeared beneath me. It has very neutral handling, neither twitchy or laid-back, and, although not the lightest bike in the stable (22 pounds 1oz without bottle cages), accelerates well and is stiff while sprinting. 

Perhaps the best compliment I can give this bike is that it doesn't draw attention to itself in any way. The Campagnolo Nuovo Record rear derailleur shifts effortlessly through the gears, and the stability and easy handling allow me to focus on everything except the bike - like the squirrels and other, less pleasant early-morning critters.

I was thinking of selling this bike, but, after this morning's ride, I've decided it's a keeper. This is a decision I can live with, and one that should bring many more easy miles in the years to come.

More photos of the Centurion Equipe can be found HERE

Monday, June 3, 2013

SpeedBicycles - Collection Virtual Museum


This is a cool site that I thought I'd turn y'all onto. 

There's a 1973 Colnago Super in Moteni orange that looks a lot like mine would if it wasn't repainted. Other great bikes there as well. 

Enjoy!  http://www.speedbicycles.ch/showBike.php?enr=420


1974 Mondia Special







This 1974 Mondia (Super) Special was repainted by Joe Bell sometime in the past 20 years - unsure because it was previously-owned. I have the period-correct brake calipers and need to get a good stem and seatpost from that era to outfit it correctly. Other than that - runs like a charm and rides as smooth as silk. The orange tubulars are a nice touch, if I do say so.

Serial number is 187640.

Ever ridden a Mondia?  You can read more about them here: http://www.classicrendezvous.com/Switzerland/Mondia_main.htm



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