Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Today's Dose of Retro: The Biodynamic Water Bottle

Even as most other component makers were rushing to introduce "aero" gruppos during the wind tunnel fever days of the 1980s, Campagnolo stuck by their guns and made components that often hinted at, but didn't embrace, aerodynamics. One notable exception to this remarkable restraint, however, was the Biodynamic bottle.

Campagnolo's 1987 catalog, in fact, showed two bottles based on the same concept: "The bottle must have an aerodynamic shape to avoid creating vortices that increase wind resistance." Or, at least, they had to look aero ...


The Biodynamic bottle, and its brother, the insulated "Biothermal," used a flat design and a bottle-specific cage to create less wind resistance. The Biodynamic bottle also included an integral handle to make it easier to grab.

While the Biodynamic bottle was a great idea in theory, it never caught on. In practice, the bottle was hard to use, and the cage of course limited the rider to using Campagnolo's bottles (not a great option if you somehow lost your bottle during a ride). Despite their aerodynamic disadvantages, round bottles and standard cages still rule the peloton today, although Lance Armstrong famously used a Biodynamic bottle in a time trial during the 1999 Tour de France:

Bonus Retro Info: In addition to the Biodynamic and Biothermic bottles, Campagnolo also introduced an MTB version. This last type is exceedingly rare--if you see one for sale, buy it. It's a true collector's item.

50th Anniversary Bike on eBay

If you've been looking for a bike with the 50th Anniversary gruppo, here's your chance.

We have no connection with the seller.

Monday, May 30, 2011

Classic Campy-Equipped Paramount

Reader Jim R sent this photo of a classic Schwinn Paramount that he's restoring. It's not complete yet, but what's done so far looks might good.

Jim writes,

Thought you might want to see a photo of the bike with your brakes (bought on 1/4/11). I finally found the time to install all the parts, including the brake calipers, which I've been collecting for some time now. I decided to postpone the touch up of the frame since that may take quite some time & I couldn't wait any longer to actually ride it. Its a bike I've long lusted after (a common affliction apparently), a '73 Paramount & it rides just like my friend's from Junior High. Eventually, after the touch up, it'll make its way to "The Museum" (bikemuseum.orbs.com).


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad2

Location:Today's Retro Bike: Jim's Paramount

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Visit to the Nitto Factory (Non-Campy Content)

Campagnolo doesn't make bars, stems, and racks, so it's OK to admit that we have Nitto parts on several of our bikes. They make gorgeous stuff that has a level of finish and craftsmanship that recalls Campagnolo's own parts from the Golden Age.

Here's a video from the folks at Tokyo Fixed, who visited the Nitto factory north of Tokyo. Enjoy.



Tokyo Fixed visits Nitto from Tokyo Fixed on Vimeo.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad2

Monday, May 23, 2011

Davis Double 2011: The Video

Freshly filmed, edited, scripted, and narrated for your viewing pleasure by the CampyOnlyGuy:



Direct link to the video here.

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Another Davis Double!

Your host, CampyOnlyGuy (aka Eric Norris) finished his 28th Davis Double Century today--Campy equipped, of course. 203 miles in 14 hours, 20 minutes.

Yes, there is a ton of video from the ride, and yes, there will be a Davis Double movie soon. Stay tuned.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Coming Saturday: Davis Double

Your Campy Only host (Eric Norris) will be riding the Davis Double Century for the 28th time this coming Saturday, May 21. Look for us on our green, Campy-equipped Rivendell.

This will be the 27th straight Davis DC for us--the first was in 1983, missed it in 1984, and have done every DC since then. Not a record for the number of finishes, but getting there ...

Here's a video we made of the 2009 Davis DC. That edition was much hotter than this weekend's ride will be.

Friday, May 13, 2011

Campy Electronica at the Giro

Campagnolo's perennial prototype electronic gruppo is making an appearance at the Giro d' Italia, according to this article from VeloNews.

Rider Franciso Ventoso won Stage 6 of the Giro, although we can't confirm from the reports whether he was on board the electronic-shifting bike.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Today's Retro Photo

Came across this in Slate magazine's collection of bike-related photos from the Magnum archives:


John Vink's photo from 1985 shows a rider who crashed in a race at La Gacilly, France. Look at the photo, and you'll also see how much Campagnolo dominated the professional ranks in those days!

Monday, May 9, 2011

600-Kilometer Brevet ... Campy-Equipped!

Video from this past weekend's 600-kilometer brevet by the San Francisco Randonneurs. 376 miles from the Golden Gate Bridge to Fort Bragg and back.  Yours truly finished in 32:15--I am now qualified for Paris-Brest-Paris!

Paris Bound

Your host, CampyOnlyGuy (aka Eric Norris) is now qualified for a Paris-Brest-Paris! My friend and I rode our Campy equipped bikes this past weekend in the final" 600-kilometer qualifier. We covered the distance (375 miles) in 32:15, riding straight through with only a 30-minute sleep break. Check back for our ride video later today.

Thursday, May 5, 2011

New Video: Sacramento's Tower Bridge

Crossing the Tower Bridge in Sacramento ... and yes, those are Super Record brake levers reflected in the Schmidt Edelux headlight. Enjoy.  See the video full size here.

Monday, May 2, 2011

2011 Auburn (CA) Criterium

We took our video camera to the Auburn Criterium this past weekend (May 1, 2011) and took some footage. Hope you enjoy the results:



See the video on YouTube here

Today's Bike: Campy-Equipped Colnago (With a Joe Bell Shoutout)

Reader Mark C from Victoria, BC, sent this photo of today's bike, plus the following kudos for Campy Only sponsor Joe Bell, who repainted the bike:

Here's my 2002 Colnago Master X-Light that has been repainted in Saronni Red by Joe Bell. The bike in this color has been my dream bike forever. When my wife bought the MXL for me in 2002, Colnago did not offer it in the Saronni scheme. I had to settle for it in Red Art Décor. After many wonderful years, and a serious dent to the top tube. I decided it was time to get it painted in my dream scheme. Joe was a breeze to deal with. Very professional and from the start I could tell that my frame was in good
hands. The final product is AMAZING! The repair of the pretty serious dent
is flawless. Attention to detail, impeccable. Yes, I ride with a bunch of
people with really sweet whiz bang carbon machines, but my bike is the best looking in the peloton
.



Sunday, May 1, 2011

Next Weekend: Locking Up PBP

How far can a Campy-equipped bike take you? Next week, our Campy-equipped Benotto will be asked to take us 600 kilometers (375 miles) in about 32 hours ... Then later this year, double that distance in three and a half days. Randonneuring season is in full swing, and we're heading for France in August!

Watch this space for photos, news, and video from next week's ride!

New Bora Wheels Coming

VeloNews reports on an updated version of the Bora wheelset that will roll on ceramic bearings nine times smoother than steel ball bearings.