How Many Bikes Do We Ride?

Readers of this blog apparently like to collect bikes (Campy Only's stable includes 13 bikes at the moment). Our recent poll (over there in the text bar on the right) tallied 27 votes, of which 40% were in the "5 or more" category.

New poll launches today! 

Xenon-Equipped Bianchi

Reader Milan sent these photos of his Xenon-equipped Bianchi, fully equipped with this lower-priced gruppo from the early 90s except for the brake levers.

Apparently, Mr. Jack O'Lantern approves!

Ergo Shifting a Super Record Derailleur

In response to our recent post about a Bianchi that appeared to have an older, friction-shifting Record derailleur actuated by new Ergo levers (on closer inspection, the derailleur turned out to be connected to Record friction downtube levers), reader Yoshi sent the photo and note below:

Yoshi writes:

Hi,

This is my Colnago Super from mid 80's with a Super Record rear derailleur that works with the Ergopower 10 speed. The wires are really connected on this bike!
Yoshi 

(Kazuo Y)

We've asked Yoshi for more info on just how well this system works.

Update! Yoshi wrote back:

"The Ergopower 10 speed synchronizes almost perfectly with IRD 7 speed cog and SRAM 8 speed chain (old type, flat plate)."


So there you go. Ergo levers will work a Super Record derailleur.

SFR 200K 1-25-14

SFR 200K 1-25-14, a set on Flickr.

First official miles on the way to Paris-Brest-Paris in 2015--200 kilometers from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Pt Reyes Lighthouse. Next up are 300- and 400K brevets in March.

Today's Bike: Mr. Bean's Bianchi

A reader known only as "2012mrbeans" sent this photo of a Bianchi with a very interesting drivetrain--apparently, late-model 10-speed Ergo levers attached to Nuovo Record front and rear derailleurs.

We're going to check with Mr. Bean and see how well this mismatched system works.

Update: A sharp-eyed reader pointed out that the Ergo levers aren't connected to the derailleurs. Look closely, and you can see that the original downtube shifters are still there.

Here's a Retro Campy Part You Probably Haven't Seen Before

On eBay ... a "tube saver" that goes inside the band that holds on your clamp-on down tube shifters. Nice idea, and something that Campy Only has never seen in real life. Auction ends in nine days.

Electronic Campy Video

Lots of Campagnolo electronica in this official video on Vimeo ... electronic bikes, electronic soundtrack ... even an electronic washing machine.

Check out the video below, or hit up this link to see it in its full glory at Vimeo.

The Best Teams Trust Campagnolo from Campagnolo Srl on Vimeo.

The Campagnolo Experience: Pricey Behind-the-Scenes Tour of Tullio's World

Just when you thought you had it all, from your Nuovo Record-equipped Cinelli to the electronic-shifting Colnago, along comes ... a $4,100 tour of Tullio's world in Italy.

Bike Rumor is reporting on the 2014 edition of the "Campagnolo Experience," a fully supported, behind-the-scenes tour of Italy themed around Campagnolo. From the Bike Rumor report,

"In partnership with Thomson Bike Tours, the 2014 Campagnolo Experience includes a chance to ride the Campagnolo Gran Fondo in Rome on Sunday, October 13 2014. The ride will include a VIP guided tour of the Campy factory as well as the opportunity to rub elbows with staff and “cycling celebrities.” The 2,995 euros per person includes 7 nights in mostly 4 star hotels, VIP dinner in Vincenza, and more. Advanced registration is starting now."

In case you're wondering, airfare to and from Italy is not included. Perhaps it's time to sell that Cinelli ...

Register for the tour here.

P.S. If you're interested in a slightly less Campy-centric tour of Italy, hit up our web sponsors, Cycle Italia. They offer complete packages of cycling-oriented tours, led by dedicated Campagnolo fans.

 

Decisions, Decisions ...

Planning ahead for the 2014 randoneurring and double century season. So many rides to choose from!

Not shown on this list are a three-day ride down the California coast in the spring, and the Knoxville Fall Classic double century in September, which will cap off our 25th consecutive California Triple Crown season.

Which rides are you planning on for 2014? Let us know in the comments.

 

Campy Only and the California Triple Crown

Your faithful Campy Only Guy is still in the lead in total California Triple Crown finishes--24 consecutive years of riding at least three California double centuries.

CampyOnlyGuy at the 1989 Davis Double Century

The 2014 CTC season starts for us in February, with double centuries to be interspersed this year with  200-, 300-, 400-, and 600-kilometer brevets and a 1,000-kilometer randonee in August.

See you all on the road in 2014!

Reflecting on Reflectivity

Updated 1-6-14 with a new nighttime photo.

We here at Campy Only are great believers in the value of reflective gear for our bikes. We put in a lot of miles after dark, both training for and riding in randonneuring events, and we've found a few inexpensive items that will help make your bike more visible at night.

The first are self-adhesive reflective decals that go on your rim around each spoke. The ones we use are called "Spokees," available online from www.funreflector.com They're available in several shapes and colors, including a "stealth" black that isn't quite as reflective but blends in well with black anodized rims.

Here's a photo of a diamond-shaped Spokee on one of our bikes:

Spokees come 12 to a pack for $4.95, with free shipping. I put them about every 3rd or 4th spoke; two packs will outfit most bikes.

Last Chance 200K 12-31-13

Last Chance 200K 12-31-13, a set on Flickr.

Photos from yesterday's ride with my fellow Davis-area randonneurs. One lesson learned is that there is *no* water on the American River bike trail. 30+ miles of twisting, turning trail, often packed with families, joggers, and strollers ... and NO place to get a drink.