Jules

I've been following this thread with the interest of a racing cyclist trying to get the last possible ounce (or joule) of (legal) performance out of my machine. I have a question for the gurus. We have been talking about the effect a weight saving on the rim has on performance while accelerating. And the conclusion is that it does make a difference. But what about riding at a constant speed? It seems logical to me that even while riding at a constant speed, a point on the rim is constantly accelerating and decelerating as it turns. It'll be going much faster than the bike when it passes the brakes and it'll be doing 0kmh for a split second when it touches the tar. With this in mind, I ask whether a weight saving at the rim will be beneficial for a cyclist riding at a constant speed.

I set the limit screws with the chain on all the time...

correctomundo

Spidey, I thought you said earlier that popcorn was inappropriate for this thread We need beer and biltong Thanks Jeremy for doing all the calculations . Your answers have come the closest to helping me understand how much of a difference rotational mass makes to cycling performance.

I've done some googling and they look like they are the Penta Drive version circa 1988. Check this link for matching pics: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180429138604

Here are pics of the levers I bought today. Can anyone help me identify what year/model they are? http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs156.snc3/18371_404377210640_868120640_10238068_7239784_n.jpg http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs156.snc3/18371_404377225640_868120640_10238069_5759023_n.jpg

Tempting. I'll drop you a mail with pics later tonight.

Cool! I better put an order in then! Want to piggy back on my order for an extra set?

Wow, thanks Velo. What condition are the hoods in? Do they feel new and supple? Mine are still in one piece, but if I even attempt to take them off they will crumble to pieces. Can't help wondering if Shimano used an inferior type of rubber on this product, which makes me wonder if the NOS stuff is ok? I have also contacted Cool Heat to see if they have any old hoods lying around. Can't hurt to ask.

Surely a bolt can be replaced. It was quite an important bolt: the one that secures the derailleur to the frame/drop out. It may be replaceable but I wasn't prepared to take the risk, especially considering I was already buying a pair of levers I didn't really need....

Thanks Kieran. Took a trip to Kayalami today. Ended up buying the brake levers you mention. But they are Campy and I'm looking for Shimano. They didn't have any Dura Ace 7400 levers or hoods. So I'm still hunting... I very nearly bought a beautiful rear Campy derailleur but on closer inspection I noticed it was missing a bolt so I left it there.

Haven't been there before but it sounds like I need to check them out! Thanks for the info!

Highlands North

Anyone know where I can find a pair of these hoods? http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs156.snc3/18371_402569370640_868120640_10220534_6349048_n.jpg

A long time ago one of the cycling magazines (think it may have been Tri Cycling) did a two-part series on AVH. I remember them being very good articles. Went into some depth about his (tough) upbringing etc. As a laaitie I spent many a long afternoon at AVH's Bramley shop. He did an amazing job of importing Colnagos. I overheard him once explaining what he believed to be the secret to cycle retail success: lots of stock. In those days, all Colnagos increased in size in 1cm increments. I remember when I bought my Dream there, I specified the exact size and colour and he had it in a warehouse somewhere. My bike was in the shop within a week. Amazing He also had all the Sidi, Campagnolo, Colnago catalogues, posters and everything else that was necessary to get the customers drooling over Italian bike porn. RIP Alan

Thanks for the great day, Nancy! The hospitality from you and your family was again much appreciated. Anton, I'd sooner ride up Breedt's with four quarts inside me than tackle it on a single speed The only side effect was my cycling companions complaining of a beer smell on the way back . Thanks to epoh, Jmaccelari, Zaskar and Thuggy for a good long day in the saddle. With our ride there, we each clocked a minimum of about 120km in total.

Please count me in Nancy!

Velo, you are spot on: it's a giro d italia. I'll add a vernier and longer stem to my letter to santa clause :-)

Thanks velo! How would i tell? My bar says 64-40

My latest acquisition. Bianchi in absolute mint condition. Columbus TSX tubing. Full Dura Ace groupset including seat post and headset. Cinelli stem and handlebars (with internal cable routing). The only things I need to change to this bike are the stem (need a longer one) and the saddle (want a white one). http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs008.snc3/11535_374036700640_868120640_9985612_6863951_n.jpg

"bright kit, sort of orange and blue with a picture of a naked looking woman on the back and the hub logo" hehehe there is only one kit that fits that description Well done Wolverine, glad to hear someone flying the flag for the roadies

I deduce from your comment that your LBS is Linden Cycles... Why don't you do what I do? Build up a cheap single speed with a rigid fork and use it for your muddiest, roughest rides. There is very little damage you can do to a single speed. The cogs and chain are tougher than a geared bike and will last much longer. Save your racing machine for the rides/races that have no mud or river crossings.

My guess would be a European wholesaler?