Neck And Neck – Bike Snob NYC

As you may think about, since receiving the Vinershiki I’ve had Italian Metal on the mind, so yesterday I commuted on the Pink Faggin:

The Homer is significantly extra comfy over the course of a 30-plus mile round-trip commute, however generally it feels good to skip the pannier and get on one thing mild and nimble:

Additionally, someway the Faggin has the quietest drivetrain I’ve ever skilled:

I don’t know if it’s the close-ratio chainrings which might be so shut in ratio they’re successfully pointless:

The 12-25 cassette I used to suppose was for “coaching” and “climbing” however now makes me surprise the place the hell my low gears went:

Or the truth that the derailleur pulley tooth are worn to advantageous factors:

Then at present I received proper again on the Vinershiki. I’m off Strava now and there’s no laptop on the bike…

…however happily I had ample alternative to see how quick sluggish I used to be going:

Although nonetheless largely in dirtbag mode, I mitigated the impact considerably with a Vulpine merino pullover:

I additionally figured I’d see how the Pearl Izumi Canyon sneakers did with the toe clips and straps:

The Vans clown sneakers I’d worn on my first journey slot in there effectively, although the only is somewhat gentle for an old-timey pedal meant for a slotted cleat, which you’ll be able to type of really feel digging into your foot somewhat bit on climbs. As I suspected, the firmer sole of the Canyon was higher on this regard, however as I additionally suspected the bulkier higher wasn’t nice for getting out and in of the clips. (It’s a shoe meant for flat pedals, in any case.) Relaxation assured I’m making preparations for extra applicable footwear as I kind this, however till then I feel the clown sneakers are the way in which to go.

Footwear apart, to date it’s exhausting to seek out fault with the bike. Actually exhausting. Like, it’s nearly the Platonic ideally suited of a street bike. But when I needed to choose one thing, I assume it will be…what, the aero-mounted shifters perhaps?

Objectively talking, it’s simply higher to have somewhat extra distance between them. Within the regular place there’s extra room to seize one with out hitting the opposite, particularly on rear downshifts once you type of palm the lever for, uh, lever-age. However in fact there’s nothing goal about classic bikes, and the aero shifters additionally make the bike much more cool and fascinating, which arguably outweighs the (extraordinarily tiny) inconvenience of the shifters being somewhat too shut collectively.

Additionally, it’s very easy to shift the fitting lever together with your left hand or vice-versa for those who ever want to try this, in order that’s one thing.

In the meantime, the shifters on the Vengeance Bike had been separated by an excellent wall of plastic, which is just about the precise reverse of the set-up on the Vinershiki, although mockingly in each instances the aim was aerodynamics:

Humorous how that works.

Oh, I did should comfortable up the bolt on the shifter mount only a tiny bit:

I do not know if that’s one thing that often works its manner unfastened, or if I’m the primary one that’s needed to contact it in 41 years.

Apart from that, what’s to not love?

If I had been a author for “Bicycling” in 1982, I’d in fact rhapsodize the Italian-made Nishiki Cervino by describing it as a “Guido wrapped in a kimono,” a stereotype-laden description which might by no means fly at present. However simply think about opening this:

And studying all about how using the Cervino is like opening this:

Solely to disclose this:

By the way in which, talking of hiding stuff, for these of you who had been questioning in regards to the cable routing…

…they disappear right here:

Then the entrance derailleur cable reappears down within the bike’s crotchal area:

Whereas the rear derailleur cable doesn’t emerge till the very finish of the chainstay:

Whereas we’re again right here, let’s admire the Tremendous Report derailleur:

It seems like one thing you’d use to present a tattoo, and it’s as mechanical and purposeful because the C-Report derailleur is bulbous and easy:

And but I’d argue that each are equally compelling.

Contemplate additionally the brake calipers…

…and what adopted just a few years later:

The Delta is much-maligned for its supposed lack of stopping energy, however I discovered the alternative to be true, and if you need proof, take into account that I took the Vengeance Bike to Switzerland, rode it via the mountains, and by no means launched myself off an Alp. It’s actually a extra highly effective brake than the one on the Vinershiki–which can even cease you simply advantageous–although this comes on the expense of a extra difficult design that eats up just about each final millimeter of tire clearance.

Talking of tires, the tubulars triggered my long-dormant tire-wiping impulse:

I believe it does about as a lot as throwing a pinch of salt over your shoulder.

Possibly I ought to carry some salt.