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I've had a hard look at the pictures and through my drool I've managed to see 63 stamped on the bottom bracket (my size......*gently weeps).
I'm so torn with bikes like this. They should be ridden, to not so denies them their very purpose. But to make is a regular rider you'd need to modernise much of the build. Which means the charm is lost.
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So in the summer I'm cycling with my father in law (and his friend) and sister in law from Toulouse to Bordeaux (actually ending up in Arcachon for a couple of days of R&R). And I'm looking for a detailed elevation plan but I can't find one anywhere. Does anyone have a recommendation? The plan is to broadly speaking follow the Canal Du Midi; which I'm assuming is relatively flat being a canal.
The reason I'm asking is I want to know if I can feasibly do the ride on a single speed. Why? You are probably asking yourself. Well my winter training has been on a single speed and I've been really enjoying it and I feel strong as a result. And also I want to make it a challenge for myself as my riding partners are not particularly experienced cyclists so I think the pace will be modest - the plan is to do it over 3 days (appropriately 4/5 hours in the saddle per day).
Any leads greatly appreciated. Also any larges saddle bag recommendations? It only needs to be large enough for provisions for each day + stuffing clothes layers + a few spares. In Cycling Plus the best on test was the the new Rapha Apidura but it's spendy and Rapha divides opinion.
I look forward to getting your learned thoughts.
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The plan (there is always a plan):
Strip, clean and tidy
Sell the Araya Super Aero wheels (in process)
Add wheels that will be comprised of Ultegra hubs and Velocity A23 rims
Throw rotten 23mm tyres in the bin and add lovely tan walled 28mm loveliness
Take off and sell/freecycle stem
Add 0 degree rise Nitto Dynamic stem (I'm getting older and less flexible)
Take off and sell the nearly new Selle Italia saddle.
Add oh some comfortable Charge Spoon.
Service and retain much of the build kit including brakes, FD and RD.
Take off and sell Ultegra brifters.
Add Cane Creek brake levers and Dura Ace barcons. -
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So I'm now the proud owner of this Merckx:
https://www.lfgss.com/conversations/232401/
This is how is currently looks:
The plan is to make in retro-neo and it will be my daily rider and specifically for a ride from Toulouse to Bordeaux (finishing at Arcachon for a couple of days on the beach).
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Look at this on eBay http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/401275074117
Could make a nice no name audax/light tourer
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Great thread that I can't believe I missed it. My single speed is around 63 gear inches so that's all good.