How Soon Is Now?
Waiting has never been my strong point. I’m anxious, but don’t really suffer from anxiety. Good things come to those who wait isn’t at the top of my list of proverbs to live by. Do What Thou Wilt always has been, though; kind of a Just Do It for early 20th century Satanists, and me.
It was with this mantra in the back of my mind that I made the instant decision to build my dream bike. The rationale went something like this: ooh that’s nice, I’ll have one of those. Before I knew it I was increasing my credit card limit and damned with the consequences. Actually, there was some rational thinking behind such a rash decision, but thinking that came after the decision. I think that’s called justification.
I’d had enough of talking about the dream bike in a manner which suggested that said dream would in most likelihood never come true. “When I build my dream bike” had a date set sometime in, well, fucking never. How long should one wait to do something that would presumably make one complete, or bring one joy? Simple answer, my friends, is now. If I waited another ten years, or even five, would I still get the same satisfaction? Why be an old guy riding around on a nice bike when you can be a slightly less old guy riding around on a stunning bike?
The waiting doesn’t seem so bad now. Hell, I’m even keeping the master who will be creating my steel fantasy waiting. But it’s all part of the process. This has to be right. And having the patience, knowledge and experience that my co-conspirator Steven has is a boon. From the very first excited email, to god knows how many hundreds later, every step of the journey has been carefully considered, over and over and then once more to be safe.
First, the thing that maybe should have been last was discussed, debated and dilly-dallied over until we (yes, I feel this is a team decision) settled on close to what you see in the above photo (with a colour-matched fork for my build). The gruppo was of course a no-brainer and a box full of Super Record gorgeousness stares at me from my desk. Already in Belgium await other boxes with the best of the rest; fizik for the cockpit, Chris King to make the steering sing, and cages from their namesake, beautiful bits of bent titanium.
The artisan’s hand of Diel now awaits the numbers game, before he lets any tube join another. All part of the process. The waiting is turning out to be an unexpected pleasure, but April still can’t come soon enough.
@Rob
I think it might be Merckx’s daughter Sabrina. Axel was/is blond.
Brett: brilliant bike man! Great colors, love the fork and the components are fantastic stuff
Steel….that is such a perfect choice. So many people avoid it like its an outcast, but steel is such a good material, and like aluminium its not anything like the tubes even 10 years ago. The carbon crowd will inevidibly drop the conversation at the very outset because it isn’t contemporary, but whatever. Carbon is ok, don’t get me wrong, I’ve had them, but love steel, and love aluminum for some frames. Overall though, for the all arounder, for the long haul trucking, the gentlmens rides, one to do your daily grind…steel is choice
let us know the most important thing, how it rides after 1500km
@Rob
There is another Merckx. Axel has a sister.
@Oli great to see you around mate!
@brett I have some Shamal tubs, they are tits. But I am sure Tristan can set you up too.
@rfreese888
Oh my, that’s a beauty. Always loved the Condors, @minion used to own an orange steel beauty when he lived in Wellington. I think he regretted trading it for carbone as soon as he did.
I see/hear this a lot, having to justify the outlay to the VMH. I guess that’s why I’m VMHless! Much easier to convince myself that it’s a good idea…
@Owen
Go right ahead… I’ll be doing the same until April!
Considering that current fashion seems to dictate that one try to look as stupid as possible (faux hawks, fake eyeglasses, loud colors, blah blah blah) I was wondering how long it’ll be until Harry Highpants and his look comes back in style.
I still can’t believe how many people I see around town in slippers. Fucking bonkers.
Small world: Steven, my guiding light at Jaegher who has been amazing every step of the journey so far, introduced me to Joshua at Campagnolo. First thing Josh says is “I remember meeting some guys in V-kit a few years back in the Roubaix Velodrome.” Yep, that was us on the first day of the first Keepers Tour… Josh was working for Trek and they were launching the new Domane, and we had a chat.
So with his kind help, it looks like my wheel decision is made…
[dmalbum: path=”/velominati.com/wp-content/uploads/readers/brett/2014.12.02.11.22.59/2//”/]
Thought about the tubular route, but keen to try out tubeless and the practicality of clinchers helped tip the scales to these beauties. @Rigid has been running his Shamals for over three years without so much as a tweak. And the black graphics on the Mille… the tits!
Nice wheelset! All black trumps black with silver brake track BIG time.
While I have a VMH these days, I made the smart move and picked up all my bikes when we were dating, I was only living with her part time, and I was in grad school making decent money as a teaching assistant. Now that I have a “real job” all the money goes towards things like the house, students loans, health care, the pet vet/food bills, etc.
Thank goodness I was smart enough to pick up so many nice steeds before the wedding date. Tommasini, Casati, LOOK, and DeBernardi were all acquired pre-June 17, 2012.
@brett
I did, it was a square Italia, steel frame, 1 inch steerer, Campy groupset, Record hubs with DT Swiss R1.1 rims. It was my first real road bike that fitted me, after my Cannonade, (Too big: also regret selling) and the more bikes I ride, the more I realise how good that bike was. I want another one now.
BTW Italia meant it was handmade in Italy. I would happily own one again.
@rfreese888
Since reading your post I have been playing with spreadsheets and possible year end bonus scenarios / scripts to justify outlay to the VH. I have also scheduled an N+1 consultation with one of my Sensei.
My God this is science. I need to get my N+1 now. How could I not see.
@brett
Yes, I have been on the Wheelworks case for a while. Even gone to the next step of sending emails and corresponded with Tristan re a set of 34’s with white ind hubs and twin red spokes at the valve to match SST paint.
Sadly, a busted oven, then hotplates, then fridge all within a fortnight screwed that little plan up.
But will be back in contact with him hopefully 2015
How cool is it that Roy Orbison was there on the same day checking out Eddy’s new bike as well. Must of been pre dark shades though.
@Barracuda
Fixed your post.
@brett
I see what you did there, clever.
In other news, Love your new bike !
Very … Very good choice. It is amazing that as a modern cyclist you try carbon bikes of this or that company .. but in the end when you have settled in your mind that this is gonna actually be the “last Bike”, the forever companion, you sum up all your experience and knowledge, all the reading you have done … and you go with custom steel. When aerodynamics are out of the equation and what you ask is the joy for the ride … and the joy of looking the little custom details of a custom frame … King Steel enters the room.
Excellent choice.
I second Bianchi Denti’s (and Homer Simpson’s) sentiments: * drool *
@Willburrox and @Kupepe: very well put.
I know I’m gonna get hung out to dry for this but the pic of Eddy just reminds me of Alan Partridge.
@minion mine has a similar build – Athena silver alloy gruppo, Record hubs (silver) on open pro rims, Ritchey Classic cockpit and post, white tape and saddle. It’s a neo-classic and I love it.
Will never trade the Super Acciaio but have decided to go for the Condor Baracchi for my next N+1. NEED the carbon magic carpet :-)
@eightace
I met with my sensei this morning and have been put back on the straight and narrow. Come hell or high water I am landing the carbon frame and gruppo in Q1.
I can then pull the rest of the package together in time for events in May / June. May have to use existing set of wheels temporarily but by end of 2015 the build will be complete.
@minion
I get where you’re coming from but there are two things in Eddy’s favor: He’s not a twat and has more than likely never been to Norfolk. The latter makes him a lucky, lucky man.
However, I think it is, in fact, David Coleman bending down in front of the Prophet – that comb-over is unmistakable!
@Nate
Ha! Fuck’in KILLED me, Mate! Totally read it in Yoda’s voice. Thanks for that!
@Barracuda
Holy SHIT! I did not even see his floating head there until you commented about it!
@wiscot
However, I think it is, in fact, David Coleman bending down in front of the Prophet – that comb-over is unmistakable!
Phew, thanks for clearing that up. I was thinking it was a younger Prince Charles.
@Teocalli
If it was Charlie boy, he’d be in the right position – on his knees in front of REAL royalty. Either that or he’s sniffing Camilla’s saddle.
@Jaegher
Oh I (or at least my wallet) really wish you hadn’t have said that…
@Buck Rogers
Glad the reference came thru!
@Nate
Damn I’m working too hard, I only just got that. Hangs head in shame.
Our friend at Campagnolo, Joshua, just casually dropped into the converstaion that he too is building a Jaegher… I’d seen his colour choice online and almost changed my bike to it… stunner.
Sorry, wrong thread. Still can’t believe no-one posted this on THIS thread. Great band, awesome song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnpILIIo9ek
@wiscot You just couldn’t resist it.
The link for Super Record gorgeousness takes me to Campag page where I find the text
“There’s no room for mistakes in Triathlons and Time Trials”
Please explain.
Follow up questions is, Steel bike, mechanical or electronic?
@brett shirley ya gonna get Bora Ultra’s?
@brett
Attaching the photo might help…
@piwakawaka
No, see where it says I’m getting Shamal Milles? I’m getting Shamal Milles…
@markpa
Mechanical.
@brett
The only Campy that I really, really want…but it would be so, so wrong.
@brett
STOP IT !
Yep, that works
@markpa
Mech. Absolutely. And this is coming from a guy with Di2 on two bikes and loves it. When I build up a modern steel framed bike it will be mechanical. Aesthetic reasons. Steel frame bikes have the classic look. Little servo motors, junction boxes, and skinny wires? Not particularly classic. My opinion.
Honestly, I suspect that asking that question here is kinda like asking, Wheels? Round or square?
@piwakawaka
But so, so right… (just requires changing the rest of your groupset. Easy.)
@Barracuda
nah, it’d clash with the orange in the V-kitte
@brett
well after this happened,
@brett
Fuck yeah. That grey finish? Not only does is look good – but if it’s anythink like similar treated braking surfaces (HED’s new Black Series, Mavic’s Exalith) it’s going to brake amazing in any weather. I’ve ridden Exalith wheels and they’re mind-blowingly good.
@piwakawaka
Campagnolo hears ya, that’s why they made Fulcrum. The Shamal Mille is also sold under the Fulcrum Racing Zero Nite label.
@brett
As they say, no accounting for taste and each to their own but I HATE that fucking seat tube.
I love yours soooo, so much more (esp if you went Full Orange-tard on the forks!)!!!
@unversio
Nope. As soon as I saw the title of the piece I heard Johnny Marr”s shimmering guitar in my head!
You know what, that checkered seat tube makes me think of fuckin Jonathon Vaughters in his dumbass argyle shit and hipster glasses. Fugly motherfucker.
(not that I have a strong opinion about it or anything)
@Buck Rogers
I was thinking more the base colour with orange instead of red. And without the seat tube details. I still think it looks great though, but my colour is staying grey/V.
The latest bit of Jaegher porn almost has me reconsidering my paint choice! Holy Toledo that’s nice…
@piwakawaka
Seems you’re not the only one with DuraAce cassette issues…
@brett
To my eye that looks like a cassette that was well worn past replacement anyway?