Despite being a bald, visually challenged Velominatus, I envy only one other man from the peloton past. The only man who could pull off the historically near-impossible chrome-dome/ponytail combination, and couple it with a pair of wire-rimmed reading glasses yet still manage to exude a lethal concoction of Gallic style, hardness and pure V that could defeat opponents with its very presence.
Even the cobbles here in the 89 Paris-Roubaix are being blown dry by the force of The Professor’s big ring whirlpool, floating millimeters above the surface and forcing the rider he’s just passed into a muddy pit of broken stones while he continues his assault down the middle, on the crown.
Though he rode for teams with some of the most unflattering kits ever, The Professor always managed to look immaculate. This is just another example. He was a template for The Rules long before any notion of them was ever dreamed of. Except of course Rule #36, which he naturally transcends and earns him an automatic pass on account of his sheer badassness.
I’m tempted to dig out my very first pair of prescription specs, similar to these and which I would’ve acquired around that time, and rock them in honour of Le Prof on our Roubaix ride on Keepers Tour 13 next April. The ponytail, well I’d be wise to not attempt that one…
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@frank
I think what you are saying is (1) less likely to drop the chain; (2) better than a single ring because you might be able to get it back on without stopping and (3) a pro doesn't need 39t on that course. That's my understanding, for whatever it's worth -- less than yours, I haven't ridden the fucking things.
@Nate
I loved that book. I bought it as reading material for the plane trip to Europe for a vacation with the wife. She ended up being a little miffed because I didn't stop reading when we got off the plane, largely ignored her and wound up finishing it in 3 sittings.
@unversio It would be a 753, or possibly even 853, although I'm not certain if that was in use when that photo was taken.
@frank
Not only that, but didn't multiple riders from other teams ride aero bars for the first ITT at the '89 tdf?
@Oli
It is bordering on the perfect looking bike. Finally in the clipless era but pre-ergo shifitng. When brake cables were first run under the bar tape. It's mean and clean.
@Gianni White Witch Hoods! Those Campagnolo levers!
@frank
Sounds like you are threatening this from a dark alley. "I don't want any trouble mister..."
@unversio
Exactly, the white hoods on Campagnolo levers. I bought a pair of those exact levers from a friend who must have been upgrading to first generation ergo. They were beautiful.
@brett
You mean 1.609 km. Rule 24
@Gianni
I want to say 8-speed as well. I built up a Pinarello in 91 with what I refer to as 8-speed Athena/Chorus. Campagnolo was good about upgrading their gruppos anytime the component design shifted forward.