When you see a bike like this, you realize why people like me like steel road bikes so much.
I spotted this Pinarello, which appears to be from the '80's or early '90's, parked near the site of the former World Trade Center.
It's not so unusual to see old racing bikes re-purposed as commuters. It's most commonly done by replacing the dropped bars with flat ones, as the owner of this bike did. However, I'm seeing more old road bikes with "mustache" bars or the Velo Orange Porteur (which I love).
But it's still fairly unusual to see full fenders on road bikes from the '80's or later, with their short wheelbases and tight clearances. Older racing bikes, like the Peugeot PX-10 and Raleigh International, were made to accommodate protection from the elements.
That's why I was fascinated to see the Velo Orange hammered fenders on this Pinarello. They're narrower than the ones I have on Helene and Vera, but of the same style. It's funny how it can make what had been a flashy racing machine into a classy, classic commuter.
Nice, but in the same class as using an aging racehorse to plow the back 40.
ReplyDeleteWith no fender eyelets, the owner resorted to P-clamps, which I think look fine. And those tires look a bit wider than the typical 23mm racing tires. Modern racers probably lack the clearnce for such alterations.
ReplyDeleteFor my new-to-me commuter, I went the opposite direction: I fitted moustache bars, a dirt drop stem and skinny Ritchey Tom Slick tires (and SKS fenders) on a Bridgestone MB3. Bought them at Riv HQ and even talked to Grant while I was there. I really like the moustache bars. They're very comfortable.
That's awesome! Gives the rider the quick handling they may need in the city.
ReplyDeleteSteve-- On one hand, I agree with you. On the other, I'm happy to see that if a bike can be so re-purposed, it can be done in such an elegant way.
ReplyDeleteMT--Your conversion sounds like a good one. I agree about the P-clamps.
Christopher--That's exactly the reason why some people like to use racing bikes as city bikes--and why messengers often ride track bikes.