ROAD TEST

ENTRY-LEVELStarting Up Keeps Getting Easier, Not To MentionRACERSCheaper club riding. With less twitchy steering than EX, 912, 600, and BMX By John Kukoda full-bore, usually-more-costly criterium rac- Products Mangusta. ers, entry4evel bikes are also ideal for triath- These five examples share several features lon competition - they're fast and climb common to most bikes designed for begin- well, yet are willing to hold a straight line ning racers. All are equipped with narrow Entry-level racing bikes are not just for en- without the need for unwavering attention clinchers in 7000 diameter, which facilitar~ try-level racers. Sure, their short wheelbases at the handlebars . quick changes to sew-up wheels. All have" and maneuverable handling are ideal for For more details on the attributes of the wheelbases of between 39 and 40 inches. someone about to enter the close-quarters entry-level racer, see Thomas Prehn's accom- Any shorter and you have an all-out racing jostling of a novice peloton. But this class of panying article. For some straight talk about bike; any longer and you're talking sedate not quite all-out racing bike is also the bike five examples of the breed, read on, as we sport tourer. All five also include fender eye- of choice for just plain hard training and examine the Bianchi Stelvio, Nashbar Sport lets front and rear on the dropouts . They're

90 BICYCLING

With the classic Italian road feel of four-figure

superbikes, the $420 Bianchi Stelvio (left) is

enough bike for any beginning racer. Campy's

shift with authority. Modolo Corso brakes

(left, bottom) provide enough stopping power, but the

Stelvio's confident handling discourages their overuse.

Brilliant sunshine brings out the best of the burgundy

and chrome Nashbar Sport EX (above), and the bike's

components perform flawlessly. Nashbar's made-in-

Japan Sport EX (right) shows off dean lug work by

Moruishi .

J U L Y 1985 9 1 unfashionable among racing cyclists and are The beefiest triple-butted tubing in town makes the seldom found on more expensive road bikes, Miyata 912 (above) a terror under a strong rider. but they do make it easy to attach fenders for comfortable wet-weather training and a After you've admired the Miyata's attractive two-tone rack for a day-tour or a quick trip to the store. gray with block paint combination (left) , take note of

Bianchi Stelvio the beefy, crash-proof 1.2-mm down tube and the neat Designing the Stelvio was as easy for Bian- chi as dusting off the spec charts from their lug work . most successful road racers. While the Japa- nese look to their often massive research and development departments for de- signs, this Italian giant looks no further than the real-world proving grounds of the Giro d'Italia or Paris-Roubaix for confirmation of what works and what doesn't. The Stelvio is a comfortable road bike in the time-tested European tradition. The frame, made of Columbus double-butted Aelle R carbon-manganese steel tubing, is

92 BICYCLING

The $310 Bridgestone 600 (above) proved a little beefed up with a heavy 1.0-0.7-1.0-millimeter down tube and ultra-rigid 1.0-millimeter skittish in high-speed descents, a trade-off for its chainstays. Efficient climbing and enough ri- excellent low-speed maneuverability. Silver- paint gidity for flex-free sprinting are the inevita- gray ble result of this enlightened design, but the is accented by the rich brown saddle and handlebar bike somehow still offers enough comfort for those long rides. tape. Self-centering brakes on the Bridgestone (right) Handling is quick but not scary, thanks to the 74-degree head angle and 1 3/4 inches of make rubbing brake shoes a thing of the past-a fork rake. The combination results in 2.01 inches of trail, just enough to keep straight- boon for cyclists who would rather ride than work line riding from being a chore without can- celing out maneuverability. I liked the Stel- on their bikes. v-io's ride the best of this month's test bikes because of the ideal combination of stiffness, comfort, and maneuverability. Bianchi has bucked the trend toward slap- ping on a Cyclone or 600 EX gruppo, an al- most universal feature of bikes in this price range. Instead, the Stelvio is all-Italian, save for a little international cooperation from

0 t Y 1985 93 Beauty is more than skin deep with the brilliant the French,who provide the Mavic E2 rims and Wolber Rallye tires. The Gallic Lyotard chrome Mangusta (top). This all-European, X399 road pedals could cause problems for cyclists with narrow cleat slots on their shoes. I racer proved the best compromise of handling, found my cheapie commuter cleats fit nicely over the thick shoe plates, but the cleats of acceleration and comfort. At 22.8 pounds, its also this my Vittoria SLs did not. So take your shoes to the shop or risk some pre-ride filing to month's lightest bike . Mangusto's seat tube (left) open up the slots. The drivetrain is highlighted by Regina's tapers to fit the typically French 25 .4-mm seatpost. A new BX series freewheel, a simplified and updated version of its popular Corsa/Oro clean fastback desi gn joins the pencil-thin stays to the lines. It's paired with the old standby Regina Corsa black chain to make the bike shift with lugless seat cluster. authority. The heavy-plate chain drops onto the cogs with a solid, satisfying clunk. Cam- pagnolo Triomphe derailleurs also lend their shifting ease and hallowed name to the drive- train, which is rounded out by an economi- cal but functional Ofmega Brilliance crank- set.

94 BICYCLING

BIANCHI STELVIO over-eager steering of a track sprint or cri- SL's 0.7-millimeter rear triangle members) ROAD TEST GRAPHIC EVALUATION FORM terium racer, you'll feel at home on the Sport helps stiffen the frame for acceptable rigidity HANDLING EX. With a 74-degree head angle and two in sprints and climbs . inches of fork rake, there's a scant 1.75 Nashbar's component selection also saves

HIGH SPEED DESCENT inches of trail to keep the front wheel on the them money without sacrificing perfor- straight and narrow. This compares to the 2 mance -they've equipped the bike with the to 2.5 inches of trail found LOW SPEED STABILITY on most road rac- complete 600 EX gruppo. We're ers. Whether this poses a problem depends not even going to talk about how well this on whether you CORNERING like twitchy bikes. I didn't equipment works since we've discussed its love the handling, but I could ride it with- value more than enough in past issues . out incident. CLIMBING As a mail-order firm, Nashbar is able to of- For a bike with clincher tires, Arni and fer bikes to the consumer at a price closer to I i I i I I I I I Co.'s Sport EX accelerates pretty well. Its manufacturing cost since there's no dealer climbing and sprinting capabilities aren't 1 2 3 4 5 ex- markup involved. That's good news for you actly awe-inspiring but are adequate for en- but bad news for the bike shop owners MECHANICS try-level amateur racing and certainly for trying to make a living on most bikes' serious training or triathlons. That the Sport 35 percent markup . You want an earful? FRONT SHIFTING EX rivals four-figure Italian racers in the Walk into your local bike shop and ask them looks department is probably its strongest what they think of mail-order bikes. If you BEAR SHIFTING selling point. The paint is deep and lustrous don't have time for the full course, let me in the sunlight; the lug work is clean; and summarize. CONTROL LEVERS chrome forks never fail to please the eye. First, you're buying a bike literally sight From its twin water bottle braze-ons to its unseen, without the benefit of a proper fit- BRAKES 13-24T freewheel and 42/53T chainrings, the ting, and more importantly, a test ride. Ge- Sport EX is ready to roll up to the starting ometry and specs tell you a lot, but even the OVERALL MECHANICAL line as is. The more serious competitors will wizards at Bicycling can't always predict be pleased to note that the Nashbar, like all how a bike will feel just from the numbers. OVERALL ROAD FEEL this month's bikes, simplifies changing from If we could, we wouldn't have to venture clinchers to sew-up wheels, thanks to the forth in the cold and snow for winter issue I I I I I I I I I I I standard six-speed rear dropout spacing and test rides! 7000 clincher wheel diameters. A shopkeeper's second point would likely y In case anyone believes otherwise, none be that there are no free setup and 30-day fol- Too bad the Stelvio colors don't live up to of the smiling gang you see in the Bike Nash- low-up with mail-order bikes, no patient their billing. Calling the bright paint color bar catalogs earns a paycheck by brazing and shop mechanic to explain how to adjust the "Ferrari red" conjures up visions of low- filing Nashbar frames in the back shop. The derailleurs or raise the stem, and no instant slung, 160 mph speedsters, but to our eye Sport EX is made in by Maruishi, recourse if a part proves defective. this red is more plain Jane than Gianella whose own entry-level racer won praise as a We agree these are valid criticisms of mail- bella. The other color option, "Milano gray," stiff, responsive, all-around road bike in our order bikes in general. Our test bike came looks classier but a little commonplace last Buyer's Guide issue. equipped with a seatpost that was too small, among the racks of similar gray bikes. Sadly How is Nashbar able to offer the Sport EX an error one road tester discovered when he for us traditionalists, Bianchi chooses to re- for $110 less than "you'd expect"? First, let's twisted off the seatpost bolt trying to secure serve its signature Celeste green color for its look at the frame, constructed ofTange Infin- the post. If the bike came from a local shop, higher-priced racing models. ity chrome-moly, double-butted tubing . In- the unhappy customer could just wheel the finity is one ofTange's seamed, chrome-moly bike back inside and Nashbar Sport EX walk out with a new tubesets, which is less costly than its seam- seatpost and bolt. With mail order, the cy- Let's start by setting the record straight : less Champion line. If seamed tubing makes clist would be spending, at best, a few days The Nashbar Sport EX is not one of the you think ofdepartment store bikes with vis- staring intently down the road for that big, "finest in the world!" as the ads ible weld-lines running the length of the brown United Parcel Service truck to bring proclaim . stays, think again. There's no seam visible, replacement parts. That bit of Madison Avenue hyperbole either inside or outside the tubes. And, mod- Before anyone imparts an unintended sig- aside, this mail-order road racer offers a lot ern seamed tubing is only slightly less strong nificance to a single mail-order bike mistak- of bike for the buck: a complete Shimano and effective for bicycle construction than enly shipped with a wrong-sized seatpost, let 600 EX gruppo, a chrome-moly frame, tight seamless tubing. (Shotgun barrels are a dif- me add that I once bought a $600 racing geometry, and rich burgundy brown paint ferent story.) bike at a large, well-respected Gulf Coast pro set off by a chrome fork. Its ad's other claim, The Infinity set's tube gauges are identical shop, only to discover later that someone "More bike than you'd expect for $530 . . . to Tange's Champion No. 2 seamless tubing: had deliberately crimped the seat tube only $420," is closer to the mark. 0.9-0.6-0.9-millimeter main tubes, 0.8-milli- around a 26.8-millimeter seatpost inste, ' This is not a bike for leisurely daydream- meter chainstays and seatstays, and 1.0-mil- of using the required 27.2-millimeter size. ing. A novice cyclist, used to communing limeter fork blades. While I personally prefer Admittedly, that's a rare occurrence, but it with nature while pedaling a bike that prac- a heavier-gauge down tube to help counter- happened. tically steers itself, could wind up in the act the weighty effect of too-frequent pit To counteract the lack of in-shop service bushes on the Nashbar if he's inattentive - stops at doughnut shops, the use of relatively for its products, Nashbar is currently at- it's that twitchy. But ifyou enjoy the slithery, heavy 0.8-millimeter stays (versus Columbus tempting to organize a nationwide network

96 BICYCLING SANREMO : THE ROOF-CARRIER NOW WITH IMPROVED, MICRO ADJUSTING FRONT WHEEL HO4DER IN, ALUMINUM. NASHBAR SPORT EX MIYATA 912 HIGHEST QUALITY CAST ALUMINUM ENSURES ROAD TEST GRAPHIC EVALUATION FORM ROAD TEST GRAPHIC EVALUATION FORM PERFECT RTTING FOR HANDLING HANDLING BICYCLES WITH OR. FIXINGS FOR SKI, SURF AND CANOE NOW HIGH SPEED DESCENT AVAILABLE ELITES ELEGANT ITALIAN LOW SPEED STABILITY DESIGN TOUCH IS CLEARLY LEVIDENT. CORNERING

CLIMBING

1 I I 1 I I I 1 i I i I

1 2 3 4 5 MECHANICS MECHANICS

FRONT SHIFTING FRONT SHIFTING "e~

REAR SHIFTING REAR SHIFTING

CONTROL LEVERS CONTROL LEVERS

BRAKES BRAKES

OVERALL MECHANICAL OVERALL MECHANICAL

OVERALL ROAD FEEL OVERALL ROAD FEEL

1 1 1 1 1 +__1

1 2 3 4 5 of "certified installers" -local bike mechan- suggest a race strategy: Get to the front im- ics who would install parts and service bikes mediately and stay there, because the bike for customers at reduced rates. The jury's isn't that anxious to comply with instant de- still out on this one. mands to sidestep ugly crashes or change As for selecting a bike sight unseen, we lines through 90-degree corners when the agree it's not an ideal situation for someone "wandering weenie" just ahead cuts into new to the bike market. But if you know your path. enough about cycling to make a decision On the other hand, the relatively long based on listed frame dimensions and com- wheelbase and no-hands stability make the ponents, the generally lower price of mail- 912 a fine bike for long road courses over order bikes may outweigh the loss ofperson- varied terrain. That 40 inches between hubs alized service and a pre-purchase spin allows for a lot of shock absorption, as does around the block. the generous fork rake. That's intentional, ac- cording to Jim Reid, sales manager for Miyata Miyata 912 of America, because the frame is built With its even 40-inch wheelbase and 72- around some pretty stiff, unforgiving tubes. degree head angle, the Miyata 912's frame Raw Miyata tubing comes from the same Jap- might be more at home in a review of sport anese mill that supplies Tange and Ishiwata, tourers or triathlon bikes than among this but there the similarity ends. Using state-of- month's bevy of entry-level racers. That is, the-art, in-house reworking and laser cutting until you remember that Lucien Van Impe machinery, Miyata butts, cuts and miters the won the Tour de France on a bike with a raw stock to its own specifications . 72-degree head angle. Still, the $499 model For example, all three main tubes are tri- 912 is race-worthy and probably far safer ple-butted, and all three are different. The for a beginning racer than a more twitchy top tube starts with a 0.9-millimeter thick t)oneshaker. section up front, tapers to 0.6 millimeters, Outfitted with a full Shimano 600 EX then thickens again to 0.7 millimeters at the gruppo, a moderately tight 13-24T freewheel seat cluster. The seat tube, single-butted on and a Bernard Hinault Turbo racing saddle, most bikes, has a hefty 1.0-millimeter wall the Miyata needs only the strong legs of a thickness at the bottom bracket before thin- licensed rider to join the fray. We can even I ping to a 0.7-millimeter central section. The seatpost end is 0.8 millimeters . But it's the 1.0-0.9-1 .2-millimeter, triple-butted down tube that makes the most sense. Intuition would dictate putting that thick end into the CHOOSING AN bottom bracket to stiffen it, right? Wrong. Reid says Miyata's tests showed that the 1.2- millimeter section located at the head tube ENTRY-LEVEL end held the bottom bracket in check better than the other way around . I'm a bikie, not a slide rule jockey, so I RACING BIKE sought out the expertise of our resident frame builder, Jim Redcay. He says savvy If you're in the market for a bicycle that will get you started in racing, you'll be pleasantly builders have always used the longer, butted surprised, if not a bit overwhelmed, with the current selection . The showrooms of quality bike shops are stocked full of entry-level racing machines that just a few years ago did not end of a double-butted down tube at the exist. With advances in technology and marketplace competition, the price of these bikes has head tube end for the same reason. What become quite reasonable, ranging from well under $400 to around $700 . happens, he explains, is that the down tube The bicycle frame is really the heart of what you are investing in . All the components, acts as a torque lever for pedaling forces, wheels, pedals, et cetera . can be changed or upgraded as your racing involvement becomes increasing the stress at the other end - at more sophisticated . the head tube. The real secret to down tube What you'll need to look for is a frame with a tight wheelbase ranging from about 39 to 40 stiffness, Redcay says, is stiffening up the inches and angles in the range of 73 to 74 degrees in the middle sizes. Small and large frames head/down tube joint and the upper fork will vary up to a degree from that spread to accommodate design requirements in these sizes. blades. So much for intuition. With double- or triple-butted tubing available these days on even $-100 bikes, it's probably not necessary to save money on a less expensive frame with straight-gauge members Butting The long, beefy front sections of the top . means the wall thickness of the tubes is greater at the ends, where they join the other tubes, and down tubes also "bulletproof the front than in the middle where there is less stress. While you can't actually see this because it's end against a collision," Reid adds. At the up- inside the tube, most frames that have this feature will also have a sticker on the bicycle frame per end of the down tube, the extended butt indicating so. also provides a solid base for the brazed-on Strong riders, especially those weighing 170 pounds or more, may benefit more from a shift lever bosses, a weak point on many heavier but stiffer frame - achieved either with thicker-gauge butted or straight gauge tubes frames. Specially-designed, investment cast - than from owning a superlight "flexible flyer." lugs complete the bombproof frame design . The dropouts, where the wheels fit into the frame, should be of forged metal rather than Not surprisingly, the 912 didn't mind a bit stamped steel. The rear dropouts should have micro-adjusting screws so the placement of the when I grudgingly coaxed myself out of the rear wheel can be fine-tuned . saddle for some dreaded intervals. This is Rolling Along one rigid frame all right, but as Reid claims, The wheels constitute the second most important part of the entry-level bicycle and perhaps there's a modicum of comfort left over. The your biggest buying decision . Your choice is between the more conventional "clincher" wheel, bike is stiff enough for racing, but triathlons with its separate inner tube and tire, and the racier "tubular" or "sew-up" tire . are probably its most appropriate use since In the past, clinchers were durable but fat, heavy, and handled poorly . With recent advance- the stability that hampers elbow-to-elbow ments in design and materials, however, they've become a more attractive and practical choice peloton riding is a benefit to solitary efforts for the entry-level racer. The finest clinchers have rolling resistance that is comparable to all contre la montre (against the clock). but the most expensive tubular tires, as well as excellent cornering adhesion . Clincher wheel/ If looks are important, you'll be pleased tire combinations are still a little heavier than tubular afieel/tire pairings and therefore a slight by the bike's silver with red color scheme . handicap in criteriums and other races where acceleration is important . Even so, most entry- Metallic black with silver-gray is a second level racing bikes tend to come equipped with clinchers . For those aspiring racers who are a bit more daring or certain about their commitment to color option. the sport, I recommend tubulars . You will feel the difference in speed and handling right away, Bridgestone 600 because of the lighter, more pliable tire and the generally lighter rim .Just make sure you know how to glue on the tires and carry a pump and a spare tire with you on rides. High-quality Stability in a bike is its tendency to hold a sew-ups are no more puncture-prone than lightweight, skinA-all clinchers . Note that I specified straight line. Maneuverability is the measure "high-quality" sew-ups . While the $10 cheapie tubulars are okay for training, they do tend to ofhow readily it changes course when asked. wear out quickly and have an uncanny way of attracting road glass and gravel . Bridgestone has managed to build an entry- Many beginning racers who need to be thrifty with their equipment dollars solve the level racer with lots of low-speed maneuver- dilemma by using both clinchers and tubulars . The set of lighter, faster, and more expensive ability, but the bike comes up a little shy on tubular wheels is saved for racing. stability during high-speed descents. The Most beginning racers need a closely-spaced freewheel like a 13-14-15-17-19-21T Unless you're going to climbing model 600 is an eager bike eager to be some incredible mountain, the closer gears are essential for $370 - keeping your legs spinning at a more even cadence . comply with the rider's wishes but a little If your prospective bike's pedals do not include toe clips, you'll want to make sure they can over-eager to assert itself through tricky, be installed. winding turns when the rider most likely has Shop around and ask a lot of questions . Most importantly, ride the bikes and get a feel for his own ideas on how to get safely around comfort, response, and performance . Soon you'll be able to spot the quality bicycles from the the next bend . rest of the pack.0 Let's look at the specs on this one. With a By Thomas Prehn 74-degree head angle on our 23-inch test Thomas Prebn is a member of the US. National Cycling Team and a Contributing Editor qfBicwling. bike, the 1 7/8 inches of fork rake give only 1 .88 inches of trail, more than the Nashbar,

100 B I Cl'C L I 1 G

BRIDGESTONE 600 18T or 13-21T would come in handy for flat- brown anodized rims. A light "pearl blue" ROAD TEST GRAPHIC EVALUATION FORM ter courses. Save the 12-17 for your next paint finish is also offered. But the pleasing ~',ANDLING bike, when you make it to Category 11. paint is eclipsed, upon close scrutiny, by Most unusual were the Bridgestone SC some sloppy inattention to filing where the self-centering brake calipers, which HIGH SPEED DESCENT use rear dropouts plug into the chainstays. The some clever lever action to align both brake fork crown could also do with some rede- shoes an equal distance from the rim every signing, or at least filing, to thin out its 2.5- LOW SPEED'STABILITY time the levers are squeezed. millimeter thick edges for a more attractive The visually striking choice of a "silver transition to the chrome-moly fork blades. CORNERING gray" is accented by a rich brown suede sad- The rest of the lug work was acceptable for dle and matching cloth tape and copper- a mass-produced bike. CLIMBING

MECHANICS ISCASELLE & ITALMANUBRI

but still less than ideal. Most racing bikes have slightly more than 2 inches of trail for a suitable combination of maneuverability and sure tracking through turns. A little crib- bing from Italian front-end geometry would be in order here. Still, the Bridgestone isn't all that far off the mark. The handling is not dangerous, only different from that of most similar entry- level racers we've ridden . The bike climbs and sprints well enough and absorbs a rea- sonable amount of road shock, thanks to the the winning combination triple-butted main tubes. The 600's down Iscaselle and Italmanubri are synonyms all over the world for a tube, at 1.0-.7-.8 millimeters, isn't quite as wide and prestigious range of saddles and handlebars for racing, heavy as the Miyata's, but maybe the Bridge- tourism, cross and mountain bicycles. stone doesn't need the extra beef with its Features of the entire production range are the extremely half-inch shorter wheelbase. Of course, we functional and original design and the use of carefully selected materials. now know the 1.0-millimeter end goes Iscaselle and Italmanubri, the combination which always ensures s against the head tube, not into the bottom you're right on your bike! bracket shell, right? Right. The single-butted seat tube does put a full 1.0 millimeter of wall thickness into the bottom bracket shell, though. All four stays are 0.8 millimeters, id the fork blades are 1.0 millimeter. Mechanically, we liked the performance of t" the SunTour Cyclone derailleurs but ques- CO-! ,.We GIPI tion the Perfect freewheel's 14-28T tooth eAd'swiTOP range, which is too wide and low for a racing bike. A 13- or 14-24T is about as low as even italian style for your bike a novice racer should ever need, and a 13- OMNIBIKE INC. P.O. BOX 37426 HOUSTON - TEXAS " 77237 PHONE (713) 975-9000

1 u L v 1985 105

Mongoose Mangusta MONGOOSE MECHANICS ROAD TEST GRAPHIC EVALUATION FORM You say you like a bike with a lot of HANDLING chrome? Put on your sunglasses and check out the Mangusta from BMX Products, the HIGH SPEED DESCENT first lightweight road bike from a company well-respected for its dirt track racers. But LOW SPEED STABILITY prepubescent racers of Mongoose dirt bikes grow up, so Skip Hess & Son has expanded CORNERING the company's horizons (and market). Its all-chrome Mongoose ATB stole the show CLIMBING in our 1985 Buyer's Guide (January/Feb-

ruary) ; now their equally flashy, all-chrome I i I I I I 1 ...... L. . . . . I I I entry-level racer is about to score big in 1 2 3 4 55 this road test. Mangusta is Italian for Mongoose, but a more appropriate name would be Mangouste filets on the inside of the joints. The seat since the bike is completely French, save for cluster is unique not only for its lugless con- the Campy 980 derailleurs, Nuovo Record struction, but also for the pencil-thin, dou- Ifyou prefer flashy, attention-getting bikes, levers, and West German Weinmann brakes. ble taper seatstays that join in a neat fastback you'll like the Mangusta. If responsive han- The frame, built for BMX by Motobecane, design and for a seat tube whose outside di- dling and performance are important, you'll shares several uncommon features with the ameter tapers down to accommodate the love it. At only 22.85 pounds, it's the lightest French firm's own Mirage Sport. First, there odd-sized, typically French, 25.4-millimeter bike in the test. It's also the best all-around are no lugs, a fact that's not readily apparent Atax seatpost. compromise of race-quality handling, long- at a glance . Instead, there are lug-like rein- A second feature shared with Motobecane haul comfort, and quick acceleration. The forcing sleeves at the head tube, but the is routing ofthe rear brake cable through the Bianchi maneuvered slightly quicker and felt frame members are actually joined by a spe- top tube - a feature common to costly cus- a bit stiffer in the bottom bracket under hard cial, lugless technique with small, neat filet tom frames but seldom found on bikes in this pedaling, but both the Italian and the brazing on the exterior and more substantial price range. pseudo-Italian descended and cornered with

ITS A JUNGLE OUT THERE It's getting tougher and tougher for today's cyclist-especially in an urban environment where, often, the only rule is survival of the fittest. Let's face it, a lot of peoples' driving habits are pretty beastly, and to protect yourself in the "concrete jungle," you need the right helmet . . . a Bell bicycle helmet . What sets Bell helmets apart from a "herd" of competitive bicy- cle helmets is state-of-the-art design and protection, cou- pled with innovative features . Take the TourLite worn by our intrepid "jungle rider." It features flow-through ventila- tion; pad-fit sizing; and high- visibility, reflective graphics -all designed to provide the cyclist with cool, confident protection. And that can be the edge that will keep you "fit" for survival. ~7TDURIItPreally is a jungle out there, and every cyclist should wear a It helmet . Bell bicycle helmets can help today's cyclist tame that jungle and make bicycle riding safer and more pleasant for everyone . Bell Helmets, Inc. 15301 Shoemaker Avenue, Norwalk, California 90650

106 BICYCLING

equal finesse. You could strap my feet to ei- though, with the equally Gallic Maillard free- the pan for BMX Products or the start of ther bike and I would pedal away content. If wheel, climbing from the 13-tooth high to something big? "Hopefully (it's) the first of I want to impress the club, I'd take the shiny the 26-tooth low cogs without complaint. A many road bikes," Skip Hess, Jr. reports. "We _liangusta over the Bianchi. closer ratio racing freewheel would not only have quite a few on the boards ." The Campy shifts adequately, provide more useful gearing, it would also Keep it up, and you'll have to change your even with the handicap of a flexible Sedis- shift even better. company name to something more Conti- port chain. The French links do mesh well, Is this excellent bargain of a bike a flash in nental. Prodotti BMX, perhaps?

Bianchi Stelvio Rims Mavic Module E2 7000-by-25 mm, 430 gr Bridgestone 600 Tires -Wolber Rallye 7000-by-23 Ithported by : Vespa of America Corp . mm, 385 gr Imported by: Drivetrain Bridgestone Cycle (U.S .A .), Inc. 385 Oyster Point Blvd . 15003 Wicks Blvd . Derailleurs Triomphe So. San Francisco, CA 94080 San Leandro, CA Chain - Regina Corsa black 94577 Suggested Retail Price: $420 - Ofmega Brilliante 42/52, 170 mm Suggested Retail Price: $370 Freewheel _ Regina Extra BX Sizes Available: 49, 53, 56, 59 and 63 cm ; size tested, Components Sizes Available: 19, 21, 23 and 25 inches ; size tested, cm 56 Pedals Lyotard 82 23-inch Seatpost Weight: 24 pounds 3TTT RSR Saddle Selle Italia Aero with cover Weight: 23 .7 pounds Brakes Modolo Corsa Frame: Columbus Aelle R double-butted carbon-man- Frame: triple-butted chrome-moly main Bar/stem Italmanubri Mundial 40 cm handlebar, tubes, chrome- ganese tubing moly forks and stays Wheelbase Italmanubri 10 cm stem 39 1/4 inches Wheelbase 39 1/2 inches Seat tube 56 cm Seat tube 23 inches Top tube 55 cm Top tube 22 inches Head angle Gearing in Gear Inches _ 74 degrees Head angle 74 degrees Seat angle - 75 degrees Seat angle 75 degrees Chainstays 16 1/4 inches Chainstays 16 1/4 inches Bottom bracket height 10 5/8 inches Bottom bracket height 10 1/2 inches Fork rake 1 3/4 inches Fork rake 1 7/8 inches Trail 2.01 inches Trail 1.88 inches Wheels Wheels Hubs Ofmega Mundial, small-flange Hubs Sanshin Gyromaster, small-flange, QR front and rear, 125 mm over locknut QR front and rear, 125 mm over locknut Spokes 36, 4-cross front and rear Spokes 36, 4-cross front and rear

MULTI-PURPOSESuperLUBRICANT WITHh*TEFLON°

SUPER LUBEc CONTAINS NO PETROLEUM PRODUCTS. It is biodegradable and, like your bike, ecologically sound. SUPER LUBE- resists even warm and hot water. Hose off road grime, MX mud, Flick down a FlickstandT'and yourbicycle quickly beach sand and winter slushwithout removing SUPER LURE° protection against rust and corrosion. becomes a rigid panel that can be leaned anywhere, SUPER LUBE. will not break down in desert heat or frigid cold, from 6501 in the without the danger ofdamaging shade to 65° below zero. falls. THE HARDER YOU USE YOUR BIKE, THE MORE IT DESERVES SUPER LUBEJ Weighing a scant 23 grams (that makes it less than an ounce ofprevention!), the Flickstand is made of Dealer Inquiries Invited durable Zytel STthatwont mar your frame's finish. For a free sample, write to Dept . 1 'Ib receive our latest color Super Lube® Inc. catalog and the name of the 24 DaVinci Drive dealer nearest you, call toll-free Bohemia, N .Y. 11716 1-800-HOT GEAR. Supertube is a registered trademark of Synco Chemical Corp. The advantage is obvious Teflon"'- is a registered trademark of E.I . duRont de Nemours Corp . Box 1087, Providence,R.I.02901 a In Canada: Outdoor Gear,Montreal.

) u I y 1985 10 7

Rims _Araya 20A 7000-by-20 mm Brakes Bridgestone SC (Self-Centering) Miyata 912 Tires Bridgestone 7000-by-25 mm calipers, Dia-Compe levers Imported by: Miyata Bicycle of America, Inc. skinwall, 100 psi Drivetrain 2526 W. Pratt Blvd. Gearing in Gear Inches Elk Grove, IL 60007 Derailleurs SunTour Cyclone Chain Izumi Suggested Retail Price: $499 Crankset SR CRC-100, 42/52, 170 mm Freewheel SunTour Perfect Sizes Available: 50, 54, 60 and cm ; size tested, Components 57, 63 cm Pedals KKT Pro Vic IIA 57 Seatpost SR Laprade Weight : 24 pounds Saddle Selle Italia Mundialita Bar/stem Sakae Custom Road Champion 39 cm Frame: Chrome-moly triple-butted main tubes, chrome- handlebar. SR Custom 8 cm stem moly fork blades and stays Wheelbase 40 inches Seat tube 57 cm Top tube 56.6 cm Head angle 72 degrees Seat angle 73 degrees Chainstays 16 1/2 inches Bottom bracket height 10 1/2 inches Fork rake 1 7/8 inches Trail 2 .37 inches Wheels Hubs Shimano 600 EX, low-flange, GIPIE ME QR front and rear, 125 mm over lockout Spokes 36, 3-cross front and rear Rims Ukai 7000-bv-25 mm, 480 gr Tires Miyata Record dual-hard 7000-by-20 mm, 270 gr, 100 psi Drivetrain Derailleurs _ Shimano 600 EX Chain Shimano Uniglide Crankset Shimano 600 EX, 42/52, 170 mm Freewheel - Shimano 600 EX Components Pedals Shimano 600 EX Seatpost Sakae CR Saddle Bernard Hinault Turbo Bar/stem Win Pista 39 cm handlebar, Kusaki 10 .5 cm stem Brakes Shimano 600 EX I

to break away from

Nashbar Sport EX the group'. Imported by : Bike Nashbar 215 Main St. A wide sophisticated range of bike components including : five New Middletown, OH 44442 complete groups, , pedals, hub sets, brakes, derailleurs, feewheel, seat post and headsets, and accessories to be brazed to the Suggested Retail Price: $420 frame. Sizes Available: 19, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 and 26 .5 inches; Gipiemme, greater prestige for your bike and new enthusiasm in size tested, 22-inch your cycling! s Weight: 22 .95 pounds

Frame: Tange Infinity seamed chrome-moly Wheelbase 39 3/8 inches Seat tube 22 inches Top tube 21 inches Head angle 74 degrees Seat angle 74 degree Chainstays 16 1/2 inches GIME Bottom bracket height 10 5/8 inches i(Ne Fork rake 2 inches rep Trail 1.75 inches Wheels owd"sw~ Hubs Shimano 600 EX, low-flange, italian style for your bike QR front and rear, 125 mm over lockout Spokes 36, 3-cross front and rear OMNIBIKE INC. P.O. BOX 37426 HOUSTON - TEXAS .77237 PHONE (713) 975-9000

108 BICYCLING LEADING EDCE Rims Araya 20 A 7000-by-20 mm, BUY THE black anodized, 435 gr Tires - IRC Roadlite, 7000-by-20 mm, 100 psi BEST _)rivetrain Derailleurs Shimano 600 EX Chain - Shimano Uniglide Crankset - Shimano 600 EX, 42/52, 170 mm Freewheel - Shimano 600 EX Components Pedals Shimano 600 EX " 1 .5 oz. GORE TEX* fabric Seatpost - SR Laprade " Polypropylene mesh back Saddle Vetta leather waterproofness Bar/stem - SR World Custom, 39 cm handlebar; " Fully seam taped for " Ventilating underarm zippers SR Aerox 8.5 cm stem Brakes Shimano 600 EX " Highly visible reflective piping " Better fitting three piece hood " Accessible 12 In. leg zippers " Arms, legs & back cut for cycling " Velcro® cuffs " Velcro® Storm flap overzipper " High protective collar " Luscious nylon lining ORDER Send S 1 .00 for our color DIRECT catalog featuring our TOLL full line of cycling, FREE running, swim wear Mongoose Mangusta and accessories . Imported by : BMX Products, Inc. 5152 N. Commerce Ave. Moorpark, CA 93021 '1 " 800 " 525 " 7525 Suggested Retail Price: $399 949 WALNUT ST. BOULDER, COLORADO 80302 GORE-TEX" is a registered trademark of W.L. Gore and Associates . Sizes Available: 19, 21, 23 and 25 inches : size tested, 23-inch

Weight : 22 .85 pounds

Frame: Columbus chrome-mole tubing, lugless construc- tion with internal/external fillet welds and reinforcing - TIND Money Back Guarantee - sleeves Wheelbase 39 1/2 inches Seat tube 58 cm Call Toll Free 1-800-334-1612 Top tube -57.4 cm I'M. in North Carolina 919-799-6444 Head angle 74 degrees Seat angle - 74 degrees " Ciocc & Guerciotti Bicycles Chainstavs 16 1/16 inches Bottom bracket height 10 5/8 inches " Bicycle Clothing & Accessories Fork rake 1 5/8 inches " Complete Pro Shop Trail -2.14 inches Wheels " Triathlon Gear Hubs Maillard low-flange, QR front and rear, 123 mm over locknut COD Spokes 36, 3-cross front and rear Rims Wolber Gentleman 81, 7000 . 490 gr Tires Michelin Bib TS 23 Drivetrain Derailleurs - Campagnolo 980 with Vuovo Record levers Chain Sedisport Crankset Stronglight 100, 42/52, 170 mm Freewheel Mail lard Components 1 Pedals Maillard CXC the Bicyclist's POSTER Seatpost - Atax one-bolt Saddle black suede 14" x 21" In Full Color Bar/stem Belled 41 cm handlebar: CTA stem Aluminum FRAME Optional- Brakes Weinmann 405 brakes with chrome-like finish .

Gearing in Gear Inches POSTER ONLY : $3 .95 ea . FRAMED : $16 .25 ea . (includes shipping-NY State res . add sales tax)

YES! Send me (qty): unframed framed Send check with order to : VANTAGE Communications Inc . (914) 358-0147 Box 546-Y Nyack, New York 10960 ext 335 Name Street Address City "The thrill is not just in winning, State - Zip but in the courage to join the race ." rh  , R,gh,, eoim i  , . CY75

1 U L Y 1985 109