Just registered for l'eroica in Chianti in October this year and am now looking for an affordable bike in my country, to train a little.
i wanted to ask if anybody can share their experience with the bike checks? how are the checks conducted? how thorough are the bike checks?
for example can i use a derailer from the 90s?? like exage 300ex or shimano 600…
here the relevant rule
6.1.b – Vintage-style or modern built bikes
Vintage-style, steel framed bikes of new or recent construction with vintage look and characteristics may be used only if they are road-racing bikes assembled using vintage components or replicated parts similar to the originals, as described above.
Bikes inspired by models from the 1970s and 80s, as described in point 6.1.a must respect the characteristics (a,b,c) regarding shift levers, toe clips and straps and brake cables.
what does similar mean? does it just have to look old or does it have to be actually old/reproduction?? is the check more like a quick formality or is it actually strict? i understand that the levers are too obvious if they are STI but derailer+cassette? does anybody actually look at that?
not because i want to cheat but because good vintage parts pre 1987 are a little too hyped and expensive for my budget here. i just want a cheap bike that will pass the check and let me enjoy the bellezza della fatica. id like to pay under 250€, but definitly under 350€
here is a specific example:
https://www.kleinanzeigen.de/s-anzeige/rennrad-arcade-rh-55/3275312870-217-28261
also i saw in videos that complete bikes are being sold on the spot in what seems to be Gaiole? How are the prices there? any experiences?
id really appreciate some first hand experience and am looking forward to perhaps meeting some of you there
by Marcus_Iunius_Brutus
7 Comments
No STI levers, and the brake cables are not allowed to run under the bar tape, need to go over the bars. You can find neglected road bikes for about €100 that will have most of the parts you need
Hey! We went last year and had an AMAZING time.
They do check bikes at the starting line, but as you mentioned it’s about the feel of those old bikes. Friction downtube shifters, toe clips, steel, outfit.
You may get away with later stuff if it “looks” right but why risk it?
We trained on our regular bikes at home and just rented a bike there. Made it much easier than trying to find a correct bike and bring it with us. Also you can leave your bike at the bike pickup and come get it race morning. Made it a LOT easier.
The bike market was amazing. I didn’t have a need for anything vintage at the time, now I do. But the prices were reasonable I’d say. Being from the US vintage bike parts seem cheaper in Italy as a whole. There full bike setups did seem a little pricey but they were in very good condition and probably worth it. There were also show quality bikes that cost as much as a car, so a little bit of everything.
PLEASE let me know if you have any questions. It was one of the best things I’ve ever experienced and hope I can help. There is very little info online we found.
Where do you live? I’m in Italy and FB marketplace has lots of vintage road bikes under 350€. For the bike you linked, the brake cable routing isn’t allowed – the cables can’t be under the tape. And it looks like some newer parts and some older parts, but hard to say the exact years.
I was also super worried about this but I found a Rossin that had been in someone’s garage forever. I came prepared to pay the $300 and walked away after having paid 125. I did the Heroic 120 miles or whatever with no issues. Super mellow atmosphere and wished I had found an even crappier bike and just rode from aid station to aid station for all the amazing people! Food was awesome. Bike show was so cool. Amazing time! Just do your best on the unwrapped cables I guess? Otherwise no big deal. I saw all sorts of modern equipment out there in various places filling in for the missing broken.
If any components it’s post 1987, it could be disqualified: STI was introduced in 1990, therefore is not allowed. Your best bet is to rent a bike there and enjoy the ride without too much hassle.
The components the rules allow for are parts that are specifically made to emulate the look and feel of bikes of the 70s with modern standards of engineering. Think safety and performance critical parts like brakes and levers, chainrings and freewheels. The design language of Shimano 600 Tricolor or Exage 300ex is specifically the kind of look that eroica exists in opposition to.
I was there last year and was also worried because i had some newer parts on my bike. But it turned out the bike check is just one second of looking down on the bike while going to the start line. As long as you don’t have wrapped brake cables and downtube shifters, I think you will be fine. Have fun in Gaiole, it’s great!