Expert Advice
In the mid nineties, I went to the gym and I hated being indoors. Running was hard, slow and boring. An entry-level bike got me hooked on cycling, and a Y2K bonus gave me the incentive to go to the next level. After searching around in 1999, I found Renegade Cycles could provide something tailored to my needs, rather than me adjusting to the bike.
Although I am average height, detailed body measurements were taken, and I was given a choice of bikes that suited my leg-to-torso ratio. Although they can also arrange custom built frames, it was as easy as picking a bike that suited my price range and they fitted it out with components and gear, that suited my build and cycling needs. (This Cinelli was originally displayed in a time-trial/triathlete configuration.)
A week was spent sourcing and changing-over the various components and hand-building a set of wheels that were strong enough for Australian roads, but light enough to climb mountains. When the bike was ready to pick up, a (no-charge) change of stem and saddle was made, to ensure that the bike fitted like a glove.
After 20,000km in nearly six years, the only replacement parts have been tyres, chain and bottom-bracket cartridge (upgraded to Athena). I swapped from SPD to Look pedals and fitted Spinaci bars.
Italian Connection
Not quite a Ferrari, but it is red and from Italy. The bike is a Cinelli Unica and is manufactured out of Columbus 'Brain' tubing. (This is one of the last steel framed Unicas. SInce 2000, they have been made out of aluminium, due to demands for a stiff and responsive bike.) There are probably two Cinelli bikes below it on the food chain, and three above it.
The gearset is also mid-range Italian, Campagnolo Veloce. Chosen for style as much as reliability and comfort. (Like the Holden vs. Ford and V8 vs. turbo factions, Campagnolo vs. Shimano arguments happen all around the world, and across all generations.)
What sets this apart from a racing bike, is the extra 30 tooth cog on the front chain ring, which is used on long and steep hills, to save my knees, thighs, heart and lungs. (This is the equivalent to the middle ratio on a mountain bike.) It allows me spin my legs effortlessly at 100rpm, rather than straining at 60 rpm. Unfortunately, the lower ratio means that I'm doing the same outright speed, so it isn't a magic formula. (Lance Armstrong also favours 100rpm, but at the higher ratio, with great results.)
Longer cranks (175mm) and a lower bottom bracket means that this bike is unsuitable for close racing, as the pedals would scrape around the tight fast corners. The Spinaci bars for extra hand positions while touring/training, are also illegal in races. (I'm currently trialling Profile triathlon bars for solo riding on expressways, but will switch back to the Spinaci bars, for comfort and safety, when riding in groups.)
And the rest ...
Just the usual reliable, 'classic' finishing gear. Mavic Open Pro wheels, Selle San Marco HDP saddle (for big bums!), Look pedals, Time shoes, Zefal HPx3 pump, Trek speedo, Bell mountain-bike helmet, Cateye lights, Netti clothing, Avenir saddle pack (for spare tubes and tools), etc. The only exception to 'classic' is using IRC Triathlon Duro tyres, for ease of changing, comfortable and cheap.
Instead of pannier bags with tent, sleeping bag, towel, cooking gear, etc., I use a Tioga daypack, for a change of clothes, a toothbrush and a credit card, to pay for country motels and meals. The backpack also has a 2 litre reservoir and feeding tube, so I can drink without taking my hands off the bars (just like the cars at Mount Panorama!).
Next Bike ?
There's a great range of bikes to choose from, especially with carbon fibre and technology trickling down from the Tour de France style bikes. Very tempting, but would it raise any more money ???