The last road bike you'll ever buy ..

While ever there is a breath left in me I will keep buying bikes . These days they are more utilitarian than thoroughbred race machines . At the moment I am fixated with Raleigh Randonneurs especially the 708 model. I have not done any loaded touring on them but plenty of club runs , Canals and shopping runs and they are superb . Mudguards and comfort take priority and on all the lovely Italian steel bikes I have and have owned. they don't have enough clearance .
Mapdec the bike shop that sells high end carbon electronic shifting bicycles has their latest YouTube video out . It predicts the demise of the Bowden cable . I am sure the guy saying that is very tongue in cheek but you cannot be sure , it gave me some entertainment anyway .
 
kermisking said:
While ever there is a breath left in me I will keep buying bikes . These days they are more utilitarian than thoroughbred race machines . At the moment I am fixated with Raleigh Randonneurs especially the 708 model. I have not done any loaded touring on them but plenty of club runs , Canals and shopping runs and they are superb . Mudguards and comfort take priority and on all the lovely Italian steel bikes I have and have owned. they don't have enough clearance .
Mapdec the bike shop that sells high end carbon electronic shifting bicycles has their latest YouTube video out . It predicts the demise of the Bowden cable . I am sure the guy saying that is very tongue in cheek but you cannot be sure , it gave me some entertainment anyway .
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I've always liked the Raleigh Randonneur, in comparison to the early Dawes Galaxy (one of my first bikes) it was night and day regarding build quality and longevity. My galaxy developed a hole in the head lug, which turned into a lovely big crack!

Where were the the Raleigh Randonneurs built? Did any come out of the SBDU in Ilkeston? I'll probably be looking for something quality along those lines for the new bike tracks being commissioned locally.
 
Already have mine too. Approaching the big 6-0 next year, for everyday use my choice is a Trek Domane 5.9: rear isoSpeed helps cushion the ever-degrading UK roads. Not interested in disc brakes and 11/12 speed upgrade etc. just want a bike that doesn't rust, is easy to service and be able to swap parts as needed. Not sure how long carbon frame will ultimately last, but probably long enough! And for special rides the Tommasini Tecno EL-OS kitted out with a 'modern' 10 speed groupset and Ti- componentry. Like the Mondonico EL-OS earlier in this thread, when it's built right, it's a keeper for life. Comfort, speed and Irio's craftsmanship at its finest.
 
The idea of the final bike is a flawed concept to me. I hope to be scratching around the usual suspect websites, bike jumbles and recycling centres till I kark it, on the lookout for nags. If I lost my knees, my lungs, my joints....I would probably still be on the hunt for those steeds all you 'no thank you I have my final bike' types haven't bought. I would fix them up and bore my children to death about how great they were and how they're a family heirloom.

Al lI can say to you white flag waving, no more bikes surrender monkeys is enjoy retirement! Less competition for old bikes then! I and others will take care of things from here :D
 
LondonClassic said:
The idea of the final bike is a flawed concept to me. I hope to be scratching around the usual suspect websites, bike jumbles and recycling centres till I kark it, on the lookout for nags. If I lost my knees, my lungs, my joints....I would probably still be on the hunt for those steeds all you 'no thank you I have my final bike' types haven't bought. I would fix them up and bore my children to death about how great they were and how they're a family heirloom.

Al lI can say to you white flag waving, no more bikes surrender monkeys is enjoy retirement! Less competition for old bikes then! I and others will take care of things from here :D
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Where do I sign for this? 🤓
 
i have also bought my last piece of clothing. due too weight gain and losing. i have enough, with the ammount of riding i do. Most of my free time is walking my dog these days.

IMG_5603.webp IMG_6371.webp

bought this today. motivation for the wall • bioracer worlds cyclocross nat. champs jersey Cannondale. I used to work for Cannondale in High School.

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last bike built. i am done.
 

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An interesting topic. As I have got older so has my choice in cycles. What was once a predominantly aluminium collection has become all steel with the exception of my 2014 Bianchi Intenso. That was a drunken purchase off Wiggle which has grown on me.
5 steel track bikes, the Bianchi and 3 steel road bikes...I imagine it isn't a matter of what I'd buy rather which I would cull.
There are still dream bikes, a GIOS Torino, Bianchi Specialissima all top dollar stuff but I have learnt that there are some great bikes out there which can be acquired for next to nothing. I wonder why anyone would ever buy a new bike.
 
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