L'Eroica Britannia anyone?

[rusty bodie]

Is anyone doing L'Eroica Britannia this year?

I contacted the organiser regarding the "pre 1987 Rule" which excludes from participation "quick release pedals (except for Cinelli M71! Hmm, are they Italian per chance?!), concealed brake cable routing, aluminium/carbon frames and must feature downtube shifters . . "

My argument is that the pro teams were using Alan and Vitus aluminium frames from the early '80s, Look pedals from 1985 and still using downtube shifters in 1990!!

Anyway, he seems a reasonable chap and whilst he wouldn't be drawn on these crazy rules, did say that I would be most welcome to attend, Look pedals, aero levers and all!



http://eroicabritannia.co.uk/

 

[JSH]

The rules weren't enforced last year, there were people using new modern bikes. I'm thinking of pitching up with a mid 90s bike. It will be a 531 steel bike but probably 9 speed 13-28 with 53/59

 

[Martin Rattler]

Re:

I will be there and am thinking about riding my 1958 Hetchins with (gasp) bar end levers. I think that these were available from around '55 so to suggest downtube shifters only seems a little arbitrary.

 

[JSH]

Re:

Bar ends are allowed IIRC

 

[Deleted member 24574]

The equipment rules are arbitrary.

The 87 date is a distraction really and invites people to dispute what the intention is, which is bikes from the era that non-aero brakes, down tube shifters and clip pedals were the norm.

That is the spirit of the event, the spirit isn't enforced so it is up to you if you want to follow it.

 

[rusty bodie]

Re:

That's good to know, thanks. I'll get down there asap!!

 

[Apple Tree]

The Spirit of the Event is what it is all about. You could ride your carbon 11 speed I suppose but other riders might wonder what on earth you are doing there.
L'Eroica = The Heroes and we are meant to be celebrating riders of the past who rode fairly basic machines, by todays standards, on poor quality roads. The event is an opportunity to share in this experience by riding the sort of bike they would have ridden and why much of the route is over roughly surfaced trails. Turning somersaults trying to sneak in a more modern machine is defeating the ethos of the event but I guess you can do it if you wish but you only cheat yourself of the true experience. Rather than trying to shoe horn in a modernish bike to the 1987 rule why not go the other way and go deep into time like I and others do and ride a 5 or 10 speed from the 1950s or '60s or even before ? Does it make it harder than riding a modern machine ? Well yes I guess it does but at least you are sharing in the true experience. However, each to their own and the event is a broad enough church to allow riders to bring what they have so long as they have made some attempt to comply with the rules.

 

[JSH]

Re:

I know what you are saying and I agree. Last year I rode a 1985 bike with 42 X 21 as my lowest gear - man it was hard.

There were definitely plenty of people riding very modern bikes and I was envious of the gear ratios.

I am riding this year and considering a 1995 bike with 39x28. I know it's not strictly in the spirit but will be 1" steel

 

[Ideale]

Re:

I went last year on a Vitus but L'Eroica-d up for the occasion ie non-aero brake levers etc It was all brilliant and the ride was by far the hardest I've done and I do a lot of sportives on modern bikes!
I think it's just about entering into the spirit of the weekend and that's fine
Go and enjoy!
I can't go this year!

 

[Spokesmann]

Just booked mine today - finally. Hoping to ride my 1964 Carlton Flyer build with a 1975 Criterium as a back up bike...