The Gentleman has been seeing more and more Randonneur-type bicycles popping up here and there. It seems to be a growing trend. We couldn't be happier! At the Gentleman's local San Francisco bike shop, Box Dog Bikes, one of the owners Gabe designed and built up this great model. As he says, it's "Basically something between my Ebisu Rando bike and my [Rivendell] Atlantis." So for those Gentleman out there not quite willing to spend a small fortune on a Rivendell, this prototype could be a solution to your long-distance riding needs. The Gentleman envies Gabe's bicycle collection.
Randonneuring is non-competitive long distance group bike riding. When the demand is there, the Gentleman will lead a Gentleman Randonneur Army.
4 comments:
While this is a lovely example of a full-fendered bike with a wide range of gears, it isn't really a good example of a randonneuring bike. Randonneurs DO break a sweat; they ride very long distances in fairly short stretches of time. And a typical randonneuring bike would differ from this in a couple of ways. It would have "regular" racing-style drop handlebars, very often (though not always) with bar-end shifters. And it would also be unlikely to come equipped with a chromed-metal basket up front. Randonneurs are much more inclined to use French-made canvas bags with leather trim. These (ideally) keep their contents pretty dry, and those that are meant to be mounted in front have a broad flat upper flap for cue sheets and maps.
I would be inclined to say that a Randonneur is someone riding in a randonee. It really doesn't matter if they have a french handlebar bag, with or without "leather trim", or what kind of bike they are riding. I have heard stories of people doing to PBP on a scooter. Most people I see these days with "Randonneuring" bikes hardly ride more than to the cafe and back, including the poster of this message. :P
It might be time for us retro grouches to talk less and ride more.
I ride fixed gear and don't have fancy bags. I love to ride and ride very long distances. I don't need to call myself some fancy name for what I do.
I can think of several fancy names to call you...
Post a Comment