May Week 3 – Entry for ‘Bike of the Month’
Another spectacular entry from Dave Clark based in New South Wales, Australia. Of course this bike will be very interesting to OldVelos in Europe as it celebrates the career of Stephen Roche and the ‘Golden Days’ of Irish cycling. It is interesting to note the high regard Dave has for the often maligned but in our opinion beautiful Croce d’Aune groupset. Have a look at the photos and decide for yourself…
Bicycle Make: Battaglin
Bicycle model: Columbus SLX
Date of Manufacture: 1988
Equipment:
This frame by virtue of the top tube decal celebrates the achievement of Stephen Roche in 1987 of becoming the World Champion, of course in this stellar year he won the triple crown while riding for team Carrera. However, this bicycle has not been built as a homage to Stephen Roche.
The frameset purchased in 2012, is NOS made from Columbus SLX tubing and is finished in team Carrera colours, I suspect Battaglin were trying to cash in on Roche’s achievements in the previous year. The groupset is the Campagnolo Croce d’Aune groupset, my absolute favourite Campagnolo groupset. I think I was just blow away by the engineering of the rear derailleur with it’s twin axle design incorporating the push rod which enables it to track closely the rear sprockets and the cable ‘ramp’. The build also incorporated the best of Campy engineering (depending upon one’s view), with Syncro2 shifters, SGR clipless pedals and Delta brakes. The bicycle is a joy to ride, the indexed shifting is crisp, yes the SGR pedals are difficult to unclip from a process that involves a bit of learnt technique to execute, nonetheless they work. As for the Delta brakes well they aren’t too flash from the hoods, but from the drops there is plenty of stopping power and modulation. As I ride all my bicycles the wheels are Mavic open pro clinchers purely for convenience.
Other information:
Build details:
Frameset Battaglin SLX NOS – 126 mm rear spacing & uncut steerer
Crankset CDA Used/Mint – 52/42 Chainrings
Bottom Bracket CDA Used/Mint – Italian thread, steel cups
Pedals SGR NOS – Campy’s first clipless pedal 1987 to 1991
Front Derailleur CDA NOS – Same as Chorus & Athena
Rear Derailleur CDA Used/VGC – Short cage 28 tooth capacity
Shifters Record Syncro 2 Braze on NOS – Fitted with correct CDA 7 speed Grey syncro insert
Gear Cables Campagnolo Modern – Campy inner cables & NOS pearl white RD outer
Freewheel Suntour 7 Speed 13-23 NOS – Well they are probably better than Regina
Chain Regina Anniversario NOS – Recommended for Syncro shifting
Brakes CDA Delta Used/VGC – Penta drive – 5 pivot version
Brake Levers CDA Power Grade Used/VGC – Diecast metal body, identical parts as for Record
Brake Cables Pearl White Outer NOS – C-Record with modern Campy inners non-aero routed
Hubs CDA Low flange 32 hole Used/VGC – CDA hubs have no protruding dust caps
Rims Mavic Open Pro Modern – 32 Hole Silver
Spokes DT Swiss Revolution Modern – lightweight, slim and double butted
Tyres Veloflex Master 23 Modern – Racing/training clincher with gum wall appearance
Headset Chorus There was no CDA specific headset
Stem 3ttt Record Used/Polished – 1970’s vintage, but I love these stems!!!
Handlebars 3ttt Grand Prix NOS
Bar Tape Stella Azzurra Personal choice & perfect blue colour match to frame
Seatpost CDA Used/polished CDA – Styled on the Chorus seatpost
Saddle Sella San Marco Rolls Modern – version of the classic used by Stephen Roche