Selecting the appropriate bicycle for an event like Eroica California can be daunting if you don’t know what you’re doing. While these three bicycles don’t represent your only options, they do present some interesting notes. Ranking these noble steeds in rarity (i.e. cost) helps put things in perspective. As stated however, these are not your only options…

You’ve got exactly two months to find yourself a bike. Start by looking local. Craigslist, your local shop, swaps, flea markets, classifieds and eBay. Don’t go overboard. If this is going to be a one-time deal for you, why not ask a collector friend to borrow their bike? Or, if you want to go down the vintage bicycle rabbit hole, there are two options in this trio that are sure to whet your whistle. Or bell…

1950 Umberto Testi
Frejus cottered cranks
Universal 50 Side Pull Brakes with Gloria Bartali Levers
Campagnolo Paris-Roubaix shifter with 5-speed Regina Freewheel
(2nd Gen “suicide shifter” – first gen was “cambrio corsa”)
Ambrosia Bar and Stem
Wood tubular rims laced to 36 hole Campagnolo 1st gen hubs
Brooks Swallow Saddle
Minerva Rally Timer

1972 Jack Taylor Tour of Britain
Still has the original Fulton St. Cyclery decal from SF.
Nuovo Record gruppo
Cinelli 1a stem
Giro d Italia 64 bars
Zeus seat post
Phil Wood CHP pedals
Regal Saddle

1970’s Bianchi
Painted frame pump
Original bottle
Original Pirelli Gran Premio tires (!!!)
Lower end, stamped dropouts, chunky cast lugs, straight gauge tubing.
Not the rarest, or best model from that era, but it’s a looker and it photographs well.

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What am I riding? You’ll have to wait for that one. Still undecided about the Eroica? You’ve got a few days to decide whether or not to register. Maybe my course reportage will change your mind.