Many years ago, 1994 if memory serves well, I spent a large amount of money on a new bicyle. I went to the manufacturer by train and bicycle. And I ordered what I had envisioned: a sturdy steel frame for a bicycle made to travel long distances, parts from Campangnolo and a few others. And yes, I ordered a frame and pieces, I wanted to assemble it by myself.
So a few months later a friend gave me a ride to pick up the frame and pieces. And later I spent several hours to build wheels, mount all the parts to the frame and produce a very nice bicycle along the way. I have fond memories of these hours, it was such a pleasure to work with brand new, well engineered, good looking parts. The bicycle was not very light, but sturdy. I just loved this piece of mechanical art.
For a very long time this bicycle served as a leisure/sports and some travel machine. And it always worked without flaws. The Campangnolo Record-OR (off road!) components were the finest things I had. For a long time, everything was sunshine. But then I moved to a different place. And I used it during winter times as well --- not a good idea. Winter and salt killed it. Literally. Each and every soldered joint was covered with rust, the colour coat came off, and in a short time, this machine developed a sorry state. So last summer came the day, where I decided to scrap it. I disassembled it --- all screws came off without fail, except for the bottom bracket and the steering head.
I just kept one token of remembrance, the lever of the derrailleur control.
Bye bye, Guylaine. May the godesses be merciful.
~ew
