My Silver Ram:

I purchased this Rambouillet Frame late in 2004, and it was beautifully put together, to my specifications. by the Alpine Shop. in S. Burlington, Vt. This frame was purchased as a replacement for my 1988 Custom Marinoni, which had become my go fast bike. This bike both climbs and descends much like a classic stage racing frame, but with the added advantages of higher bars, wider tires and fenders. This bike took me back to friction shifting, from SIS, and I'm loving it.

The build is a mixture of standard Rambouillet parts: wheels and RT tires, Nitto stem, bars, seat post, 105 front derailleur and Sugino triple; with the things I wanted to personalize it with: Honjo hammered fenders, Campy Grand Sport single pivot brakes, Campy Centaur medium cage rear derailleur, 52x42x30 rings, Conex chain, Speedplay Frog pedals, and an early Selle Anatomica Robusto Saddle, Cane Creek brake levers, Silver DT shifters, and a very classy looking, but imitation silver, leather HB tape.

I've since moved the wheels over to my commuter and replaced them with Ultegra / Open Pro Wheels, and more functional 48x34x28 rings. I've been thinking about trying out the White VBC Cranks, but mostly use this bike in the Green Mts. and the Adirondacks and am not sure a 48x34 gives me a low enough gear. Maybe if I loose 20 lbs...um.

Mhechmer@mac.com

more photos at: http://gallery.me.com/mhechmer#100034