There has to be some of the IF faithful out there in the greater Philly/tri-state area that can show up and represent at what sounds like a great event.
News from Trophy Bikes and Tri-State Velo Club
CONTACT:
Ron Ruggerio Tri-State Velo Club tri-statevelo@verizon.net
SHOW YOUR METAL in the Steel/Vintage Class Time Trial
The 2011 Philadelphia Amateur Time Trials, June 4th
Presented by the Pro Cycling Tour and Hosted by Tri-State Velo Club
The region’s largest cycling time trial has added something new—and old—a class exclusively for steel bicycles, both new and vintage.
The “Steel/Vintage” class is sponsored by Trophy Bikes and will be restricted to bikes made of steel—including the fork. That’s right: no aluminum, no titanium, and none of that new-fangled carbon fiber. But don’t be surprised to see some brand-new machines at this event. For many independent bike crafters, steel remains the best material for making frames.
“With the resurgence of steel as the material of choice for many top American frame builders, the time seems right to showcase the steel racing bike,” says Trophy Bikes’ Michael McGettigan. “Steel bikes can be light—that’s a fact. Steel still rivals any other material for ease of construction. Of course, steel has been under development for more than 150 years—it’s no surprise that it still offers advantages that carbon fiber and aluminum can’t match.”
McGettigan says he expects to see plenty of classic machines from the 1970s and ’80s—and maybe even a few from the 1890s—when the first lightweight steel racers were already appearing. Thousands of vintage racing machines are still being loved and used every day by their owners, even if they own carbon fiber bikes for racing.
Grand Prize—a handcrafted steel fork from Bilenky Cycle Works.
For Steve Bilenky, owner of Philadelphia’s legendary Bilenky Cycle Works, steel is a favorite as well. Bilenky will be making the grand prize for the time trial’s top male and female finishers. Each will get a handmade steel fork.
The rules for the Steel/Vintage class are simple: the entire bike frame and fork must be steel. No carbon fiber on the bike. Aero components aren’t banned, but riders are asked to honor the spirit of the competition by using parts appropriate to their bike.
On race day, McGettigan and company will be on hand to ensure that the bikes entered in the steel class are really made of that material. “It’s pretty simple,” says McGettigan. “We’re bringing a magnet.”
For more information, go to www.tristatevelo.com
Background
Trophy Bikes est’d 1998. Two stores: University City 3131 Walnut Street, and Northern Liberties 1040 North American St.
Brands include:
Jamis. Surly. Brompton. Waterford. Independent Fabrication. Marin. Gunnar.
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3 comments:
Might want to "not publish" the things marked as "not for publication".
That said, awesome. Steel is real.
Patrick,
Was asked to spread the word, so assumed it was OK.
Deswal Engineers provides manufacturers and suppliers Steel Fabrication.
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