L’Eroica Tech: Moving quickly into the past

All bikes ridden at the event were checked to see that they were within the rules. They were also logged. L’Eroica organizers are using the event to make a database of vintage bikes. Their aim is that this record will become a future reference on the development of the cycle over the years. Photo: Philip Gale

Many of the older bikes (pre-1950) carried their bottles on the front. This 1926 French Automoto was a great example. Its two aluminium bottles were topped by cork stoppers. Photo: Philip Gale

On proud display at the vintage bike fair was the bike which came fourth at the 1914 Giro d’Italia. As with all of the bikes of this era, the rims are made out of wood, with tubular tires stuck to them. Photo: Philip Gale

When looking at the full bike it seems far removed from modern bikes. A long geometry, fat tires and massive clearance between the tire and frame all make it look more like a mountain than road bike. Photo: Philip Gale

A closer look at the front of the bike shows a single front brake, rod operated, with the brake pad hitting the front tire. Not really the most effective brake, meaning that sometimes the rider would use his foot against the tire and fork for added assistance. Photo: Philip Gale

This one has a rear brake also. Of note is the acetylene (gas) lantern attached to the front of the handle bars. The owner said he would be using it for the early start the following day, but since he did not allow him to see where he was going, he planned to wear a head torch also. Photo: Philip Gale

This 1925 bike was built near Paris, France, by the USA brand. Because of the poor seals at the time oil had to be frequently added to the bottom bracket to keep it working. Rather than disassemble it each time an oiler was added to the frame. Photo: Philip Gale

The USA also had a perfect example the long the wheelbase on the older bikes. Photo: Philip Gale

Tied and soldered spokes were common in this era. The tied spokes make a stiffer wheel and if you do snap a spoke, it stays in place. Photo: Philip Gale

The automoto also had a perfect example of the two-speed system of the era. A fixed cog was on either side of the rear wheel. One would be the larger climbing gear (used in the picture here) and the other would be a smaller flat gear. To change gear the rider would have to stop, remove the wheel and turn it around. Photo: Philip Gale

In these ancient pre-sticker days, bikes tended to be decorated either by using paint - which was a very labour intensive procedure - or using elaborate lugs work on the frames. Photo: Philip Gale

Instead of using a regular nut, which would need a spanner, to hold the wheel in place, the pre-quick release bikes used wing nuts. It meant one fewer tool the unsupported rider would have to carry. Photo: Philip Gale

A complicated three-speed system. To change gear the top level is opened, which frees the wheel in the frame. Then, while back-pedaling, the lower lever is used to either select a smaller or larger sprocket. To keep chain tension, the wheel then walks either forward or back in the frame, depending on whether the cog is larger or smaller. With all this done the top lever is then closed, locking the wheel in the frame and allowing you to ride off normally. Photo: Philip Gale

This is one of two types of front hand shifter which could be seen at the event. This one simply sees the rider, while pedaling, move the lever either in or out to change the front gearing. Photo: Philip Gale

The second type of front hand shifter seen at L’Eroica. This one involved an up-and-down motion that moved the derailleur in or out on a cam. Photo: Philip Gale

Many of the riders wishing to dress in authentic gear were not using modern helmets. They are not compulsory at the event. Those who did wear helmets tended to ride the now-banned leather helmets (aptly called sausage helmets in French). Photo: Philip Gale

Before the use of aluminium or carbon, wood was the preferred rim material. With its ability to be laminated, it made for perfect rim building material. Lightweight, strong and using production methods widely available at the time (wood was used on cart wheels for centuries) it was the cutting edge of its day. Photo: Philip Gale

Note the small hooked metal bracket mounted just above the tire. It was intended to scrape off rocks or other debris that could cause a puncture. Photo: Philip Gale