The L’Eroica “kit”

For a vintage bike rally you need vintage cycling gear of the same period as the bike you are riding. My L’Eroica bike is a 1983 Bianchi so I will need to put together a kit appropriate to that bike. Now, I was riding bikes in 83 but I dont have any of my gear from that era. It was mostly crap anyway and if I still had it I would probably just throw it out. The gear I need will have to be functional and look good which means it needs to be new or near new, and there is also the “style” factor to consider since I’ll be riding in Italy. No problem, I’ll just go down to the vintage bike store and buy some new cycling gear, right?

As it turns out I have been keeping an eye out for this gear for sometime now and have a pretty complete kit assembled already. Santa filled in some missing items on my list this Christmas so I am all but set. The “kit” is still a work in progress and I may make some changes, but this is what it looks like today.

Helmet:  I found this on ebay, it is made by Kucharik, probably from the early 80′s but it is the right size and has the right look. It is actually pretty well padded and should offer some protection in case of a mishap. It is does not measure up to modern standards of protection so I will keep this in mind when I ride in it but I think it will work okay!

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Jersey:  There are lots of wool jerseys available so this was an easy find. I often wear wool jerseys anyways so I am quite comfortable with this choice. This is one I’ve had for some time and I may well use it. It’s design is simple and clean and fits the period. More importantly, the weather in Chianti in October can be quite variable and a wool jersey is a great choice.

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Shoes:  Here is a new item for the kit from Santa! Leather cycling shoes from Quoc Phan, made in England. They are of a classic style, made for toe clips and are very comfortable! Mine are numbered #194.

Knickers:   I have had Swobo wool knickers for years and they are great to ride in. They have been durable and comfortable with a real leather chamois. I can ride in these all day long!

Gloves:  Really, is there any other type of glove you could ride in for a vintage event other than a classic leather glove with a crochet back?

Canvas bag:  Many people might not think of this item but a Camelback would be as out of place at a vintage rally as a carbon fiber bike would be. For a long event which is partly held on dirt roads you may need to take a little more than you can fit in your jersey pockets. This is the ticket!

Sunglasses:  I usually wear Raybans when I ride but I am looking for some vintage glasses with green colored round lenses. If I can’t find vintage ones I will look for new “retro style” glasses.

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