August, 2007

Ever wondered who the patron saint of cyclists is?  Wonder no more, it’s this lady right here:

The Madonna del Ghisallo.  This is an extract from ‘The Tablet’, 14th July 2007.

“According to legend, the medieval Count Ghisallo was attacked by bandits while travelling near the village of Magreglio in Lombardy, northern Italy, when he spotted an image of the Virgin Mary in a roadside shrine and ran towards it.  He was miraculously saved from the robbers and, as the story spread, the Madonna del Ghisallo became known as the patroness of local travellers.  A chapel in her honour was built at the top of a steep hill overlooking Lake Como, and quickly became popular with cyclists who would stop to rest and say a prayer at the shrine.  In 1949, Pope Pius XII declared the Madonna del Ghisallo the patroness of cyclists.  The chapel itself has become equal part religious shrine and cycling museum filled with artefacts and photos connected to the sport, including the leader jerseys won by past winners of the Tour de France and its Italian counterpart, the Giro d’Italia.”

Now you know.

This 700c wheel (more photos here) has been given life using spare parts lying around in the workshop.  The hub is a Shimano Deore LX 36 hole in black laced onto a black Rigida SX 100 rim (36 hole – obviously).  Finished off with DT Swiss double butted spokes (2.0/1.8/2.0) with silver brass 12mm nipples.  Laced using a 2 cross pattern making it nice and strong yet lightweight and it also includes the Firth Cycles signature gold nipple.  This wheel and any other you might want building is for sale, please e-mail for details/prices.

The Moulton project.  More info coming soon.

Bike Radar has an exciting sneak peek at the 2008 Bianchi line-up. We’ll be taking orders soon and you’ll be able to see them in store mid-September. You’ll have get behind me for an Oetzi though!

Bianchi Sneak Preview Link

Finally ordered up all the gubbins for the new EPOS system we are going to use at the shop, including this new iMac 20″.  The good people at Gordon Harwood Computers (thanks Adrian) helped with the decision and hopefully it will be delivered by Monday 20th August.

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p align=”left”> Coming soon…  …several beautiful Bianchi road bikes at discounted prices.  These bikes were ’inherited’ when I bought the shop and are all 2006 models.  Hand made in Italy, they ooze cool and at these prices it’s time to stop dreaming and start getting your wallet out.  First come first serve basis only so watch this space.