Hello all! I just want to say I'm new to this forum and rode biking after hanging up this hobby as a teenager over 20 years ago. Back then I rode approximately 75 miles a day on a Guerciotti equipped with various Italian components including Campy, Galli, Miche, etc. I am excited to strap on the cleats again and get back into it. Obviously technolgy has changed and instead of resorting to my NOW VINTAGE work of art, I decided to buy a new bike. Here is what I just ordered from Germany Ebay. Campy equipped Bottecchia for 550 USD (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8709199075&ru=http%3A%2F%2Fsearch.ebay.com%3A80%2Fsearch%2Fse arch.dll%3Ffrom%3DR40%26satitle%3D8709199075%26fvi %3D1)
http://www.bikeshop-korte.de/ebay/b09.JPG
http://www.bikeshop-korte.de/ebay/b02.JPGhttp://www.bikeshop-korte.de/ebay/b03.JPG
Bottecchia 7005 Aluminum sloping frame
Campy Xenon shifters
Campy Xenon derraileurs
BTC/Miche cranks
BTC/Miche hubs
BTC/Miche post
BTC/Miche brake calipers
Ambrosio rims

Italian bikes & components are what I learned to ride on and haven't had any second thought of getting anything else. I know Italian probably isn't the norm for the average enthusiast but thats exactly why I chose it. Bottecchia isn't the most popular brand in the states however, they have been around almost 100 years and have represented many Tour De Frances.
I think this is a descent deal. I'm looking for feedback on the bike as well as hints & tips on learning this technology. After all last time I shifted was on a non-indexed friction shifter on the downtube. :D

...it'll probably do just fine. Here's an RBR thread with everything you need to know about being a roadie today:

http://forums.roadbikereview.com/showthread.php?t=32693

uhhh....

nice bike

;)

Ya know, sometimes I wonder if it's worth all the cr@p you have to endure on these forums if you want to get some meaningful feedback from your fellow riders. I mean, come on folks, can we all just act our age? It seems the internet turns us all into 4 year olds constantly arguing about whose toy it is or which one is better, the old "well my daddy this" and then "But my daddy that". What's the point? :confused: If you don't have something positive or constructive to add to the thread, then don't post anything. And then, even worse IMO, if you can't even construct an argument that's on topic to continue the flamefest, people resort to correcting spelling errors!! That's just... well never mind...

Whew, I feel better now.....

So, hotskillet, IMO whatever bike gets you out on the road riding is a great bike. We can't all afford, or really need for that matter, to buy a multi-thousand dollar bike with top of the line components. The bike / parts manufacturers wouldn't produce this stuff if there wasn't a market for it... As for tips on using the new technology, well it's all much easier than you were riding before. The shifters are simple, smooth and much safer to use (don't have to take you hands off the bars). I don't think you'll have any problems quickly adjusting. Probably the biggest difference you'll notice is the stiffness of an aluminum frame vs. steel. Anyway, get out riding, that's the best way to figure this stuff out. Enjoy!

So, hotskillet, IMO whatever bike gets you out on the road riding is a great bike. We can't all afford, or really need for that matter, to buy a multi-thousand dollar bike with top of the line components. The bike / parts manufacturers wouldn't produce this stuff if there wasn't a market for it... As for tips on using the new technology, well it's all much easier than you were riding before. The shifters are simple, smooth and much safer to use (don't have to take you hands off the bars). I don't think you'll have any problems quickly adjusting. Probably the biggest difference you'll notice is the stiffness of an aluminum frame vs. steel. Anyway, get out riding, that's the best way to figure this stuff out. Enjoy!Thanks! The bike was waiting for me on my doorstep when I got home today. The only problem is I forgot to buy some new pedals so I have to put my 20 year old Mavics on until I get some. I also have to buy some cleats. Will new look style cleats fit old & new pedals?

Not sure about the cleats / pedals especially since I don't know how old you're talking. Best bet is to take your pedals to the lbs so you can see if they've got some shoes that will work with them. They'll be able to set you up with the appropriate new items so you can get out this weekend...