Bachetta Giro Questions

Bob if your considering a Giro, you may want to join the Bacchetta_Bikes egroup on Yahoo.com.There
are many Giro owners active on the group. I own/ride one and like it very much. Prior bikes were
Rans Vrex and Bikee CT. It's a nice well thought out bike. I have an underseat rack for tourning,
and a rear rack just to keep a rear pannier, hung off the seat back, from rubbing on the rear wheel.
The handle bars may take a bit of getting used too, I found I like them much better than the RANS
ones Give one a ride Denny in Sayre, Pa ":Bent but not Broken"

"Bob Stan" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I would like to hear from current/past owners of the Giro

1) How they like(d) the bike

2) Any mods they recommend or have made

I am looking for a new bent, ride mainly solo on country roads but occasionally participate in
club rides with all DF members.

"Bob Stan" <[email hidden]> wrote in message

Quoted message said:

I would like to hear from current/past owners of the Giro

Bob -

As Denny suggested, you're got lots of educated opinions in the Bacchetta Yahoo group.

After 1,200 miles, here are my impressions.

Positives:

1. High quality design and manufacture, for a recumbent (see minor exception, below). That is, there
is a minimum of annoying or unreliable design and manufacturing elements.

2. VERY comfortable seat.

3. I REALLY like the handlebars, although some don't.

4. Baccetta has a great customer service reputation.

5. Available in three frames sizes, with corresponding crank lengths.

Negatives:

6. Buyer needs to add Lock-Tite to the steerer bolt to prevent the steering mechanism from falling
off. This issue is widely known, so I assume that Bacchetta is working on fixing this.

Possibly negatives:

7. Speed. Some Giro riders are having problems getting up to the speeds that we theoretically
should be achieving, based on the reviews and testimonials. See the Yahoo group for a discussion
of this topic.

8. Moderately high bottom bracket. Make sure that you don't get numb toes or feet before buying a
moderately high bb bike like this, or that the problem isn't too serious (for you).

In article <[email hidden]>, [email hidden] says...

Quoted message said:

I would like to hear from current/past owners of the Giro

1) How they like(d) the bike

2) Any mods they recommend or have made

I am looking for a new bent, ride mainly solo on country roads but occasionally participate in
club rides with all DF members.

I think it is a great general purpose bike. Excellent commuter, Self contained touring bike and
great for mixing it up with the 'Lance wannabes' on clube rides. It is also a great teacher for
DF humility.

I did not like the heavy Kenda Qwest tires that came on my bike (65psi.) I have replace them with
Vredestein S-Licks and am a happy camper,

Here is a picture of some Mods I have on the Bike.

clee.org20030307GiroPanniers.jpgOpen ↗

Since that picture was taken, I have put on a SON Dynamo front wheel and Lumotec light mounted
under the BB.

--
Cletus D. Lee Bacchetta Giro Lightning Voyager clee.orgclee.orgOpen ↗
- Bellaire, TX USA -

In article <[email hidden]>, "Review Boy" <review [email hidden]> says...

Quoted message said:

Negatives:

1. Buyer needs to add Lock-Tite to the steerer bolt to prevent the steering mechanism from falling
off. This issue is widely known, so I assume that Bacchetta is working on fixing this.

Widely known? Really? Did I miss a post here or on the Bacchetta Yahoo Group? And my Giro at 3500
miles must be some exception eh? What am I supposed to add lock-tite to before my bike falls apart
at 30 miles an Hour?

--
Cletus D. Lee Bacchetta Giro Lightning Voyager clee.orgclee.orgOpen ↗
- Bellaire, TX USA -

My esteemed fellow Giro rider 'Cletus D. Lee said:

Quoted message said:

1. Buyer needs to add Lock-Tite to the steerer bolt to prevent the

steering

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

mechanism from falling off. This issue is widely known, so I assume that Bacchetta is
working on fixing this.

Widely known? Really? Did I miss a post here or on the Bacchetta Yahoo Group? And my Giro at 3500
miles must be some exception eh? What am I supposed to add lock-tite to before my bike falls apart
at 30 miles an Hour?

It is my impression that recumbent cyclists commonly read the reviews in RCN and
bentrideronline.com, especially for brands and models that they ride or are interested in, although
perhaps you will correct me on this (kindly and tactfully, I'm sure).

From the RCN Strada review in the Jan/Feb 2003 issue (see
www.recumbentcyclistnews.com/pdf/RCN73.pdf), page 12, "...you have to keep your eye on the bolt
that tightens the tilting mechanism. The stem did work its way loose and develop some play a
couple of time."

This happened to me, too, until I Lock-tited it. Perhaps your dealer used Lock-Tite on yours.

Regards, Ralph

Thanks for all your responses. I have just joined the Bacchetta yahoo group. Cletus, from the photo
it looks like you might have a cadence sensor on the derailleur post. How did you attach it - or if
not, is it possible?

"Cletus D. Lee" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

In article <[email hidden]>,
[email hidden] says...

Quoted message said:

I would like to hear from current/past owners of the Giro

1) How they like(d) the bike

2) Any mods they recommend or have made

I am looking for a new bent, ride mainly solo on country roads but occasionally participate in
club rides with all DF members.

I think it is a great general purpose bike. Excellent commuter, Self contained touring bike and
great for mixing it up with the 'Lance wannabes' on clube rides. It is also a great teacher for DF
humility.

I did not like the heavy Kenda Qwest tires that came on my bike (65psi.) I have replace them with
Vredestein S-Licks and am a happy camper,

Here is a picture of some Mods I have on the Bike.

clee.org20030307GiroPanniers.jpgOpen ↗

Since that picture was taken, I have put on a SON Dynamo front wheel and Lumotec light mounted
under the BB.

Damn that thing is loaded for bear 🙂

In article <[email hidden]>, [email hidden] says...

Quoted message said:

My esteemed fellow Giro rider 'Cletus D. Lee said:

Quoted message said:

1. Buyer needs to add Lock-Tite to the steerer bolt to prevent the

steering

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

mechanism from falling off. This issue is widely known, so I assume that Bacchetta is
working on fixing this.

Widely known? Really? Did I miss a post here or on the Bacchetta Yahoo Group? And my Giro at
3500 miles must be some exception eh? What am I supposed to add lock-tite to before my bike
falls apart at 30 miles an Hour?

It is my impression that recumbent cyclists commonly read the reviews in RCN and
bentrideronline.com, especially for brands and models that they ride or are interested in,
although perhaps you will correct me on this (kindly and tactfully, I'm sure).

From the RCN Strada review in the Jan/Feb 2003 issue (see
www.recumbentcyclistnews.com/pdf/RCN73.pdf), page 12, "...you have to keep your eye on the bolt
that tightens the tilting mechanism. The stem did work its way loose and develop some play a
couple of time."

This happened to me, too, until I Lock-tited it. Perhaps your dealer used Lock-Tite on yours.

Well I guess if I read every 'bent thing, I wouldn't have anytime left to ride. I subscribe to RCN
and read BROL only infrequently. However I did catch both reviews and did not see either with a
warning to remember. I checked my Stem bolts and there is no Locktite and after 3500 miles and a
year, I still haven't found a reason to apply it.

--
Cletus D. Lee Bacchetta Giro Lightning Voyager clee.orgclee.orgOpen ↗
- Bellaire, TX USA -

In article <[email hidden]>, [email hidden] says...

Quoted message said:

Thanks for all your responses. I have just joined the Bacchetta yahoo group. Cletus, from the
photo it looks like you might have a cadence sensor on the derailleur post. How did you attach it
- or if not, is it possible?

I attached a Cronometro 'Nob' to the derailleur post to get the cadence sensor closer to the crank
arm. (Minde the wrap): bike-on.commerchant.mvOpen ↗
Screen=PROD&Store_Code=BOSPS&Product_Code=HB3160
--
Cletus D. Lee Bacchetta Giro Lightning Voyager clee.orgclee.orgOpen ↗
- Bellaire, TX USA -

Experienced Giro pilot 'Cletus D. Lee said:

Well I guess if I read every 'bent thing, I wouldn't have anytime left to ride. I subscribe to RCN
and read BROL only infrequently. However I did catch both reviews and did not see either with a
warning to remember. I checked my Stem bolts and there is no Locktite and after 3500 miles and a
year, I still haven't found a reason to apply it.

Fair enough.

So, since you have ridden a Giro longer and over more miles than I have, I'd be interested in
reading what you have found to be the plusses and minusses of this wonderful bicycle.

Ralph

"Bob Stan" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Thanks for all your responses. I have just joined the Bacchetta yahoo

group.

Quoted message said:

Cletus, from the photo it looks like you might have a cadence sensor on

the

Quoted message said:

derailleur post. How did you attach it - or if not, is it possible?

Bob -

My dealer, Rick Steele of Gold Country Cyclery, found a reflector bracket of appropriate diameter
that it would mount onto the derailleur post. He mounted the magnet to the left-side (that is,
non-chainring side) crank. I can provide a photo if you like.

Others have glued the magnet to the 'inside' of a chainring and figured out a way of mounting the
sensor close enough to it.

Good luck, Ralph

In article <[email hidden]>, [email hidden] says...

Quoted message said:

Experienced Giro pilot "Cletus D. Lee" wrote:

So, since you have ridden a Giro longer and over more miles than I have, I'd be interested in
reading what you have found to be the plusses and minusses of this wonderful bicycle.

I'll restate what I have said elsewhere in this thread: "I think it is a great general purpose bike.
Excellent commuter, Self contained touring bike and great for mixing it up with the 'Lance wannabes'
on clube rides. It is also a great teacher for DF humility."

And now for my list of other Pluses and Minuses: Plus:
1. Bacchetta service. Service that is personal, prompt and a rival to no other in the industry.
2. Bacchetta's X-Eyed Underseat rack. Well thought design and integrated into the seat base.
3. Mike Vogl's Fastback Hydration system and seatbag. (Yes I know this is not a Bacchetta Product).
Bacchetta's "OFA" is probably just as good, but I don't have one.
4. A great bike for putting on fenders _and_ wide tires.

Minuses: (These took a while to find but after a year, here is what I came up with)
5. The front fork is too beefy, It could be lighter and still do the job. I was dissappointed to
find that my new wheel with a Chris King Hub would not fit.
6. For an entry level bent, I guess it is too much to expect better tires and wheesets. But I think
Bacchetta culd have at least done better on the tires. IMO the Kenda Qwest 65psi tire were about
as bad as Primo comets. Worse since they were so heavy. The 100 psi not being delivered as OEM
may be better, but I see no reason to put a 1.5" tire on a bike and compromise its performance
characteristics.

I run 1.3" Vredestein S-Licks (still a wide tire but nearly as fast as 1" Conti GPs or Stelvios.). I
also replaced the Wheels with some Performance wheels that are still H/D to sustain loads for
touring and commuting.

7. No decent arrangement for a kickstand.

--
Cletus D. Lee Bacchetta Giro Lightning Voyager clee.orgclee.orgOpen ↗
- Bellaire, TX USA -

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by Cletus D . Lee
In article <[email hidden]>, [email hidden] says...
7. No decent arrangement for a kickstand.

Would a Vision rear dropout kickstand mount work?

Cleetus just to let you know number 2 is now a 100 pound 1.5 inch kenda kwest tire. I think they
maybe going to 100 pound 1.25 inch Kenda Kwest tire. I have a set on my bike and I like them very
much. They seem to be pretty fast and they have been very flat resistant. As far as the Wheels, so
far so good. I had them Trued at 600 miles and I have over 3k now with no broken spokes. I have not
had to touch a spoke wrench to them. As you probably know I'm 250 pounds. I usually have a cheap
wheel trashed by now, so these aren't bad at all. Lighter would be nicer, but for this class of bike
it's probably a good choice. You and I bought the Giro for it's utility. I think we both made a good
choice. A nice road fork would look great. I haven't used a kickstand since 1982. Whoops I take that
back, my BikeE had one and I took it off because I could never remember to fold it up before I took
off. Otherwise I totally agree with your assesment. I'm really happy with mine.

Quoted message said:

1. The front fork is too beefy, It could be lighter and still do the job. I was dissappointed to
find that my new wheel with a Chris King Hub would not fit.
2. For an entry level bent, I guess it is too much to expect better tires and wheesets. But I
think Bacchetta culd have at least done better on the tires. IMO the Kenda Qwest 65psi tire
were about as bad as Primo comets. Worse since they were so heavy. The 100 psi not being
delivered as OEM may be better, but I see no reason to put a 1.5" tire on a bike and compromise
its performance characteristics.

I run 1.3" Vredestein S-Licks (still a wide tire but nearly as fast as 1" Conti GPs or Stelvios.).
I also replaced the Wheels with some Performance wheels that are still H/D to sustain loads for
touring and commuting.

3. No decent arrangement for a kickstand.

--
Cletus D. Lee Bacchetta Giro Lightning Voyager clee.orgclee.orgOpen ↗
- Bellaire, TX USA -

In article <[email hidden]>, [email hidden] says...

Quoted message said:

Cletus D . Lee said:

In article <[email hidden]>, [email hidden] says...
7. No decent arrangement for a kickstand.

Would a Vision rear dropout kickstand mount work?

No, it interferes with rear panniers and it makes the bike look like it is searching for a fireplug
to pee on.

--

Cletus D. Lee Bacchetta Giro Lightning Voyager clee.orgclee.orgOpen ↗
- Bellaire, TX USA -

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by Cletus Lee
In article <[email hidden]>, [email hidden] says...

Quoted message said:

Cletus D . Lee said:

In article <[email hidden]>, [email hidden] says...
7. No decent arrangement for a kickstand.

Would a Vision rear dropout kickstand mount work?

No, it interferes with rear panniers and it makes the bike look like it is searching for a fireplug
to pee on.
clee.orgclee.orgOpen ↗
- Bellaire, TX USA -

You probably won't like this one either:

http://www.calhouncycle.com/evo.html

The rear dropout seems to be the logical place on this sort of bike. Not sure why it would interfer with panniers.

The only other alternative might be a frame braze on like Maxarya has, but IIRC he is the only one doing that.

John Riley

If I were designing a GIRO for commuting and HEAVY touring I'd elect to get a raw frame and braze a
plate on it for a centermount. However, I never had a kickstand on my heavy tourer DF. Fully loaded
it wouldn't hold it up anyway.
--
Jude....///Bacchetta AERO St. Michaels and Tilghman Island.. Maryland Wheel Doctor Cycle and Sports,
Inc 1-800-586-6645 "John Riley" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Cletus Lee said:

In article <[email hidden]>, [email hidden] says...

Quoted message said:

Cletus D . Lee wrote:
> In article <[email hidden]>, [email hidden] says...
> 7. No decent arrangement for a kickstand.

Would a Vision rear dropout kickstand mount work?

No, it interferes with rear panniers and it makes the bike look like

it

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

is searching for a fireplug to pee on. http://www.clee.org" rel="ugc nofollow noopener">clee.orgwww.clee.orgOpen ↗
- Bellaire, TX USA -

You probably won't like this one either:

calhouncycle.comevo.htmlOpen ↗

The rear dropout seems to be the logical place on this sort of bike. Not sure why it would
interfer with panniers.

The only other alternative might be a frame braze on like Maxarya has, but IIRC he is the only one
doing that.

John Riley

--

Quoted message said:

--------------------------<

Posted via cyclingforums.com cyclingforums.comcyclingforums.comOpen ↗

In article <[email hidden]>, [email hidden] says...

Quoted message said:

You probably won't like this one either:

calhouncycle.comevo.htmlOpen ↗

The rear dropout seems to be the logical place on this sort of bike. Not sure why it would
interfer with panniers.

These all mount to a plate attached to the outside of the rear drop. Panniers extend below the rear
drops and insist on using the same space.

I have an idea for an attachment to my Midship rack that would fit inside the rack when not in use.
I haven't managed a workable implementation yet.

--

Cletus D. Lee Bacchetta Giro Lightning Voyager clee.orgclee.orgOpen ↗
- Bellaire, TX USA -

In article <[email hidden]>, [email hidden] says...

Quoted message said:

If I were designing a GIRO for commuting and HEAVY touring I'd elect to get a raw frame and
braze a plate on it for a centermount. However, I never had a kickstand on my heavy tourer
DF. Fully loaded it wouldn't hold it up anyway.

Actually I'm thinking about something along the lines of the ESGE Twin that I have on my Lightning
Voyager. It does support a fully loaded bike.

hostelshoppe.comla 03ran tandem kickstand.jpgOpen ↗
--

Cletus D. Lee Bacchetta Giro Lightning Voyager clee.orgclee.orgOpen ↗
- Bellaire, TX USA -