Imagine you've entered a vintage cycling event like Eroica in Italy and you're stopped at the start because your bike doesn't conform to the regulations. A setback that you would like to avoid because Italy is not next door.
And it must be said that Eroica's regulations are quite strict and all bikes are carefully checked at the start.
But with which vintage racing bike can you participate? Do you have to put on a sausage helmet? Is it true that aluminum bicycles are also allowed?
We will answer all these questions in the article below. Obviously, these rules apply to almost all vintage cycling events or retro rounds.
Bicycles from before 1988
The racing bikes must be from before 1988. The reason for this is that from then on the so-called modern cycling starts with the transition to integrated brake cables, click pedals and more and more the use of aluminum and titanium for the frames.
The rules are open to debate. For example, I have a 1983 road bike with a Shimano 600 Ax group with the brake levers already inserted into the handlebars for more aerodynamics. Shimano released this group in 1982, 5 years earlier than the beginning of modern cycling.
If your racing bike has a steel frame for participation, you have already started well, but an aluminum frame is also allowed on condition that the tubes are glued or screwed into the lugs. In other words, Italian Alan or French Vitus bicycles from before 1988 are allowed. An example can be found below.
Integrated brake cables
The brake cables must not be integrated into the handlebars and must therefore protrude visibly. However, they may be incorporated into the frame.
No clipless pedals
Click pedals are absolutely not allowed, only the classic pedals with straps that tie the shoe in the pedal are allowed. If you want to drive without straps, this is of course also possible.
Gear levers on the down tube
The gear levers (shifters) must be mounted on the down tube. The modern Shimano Total Integration (STI) system is therefore not allowed.
An alternative are the shifters at the end of the handlebars as used in cyclocross. Here too, however, they must be from before 1980.
Both tubes and tires allowed
It doesn't matter if your bike has tubes or tires, although I must admit that I prefer to ride with a tube on the unpaved strade bianche. You have less chance of punctures. Make sure that your tubes are firmly attached.
No wheels with high rims
The rims of the wheels may only be 20mm high and must have a minimum of 32 spokes. Vento or Shamal wheels are therefore prohibited.
The wheels may be made of wood, steel or aluminum.
No modern saddles
The saddle does not have to be from before 1988, but then it must be a classic model. Carbon saddles are not allowed anyway.
Custom gears
Both the front and rear gears (pawn, loose crowns) may be adjusted and it is therefore recommended to place a 39 at the front and at least a 21 at the rear because of the terribly steep slopes.
Brakes and brake levers
The brakes and brake levers do not have to be expressly pre-1988. However, they must fit the racing bike. The most important thing is that the brakes function properly because there are a lot of fast and dangerous descents in the course.
No mountainbikes
Mountain bikes, although they existed before 1988, are not allowed to participate in the Eroica. For the shorter course of 46 km, other bicycles are allowed, such as regular women's and men's bicycles, cargo bicycles, folding bicycles, ... provided they are made of steel.
Modern bicycles in vintage style
A modern vintage steel bicycle is also allowed if it meets all the above conditions. A few years ago, the Italian Bianchi launched a new vintage Eroica model that fully complies with the Eroica regulations.
Modern bicycle helmet is allowed
The only exception to the rules is wearing a modern helmet because safety is the most important thing. If you want to be completely in style with pre-modern cycling, you use a sausage helmet
Vintage clothing
For a vintage cycling event, it is of course the intention that you dress in the style of the past, namely wool cycling shorts and jersey, but more modern is also allowed as long as it is not a modern lycra jersey and trousers.
If you have a vintage cycling cap, sunglasses, shoes and gloves, you are completely ready for the event
If you don't have vintage racing shoes, you can still ride with a sporty shoe, but make sure that the sole is hard.
If you have any questions or if you want to rent a vintage racing bike, including clothing, you can contact us. Send a message and we will contact you.
