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Pro bike: Andy Hampsten's Cycles Strada Bianca Ti

A Shimano Ultegra cassette provides the same shift performance as Dura-Ace at a fraction of the cost

  • Hampsten's Strada Bianca Ti Travelissimo is a lot different to the bike he used to win the '88 Giro
  • S&S couplings in the down tube and top tube make for easy portability on aeroplanes
  • The wild boar, or cinghiale, is the mascot for Hampsten's Italian bicycle touring company.
  • Hampsten's titanium frames are welded by either Kent Eriksen Cycles or Moots.
  • The bottom bracket area looks small in comparison to a lot of carbon racers
  • There isn't any monkey business going on here; just clean design and even cleaner welds.
  • The seat stays take a straight path from the seat tube to the burly dropouts.
  • The chain stays are bent ever so slightly for a little extra heel clearance.
  • Massive dropouts keep the back end in check.
  • According to Hampsten, this image is taken from the actual podium shot at the Giro d'Italia in 1988.
  • Cable connectors allow the front and rear halves of the bike to fully separate for packing.
  • The Wound Up long reach fork allows for fat tires to accommodate Hampsten's soft spot for dirt roads
  • Few roadies would think of using tyres this big but they're not much heavier than skinny 23c rubber
  • An Ambrosio Excellight SSC rim is used up front…
  • …and is mated to a Chris King Classic front hub.
  • A Chris King hub is used out back as well.
  • Alloy nipples save a few grams.
  • Shimano Dura-Ace is Hampsten's choice for a light and dependable component group.
  • The matching Dura-Ace rear derailleur is fitted to a replaceable hanger.
  • The Dura-Ace name is found on the front derailleurbut the chain is a SRAM PC-1090R with hollow pins.
  • A Shimano Ultegra cassette provides the same shift performance as Dura-Ace at a fraction of the cost
  • Plenty of low gears available but we can say firsthand that Hampsten doesn't really need them
  • A compact ratio Shimano R700 crankset affords some extra options when Hampsten is climbing
  • The long reach Shimano brake calipers are needed to clear the giant tyres.
  • Old-school Dura-Ace SPD pedals allow the use of recessed cleats for easier walking while on tours.
  • An oversized Ritchey WCS bar commands the front end.
  • Hampsten prefers an anatomic drop.
  • The matching Ritchey WCS stem shows some signs of wear but is still among the lightest around
  • Hampsten's fi'zi:k Aliante saddle displays the wear marks from countless hours of riding.
  • Hampsten prefers to play it safe with a full-length frame pump when out on the road. No follow car!
  • Extended jaunts up in the mountains mean the odd late finish. A bit of insurance doesn't hurt.
  • The classic King stainless cage finishes off the package.

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A Shimano Ultegra cassette provides the same shift performance as Dura-Ace at a fraction of the cost

© James Huang