Rouleur Classic 2019 — Roadbook of Cycling

The Rouleur Classic unites like-minded people under one roof, to celebrate cycling’s history and get a sneak peek at the future.

It’s a showcase of world-class: bike porn, technology, art, and artifacts - with more pro/ex-pro cyclists than the Grand Départ of the Tour de France.

Here are my five highlights (some you may find odd):

1. Catching up with Johan Museeuw

Johan is proof that cycling is the secret to eternal youth. It wouldn’t surprise me if he announced his return to professional cycling and won the 2020 Tour of Flanders by attacking Segan, GVA, Gilbert, etc, with 60km to go and finishing solo.

Cycling in Flanders nailed-it with this Berg ‘tube map’, which lead to my question: “Johan, what’s your favorite berg?”

The Lion of Flanders is a Molenberg man, I’m quite partial to the Eikenberg.

I can’t wait to ride the iconic ‘bergs of Flanders’ with you again next year. 🦁🇧🇪

2. Lotus x Hope 2020 GB Olympic Track Bike

Royalists proudly adorn the mantlepiece with commemorative fine china, such as ‘the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee’, or ‘the Royal Wedding’.

I grew up in the Winter household, where Chris Boardman is royalty. There must be a picture, painting or tribute to him in every room.

The new 2020 GB Olympic track bike, built and developed by Hope and Lotus, was clearly going to excite me.

Boardmans Olympic Gold medal in 1992 was the catalyst for transforming Great Britain into a cycling nation. Without his gold medal, we wouldn’t have Team Sky or British Cycling’s trophy cabinet - as Boardmans performance secured funding from the National Lottery to develop British Cycling.

Chris Boardman is the godfather of British Cycling. His commitment to making cycling more enjoyable, safe and accessible is commendable. Thank you, Chris.

This bike is a beautiful ‘nod’ to the 1992 Lotus and a symbol of how far we’ve come as a nation.

It’s so much more than just a bike.

Sur la plaque, mortals.

3. Hup Hup Hup Flags

A collection of one-off collaborations designed to celebrate the 2019 World Championships in Yorkshire. The Paul Smith flag has to be my favourite.

Nice job, Conductor Studio. This is graphic design at its finest.

4. LeMan

Greg LeMond’s attendance felt like a US presidential state visit 🇺🇸🇬🇧, he stole the show. The auditorium was packed out and the audience was hanging on his every word.

5. Speedplay Pedals

Of all the amazing things to obsess over, such as the hand-painted Festka, The Colnago C64, the new Campagnolo Super Record Groupset… why am I talking about pedals?

Well, ‘President LeMonde’ and Hinault rocked the first pair of ‘clipless pedals’, made by French Ski brand - Look. For me, this was the most revolutionary piece of cycling componentry since the Campagnolo derailleur.

Since then, pedals haven’t really changed much, they are just a spindle with some bearings and a footplate.

Speedplay entered the market, reversing the cleat/plate and made the connection double-sided, therefore easier to bind (no more embarrassing “I can’t clip-in” moments). Speedplay pedals offer more adjustment and customisation than their competitors, making them an obvious choice in my mind.

The Speedplay pedal museum is a beautiful timeline visualising the incremental changes throughout the decades and highlights how ‘alien’ Speedplay pedals look in comparison.

Speedplay is committed to doing one thing to the highest standard. Making pedals (and therefore cycling) better.

That is why I am talking about pedals, instead of the latest carbon frames and deep-section wheels (but this C64 ain’t bad).

Thanks @RouleurClassic, for reminding me that cycling is the most beautiful sport in the world.

If you’ve never been before… make the effort, It’s A+.

See you next year.

Gareth.