RIDING THE CCM TOUR  du CANADA

I spent the better part of the riding season getting to know the TdC.  I really like the bicycle and it fits me very well.  The Brooks Professional saddle was a pain at first, but nothing that seriously detracted from the pleasure of the rides. 

I put the original Brooks Pro away with the tubular wheel set - just in case.  I did not want to risk damaging the old saddle, since they don't make em like that anymore.  And the wheels, being tubular, just might not meet my riding needs.  Of course, that has changed now that I understand the tremendous value imparted to ride quality thanks to the sew-up system.  I plan to install the sew-ups on the next build.  The gorgeous 27" wheel set that I have been running will find a home on one of my other bicycles or be passed on to someone else who needs them.

By next riding season, I hope to have the CCM Tour du Canada fully restored to as close to original, as possible.  The paint has already been computer matched, mixed and sits on the shelf waiting for paint day.  I did want to try the paint brush method but could not find a color match.  The paint I am using will have to be sprayed.  And I hate using spray cans.  They create a huge mess and poison the air in the process.  All that said, I really haven't decided which way I want to go with the paint issue.

As for the CCM's art work...  I am not sure that I like the original art and I have given thought to going with my own designs.  I am also considering mounting a CCM head badge, in place of the incredibly ugly CCM sticker originally issued.  Though I do have the original sticker, the thoughts of using it really turn me off.  A dilemma.  Should I restore to original specs or do it the way I like it?  The jury is still out on this issue.  Even I don't which way I will go.

In its last form, the CCM was an attractive bicycle that worked like a charm.  Much of the "urban legend" that surrounded the bicycle seems to be untrue.  The CCM Tour du Canada is a pretty bicycle that offers a more than acceptable level of performance.  And there are not many left.

On a final note, I ran across a mid eighties CCM Tour du Canada the other day.  What a sad bicycle it is.  Do not be fooled by this eighties lack of quality take off of the original TdC.  The eighties issues is of entry level quality - at best.