Racing Bike on a bit of a budget

Yes, I'll be joining Dulwich Paragon next month to get some group rides in.
Not really targeting any races specifically, but I'd like to have a go at Hillingdon, and maaaaybe Crystal Palace later in the year if I'm feeling confident. CP is very local for me, but it's out of my league for the meantime.

How about yourself?

Been out riding with Dulwich. Seems friendly enough and its a good route on a Saturday. Going to start doing their Wed chain gangs soon. Bit slower than Tues/Thur by all accounts.

Racing-wise, Cyclopark at Gravesend is going to be easiest for me as I live in Hither Green.

I'll come and introduce myself when I spot the Bianchi.

Yeah, do!
I've also heard Wednesday's are good... I work every Saturday, so I guess my options are more limited.

Presuming you have to be a fully paid-up member to go on any of the DP rides?

Yeah you do. They do a trial ride every few saturdays, 1 off attendance to see if you like their flavour.
But just pay up an become a member if you want to ride with them.

Good good, thought so.
Just finished this and my Roberts project in the same week, so I'll have to wait til next month to pay up now: Priorities, priorities.

Pics.

it's still in the shop til friday afternoon.

and still has a Rolls on it... you've been warned!

ooooooh, it might not have the Rolls on it after all.
hopefully picking this up later:

A bit more suitable, I think.
I hope my ass agrees.

Here you go:

It feels pretty good so far, except for the pedals. They're shite... but I have a rounded bolt stuck in one my shoes, so it's two-bolt systems only for me until the shoes die. Then I'll put Keos back on, or give105s a try.
I'm taking it out to the lanes for it's first proper run tomorrow afternoon, so I guess I'll be able to get a better idea about fit, etc after that.

Looks good, I'd race on that.

If you really dont like the pedals, you can quite easily get the bolt drilled out.

Looks good gaz, now you just gotta ride the shit out of it!

Please get some proper road pedals. Egg beaters are dangerous.
Plus the power transfer will be greatly improved. And the feel and stability.

Agreed, Get some basic spds, they don't cost too much and are soo much better than eggbeaters.

A small update: My LBS, the excellent Ratrace Cycles in Nuhead, managed to drill the rounded bolt out of my shoe, so I'm back with Keos now... the difference is actually incredible. I've replaced the stem with a slightly shorter one (from 100mm to 90mm) to improve fit, and I have also bought a snazzy carbon bottle cage from the HH jumble (£5, woo!): I am 30% faster because of it.

I'm happy to say the bike is getting a fair bit of use, and it's great fun to ride.

I'll be selling some of this soon, please PM if you're interested in the following:

Bianchi 1885 frame, with Crabon forks, seatpost, stem (100mm or 130mm) and headset: £180
Centaur carbon cranks 10 sp, 170, +BB cups: £80
Veloce 10 sp front mech (band on, have to check diameter): £10
Veloce 10 sp Shifters, £55

I'm keeping everything else, btw.

A small update: My LBS, the excellent Ratrace Cycles in Nuhead

Slightly OT but thanks for alerting me to this place's existence. Not technically my LBS but would've been if I still lived in Nunhead. Handy to know if I need any tinkering done when I'm round my dad's. :-)