Bike: 1991 Eddy Merckx Corsa SL- 2005 Campagnolo Record Ergo components including carbon fiber crank and titanium cogset options. Custom 32 spoke rear, 28 spoke front wheelset by DTSwiss:
All day comfortable, silky smooth yet responsive, gear changes are almost telepathic. Close ratio 11–21 cogset means always having the perfect ratio for all situations. Cinelli cork ribbon wrapped handlebar feels like velvet. Selle Italia Flite Titanium saddle in white perforated leather is minimalist and is a nod to cycling’s earlier eras. it’s mass is measured in grams.
Car: 1996 (DC1) Honda Integra- Nearly flawless seating position, world class ergonomics, Rod actuated shift linkage with added urethane bushings feels like a well oiled rifle bolt. Power steering delete provides exceptional response and feel along with uprated synthetic bushings on 24mm front sway bar. Car heads where I point it (with a glance) with minimum effort or need for corrections. Steering response is further augmented with a factory GS-R front strut tower brace.
Eibach Pro Kit suspension springs lowers car 1.3 inches providing flatter cornering, less squat and dive under acceleration and increases feedback to driver. 45 profile Nitto Neo-Gen tires made specifically for cars with increased camber due to lowering tracks true and provides greater response and roadholding that stock setup. Larger yet lighter than stock Enkei wheels reduce unsprung weight and rotating mass.
Mild weight reduction program: Terrestrial radio antenna and motor, rear hatch floor and carpets deleted, rear wiper and motor delete, rear bumper beam delete, spare tire delete add to front weight bias improving neutral handling and reduces undercar aerodynamic turbulence at speed.
This machine-human symbiosis is difficult to appreciate without a demonstration.
But interacting with them brings a familiar and confidence inspiring result that must be experienced to be believed.
Interacting with these two machines is like great sex: As natural and instinctive as taking a breath.