ERIC’S LEGEND IL RE

Build:

 
Titanium Legend by Bertoletti IL RE, in English terminology, “The King”

Columbus Futuro carbon fork

Campagnolo Super Record EPS12 170 mm 36/52 crankset/11-32 cassette

Bars: ControlTech Timania

Stem: Custom painted DSD Composite

Wheels: Several, depending on conditions.

Saddle: Berk padded Lupina

Deda tape

Rim brakes/dual pivot

EPS:

 
Painless install and straight forward. If you haven’t built an EPS frame, the video tutorials on Campagnolo’s website are more than capable for the do it yourself mechanic given you have the tools. Coming from all frames being mechanical, I was intrigued by EPS. I must admit, I wanted to see for myself what the latest rage was all about. Long story short, while I loved the fact that the battery was neatly tucked inside the post and the lack of cables, there is no difference in pure function. Sure, EPS was silent vs the obvious sound of the mech, but both give precise shifts when set up properly. Overall, while old school, I admit that I was happy to leave the extra cables behind. That said, I’ll give the nod to EPS based on the front derailleur. One small move of the lever and an instantaneous change from the 36 to 52 and vice versa, not to mention that it trims itself while moving through the 11-32. All this, and the fact that the “My Campy” app allows you to fine tune the shifting based on your needs, I’m sold. All we need now is wireless.

Frame:

 
While some admire the welds, or “beads” from others, I prefer Legend’s smooth-finished welds and consider them a distinctive touch. The final frame appears much like a fillet-brazed steel frame as one tube flows effortlessly into the next with smooth and consistent transitions, as if the bike was poured in a mold. Carbon insert dropouts and Legend’s TUN bottom bracket, BSA threaded….pure beauty. The “TUN” is shaped like a wine barrel and allows internal wiring and Campy’s insert plenty of room, all while stiffening the BB.

First ride:

Those that know Pennsylvania roads, after Winter, enough said. It seems I never suffered from the sharp hits or road buzz while on the IL RE. Shocking for me, as I was admittingly bitten by the carbon rage. While the carbon Columbus fork plays a role, I can’t say enough about the ControlTech bars, as I feel they play a major role in the dampening. Out of the saddle is pure bliss. There is zero flex at the BB and every pedal stroke propels you forward.

While I’m no longer a collector, I have several frames that each serve a purpose. That said, while the IL RE doesn’t demand to be raced, it’s truly at home on the open road for long tempo rides at pace. It will be the go-to frame for long excursions.

– Eric