The Heroic Bicycle Registry aims to collect images, information, and data to create a catalog of bicycles for Racing, Touring, City, Sport, Cyclocross, and Folding use.
Art. 1 – General Information
The Heroic Bicycle Registry collects bicycles built before 1987 that have survived to the present day in good condition or have been restored.
Specifically, Heroic (Vintage) Bicycles are defined as all road bicycles with drop handlebars built up to and including 1987, with or without gears, including those built in the late 1800s or early 1900s. These bicycles generally have steel frames, although rare aluminum frames are allowed (e.g., those with glued and bolted joints).
The year 1987 is used as the cut-off because traditional toe clips were largely replaced by modern clipless pedals (Look system) around that time (although some cyclists, notably Hinault, used them earlier).
Component requirements:
- Gear shifters must be mounted on the down tube (exceptions: bar-end shifters before 1980)
- Pedals must have toe clips and straps or be original; clipless pedals are not allowed
- Brake cables must run externally along the handlebars (internal routing in the frame is allowed)
- Older geared bicycles must have original derailleurs
- Wheels must have:
- Low-profile rims (<20 mm)
- At least 32 spokes
- Materials allowed: aluminum, steel, or wood
- Both tubular and clincher tires are allowed
- Saddles should preferably be period-correct; replicas are allowed, but carbon saddles are not
- Freewheel gearing may be adjusted
- Brakes must be period-correct and functional
Early 1900s bicycles without gears are exempt from these rules if they retain original components.
Art. 2 – Registry Structure
The registry is organized by bicycle type, using numbered records including:
- Brand
- Model
- Year
- Color
- Frame size
- Serial number (if available)
- Provenance (if known)
Each record includes:
- A photograph
- Classification: Restored or Original
- Condition rating: Excellent, Good, Fair
Additional photos of significant details may be included.
Art. 3 – Racing Bicycles
Racing bicycles include those used in touring, amateur, professional, road, or track events.
3.1 Early 1900s – 1920s
Pre-1920:
- Steel frame
- Iron or wooden rims
- Single gear
- Spoon brake
- Tires with inner tubes
Post-1920:
- Steel frame
- Iron rims
- Flip-flop hub
- Frame-mounted brake
- Tires with inner tubes (tubulars from the 1930s)
3.2 1930s–1940s
- Steel frame
- Drop handlebars
- Leather saddle
- Wooden, steel, or aluminum rims
- Tubulars or clinchers
- Quick-release wheels
- Aluminum fenders
- Gear systems (Vittoria, Simplex, Campagnolo, etc.)
- Freewheel up to 4 speeds
- Pedals with toe clips and leather straps
- Aluminum bottles
3.3 1950s–1960s
- Steel frame
- Drop handlebars
- Aluminum rims
- Cable-operated derailleurs
- Double chainring
- 5-speed freewheel
- Leather saddle
- Aluminum or plastic bottles
3.4 1960s
- Steel frame
- Aluminum handlebars
- Aluminum rims with tubulars
- Campagnolo/Simplex derailleurs
- Double chainring
- 5-speed freewheel
- Leather or plastic saddle
- Plastic bottles
3.5 1970s–late 1980s
- Steel or aluminum frame
- Aluminum handlebars
- Modern derailleurs (Campagnolo, Shimano, etc.)
- Components in aluminum, titanium, or plastic
- 6/7-speed freewheel
- Plastic saddle with leather covering
- Aluminum rims with tubulars or clinchers
- Aerodynamic plastic bottles
Art. 4 – Touring / City Bicycles
Used for short urban or travel distances.
4.1 1930s–1940s
- Steel frame
- Upright handlebars
- Rod, cable, or coaster brakes
- Single speed
- Fenders and chain guard
- Wide leather saddle
- 26” or 28” wheels
4.2 1950s–1980s
- Steel frame
- Upright handlebars
- Same braking options
- Single speed
- Leather or plastic saddle
- Steel or aluminum rims
Art. 5 – Sport Bicycles
Used for commuting or longer leisure rides, with multiple gears.
5.1 1930s–1950s
- Steel frame
- Upright handlebars
- Up to 3 gears
- Narrower tires
- Dynamo lighting
- Reflectors
5.2 1960s–1980s
- Steel frame
- Narrow handlebars
- Up to 6 gears
- Double chainring
- Narrow tires
- Dynamo lighting
Art. 6 – Folding Bicycles
Defined by a folding frame mechanism for easy transport.
- Single speed
- Dynamo lighting
- Wheel sizes: 16”–24”
Art. 7 – Condition Assessment
Evaluated by a commission:
- Fair: Approximate restoration, non-period components
- Good: Correct or reproduced period components
- Excellent: Fully original or perfectly restored
- Not Eligible: Does not meet requirements or unsafe
Art. 8 – Special Notes
Components are considered special/exceptional only if original and verified.
Art. 9 – Verification Committee
A panel of experts evaluates bicycles based on:
- Owner-provided data
- Technical inspection
They may reject inaccurate information.
Art. 10 – Registration Process
Steps:
- Registration
- Presentation at an official event
10.1 Registration
10.2 Presentation
The bicycle must be presented at:
- Eroica Gaiole in Chianti (Thu–Sat)
- Eroica Montalcino (Fri–Sat)
Art. 11 – Registration Fee
- €30 one-time fee
- €15 for data changes
Art. 12 – Certificate and Plate
Each registered bicycle receives:
- A certificate
- An aluminum plate with registration number (to be stamped on the frame)
Art. 13 – Change of Ownership
Ownership changes must be reported via email to: registrobici@eroica.cc
A new certificate can be issued upon request (€15 fee).
