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Road

Life is good for a former Giro d’Italia champion

By James Huang

published 20 May 2008

Former pro cyclist Andy Hampsten earned fame and fortune for his epic ride over the Passo di Gavia...

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Andy Hampsten won the 1988 Giro d'Italia(Image credit: Marty Caivano)

S&S couplings in the down tube and top tube(Image credit: James Huang)

The wild boar, or cinghiale, is the mascot(Image credit: James Huang)

Weld quality is second to none,(Image credit: James Huang)

The bottom bracket area(Image credit: James Huang)

There isn't any monkey business going on here;(Image credit: James Huang)

The seat stays take a straight path(Image credit: James Huang)

The chain stays are bent ever so slightly(Image credit: James Huang)

Massive dropouts(Image credit: James Huang)

Andy Hampsten won the 1988 Giro d'Italia in grand fashion and still remains the only American to do so.(Image credit: Marty Caivano)

Hampsten's eponymous Strada Bianca Ti Travelissimo doesn't bear much resemblance to the bike he used to win the '88 Giro d'Italia…(Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)

…but he says the handling characteristics are pretty much the same as what he looked for back in the day.(Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)

S&S couplings in the down tube and top tube make for relatively easy portability when airline travel is involved.(Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)

The wild boar, or cinghiale, is the mascot for Hampsten's Italian bicycle touring company.(Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)

Weld quality is second to none, as it should be considering Hampsten's titanium frames are actually welded by either Kent Eriksen Cycles or Moots.(Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)

The bottom bracket area looks small in comparison to a lot of carbon racers but it doesn't hamper Hampsten's ability to fly uphill.(Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)

There isn't any monkey business going on here; just clean design and even cleaner welds.(Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)

The seat stays take a straight path from the seat tube to the burly dropouts.(Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)

The chain stays are bent ever so slightly for a little extra heel clearance.(Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)

Massive dropouts keep the back end in check.(Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)

According to Hampsten, this image is taken from the actual podium shot at the Giro d'Italia in 1988.(Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)

Cable connectors allow the front and rear halves of the bike to fully separate for packing.(Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)

The Wound Up long reach fork allows for fat tires to accommodate Hampsten's soft spot for rarely traveled dirt roads.(Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)

Few road riders would think of using tires this big but they're not much heavier than skinny 23c rubber, are far more comfortable, roll incredibly fast and corner even faster.(Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)

An Ambrosio Excellight SSC rim is used up front…(Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)

…and is mated to a Chris King Classic front hub.(Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)

A Chris King hub is used out back as well.(Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)

Alloy nipples save a few grams.(Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)

Shimano Dura-Ace is Hampsten's choice for a light and dependable component group.(Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)

The matching Dura-Ace rear derailleur is fitted to a replaceable hanger.(Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)

The Dura-Ace name is found on the front derailleur as well but the chain is a SRAM PC-1090R with hollow pins.(Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)

A well-used Shimano Ultegra cassette provides the same shift performance as Dura-Ace at a fraction of the cost.(Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)

A compact ratio Shimano R700 crankset affords some extra options when Hampsten is accompanying clients on tours.(Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)

There are plenty of low gears available here although we can say from firsthand experience that Hampsten doesn't really need them himself!(Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)

The long reach Shimano brake calipers are needed to clear the giant tires.(Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)

Old-school Dura-Ace SPD pedals allow the use of recessed cleats for easier walking while on tours.(Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)

An oversized Ritchey WCS bar commands the front end.(Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)

Hampsten prefers an anatomic drop.(Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)

The matching Ritchey WCS stem shows some signs of wear but is still among the lightest options available.(Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)

Hampsten's fi'zi:k Aliante saddle displays the wear marks from countless hours of riding.(Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)

Hampsten prefers to play it safe with a full-length frame pump when out on the road. These days there's no follow car anymore!(Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)

Extended jaunts up in the mountains can find Hampsten heading back home at dusk and a bit of insurance doesn't hurt.(Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)