Best Bike to ride before a good listening session

This thread brings back fond memories. While stationed in Italy in '75 I went to a bike shop in Naples looking to purchase one. I was new to Italy, so I didn't speak much Italian. I walked in, and after looking at all of the bikes, I pointed to the one hanging on the wall I wanted. The owner shook his head no, then pointed to himself. That was his bike. I said secondo, and he then got down the second best one in the shop, which I promptly bought. I believe it was an Olno, or Olmo. When I needed new wheels, I'd take the train there to sit and watch him lace up new ones for me. Wish I still had that bike.

Abucktwoeighty, Italian road bikes are the best, imo. I had noticed that the sign of a good shop would have some owner's and/or at least mechanic's personal bikes hanging up. Bike #1: Biemmezeta Chronostar. 25 years ago, An amateur racer in Mass. got the US distributorship for the frame. Upon my ordering of one, he said "I sold one other to NJ. A fellow named Pete. You probably don't know him... he is from this town if you know where that is". He was my bike mechanic/fanatic friend from my nearby shop. HA! Small world! We got a great kick out of that one. Side note: His girlfriend was always ready to leave if he got "one more bike frame"! Bike#2 Cinelli, original cir. late 60's. Bike#3 Alan Carbonio 7 frame. May build it up someday when I get my second wind:)

I've loved every bike I've ever had ... from 1971 through 2008 ... Japanese to American to Japanese, from carb to EFI to a V-4 carb ... and, as always, the bike I have right now is the best! I don't ride before doing music, though, as the bike provides a music I'd take any and every day ... over my audio system ... but ONLY if I have to make such a decision. As it stands, I get both worlds ... and I'm happy!

Santa Cruz Superlight

or

Yamaha FZ1

Either works for me

Something newer, fuel injected, four stroke, ohlins suspended, well rubbered, lightweight, nimble, and on a well maintained racetrack with no-one who "thinks" they are fast within 50 miles. The absolute exhaustion from this, at my age, puts me in the perfect frame of mind and body for music. The rhythm that you (hopefully) achieve can be the perfect set-up for a relaxing night in the dark with my vinyl...