Well, N+1 has arrived.
I decided to bite the bullet and go the whole hog with a bespoke, made to measure Columbus lite steel frame and a decent level of finishing kit from Paul Hewitt.
Here is the result. It is a superb bike. VERY stiff but comfortable; I can feel and see
no frame torsion when stomping on the pedals and I am no lightweight! It is pretty light too; just about 10kg though the scales are not specific enough to give a better indication. With the stiffness, it seems to go uphill a little faster too. Top tube is 60cm. Part of the deal in getting the bicycle was that SWMBO chose the colour; its growing on me slowly. I like the attention to detail - e.g. braized on cable guides for gear cable outers on head tube. Brooks Professional saddle is the best fit for my big bum.
42cm Handlebars, short drop. Nice comfortable padded sealskinz bar tape. I am lost without a mirror - neck not as flexible these days! The new Shimano stuff routes all the cables under the tape too so gives a very clean look.
Ulregra 11 speed, 11-32 cassette, 50x34 chainrings. Gives 29 to 127 inches. Better than my usual triple with almost as many steps which I have not missed yet. Polished stainless rear dropouts. CXP33 rims on Ultegra hubs. Not used Continental Gator Hardshell tyres before - will see how they pan out.
Looks like a very clean build. The welding is superb. It FITS my 6' 3" lardass frame just fine....!
