Yet Another Cycling Forum
General Category => Freewheeling => Velo Fixe => Topic started by: zigzag on 23 July, 2012, 10:31:17 pm
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this thread will be dedicated to my (yet another) n+1. i'd like to call this a project, but there's not much of a project really - just to get the parts and put them all together. there was an itch for a lightweight single speed (or fixed) bike that is comfy to ride for long distances. not much of a choice in the market for suitable frames with horizontal dropouts or track ends. so i was happy to come across this frameset which suited my requirements perfectly. i won't be disclosing the make just yet, but it is a limited edition frameset, hand-made (hand-glued) in italy and acquired new directly from the manufacturer. unique features of the frame - removable cable stops for clean looks when used as single speed and swappable dropouts (track 120mm or road 130mm). big down-tube near the bb for increased stiffness tapering off towards head tube. matt 3k finish and neat hand finished touches (on cable stops, sides of bb shell, head tube edges etc.). few pics now, more will be added later as the frameset turns into a bike (which might not happen very soon!!).
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-gIeoN69UMJA/UA29yfGHZvI/AAAAAAAACSg/osvNwaJ5L-k/s480/IMG_0273.jpg)
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-KAOjRGcMhNc/UA29zrGAtRI/AAAAAAAACSo/wTFEuCGB8b0/s640/IMG_0284.jpg)
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Wp5qWmeLBSc/UA29zEeTV3I/AAAAAAAACSk/azZOW6npJfo/s640/IMG_0286.jpg)
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-x2jKJ785U2I/UA290XuzwjI/AAAAAAAACS4/FPXa9BeeSdM/s640/IMG_0293.jpg)
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Is it carbon throughout?
I was also thinking about getting a very light weight frame for PBP (and a faster time). Last time (which was my first) I got in at 88.39. Granted, we wasted loads of time in controls queing for seconds, the toilets etc and we stopped off at cafes to enjoy the view, eat ice cream and talk to fellow riders.
I hardly used any of the kit I took: bivi bag, lightweight waterprrof AND winter, spare socks, mum etc etc. This time I thought I'd go minimal (like an Italian) and aim for a much faster time with a much lighter bike than my trusty Steamroller
Are you planning on a pre release date for the manufacturer of you very swish looking frame set? It looks great
J
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That's going to be even more expensive than my overkill fixed (now single)! :o
Looking forward to hearing more about it's progress :thumbsup:
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That looks absolutely superb. Hang it on your wall and gaze at it. In fact, bring it round to mine and I'll hang it up.
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thanks guys. the frameset is very nice but it's not going on the wall! the promise was made it will be put to a good use on the roads. today i checked clearances on the frame and forks and it will happily take 25c tyres with crudracer 'guards, if i wanted to use them (23c tyre in the photos).
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-LpX0kW1onwE/UA8KRzVtOBI/AAAAAAAACTg/X4JemjFEAJk/s640/IMG_0308.jpg)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4-kd74zk2DM/UA8GsVkGtYI/AAAAAAAACTU/3Dd5I5m9i_I/s640/IMG_0311.JPG)
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I've got the same sofa as you
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How's progress?
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still musing over (possible) components.. i could transfer all the parts from my current ss bike today and test ride it, but i want to make this bike a bit more special, so trying to work out what options are out there. it may appear that in a current day and age we are spoilt for choice, but when you need something particular - you can't find it. e.g. lightweight ss/fixed wheels: if there was a wheelset similar to ksyrium sl's, weighing ~1.4kg it would be a no-brainer. it's possible to have light handbuilt wheels with carbon rims, but i'm not satisfied with the braking performance in wet. alloy rims are better in this respect, but with a weight penalty. mavic ellipse seems like a good option, but there is not enough thread for a freewheel. so yes, still researching what is possible, durable and reasonable. different rims/hubs/spokes for front and rear?
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Hmm. Getting the wheels right on this beauty is important.
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(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-tpBHA41oZOE/UBrB-St4dQI/AAAAAAAACTs/yWtmYJ4zM90/s640/IMG_0352.jpg)
since i learnt was told how to sit on a bike, i find most racing saddles are comfy enough. eg fizik aliante was fine on bcm600 couple of months ago, whereas before it used to give me major discomfort after about 100k. i'll test this lightweight saddle tomorrow (on 200k) and decide whether i'm keeping it or not.
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i'll test this lightweight saddle tomorrow (on 200k) and decide whether i'm keeping it or not.
did 199km yesterday (ohhh, why not 200?..) and the saddle is fine. i reckon it would be good for up to 300k. not many races (what the saddle is designed for) are much longer than 200k anyway.
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http://www.switchbikes.com/bike.php?b=urban (http://www.switchbikes.com/bike.php?b=urban)
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after a bit of research decided on hubs (http://www.rocknrollbikes.com/urban/wheel-hubs/tensile-professional-large-flange-fixie-hubs-pair-black.html#prod_description). i was after lightweight, flip-flop hubs that don't require 15mm spanner - not much choice there!
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Goldtec, but they are quite a bit more expensive and possibly heavier.
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thanks Rhys, goldtec seemed an obvious choice, but the basic ones are a lot heavier and look "chunky", while ceramic hubs look better and should be lighter as well (even if i couldn't find their weight). anyways, tensile hubs appear to be well made, nicely finished and with smooth 6000rs bearings - should be alright.
now: open pro or rr415 ::-) ;D
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back to research and shopping. i was looking for brake levers and it was either sram or campag; went for campag records in the end. now need to decide on the handlebars - alloy/carbon/which make and shape..
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-umY-_URq8is/UGTTrAN3RBI/AAAAAAAACZU/pWnF18hdbm8/s640/IMG_0531.JPG)
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a pair of brake calipers turned up today. i'm using the same type of calipers on my audax bike and really rate them - good stopping power, modulation and not a lot of weight.
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-dw-C8TpGUmQ/UL5oKvaLBJI/AAAAAAAACgQ/4ewGLZaP5pg/s640/IMG_0389.jpg)
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..and also - a fairly large box from taiwan (with almost three sheets of stamps attached ::-)):
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PI7fREWMZzY/UL5oKCB0w6I/AAAAAAAACgM/ZRQIy70-Dv4/s640/IMG_0379.jpg)
now reading a book about wheel building
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You know, you really are a tease !!
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there are four rims in the box - two for standard single speed wheels, one for a possible dynohub wheel (if i decide i need it) and one spare. next job is to make a wheel jig, then wheels, and then assemble the bike.
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Strong winds predicted this weekend. You may want to secure your N+1 to something heavy to prevent it from blowing away.
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Looking promising. What chainset are you going to use?
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chainset will be shimano alfine 45t. i've struggled to find anything better, that is 130bcd, has 42mm chainline, 3/32" ring, black colour and modern looking.
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a pair of brake calipers turned up today. i'm using the same type of calipers on my audax bike and really rate them - good stopping power, modulation and not a lot of weight.
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-dw-C8TpGUmQ/UL5oKvaLBJI/AAAAAAAACgQ/4ewGLZaP5pg/s640/IMG_0389.jpg)
I like them, are they both dual pivot?
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I like them, are they both dual pivot?
yes, one pivot is on a red linkage, another on the main bolt. these calipers work great with campag and previous shimano levers, however current shimano "super slr" levers pull more cable - you get lower leverage, less modulation and stopping power. something to bear in mind.
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Thanks, what make and model are they please?
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Thanks, what make and model are they please?
they are sold under different names; i got them from px (http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/BCPXULCNC/planet_x_ultra_light_cnc_brake_calipers)
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They're not joking when they say "incredibly low weight": 205g. I wonder if the front one is as effective as front Campag Record Skeleton with KoolStop pads?
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i haven't tried record brakes (poor design imo :)), but i doubt they would be any better. the only way to know is to test them both with the same pads. i descended long steep hills in wet weather during mille alba last summer and was always confident they would stop me in time. for me, good reliable brakes is no.1 priority on a bike
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while waiting for the spokes to arrive, borrowed a set of wheels from my mrs' bike, took a random stem and bars from the "spares box" and put the bike together just to see the how it looks. The saddle and handlebars are at correct height from bb and the floor, the steerer tube needs to be cut. building wheels is my next challenge, after that - the bike is pretty much ready to go!!
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-32YlqubW_QI/UOG1Oj4GjYI/AAAAAAAACkE/5Afv3Iv88uM/s640/IMG_0636.jpg)
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-lJfPILToowk/UOG1OmEYviI/AAAAAAAACkI/rosU_sMhHVo/s640/IMG_0640.jpg)
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Sleek
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Lovely. Crying out for a derailleur or two.
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cheers, the derailleurs are on another bike, this one will do without! :) it's crying out for a nice set of factory wheels, unfortunately i couldn't find any (mavic ellipse and american classic 420 were the only ones worth consideration)
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I'm interested to know why you didn't choose the Mavic Ellipse. I'm thinking of those for the bike au haven't built yet.
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The bottom of the drops are at a funny angle. I'd keep sliding off them.
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I'm interested to know why you didn't choose the Mavic Ellipse. I'm thinking of those for the bike au haven't built yet.
firstly, they are heavy (equivalent mavic road wheels are 300g lighter, which for the wheels, is a lot), then the brake track is anodised, which i didn't like - it wouldn't look right when it starts wearing off. the wheels only come with fixed/fixed hub and i need longer freewheel thread on one side, ideally. ellipses are tightened with track nuts which means you have to carry a big ol' spanner with you..
The bottom of the drops are at a funny angle. I'd keep sliding off them.
there's no way i would ride with such bars either - they came with a bike i purchased some time ago and were taken off straight away. shallow drops are my favourite, as i have on my audax bike (https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ZPEa9gwB6ew/T7o8ch8sgSI/AAAAAAAACBc/Nao51VTlj38/s640/IMGP0117.jpg).
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I'm interested to know why you didn't choose the Mavic Ellipse. I'm thinking of those for the bike au haven't built yet.
firstly, they are heavy (equivalent mavic road wheels are 300g lighter, which for the wheels, is a lot), then the brake track is anodised, which i didn't like - it wouldn't look right when it starts wearing off. the wheels only come with fixed/fixed hub and i need longer freewheel thread on one side, ideally. ellipses are tightened with track nuts which means you have to carry a big ol' spanner with you..
I hadn't got as far as weight being rather taken by the shiny pair I saw in Condors. Looks like my audax wheels (open pro on goldtec track) are lighter and cheaper.
Thanks
Rob
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did some minor fettling today before i get on with the wheel building. i've read many opinions/articles about spoke washers and came to conclusion that they may prevent spoke breakages near the hub flange. building without washers is perfectly fine as well, as long as the wheel is built to a good standard. i decided to use washers as the spoke head fits the flange more snugly and may give me more room for error as this is the first set of wheels i'm building.
spoke in a hub without a washer:
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-y3U6qYvJ6p8/UPbrropJEkI/AAAAAAAAClU/WDsxYWHq-mg/s512/IMG_0735.jpg)
shaped the washers from flat to conic:
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-XAYoYoJH8es/UPbrqs3HA-I/AAAAAAAAClA/2QMaVgBSxIo/s640/IMG_0710.jpg)
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-MO1wKQdqCTI/UPbrqPyxvqI/AAAAAAAACk8/eP8CnXMSb_o/s640/IMG_0716.jpg)
with the little washer, there's no side-to-side play and the spoke exits the flange right at the bend, rather than just before it:
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-x1Qb0R2bzD8/UPbrrDm9ICI/AAAAAAAAClM/Ydd9wH35IPs/s640/IMG_0721.jpg)
next step - to buff the spokes 8)
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the wheels are now built, fingers sore. it's been very interesting and satisfying to finish my first set of wheels! i managed to over tension the rear wheel and turn it into a pringle-shaped object.. good thing it's easy to undo this mistake and the wheel came out round and true in the end. the only thing i would like to do is to measure spoke tension to see how far out/close to the recommended 100-110kgf it is.
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-lLJrp14b5Go/UQ19nJC0tXI/AAAAAAAACqo/nQPFDgax8p0/s640/IMG_0881.jpg)
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They look well bling!
Good work.
Pop them in the frameset and let's have a photo! Going to be a lovely machine for sure.
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if you want to add some extra shine to the spokes, i can recommend this kit (elbow grease not pictured):
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xGreX45D_kw/URLTZPHsU8I/AAAAAAAACrE/s-sTAPs1ocg/s640/IMG_0912.jpg)
there is a proper and more sophisticated way of making steel shiny (http://www.clockmaker.com.au/rolex/rolex_case_polishing.html), but if if i turned up at hatton garden with a bunch of spokes - ... ::-)
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today i've installed veloplugs to cover spoke holes; an alternative would be a good 'ol cotton rim tape (13mm wide). once the plugs are punched in i don't think i will be able to remove them without breaking. anybody else here using them?
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oNqh6A1jK4Y/URLTYJGUTFI/AAAAAAAACq4/xhZYJWSbbeo/s640/IMG_0944.jpg)
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-vk9qnbz-SDE/URLTY5jO8NI/AAAAAAAACrA/7jcKFKthDZ4/s512/IMG_0973.jpg)
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Will you be using this bike at all or will it be vacuum packed and hung from the living room wall to keep it in mint condition?
:P
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Does polishing your spokes this way make your toes sore?
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xGreX45D_kw/URLTZPHsU8I/AAAAAAAACrE/s-sTAPs1ocg/s640/IMG_0912.jpg)
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Will you be using this bike at all or will it be vacuum packed and hung from the living room wall to keep it in mint condition?
:P
oh yes, like my other bikes it will be getting a fair share of use. i need to finish building it first, though! i've enjoyed the process so far and learnt few things along the way - why shouldn't i be riding it? it should give a great ride and i'm looking forward to test it out! i've changed my mind about the gearing, btw. will run 52x20 for general riding with an option to gear up to 52x16 for an occasional tt (if i decide to give them a go).
Does polishing your spokes this way make your toes sore?
yes, but this may toughen them up for long distance running (http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=58.msg1414481#msg1414481) ;)
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well the spring is coming, time to put the bike together :D. but before that i thought i'll weigh the components ww style (still plenty of scope for weight reduction if i decide to). i'll weigh few remaining odds'n'sods when i'm assembling the bike, but so far the list goes:
frame 1203g
fork (uncut) 371g
rear wheel 32h 736g
front wheel 32h 698g
axle bolts+washers 48g
chainset 52t+guard 928g
bottom bracket 94g
pedals 257g
freewheel 20t 224g
brake levers 222g
stem 122g/173g
handlebars 199g
h. tape+plugs 60g
gel inserts (drops) 28g
saddle 143g
seatpost 224g
seatpost clamp 21g
chain 285g
brakes 208g
headset 58g
tyres pro3 2x215g
inner tubes latex 2x79g
the whole bike should come to around 7.2kg, and i'm especially happy about the wheels which turned out lighter than (my benchmark) ksyrium sl's, i hope with more spokes they will be just as stiff, therefore great for climbing. only a pity that they need tyre levers to (dis)mount the tyres - but i can live with that.
next little project - to devise a custom toolkit for this bike
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Does polishing your spokes this way make your toes sore?
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xGreX45D_kw/URLTZPHsU8I/AAAAAAAACrE/s-sTAPs1ocg/s640/IMG_0912.jpg)
At least they get put to good use afterwards.
http://www.switchbikes.com/technology_socks.php
Does the frame come with a little 'Made by Foot in Italy' sticker on it?
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At least they get put to good use afterwards.
http://www.switchbikes.com/technology_socks.php
Does the frame come with a little 'Made by Foot in Italy' sticker on it?
yes, recycling is important in the current throw-away-things age. frames, while designed in italy, are put together elsewhere afaik (using hands, feet, head and other body parts :))
i spoke to "strada" boys at bespoked, they said they use polishing wheel to give the spokes some extra shine but still it takes about the same time, 1hr per wheel.
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well the spring is coming, time to put the bike together
<drums fingers on desk>
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right. tried to finish setting up handlebars yesterday, but run into a compatibility issue. the handlebars are my favourite shape (short reach shallow drop) which means that (when looking from above) forward reaching part of the bars is quite short and the campag lever does does not sit straight because of it's location of a clamp combined with more "hugging" plastic mold design. tektro brakes from my spares box work fine and clamp securely.
i could do a bit of cutting/grinding/filing on the campag lever to remove the inner top part of it's plastic body, but i'd really like to avoid any bodgeing, so campag levers nice as they are will have to go. i'll be ordering some trp levers instead, which felt great for my hands at bespoked show, but are 60g heavier compared to campag record. pictures below show the different lever clamp location and how it affects the position on the 'bars.
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-sN1FmwgyFl8/UW_nm5XDP3I/AAAAAAAACzQ/3yTpV_6YSr8/s512/IMG_0064.jpg) (https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-q1ylvKbNIbQ/UW_nm8ipNAI/AAAAAAAACzU/SsRKKLGeORs/s512/IMG_0061.jpg)
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-X3AH2gIdYCc/UW_nm0KDLrI/AAAAAAAACzI/ltRcMdfClWk/s512/IMG_0069.jpg) (https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UKKKuzR8nlk/UW_nnWh6TxI/AAAAAAAACzY/1h_ZbImQq2M/s512/IMG_0075.jpg)
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Totally agree that it's worth spending time (and, sadly, money) getting the bar / lever ergonomics just right. At least you have settled on the bars you want so now it's just a matter of trying levers.
I didn't make it to Bespoked btw or I'd have PM'd you.
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got some latex inner tubes
just for laughs to test how much air they leak and if they are feasible for longer rides. pumped the tyres up to 120psi they went down to 85psi after 24hrs and to 70psi after 48hrs. conclusion - fine for the rides up to 300k. i'll see if they are worth the hassle after some real world testing.
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applying helicopter tape to the cranks is a fiddly job, but had to be done. this involved youtube, steel rule, stanley knife, white spirit, soapy water and heat. i don't mind heel rub on silver cranks, but on black ones it doesn't look good.
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-jJYVFQ-eDX8/UYaTrhJNo_I/AAAAAAAAC0Y/Ukc9KZpkx58/s640/IMG_0103.JPG)
after that, i assembled the bike and took it for an inaugural spin - wheeeee!! ;D big smile on my face :thumbsup:. acceleration is positively surprising - i guess due to a combination of direct drive (no mech), straight chainline, stiff bb and cranks, stiff and light wheels, latex inner tubes and pro3 race tyres.
few little jobs outstanding - cutting steerer tube, getting water bottle cages, wrapping bar tape (and maybe installing mudguards).
i might get longer axle bolts as the ones supplied with hubs are a tad short for these track ends, imo:
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4TLSg5CfwMg/UYaTrlwaKPI/AAAAAAAAC0U/N8abGrrg4dg/s640/IMG_0108.JPG)
edit: mock view with a "cut" steerer:
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/--n2VizaXUzo/UYbTjo_bZsI/AAAAAAAAC00/OR97B_doxl8/s640/Image00001.jpg)
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ok, few updates. cut the steerer tube, leaving the maximum recommended length underneath the stem, which puts handlebars 1cm higher than on my tried and tested audax bike. there's always an option to trim it further down or swap to a more horizontal stem.
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-FrdxA9e2U8c/UaEfgXKTlII/AAAAAAAAC48/rMFBbFoqd64/s640/IMG_0130.jpg)
then cut and installed brake cables (cable cutters are only good for mediocre result, i finished off the ends with a dremel and stanley knife - clean and square).
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-uvrbyKbdoLU/UaEfgfFOwbI/AAAAAAAAC44/hiMfsmhu5hc/s640/IMG_0050.jpg)
then the handlebar tape was applied over gel inserts - specialized one on the drops and a custom gel on the hoods (cut out of an old laptop bag shoulder pad). i hardly ever keep my hands on the flats, so no extra padding required there.
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-kRVIpMyhvUE/UaHuBl4JJ4I/AAAAAAAAC5M/OtM8ctwq0fo/s640/IMG_0057.jpg)
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went out for a ride today - beautiful morning, no luggage on the bike only a camera in my pocket. love london roads on bank holidays - hardly any traffic - bliss!
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z06pb5T464E/UaHuCMb93_I/AAAAAAAAC5c/-JRoGHrfItI/s640/IMG_0104.jpg)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-d4-4nGTktWE/UaHuCVCkYVI/AAAAAAAAC5k/-9V2SUteGDI/s640/IMG_0107.jpg)
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-bOHH1SEX86A/UaHuFsCSqWI/AAAAAAAAC6c/QfQph-EIOwg/s640/IMG_0157.jpg)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ja3Pgbez81Q/UaHuE10eSXI/AAAAAAAAC6U/4lHobJVka6c/s640/IMG_0143.jpg)
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-NDsnFORKvgA/UaHuEQGf7aI/AAAAAAAAC6I/5cBov_xJ9_E/s640/IMG_0141.jpg)
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-3xD_cefDebo/UaHuDIV8J7I/AAAAAAAAC5w/ycKHeXpWzL4/s640/IMG_0121.jpg)
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-CPcjwJ-lHzA/UaHuEDRj7xI/AAAAAAAAC58/xYmPmkdBKtE/s640/IMG_0135.jpg)
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-UFtsh8CS7bw/UaHuCqE4J-I/AAAAAAAAC5o/8dW87UULAB4/s512/IMG_0116.jpg)
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That is absolutely gorgeous. Top work Zigzag!
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That is absolutely gorgeous. Top work Zigzag!
+1
less is more :thumbsup:
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Very nice. How close to 7.2kg did you get?
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thanks for your comments! (gorgeous bike must have chrome and flamboyant paint - in my books :) - this one has neither)
Very nice. How close to 7.2kg did you get?
just weighed as it is in the photos; front wheel 1015g, rear wheel (inc freewheel) 1286g, the rest of the bike 4704g, which makes the total of 7005g. still many options to reduce weight, without a major expense.
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On the road at long last! :thumbsup:
A great project. Well worth taking the time over. Enjoy it.
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I say, couldn't help rubbing my knees when I saw it :thumbsup:
You must have the lightest fixie in all audax-dom. I assume it will be doing a little randonneuring?
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Suffering from bike envy :P
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I say, couldn't help rubbing my knees when I saw it :thumbsup:
You must have the lightest fixie in all audax-dom. I assume it will be doing a little randonneuring?
thanks, yes, it's perfect for long distance rides (except the hilliest ones), fairly relaxed geometry, comfy, no toe overlap. planning to take it on the ditchling devil next weekend. i rode 181km to whitstable (fnrttc) yesterday and was amazed how this bike climbs, shooters hill with tired legs at 22kph (vam 1360) - not sure i could match that on my geared bike (certainly have never before)!
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i've hit a big pothole on a ride earlier this week (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=10.msg1555694#msg1555694) and buckled the wheel and bent the rim.. i was going to do a rim transplant today, but thought i'll have a go at repairing it first, nothing to lose anyway.
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-w6FOHKNJ_ag/UiuayXHh22I/AAAAAAAADAc/9dxXBTYb5WY/s640/IMG_0299.jpg)
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5uRgV5Ee50o/UiuayKG28mI/AAAAAAAADAU/u1gOnbhVQEc/s640/IMG_0285.jpg)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Kq4OdzsTSWA/UiuayKP76MI/AAAAAAAADAY/ZxiN-Vxs2Xk/s640/IMG_0283.jpg)
after spending couple of hours with pliers, hammer, spoke wrench, metal file, sandpaper and chocolate i reached a satisfactory result! it's not perfect as there is a flat spot ~1mm deep and spoke tension is not as even as it should be, but having tested the bike afterwards everything felt fine, braking smooth - i'll carry on riding the wheel as is through the winter and replace the rim before next spring/summer.
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-RV5972PWISY/UiuazGf-2WI/AAAAAAAADAo/WeJdHoXWqfQ/s640/IMG_0310.jpg)
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-PX4fhsa1vTQ/UiuazpiMW4I/AAAAAAAADA0/mS1xyJfq0yg/s640/IMG_0318.jpg)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yJRM_rhsEKs/Uiuazsd96cI/AAAAAAAADAw/l5XGiJblxwo/s640/IMG_0328.jpg)
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has the year gone by (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=59461.msg1297743#msg1297743) already?.. finally went to richmond park this morning for a three lap challenge. weather conditions were fine, road a bit damp so took it easy on the corners. first lap clear, second and third with some traffic in the way (held up for around 10s on each lap). it is hard to draw a direct comparison to a geared bike - my fitness is similar i reckon, i'm 4kg heavier now, so took an energy gel before the ride to compensate ;).
17:28
17:52
18:05
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53:25
bike with clip-on aero bars and taller gearing (52x16), handlebars are too high, but cba'ed to lower them:
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zD2Tm87ucp8/Ujwe5odwFDI/AAAAAAAADBQ/uHQD-lgESkA/s640/photo%252811%2529.jpg)
strava (http://app.strava.com/activities/83616180#1708669101)
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Excellent ZZ. I've just moved very near RP so in due course, once I have unearthed my bike kit from the moving boxes and dusted down my bikes :-[ , I hope to be spending a bit of time in there. I actually prefer this time of year as the park becomes moton-free at much more convenient hours.
Good job on that rim BTW.
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replaced the chainset yesterday with fsa sl-k light. applied some duct tape to hide the "bold" graphics, also to prevent from heel rub. the new chainset is lighter by almost 300g.
took it out for a ride to whitstable and back - all nice and smooth (i should ride this bike more often!).
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Jeunr3og6tU/VY79RzUWZrI/AAAAAAAAEho/qSEpOSe32Hg/s640/2015-06-17%25252020.26.46_cr.jpg)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uWmBFzeWvlA/VY7vCP0XWZI/AAAAAAAAEhU/DMFPEP21HRs/s640/2015-06-27%25252017.41.57_cr.jpg)
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What's the bike's tonnage now?
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all up weight is the same as before 7kg, as the lighter chainset is offset by heavier shimano m540 pedals and mudguards.
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Fair play, that's light! Definately lighter than mine (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=22914.msg900477#msg900477) which I think was around the 9kg before I added the mudguards, etc. It's the rims and dynohub/light that screw it up for me - without them then it would be a sub 8kg bike.
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the bike has got gears and power meter now and gained some weight in the process. a touch of red in order to stand out when riding in a group. 7.75kg as pictured (quite a difference from ss at 6.3kg).
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161222/152a8c192857ce84383c9cf2d28f2a9c.jpg)
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161222/e7990e0a10f2a5ed1a6038e8e85c629e.jpg)
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Why the move to gears?
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Why the move to gears?
for a change, to see how it rides with gears. i still have another ss bike (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=22914.msg2107419#msg2107419) which i use for winter riding.