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05-08-06, 07:20 PM
Seeing the other two thread, I couldn't resist titling this thread similarly. Heh.
Anyway, I didn't just order the bike. I got it some time ago:
http://www.timhuntley.info/wp/images/dawes01.jpg
I ordered it pretty much to serve as a parts source to build this:
http://www.timhuntley.info/wp/images/fixie01.jpg
Unfortunately, my first test ride wound up stripping the cog/hub, and my second discovered a crack in the Bianchi frame. So I moved all the parts back to the Dawes frame, including the new IRO hub/Mavic MA3 wheelset, SR quill stem/SR touring handlebar setup, Cane Creek cyclocross brake handle, and 42 tooth Shimano Biopace chainring.
I did this so I could have a bike at the office for lunchtime rides, now that I am too far for regular commuting given my schedule.
Digressions aside, I got to take it for my first real ride today -- 10 miles up and down the Santa Ana River Trail. Truth be told, I'm impressed. It was a solid -- and fun -- ride. Now I know some of that might be due to the better wheels and navigational controls, but I didn't feel like the frame was going to crumple underneath me (which is what it looks like it would do, judging by the welds). Eventually I'll be replacing the frame, but I'm confident that this frame will last me a while and I don't have to worry about leaving it at the office overnight or on the weekends.
This much I did learn... the pedals and clips that came with it suck. I'm either going to put my Shimano 600 track pedals on it, or get some of the black Shimano SPD-SL pedals that use the same cleats as my roadie's Ultegra 6600s. The saddle, too, leaves a bit to be desired. Anyone got a spare Bonty Race Lux sitting around they wouldn't mind parting with? :D
Once I get the new front wheel on the bike (it's still got the old Alex RP15 wheel on it because the front wheel isn't finished yet) I'll take some new pictures.
Anyway, I didn't just order the bike. I got it some time ago:
http://www.timhuntley.info/wp/images/dawes01.jpg
I ordered it pretty much to serve as a parts source to build this:
http://www.timhuntley.info/wp/images/fixie01.jpg
Unfortunately, my first test ride wound up stripping the cog/hub, and my second discovered a crack in the Bianchi frame. So I moved all the parts back to the Dawes frame, including the new IRO hub/Mavic MA3 wheelset, SR quill stem/SR touring handlebar setup, Cane Creek cyclocross brake handle, and 42 tooth Shimano Biopace chainring.
I did this so I could have a bike at the office for lunchtime rides, now that I am too far for regular commuting given my schedule.
Digressions aside, I got to take it for my first real ride today -- 10 miles up and down the Santa Ana River Trail. Truth be told, I'm impressed. It was a solid -- and fun -- ride. Now I know some of that might be due to the better wheels and navigational controls, but I didn't feel like the frame was going to crumple underneath me (which is what it looks like it would do, judging by the welds). Eventually I'll be replacing the frame, but I'm confident that this frame will last me a while and I don't have to worry about leaving it at the office overnight or on the weekends.
This much I did learn... the pedals and clips that came with it suck. I'm either going to put my Shimano 600 track pedals on it, or get some of the black Shimano SPD-SL pedals that use the same cleats as my roadie's Ultegra 6600s. The saddle, too, leaves a bit to be desired. Anyone got a spare Bonty Race Lux sitting around they wouldn't mind parting with? :D
Once I get the new front wheel on the bike (it's still got the old Alex RP15 wheel on it because the front wheel isn't finished yet) I'll take some new pictures.