Northern California - Ok, what did you buy???

http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa292/taxi777/DeepV-Black-B.jpg

For my Taxibike...the Alexrims were crap and I plan to put some mileage on the bike this year.

Wow, we're all on the same wavelength here. I picked-up a pair of these for the upcoming Death Ride.

http://www.williamscycling.com/sys30/sys30.jpg

Oh man, all these new wheels.....I'm thinking it'll be my end of year treat to myself.

Michael, I'll be really interested to hear how you find the 30's, I've been drooling over the System 30's and 19's.

I will remain strong for now.

I shall resist.

I will.

Yes.

[gulp]

While those 30s look nice, my 180 weight would make we me want the Xs, which are heavier than my current wheels. So.. who knows.

At Ben's Shopping Party today I picked up:

3 pairs of defeet and castelli socks, 2 bottles of hammer gel, 2 boxes of clif bars, 40oz klean canteen, 2 co2 cartridges, 2 conti 4000 tires (will switch when current tires die), 2 tubes, and Sue Wen and I bought 2 therma-light camping mattresses.

Free beer and a bit of bike talk, and 20% off all the random stuff made it a good 2 hours spent.

Thanks again, Ben.

I got Hammer sports drink (I keep seeing people go on about it), some gel, clif bars, 2 pairs of the Castelli socks, a whiffle ball bat and extra balls (it's summer!), and some running shoes.

I wanted to get an Ultegra 12-27 casette, but they didn't have it in stock, so I got the shoes instead. Also, wanted to get a jersey, but didn't see anything i wanted that also fit.

Thanks again Ben and good to meet you.

My bike fitter had been telling me for over a year my Giant TCR C-Zero was not the right bike for my body. He got me to switch to a Look 585 Optimum which has a more comfort geometry so the handle bars are now level with my seat instead of 6 cm lower. He installed all Ultegra SL with a triple crank, and an FSA compact winged handle bar. The compact bar means a shorter distance to the drops, so I don't have to lean as deep to get there. As for wheels, I kept my Mavic Kyserium SLs with Conti 4000s, and transferred the Vredstein Racing 5 wheels that came with my new bike to my old bike, which I promptly sold on Ebay for a great priced. My new bike is definitely not the setup a racer is going to want, but for us 57 year olds who like to ride centuries, this is the cat's meow.

I just did last week's Alta Alpina on my new bike, with 105 miles and over 10,000 feet of climbing, and I walked away feeling great. I used my drops on that one ride more than I've used them in the two years since I started cycling, and my back did not cry out to me like it sometimes does at the end of a long climbing day.

The one place where the quest continues is a seat. I had an Adamo road saddle for over a year, then a Koobi Axion for a few weeks, and now I have the Specialized Toupe. The Adamo and Toupe are both good for avoiding numbness, but right around mile 50, my butt really starts to ache, and the day after the ride, it hurts to sit on a hard flat chair. The Koobi just numbs me out pretty quickly.

I'm looking into Selle Italia Prolink - there are two models, one with a cut-out and one without, and I'm also looking into Terry Fly Ti.

Any thoughts about either of these seats? What about as between the two Prolink models? Any other suggestions for the perfect seat for long distance riding? On my list of priorities, comfort is way above weight or aesthetics.

No pics yet, but I'll get one posted soon.

That sounds like a nice build, Peddle Pusher, looking forward to seeing photos.

Oh man, all these new wheels.....I'm thinking it'll be my end of year treat to myself.

Michael, I'll be really interested to hear how you find the 30's, I've been drooling over the System 30's and 19's.

I will remain strong for now.

I shall resist.

I will.

Yes.

[gulp]

I picked up a set of 19s about a month ago. So far, they're pretty nice. Very smoooooth.

I picked up a set of 19s about a month ago. So far, they're pretty nice. Very smoooooth.

I like the idea of shaving all the weight from my current wheels to a pair of 19's, I'm wondering about durability and also whether I'd notice the weight difference to the 30's versus the potential aero benefits.

Nope, I'm not doing this now. No siree. Definitely not.

I'm looking into Selle Italia Prolink - there are two models, one with a cut-out and one without, and I'm also looking into Terry Fly Ti.

Any thoughts about either of these seats? What about as between the two Prolink models? Any other suggestions for the perfect seat for long distance riding? On my list of priorities, comfort is way above weight or aesthetics.


I would not recommend the Prolink. It's ok at first but it quickly (just after a dozen rides) creases in the center making it a real pain. The Selle Italia MaxFlite was much better for me although I sold it to settle for a Toupe 155. The MaxFlite is a very good quality saddle, it's on the heavyweight side though.

I picked up a set of 19s about a month ago. So far, they're pretty nice. Very smoooooth.

Don't tell me that Adam, I don't want buyer's remorse.

I chose the 30's because I didn't want to worry about babying the wheels. In either event the 30s are lighter than the Bontrager Race Lites I've got now. If all goes according to plan these'll be the hoops for Death Ride.

I'm waiting for my SRAM cassette to be delivered next week before I can give the Williams a try.

Build in progress :D

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/images/surly-pacer260.jpg

Stopped at Mike's bikes to pick up new brake pads. Bought brake pads, some retro faux wood-grain foam grips for my hybrid, and... anewSpecializedS-Workshelmet because it was on sale.

My impulse shopping is rough.

Also, if anyone likes Continental Ultra Race tires Mike's has them on sale for $17.

Also, if anyone likes Continental Ultra Race tires Mike's has them on sale for $17.

Are those the folding versions? Which Mike's Bikes?

Are those the folding versions? Which Mike's Bikes?

Yes, and Palo Alto.

Anyone have any thoughts on the Terry Fly Ti saddle?

Also, if anyone likes Continental Ultra Race tires Mike's has them on sale for $17.

I got the last two red ones in Berkeley. They now only have yellow ones left.
Seems like a great deal to me.

Ordered a set last night.

https://www.nashbar.com/images/nashbar/products/large/YS-7801T-NCL-TOP.jpg

Bought new chain:

http://www.seasonaloutfitters.com/ebay/pc1090.jpg

Bought new tires for DR:

http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/6/2/6/4/8/7/webimg/201654992_tp.jpg

More purchases coming up:

1. Helmet
2. SRAM cassette (11-26)

Now I just need to buy me better knees!

I'll have to get some pix later, but this has been a fairly expensive month for me. First off my 18 month old Spez BG "Sport" shoes, finally wore through one of the heel pads. No big deal, as I'm confident I'll get good use out of new ones (the old ones were purchased with nicer bike to see if I was "really serious" or not). After shopping, I ended up with a new pair of black/red Spez BG "Pro" shoes :D

Next came my yearly short/bib purchase. Each year I treat myself to a new pair or 2 of shorts. This year, I splurged and decided since I really liked Sugoi shorts, I would try their bib for something different. Almost $300 later, I now have 2 pairs of their "RS" bib/shorts, and I LOVE them! Not sure how I got by this long without QUALITY shorts/bibs, but I know I won't do without any longer (have to try the Pearl Fieldmesh-Sensor ones sometime for comparison, per my most trusted LBS wrench).

Then it was my cruddy Bontrager RL's that needed attention - I cracked the 3rd rear rim in just under 9300 miles. So I "discussed" the issue with my LBS/Trek and ended up being put on a waiting list for a replacement rim. Since I now have ZERO confidence in Bontrager rims and had no interest in waiting for a replacement rim, I now am the proud owner of a SWEET set of "classic styled" wheels. Got a set of DA 7900 hubs and laced them to Mavic Open Pro rims using DT Swiss 2x butted spokes. I was torn between these for reliability and a Kysrium SL for a lighter "climbing" wheel. In the end, the shop weighed my built up DA/OP rims and a set of K-SL's they had for sale and my rims were only 114 grams heavier (plus if I break anything, any shop can fix them with off the shelf parts instead of ordering stuff from Mavic)!! :thumb:

That's been it for this month....however I am shopping for a new bike.....but that will have to wait until next month ;)

just getting back to biking this past month after 6+ yrs. it seems that my old shoes don't fit me anymore so i bought a pair of Northwave Vertigo SBS.

Bought new chain:

http://www.seasonaloutfitters.com/ebay/pc1090.jpg


+1, I took my Pinarello to Summit Bicycles in Burlingame to have the derailer hanger alignment checked. Ian was so helpful in straightening it it out that I went ahead and bought a new chain so he could check his handiwork (I took the chain off so they could check the hanger alignment more easily).
:thumb: to Ian at Summit.

*edit: one exception, I got the 1090R, Hollowpin version :)

*edit: one exception, I got the 1090R, Hollowpin version :)

I couldn't find the Hollowpin version on eBay, so you'll have to let me know how you like the difference.

Off to find the SRAM cassette.

http://www.bikebaron800.com/catalog/6a83_1_2068_1.JPG

Fork for my CX build.

I couldn't find the Hollowpin version on eBay, so you'll have to let me know how you like the difference.

Off to find the SRAM cassette.

Really can't tell the difference. It is cool to see through the pins though, but they get filled in with gunk.

Some new rear blinkies for DeathRide...
http://images.teamestrogen.com/ri/650/650/2009_Spring/SE-TLST.jpg

Cool, where did you get those blinkies? What's the brand?

Cool, where did you get those blinkies? What's the brand?

They're Serfas...
http://www.serfas.com/product_details.asp?ID=598
They work great...I wanted something that could easily mount/dismount on the stays rather than the post. The wrap is just silicone so they pop on/off in about 2 secs. I got mine off Amazon but looks like they're sold out. I saw a few other places online had them. Finding them in black was like finding a unicorn so I gave up and went with white/clear.

http://www.trekbikes.com/images/bikes/2009/xl/district_vintagegray.jpgSorry, biggest picture ever.

This will be single-speed until they come out with the fixed belt-drive hub in a month or three.

I test rode it and loved it. It's to commute on and ride with the gf when she finally decides on a bike.
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That is a pretty cool looking bike. I had no idea that any company had come out with a belt drive for a bike. is there much give in the belt?

That is a pretty cool looking bike. I had no idea that any company had come out with a belt drive for a bike. is there much give in the belt?

None. It's the same tech they use on motorcycle belts. No stretch, no oil, no maintenance required. Perfect commuter imo.

I got a new crankset. SRAM Force. It is covered under warranty, so this part is free.

http://www.fullcycles.com/images/sram-force-crankset.jpg


I also got the Ultegra 12-27 9 speed rear cassette for a little more of a gearing advantage while climbing. And I got a new chain. The SRAM something or other chain.

I will not get the bike for a few more days. I was reading online last night and it appears that crankset has a lot of flex in it. Has anyone had any experience with this? Is this true? How does it compare to the Truvativ Rouleur crankset (this is what is getting replaced)?

They're Serfas...
http://www.serfas.com/product_details.asp?ID=598
They work great...I wanted something that could easily mount/dismount on the stays rather than the post. The wrap is just silicone so they pop on/off in about 2 secs. I got mine off Amazon but looks like they're sold out. I saw a few other places online had them. Finding them in black was like finding a unicorn so I gave up and went with white/clear.

I noticed those over at Eden Bicycles in Castro Valley a few weeks ago. They had them in black (sorry, you should have asked me first! ;) )

Bought some Performance ULTRA shorts. Price was right, and I like them. That's two pair of shorts I've gotten from Performance now, with features similar to $100-ish Pearl Izumi or Specialized shorts. I think I'll keep going there.

None. It's the same tech they use on motorcycle belts. No stretch, no oil, no maintenance required. Perfect commuter imo.

That District is SWEET man! :thumb: Can't wait to see one in person.

http://www.trekbikes.com/images/bikes/2009/xl/district_vintagegray.jpg▲

Needs some valves for the tires.

Sorry, biggest picture ever.

This will be single-speed until they come out with the fixed belt-drive hub in a month or three.

I test rode it and loved it. It's to commute on and ride with the gf when she finally decides on a bike.
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Nice! Once my fixie built is completed, we're so gonna cruise University Ave. and do mad tricks. Me with my gray hair, hangin' with the young'uns!

I noticed those over at Eden Bicycles in Castro Valley a few weeks ago. They had them in black (sorry, you should have asked me first! ;) )

Doh!

Needs some valves for the tires.

The tester came with valves and tubes. I'll be sure to take them out when I photo it!

Nice! Once my fixie built is completed, we're so gonna cruise University Ave. and do mad tricks. Me with my gray hair, hangin' with the young'uns!

Yeah I was a little sad that I couldn't get it fixed gear, but I didn't want to wait months for that version to come out. I've been waiting on this one long enough.

I got a new crankset. SRAM Force. It is covered under warranty, so this part is free.


I also got the Ultegra 12-27 9 speed rear cassette for a little more of a gearing advantage while climbing. And I got a new chain. The SRAM something or other chain.

I will not get the bike for a few more days. I was reading online last night and it appears that crankset has a lot of flex in it. Has anyone had any experience with this? Is this true? How does it compare to the Truvativ Rouleur crankset (this is what is getting replaced)?

No personal experience, but I thought the Force cranks had very good reviews and were sometimes used in preference to the Red cranks?

I got a new crankset. SRAM Force. It is covered under warranty, so this part is free.

http://www.fullcycles.com/images/sram-force-crankset.jpg


I also got the Ultegra 12-27 9 speed rear cassette for a little more of a gearing advantage while climbing. And I got a new chain. The SRAM something or other chain.

I will not get the bike for a few more days. I was reading online last night and it appears that crankset has a lot of flex in it. Has anyone had any experience with this? Is this true? How does it compare to the Truvativ Rouleur crankset (this is what is getting replaced)?


I have Force cranks and so far so good. I like them a lot and haven't felt any flex, but I'm 157 and I don't sprint a lot. Unless you're a really big dude and sprint like mad, I doubt you'll have any flex issues.

When you can't ride, you shop!

SRAM Red OG-1090 11-26t Cassette. This is the first non-Shimano part of my drivetrain, and it's replacing the original 12-27t (bigger gears just in time for DR :lol:). I'm still waiting for the SRAM chain. The transformation has begun!

http://i.ebayimg.com/14/%21BTf%29Gcw%21mk%7E$%28KGrHgoH-DUEjlLlypo6BKI%29,poRzQ%7E%7E_1.JPG

That's a nice looking cassette. Even comes with its own bag! Someday I hope to spec a bike in Red.....one can dream.

That's a nice looking cassette. Even comes with its own bag! Someday I hope to spec a bike in Red.....one can dream.

Thanks, Adam. I'm finding eBay to be very wallet-friendly these days, so I'm procuring my SRAM build piecemeal from there.

Wow a cassette in a bag! I just got the Force/Rival version of that cassette. Haven't installed it yet, but looking forward to it. I'm thinking I'd better get some really steep climbs in now before I give up my 27!

When you can't ride, you shop!

SRAM Red OG-1090 11-26t Cassette. This is the first non-Shimano part of my drivetrain, and it's replacing the original 12-27t (bigger gears just in time for DR :lol:). I'm still waiting for the SRAM chain. The transformation has begun!

http://i.ebayimg.com/14/%21BTf%29Gcw%21mk%7E$%28KGrHgoH-DUEjlLlypo6BKI%29,poRzQ%7E%7E_1.JPG

Mmmm...I'm jealous. My SRAM PG1070 cassette isn't as fancy as your RED one. Let's see if my 11-28 can get me thru Death Ride and then maybe I'll consider swapping-out on the Williams 30s.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31d6m6jbBzL._SS500_.jpg

Bought this for Death Ride to hold all the stuff I'll need that day. Kinda Fred but it's a nice, small-sized bag.

http://www.specialized.com/OA_MEDIA/2009/bikes/9092-12_Dolce_Comp_WBlueSilver_d.jpg
It's not for me, but Sue Wen isn't posting yet. Dolce Comp 30, spec'd with full 105. Hopefully enough to give her something to enjoy until she decides that full carbon is nicer. :)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3166/2395637701_d0e25750b1.jpg

(not etched like that though)