I haven't been following the thread closely because I have been expecting an e-mail from Lindsey for the balance when the wheels are ready to be shipped. I haven't received any communication from her other than acknowledging she received my Paypal deposit way back before Christmas. Has there been any info or updates here on the Vuelta carbon tubular wheels?

Well, after dinner and a bottle of J Lohr Cab

my wife's favorite wine...

Also, just curious, what are the appx. weights of your RT700 builds? They sure looks nice...

So what are you guys thinking of using to protect the RT700's chainstay from chain slap?

my wife's favorite wine...

Also, just curious, what are the appx. weights of your RT700 builds? They sure looks nice...

I'm still picking out parts and bargain-hunting, so I won't know till next month at the earliest.
It's gonna be a b1tchin' ride, though.

So what are you guys thinking of using to protect the RT700's chainstay from chain slap?

The chainstay already comes with a stick on protector. RT700 frame is currently at the LBS, hopefully the parts arrived and it's being built!

Anyone want to get up a Ti 53 or 55? A friend is looking...

Anyone want to get up a Ti 53 or 55? A friend is looking...

Give up or get up?

PM , I might be able to help.

After looking closer at Cranky's caliper picture, taking more measurements, measuring more bikes than I care to look at, Ive come to the conclusion that the seatpost tube on my Bottechia frame is too small. I mic'd multiple bikes today, Trek's, Fujis and some mountain bikes that used 34.9 front derailers and ALL of them have larger seat tubes than my frame. It would seem that the range on all those bikes was anywhere from 35.15-35.4.. mine measures 34.8-34.9 with the same calipers I used to measure the other frames.

I dont know if this is enough of a difference to cause these derailer issues but at this point, I've tried 2 different derailers from 2 different manufacturers with 2 different shops doing the installation work, both have slipped down the tube the very first time they were pulled to the big ring. The only common denominator is the frame. I've PM'd Mike, I guess I'll see what he has to say. For those of you that bought the Bottechia frames, I suggest you mic your seat tube and see if youre in the same boat I am.

The chainstay already comes with a stick on protector. RT700 frame is currently at the LBS, hopefully the parts arrived and it's being built!

It's a fairly small sticker. I was thinking of a clearcoat of some sort to extend a little further. I have a roll of that 3M stuff that body shops use on the leading enge of car hoods to prevent chipping. I might try to fit a piece on.

It's a fairly small sticker. I was thinking of a clearcoat of some sort to extend a little further. I have a roll of that 3M stuff that body shops use on the leading enge of car hoods to prevent chipping. I might try to fit a piece on.

Yak you could use two small pieces , one on each side of the headtube under the shifter cables were they go into the frame . And another just above the rear Derailleur between the cable and seat stay, from any distance they are invisible . I used these . http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/15964-075_SETP37-0-Search--/Sette-Clear-Chainstay-Protector-w_-3-Frame-Patches.htm

I just got my Thompson 32.4 seat post. Holy Crap, thats a big seatpost diameter.

I just got my Thompson 32.4 seat post. Holy Crap, thats a big seatpost diameter.

I hear ya, I thought 31.6 was huge. What size seat post clamp woks on the Evoke frame?

I hear ya, I thought 31.6 was huge. What size seat post clamp woks on the Evoke frame?

I believe the Evoke comes with a seat clamp already. I could be mistaken...best thing would be to ask Mike directly.

I haven't been following the thread closely because I have been expecting an e-mail from Lindsey for the balance when the wheels are ready to be shipped. I haven't received any communication from her other than acknowledging she received my Paypal deposit way back before Christmas. Has there been any info or updates here on the Vuelta carbon tubular wheels?

No word yet on the tubulars that I've heard yet.

Has there been any info or updates here on the Vuelta carbon tubular wheels?
None other than they'll ship from the factory late January and arrive in the US in mid February.

Yippe is right!

BUT they are in and being double checked
haedsets packed and added to boxes
and setup to ship next UPS pick-up
which is likely Monday; as today UPS already came in our Dallas warehouse
Sometimes they come twice - but normally not on Friday

RT700 and Bottecchia frames that are paid for are going then
Evokes frames are on the way - should be in warehouse next week we hope

Complete bikes should be the week after that on RT700 & Evokes

Wheels are due to leave Taiwan about Jan 25th and should land about Feb 21 to 25
Other items on schedule

I may soon get RT700 seatposts - but they have not showed up yet

Have a great weekend
mike


Mike,

Is this still the latest shipping info on the wheels???

DPN

sonofa, my RT700 has chip in the paint! I guess I can't really do anything about...this sucks though.

BD has the Carbon Weave RT700 up for sale now - $1995. Kinda wish that frame was offered in the group buy.
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/kestrel/rt700_blk.htm

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/kestrel/images/rt7blk_gallery/images/rt7_blk_3q2.jpg

sonofa, my RT700 has chip in the paint! I guess I can't really do anything about...this sucks though.

Why not - it's brand new!

pictures?

Why not - it's brand new!

pictures?

+10000000000000

It's suppose to be BRAND NEW.... not with chip in paint.... to avoid hassle though.... they did give you some paint to cover that issue right?

After looking closer at Cranky's caliper picture, taking more measurements, measuring more bikes than I care to look at, Ive come to the conclusion that the seatpost tube on my Bottechia frame is too small. I mic'd multiple bikes today, Trek's, Fujis and some mountain bikes that used 34.9 front derailers and ALL of them have larger seat tubes than my frame. It would seem that the range on all those bikes was anywhere from 35.15-35.4.. mine measures 34.8-34.9 with the same calipers I used to measure the other frames.

I dont know if this is enough of a difference to cause these derailer issues but at this point, I've tried 2 different derailers from 2 different manufacturers with 2 different shops doing the installation work, both have slipped down the tube the very first time they were pulled to the big ring. The only common denominator is the frame. I've PM'd Mike, I guess I'll see what he has to say. For those of you that bought the Bottechia frames, I suggest you mic your seat tube and see if youre in the same boat I am.

bump....
Jay hope you dont mind, I've been keeping up with your postings and hoping somebody or Mike can give you a better answer.
Hope it will all works out for you.

well, tried testing the headset today. the bearings are too big. the Headtube measured about 40.8mm, the bearings' OD was almost a 1mm larger.

I got the Cane Creek IS-2. Anyone have the same problem? Switch out bearings?

+10000000000000

It's suppose to be BRAND NEW.... not with chip in paint.... to avoid hassle though.... they did give you some paint to cover that issue right?

Here's the chip. Ya, they gave me some paint. It certainly wouldn't be anywhere near worth it for me to send the bike back unless there was some structural damage. Still sucks though. Also, see how where the cable goes into the downtube there's a thing that screws into the frame? Well the thing is loose (note the gap). Do I have to pull the cable out to screw that in?? I wouldn't even know where to begin to do that. The nut is right under the cable.
http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/7210/0116082213lp6.th.jpg (http://img204.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0116082213lp6.jpg)
http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/2082/0116082214ib7.th.jpg (http://img204.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0116082214ib7.jpg)
http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/1619/0116082208lm9.th.jpg (http://img204.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0116082208lm9.jpg)

well, tried testing the headset today. the bearings are too big. the Headtube measured about 40.8mm, the bearings' OD was almost a 1mm larger.

I got the Cane Creek IS-2. Anyone have the same problem? Switch out bearings?

Nope, IS-2 was a perfect fit on my frame.

Here's the chip. Ya, they gave me some paint. It certainly wouldn't be anywhere near worth it for me to send the bike back unless there was some structural damage. Still sucks though. Also, see how where the cable goes into the downtube there's a thing that screws into the frame? Well the thing is loose (note the gap). Do I have to pull the cable out to screw that in?? I wouldn't even know where to begin to do that. The nut is right under the cable.
http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/7210/0116082213lp6.th.jpg (http://img204.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0116082213lp6.jpg)
http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/2082/0116082214ib7.th.jpg (http://img204.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0116082214ib7.jpg)
http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/1619/0116082208lm9.th.jpg (http://img204.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0116082208lm9.jpg)

You don`t need to pull the cable all the way out to tighten it , you can take the cable off the Derailleur then pull the black cable casing just out of the thingy and tighten the screw. But then you are going to have to redo the cable to the Derailleur and adjust it.

BD has the Carbon Weave RT700 up for sale now - $1995. Kinda wish that frame was offered in the group buy.
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/kestrel/rt700_blk.htm

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/kestrel/images/rt7blk_gallery/images/rt7_blk_3q2.jpg

Really wish you had not posted this. I like the COPPER/Silver but I like the naked carbon better.

Mine is in line to be built. I was kind of a PIA and asked about specific component sizes. Mike has been very accomodating. Scheduled to ship next week with the Force upgrade. Christmas never ends!!:beer:

Here's the chip. Ya, they gave me some paint. It certainly wouldn't be anywhere near worth it for me to send the bike back unless there was some structural damage. Still sucks though. ere to begin to do that. The nut is right under the cable.
http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/7210/0116082213lp6.th.jpg (http://img204.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0116082213lp6.jpg)


Remember its a tool not a jewel!

I don't think I got paint with my RT700 frame. Do you remember where in teh box you found it?

bump....
Jay hope you dont mind, I've been keeping up with your postings and hoping somebody or Mike can give you a better answer.
Hope it will all works out for you.

Thanks...

Ive PM'd Mike here and also emailed him with the email he gave me last year during my Windsor fiasco. I'm 0-2 when it comes to dealing with BikesDirect so far.

I don't think I got paint with my RT700 frame. Do you remember where in teh box you found it?

Mine was in the bag with the other hardware (bottom bracket cable guides, etc). Two bottles, copper and silver.

BD has the Carbon Weave RT700 up for sale now - $1995. Kinda wish that frame was offered in the group buy.
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/kestrel/rt700_blk.htm

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/kestrel/images/rt7blk_gallery/images/rt7_blk_3q2.jpg

I would have ordered the RT700 instead of the Evoke if it was available in black on the group buy.

Remember its a tool not a jewel!

That is absolute nonsense. Brand new should be both.

That is absolute nonsense. Brand new should be both.

I'm not saying it shouldn't be pretty, but did you see the nick? :rolleyes:

Remember its a tool not a jewel!

Ya, I reckon that's one of the acceptable risks associated with buying a bike online and having it shipped to Hawaii. At least I have some paint to cover it up :)

BD has the Carbon Weave RT700 up for sale now - $1995. Kinda wish that frame was offered in the group buy.
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/kestrel/rt700_blk.htm

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/kestrel/images/rt7blk_gallery/images/rt7_blk_3q2.jpg



Hey Mike any hope that you could hook up a retro-active deal on the naked RT700?!

Hey guys... for those that got the RT700 ... what are your setups and what are they weighing in at?

Thanks...

Ive PM'd Mike here and also emailed him with the email he gave me last year during my Windsor fiasco. I'm 0-2 when it comes to dealing with BikesDirect so far.

I hear you...and I remember you have mentioned your ordeal with BD in the past. I just hope Mike or the people at BD can give you a good explaination. ...'cause I see it a PR and quality control.

Can you keep us posted?
thanks.

Hey guys... for those that got the RT700 ... what are your setups and what are they weighing in at?

I bought the complete RT700. I should be able to take it to the LBS tomorrow or tonight and I'll get it weighed then if they have a scale.

I hear you...and I remember you have mentioned your ordeal with BD in the past. I just hope Mike or the people at BD can give you a good explaination. ...'cause I see it a PR and quality control.

Can you keep us posted?
thanks.

Id love to but I dont have anything to update. Mike hasnt logged on here in several days and he hasnt answered the email I sent him. I guess this is one of those times where having a phone number people could call would come in handy.

As it stands now, Ive wasted half a day and bought another front derailer and paid labor to have it put on, for nothing.

The pictures for the rt700 group buy have been removed, I wanted to see the saddle that came with it, is it the same as the saddle on the naked Rt700. Is it about the same weight?

Nope, IS-2 was a perfect fit on my frame.

HMMM....So I guess I'm the only one? Anyone else care to share their experience with the IS-2 headset.

The pictures for the rt700 group buy have been removed, I wanted to see the saddle that came with it, is it the same as the saddle on the naked Rt700. Is it about the same weight?

Looks like it's the same one. I can weigh mine tonight and post it.

Id love to but I dont have anything to update. Mike hasnt logged on here in several days and he hasnt answered the email I sent him. I guess this is one of those times where having a phone number people could call would come in handy.

As it stands now, Ive wasted half a day and bought another front derailer and paid labor to have it put on, for nothing.

+1000000

HMMM....So I guess I'm the only one? Anyone else care to share their experience with the IS-2 headset.

No, you're not the only one. I remember someone else had bearing fitting problem with the IS2 from this thread.

http://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=337930&page=6
(http://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=337930)

Id love to but I dont have anything to update. Mike hasnt logged on here in several days and he hasnt answered the email I sent him. I guess this is one of those times where having a phone number people could call would come in handy.

As it stands now, Ive wasted half a day and bought another front derailer and paid labor to have it put on, for nothing.

There are many upsides to loving your job and even to working seven days a week
One down-side is; if you get sick you get so far behind it takes days to catch up
I am just now getting over being ill since the Houston Marathon

I am trying to figure out the frt mystery - we use this ADK frame on several bikes and we have sold hundreds of frames too --- so out of thousands of these - this is the finest frt der problem I have heard of.

Of course, all I need to do is have UPS pick it up
and see what the issue is and send a replacement or a refund.

Simple procedure same as all standard sales; but this 'holiday sale' creates special situations - mainly that I am directly involved; so noone moves until I say so.

anyway, I have finally got well enough to deal with it now

Hey Mike any hope that you could hook up a retro-active deal on the naked RT700?!

It is funny how deals are always 'supply & demand driven'
over the years; I have had lots of bikes were I paid more for one color over another


Inventory turns at different rates; and thus when driving discounts it is often that you can get a lower price on left over 165 cranks than 175 cranks. Even though when made they cost the same. Just the nature of making deals.

Our pricing on the RT700 in Copper was aggressive to be sure - much more aggressive than the weave/black can be done at.

Of course, I think the RT700 were an insanely good deal on this special
as they were delivered with almost zero margin anywhere in the distribution channel

Really wish you had not posted this. I like the COPPER/Silver but I like the naked carbon better.

Mine is in line to be built. I was kind of a PIA and asked about specific component sizes. Mike has been very accomodating. Scheduled to ship next week with the Force upgrade. Christmas never ends!!:beer:

I have a plain carbon Pedal Force so I wanted color on this one. Perfect color I think. Copper and orange are hot right now.

Oh, and seeing the price with Ultegra makes me glad I upgraded to DA! Outrageous deal! Can't wait for the bike!

Hey, Mike, when are you going to start "Cars Direct"? :)

Hey Mike, how many of those Fly Ti MTB's were ordered? I've been gushing about that bike on here for a month and nobody has posted 'yeah I'm getting one too'. Am I the only one? That would surprise me, that bike is a smokin deal.

There are many upsides to loving your job and even to working seven days a week
One down-side is; if you get sick you get so far behind it takes days to catch up
I am just now getting over being ill since the Houston Marathon

I am trying to figure out the frt mystery - we use this ADK frame on several bikes and we have sold hundreds of frames too --- so out of thousands of these - this is the finest frt der problem I have heard of.

Of course, all I need to do is have UPS pick it up
and see what the issue is and send a replacement or a refund.

Simple procedure same as all standard sales; but this 'holiday sale' creates special situations - mainly that I am directly involved; so noone moves until I say so.

anyway, I have finally got well enough to deal with it now

Thanks for the reply, Mike.. hopefully we'll get this sorted.

Hope you feel better.

I bought the complete RT700. I should be able to take it to the LBS tomorrow or tonight and I'll get it weighed then if they have a scale.


you all ready got your complete RT700 bike?
Hmmm where is mine,,,,,,