For Sale - 12 Items of Holiday offer / Group Buy -- now online

Anyone have a RT700 built up with a SRAM system? Any shifting issues with it?

Here's a pic of the cable routing in the BB. The dremeling is inside and underneath the liner and not visible. There was a kinda square corner in the entry which was rounded over with the Dremel tool. The liner was added, I think it was some liner from Power Cordz housing that the LBS had. The guide was also trimmed a bit below where the liner is.

Didn't weigh the frame and fork. Bike weight is 16.74 without pedals. All Chorus (seatpost too) , Fulcrum Racing 3's, Ritchey WCS stem (120) and bars (42 cm), Conti GP 4 season tires, Selle Italia Flite Genuine Gel, 39/53, 12/25

ridenow: Thanks for posting this pic.
However the plastic guides on my RT700 BB are not installed as well as yours. Mine came without the metal screw so the top and the bottom of the plastic guides are not aligned . Wonder if anyone else's came that way???? Dont know yet if my cables bind because I havent been able to take my RT700 out for more than a few miles.
(So maybe just a screw will make things better....usually does.)

ridenow: Thanks for posting this pic.
However the plastic guides on my RT700 BB are not installed as well as yours. Mine came without the metal screw so the top and the bottom of the plastic guides are not aligned . Wonder if anyone else's came that way???? Dont know yet if my cables bind because I havent been able to take my RT700 out for more than a few miles.
(So maybe just a screw will make things better....usually does.)

Architect the screw is the same as the ones for the waterbottle cages but 1/8 inch shorter , and the screws that came with the bottle cage i got to put on this bike are just the right length for those plastic guides . So you might just have one laying around and don`t know it. I just tryed one of the cage screws that came with the bike on mine and it fits fine but that might depend on the Bottom Bracket you are useing.

Why are yu running such high pressures in your tubulars, Just because a tire says it will handle such high pressures doesn't mean it is a good thing. Unless you weigh 215 or more, tire pressure shouldn't be that high, or perhaps you only ride on glass smooth track surfaces. You are much better off with somewhere nearer 100 psi than 140, you will have a more comfortable ride, better traction and better performance, instead of bouncing around with tire losing contact over every little irregularity in the road.

BTW, it is good to see that you are enjoying your new Kestrel.

Everybody I know who races tubies rides them between 150 and as much as 180lbs psi. That's the whole idea if going fast is the idea. My Conti sprinter tubulars feel very compliant @ 160lbs., as smooth as my Conti 4000 clinchers do @ 120lbs. At least that's my perception, and I have a lot of miles on both clinchers and tubies in fast riding situations. If I were training on tubies (I'm almost always riding them on competitive rides or races) I'd only pump them up to 120lbs or so. But I never ride my clinchers pumped up to less than 120. For many years now.

I'm not disagreeing with your basic points, just relating what has worked for me and the guys I ride with on a regular basis.

[quote=ridenow;6030806]

+1 on your info, thanks

ridenow, no chain rub, 55cm, chorus crank 39/53, chorus cassette 12/25, chorus chain (all 10 speed)
cccorlew, yes chain rub, 51cm, ultegra crank 34/50, ultegra cassette 12/27, ultegra chain (all 10 speed)

Are there any more updates? Surely there must be more R700 [from BD] out there, or is the cold weather keeps everyone indoor?

yes chain rub (a little), 53cm, FSA crank 34/50, ultegra cassette 12/27, ultegra chain (all 10 speed)

Yes chain rub. 59cm, FSA crank, the rest ultegra, as delivered by BD. I would definitely classify it as more than a little.

It seems to me that chain rub is not a result of smaller frame. Is there anyone with Bottecchia or Evoke with similar problem?
thanks.

If people with frames as large as 59 are also getting chain rub and this is just a guess, it might be caused by a poor chain line. Possibly caused by the the wrong width crankset. If you are using a bottom bracket with external bearings you can install a spacer between the right hand BB cup and the frame. Just a guess since I have not seen any photos of the bikes.

If people with frames as large as 59 are also getting chain rub and this is just a guess, it might be caused by a poor chain line. Possibly caused by the the wrong width crankset. If you are using a bottom bracket with external bearings you can install a spacer between the right hand BB cup and the frame. Just a guess since I have not seen any photos of the bikes.

The chainline can be measured (per sheldon brown) to confirm this or not. I'll post the link when I have a chance, and update the additional input.

If you are using a bottom bracket with external bearings you can install a spacer between the right hand BB cup and the frame.

Really? For that nice modern Shimano BB with external bearings that goes with my Shimano compact crankset? I'd love to move mine out just a hair.
Where can I find these spacers? I've googled till my fingers hurt, but I must be looking for the wrong words.

I think it's just the compact cranks, the short stays and the 34 tooth chain wheel all work together to make this a touchy set up.

Really? For that nice modern Shimano BB with external bearings that goes with my Shimano compact crankset? I'd love to move mine out just a hair.
Where can I find these spacers? I've googled till my fingers hurt, but I must be looking for the wrong words.

I think it's just the compact cranks, the short stays and the 34 tooth chain wheel all work together to make this a touchy set up.

I've used a couple of these spacers on a mt. bike build last year. They are made of a very hard plastic or composite material and were ordered from my LBS. I believe the ones I purchased came in a clear plastic bag with a Shimano part number and are available in different widths. I think Raceface also makes a similar spacer for use with their cranksets using a external bearing BB. Any brand spacer will work as long as it's made for use with a external bearing BB.

Re: RT700 Chain Rub

I think it's just the compact cranks, the short stays and the 34 tooth chain wheel all work together to make this a touchy set up.


+1

Here's the link to the topic of chainline from Sheldon Brown:
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/chainline.html

ridenow, no chain rub, 55cm, chorus crank 39/53, chorus cassette 12/25, chorus chain (all 10 speed)
cccorlew, yes chain rub, 51cm, ultegra crank 34/50, ultegra cassette 12/27, ultegra chain (all 10 speed)
jrn, yes chain rub (a little), 53cm, FSA crank 34/50, ultegra cassette 12/27, ultegra chain (all 10 speed)
mazrad, Yes chain rub. 59cm, FSA crank, the rest ultegra, as delivered by BD

We have one person that doesn't have chain rub. So what is different?

Possible changes:
- narrower chain width ?
- smaller chainring differential (i.e. 42/52? or would just going to 39/53 be better?)
- large chainring width to be better?
- I wouldn't try to change the chainline if it's correct (spacers) unless there is really a compelling reason.
- ... anything else?
- ... "You'll Live?"

Re: RT700 Chain Rub



+1

Here's the link to the topic of chainline from Sheldon Brown:
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/chainline.html

ridenow, no chain rub, 55cm, chorus crank 39/53, chorus cassette 12/25, chorus chain (all 10 speed)
cccorlew, yes chain rub, 51cm, ultegra crank 34/50, ultegra cassette 12/27, ultegra chain (all 10 speed)
jrn, yes chain rub (a little), 53cm, FSA crank 34/50, ultegra cassette 12/27, ultegra chain (all 10 speed)
mazrad, Yes chain rub. 59cm, FSA crank, the rest ultegra, as delivered by BD

We have one person that doesn't have chain rub. So what is different?

Possible changes:
- narrower chain width ?
- smaller chainring differential (i.e. 42/52? or would just going to 39/53 be better?)
- large chainring width to be better?
- I wouldn't try to change the chainline if it's correct (spacers) unless there is really a compelling reason.
- ... anything else?
- ... "You'll Live?"

Good compilation. Thanks.
That no chain rub setup is a much larger frame (7cm larger than mine )as well as a standard crankset.

I got a compact ultegra too, RT700 51cm, 12-25, I haven't built it up though. All my parts came in yesterday. My girlfriend broke up with me that day too. I was sad then I was happy, still sad when I see bank account though. It's quite the roller coaster!

I probably won't be done with it for another week because I still need to get another work stand and have the shop do the headset. Heres to hoping mine turns out without chainrub :)

My evoke frame came in yesterday. I have some questions on frame preparation for those that have built up the RT700 or Evoke.

First, the crown race seat on the fork is painted over. Should I have this faced before installing the crown race?

Second, is facing the ends of the headtube and/or bottom bracket shell necessary on these frames?

Do the Bott frames need to be faced and chased?

My evoke frame came in yesterday. I have some questions on frame preparation for those that have built up the RT700 or Evoke.

First, the crown race seat on the fork is painted over. Should I have this faced before installing the crown race?

Second, is facing the ends of the headtube and/or bottom bracket shell necessary on these frames?

If you're bringing the fork in to have the bearing race pressed on your local bike mechanic should be able to answer your questions. I doubt the BB shell will need to be faced.

If you're bringing the fork in to have the bearing race pressed on your local bike mechanic should be able to answer your questions. I doubt the BB shell will need to be faced.

I am planning on installing the headset myself, so unless facing needs to be done i won't be taking it to a bike shop.

"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

Do the Bott frames need to be faced and chased?


I hadn't done anything with my frame.

Although, my IS2 headset left a gap between the top ring and the top of the headtube, which my LBS said was normal for Cane Creek products. Although, if you really want, you can have the headtube faced and reamed out a little so the top bearing sits a bit lower to close that gap.

Someone else on the previous PF GB had the same thing and left the gap. So far they have had no problems with the gap. So for now, I'm keeping the gap as is since it's not hurting anything.

Good luck!

I received my Evoke frame today, looks sweet! However I did not see a serial number on it. Am I overlooking it, or do the frame sets not come with one?

I am planning on installing the headset myself, so unless facing needs to be done i won't be taking it to a bike shop.


if you have to ask that question, maybe it's not too wise to install it yourself. Plus, are you using the PVC pipe trick, or do you actually have all the proper tools.

I received my Evoke frame today, looks sweet! However I did not see a serial number on it. Am I overlooking it, or do the frame sets not come with one?

I found no serial number on my RT700 frame .

I received my Evoke frame today, looks sweet! However I did not see a serial number on it. Am I overlooking it, or do the frame sets not come with one?

What's all this about? No serial number on the Kestrels? That's on the weird side. Mike, care to chime in? How are you suppose to register the bike for warranty purposes?

I hate to say it since I have a Evoke frame coming but someone might need to contact Kestrel and get a answer to why there's no serial number on these frames. I'm all most scared to know the answer.

What's all this about? No serial number on the Kestrels? That's on the weird side. Mike, care to chime in? How are you suppose to register the bike for warranty purposes?

Do you guys suppose the bikes/frames are some kind of "seconds" or have some kind of minor defect (seems alot of people have chain rub,some weird seat tube dia-FD clamp issue) which would enable some one such as Mike get these for super price and still be able to sell them for great prices and still make money off the deal? Just throwin it out there,seems possible to me.

My RT700 has the following # G60184 stamped on the inside of the left rear Dropout/Hanger. Could this be the S/N?

My RT700 has the following # G60184 stamped on the inside of the left rear Dropout/Hanger. Could this be the S/N?

My guess is that is a S/N. Maybe the other posters need to check out there rear drop outs for a number.

G60435, thats the number on mine , must be the serial number . It`s definitely not a part number seeing that it`s different.

yes, a flat spot on the inside left rear dropout. Should be visible (right side up, in white) if looking at the derailleur area from the driveside of the frame.

Have no idea about these frames, thats just where my Evoke S/N is and I bought it over a year ago.

Bingo. Found it. Thanks Nils for the info. Not use to seeing it there.

It is also on the box. Guess I didn't have my eyes in tonight. :D :o

Do you guys suppose the bikes/frames are some kind of "seconds" or have some kind of minor defect (seems alot of people have chain rub,some weird seat tube dia-FD clamp issue) which would enable some one such as Mike get these for super price and still be able to sell them for great prices and still make money off the deal? Just throwin it out there,seems possible to me.

No. I figure my chainrub is because I use a weiner compact 50-34. I'm sure if I went to 42-52 or 29-52 I'd be fine.
The frame is flippin' great.

Did anyone order a BD special, RT700, complete bike, with DA upgrade? Have you received your bike yet? Comments? Pictures? Thanks.

Did anyone order a BD special, RT700, complete bike, with DA upgrade? Have you received your bike yet? Comments? Pictures? Thanks.

I ordered the Upgrade, I got an e-mail from Mike saying I would have it last Thursday, got the UPS shipping etc., however it is not ready for pick up yet. I am checking shipping every morning, no idea when it will come.

Architect the screw is the same as the ones for the waterbottle cages but 1/8 inch shorter , and the screws that came with the bottle cage i got to put on this bike are just the right length for those plastic guides . So you might just have one laying around and don`t know it. I just tryed one of the cage screws that came with the bike on mine and it fits fine but that might depend on the Bottom Bracket you are useing.

MadCowMoo- Thanks for this info. I decided to take the RT700 out today for a maiden (virgin) voyage. I say virgin because I decided to ride it as it came out of the box and without aligning the underside guides with the screw you suggest. (Wow, lots of double entendres here)

Anyway the two major issues are
1. The FRONT derailler (not the rear one) binds and cannot shift up to the larger crank gear. Of course now i will insert screw and test ride tomorrow.
2. Major chain rub which i will register on the list.

Anyone having front derailleur problems?

Man I knew I forgot something:


Anyway the THREE major issues are
1. The FRONT derailler (not the rear one) binds and cannot shift up to the larger crank gear. Of course now i will insert screw and test ride tomorrow.
2. Major chain rub which i will register on the list
3. Grinding sound when applying high torque to the left pedal - such as climbing, rapid accelleration and most disturbingly, when starting out from a stop.

#3 is really disturbing because it sound like the BB bearings or something and I wonder if ive done damage to it in the 10 miles ive ridden. Anyone having this?

ridenow, no chain rub, 55cm, chorus crank 39/53, chorus cassette 12/25, chorus chain (all 10 speed)
cccorlew, yes chain rub, 51cm, ultegra crank 34/50, ultegra cassette 12/27, ultegra chain (all 10 speed)
jrn, yes chain rub (a little), 53cm, FSA crank 34/50, ultegra cassette 12/27, ultegra chain (all 10 speed)
mazrad, Yes chain rub. 59cm, FSA crank, the rest ultegra, as delivered by BD
Architect, Yes Chain rub, 59cm FSA crank, the rest ultegra, as delivered by BD

Someone help me out.

1. Fred jersey?

2. Dremel? (Not a 1974 Pontiac, I presume?)

Love you guys

ridenow, no chain rub, 55cm, chorus crank 39/53, chorus cassette 12/25, chorus chain (all 10 speed)
cccorlew, yes chain rub, 51cm, ultegra crank 34/50, ultegra cassette 12/27, ultegra chain (all 10 speed)
jrn, yes chain rub (a little), 53cm, FSA crank 34/50, ultegra cassette 12/27, ultegra chain (all 10 speed)
mazrad, Yes chain rub. 59cm, FSA crank, the rest ultegra, as delivered by BD
Architect, Yes Chain rub, 59cm FSA crank, the rest ultegra, as delivered by BD

Maybe it is not my place to say so....but I wonder with few[more than two or more] of the buyers here having problems with the chain rub and noise, should BikeDirect or Mike should come out and comment on these issues?

I remembered on previous post someone have mention that this issue lies on Kestrel [the manufacture]and not BD; But if a company stand by what they sell, wouldn't that give a better impression [PR] and the quality of the products they're selling?

Also just curious, is BD a distributor only or are they also a bike shop? I'm asking b/c when they put these bikes together [the ones that come with fully equiped] don't they have professional bike builder installed it and test run it[at least on the stand], too?

Someone help me out.

1. Fred jersey?

2. Dremel? (Not a 1974 Pontiac, I presume?)

Love you guys

1. Fred jersey? ,,, I have a few , Need one ? :)

2. Dremel? ,,, I would not take a dremel to it unless all else fails. Install the guides right first and make sure the cables are lubed up . Hopefully that will fix the front deraileur up . Getting that cable set right on that front deraileur was the hardest part of building the entire bike . I now own a pair of cable stretchers, better late than never.

As for your Crank noise i don`t have a clue , sorry .

Maybe it is not my place to say so....but I wonder with few[more than two or more] of the buyers here having problems with the chain rub and noise, should BikeDirect or Mike should come out and comment on these issues?

I remembered on previous post someone have mention that this issue lies on Kestrel [the manufacture]and not BD; But if a company stand by what they sell, wouldn't that give a better impression [PR] and the quality of the products they're selling?

Also just curious, is BD a distributor only or are they also a bike shop? I'm asking b/c when they put these bikes together [the ones that come with fully equiped] don't they have professional bike builder installed it and test run it[at least on the stand], too?

On my RT700 i get chain rub with the small front ring and just the 11 tooth cog on the back , I just went out and put my 2007 Madone SL on the stand , these two bikes are the same size (57cm) and setup very much alike and i get the very same rub . Just on the smallest cog.

MadCowMoo- Thanks for this info. I decided to take the RT700 out today for a maiden (virgin) voyage. I say virgin because I decided to ride it as it came out of the box and without aligning the underside guides with the screw you suggest. (Wow, lots of double entendres here)

Anyway the two major issues are
1. The FRONT derailler (not the rear one) binds and cannot shift up to the larger crank gear. Of course now i will insert screw and test ride tomorrow.
2. Major chain rub which i will register on the list.

Anyone having front derailleur problems?

Yep - I've got the front derailleur issue as well. I think it just needs some adjustment, I just haven't had a chance to mess with it yet. I've had it on the rollers a couple of times so I haven't really torqued on the crank, but I haven't noticed any grinding noise yet.

Maybe it is not my place to say so....but I wonder with few[more than two or more] of the buyers here having problems with the chain rub and noise, should BikeDirect or Mike should come out and comment on these issues?

I remembered on previous post someone have mention that this issue lies on Kestrel [the manufacture]and not BD; But if a company stand by what they sell, wouldn't that give a better impression [PR] and the quality of the products they're selling?

Also just curious, is BD a distributor only or are they also a bike shop? I'm asking b/c when they put these bikes together [the ones that come with fully equiped] don't they have professional bike builder installed it and test run it[at least on the stand], too?


Isn't chain rub almost certain on compact cranks, at least on certain chainring/cog combinations? However, the good thing is you shouldn't normally use those combinations anyway...like large chainring/largest cog...

DPN

Isn't chain rub almost certain on compact cranks, at least on certain chainring/cog combinations? However, the good thing is you shouldn't normally use those combinations anyway...like small chainring/largest cog...

DPN

Don't you mean Small chain ring and Small Cog or Large Chain ring and Largest cog? Where you get teh cross chaining effect.

Is this true for compacts?? I think this happens on my ultegra standard (53/39) crank as well (9 speed). So Are we stating that the One stnadard size crank on the RT 700s is not getting chain rub? I am still waiting to hear if anyone is getting a force build on the rt700 and any issues they have.

Do you guys suppose the bikes/frames are some kind of "seconds" or have some kind of minor defect (seems alot of people have chain rub,some weird seat tube dia-FD clamp issue) which would enable some one such as Mike get these for super price and still be able to sell them for great prices and still make money off the deal? Just throwin it out there,seems possible to me.

No - not possible

I will not buy 'seconds' and there are few to none sold in the industry anyway
AND Ideal [Fuji] would never sell a defective item

I do not know what this chain rub issue is
but I'd love to find out

I'll try to reproduce it here

Isn't chain rub almost certain on compact cranks, at least on certain chainring/cog combinations? However, the good thing is you shouldn't normally use those combinations anyway...like small chainring/largest cog...

DPN

I am really confused by the chain rub question
But I assume my mechanics did not even test 'cross gears' as you should never ride in cross gears on any bike

If the chain rub is on small to small
or on large to large
then it is normal on short CS frames
and is a non use gear anyway

in fact on moderen 10 speed cogs
I do not reccommend 2 smallest cogs with inner
or two largest with outter

plus these are overlap gears anyway; much better way to get the same ratio

I am leaving town this morning for 4 days
but when I return I'll try to cause an abnormall chain rub on a Kestrel

So far, we have never seen that

Also just curious, is BD a distributor only or are they also a bike shop? I'm asking b/c when they put these bikes together [the ones that come with fully equiped] don't they have professional bike builder installed it and test run it[at least on the stand], too?


Yes
I own bike shops
used to be the largest chain in the country for about - oh 15 years or so
now just have 12 locations

anyway, the guys working on the Kestrels are pros
they run the bikes thru paces on the stand
however, there could be issues when riding; but unlikely

of course, I prefer to ship factory built bikes; but that was not an option on most these Kestrel Deals
When we start selling 2008 and 2009 Kestrels - they will be mainly factory builds

anyway, I will look into any issue
it is never useful to guess at an issue that I do not fully understand
this I do not understand, as we have setup several in Florida with no issue and even sold some in our strores here; they seem great

Is this true for compacts?? I think this happens on my ultegra standard (53/39) crank as well (9 speed). So Are we stating that the One stnadard size crank on the RT 700s is not getting chain rub? I am still waiting to hear if anyone is getting a force build on the rt700 and any issues they have.

Mine is on the UPS truck for Monday delivery (Hopefully, long story with this. Mine and UPS problem not BD). I will not get to it until Tuesday or Wednesday.