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

My RT700:
Size 57
17.5 lbs with pedals, computer, and trainer skewer (pedals ~ 0.5 lbs). Not too bad considering the size and the heavier aero post.
First ride yesterday and did 32 miles. Rides great. The seatpost is more forgiving than I expected but then, I weigh 235 so some back and forth might not be suprising. I swapped the 42 cm Ritchey bar for a 44 cm FSA flat bar. Saddle needs to come forward and a bit up. Just switched to the Time pedals from old Shimano/Look Delta style and really like how they feel. Although the Time's are a bit harder to click in. Please, no grief on the clashing water bottles. I am waiting for the new CamelBak bottles to hit my LBS. Also I need to change the carrying bag as the strap around the seat post barely makes it.

I like the Force shifting and the comfort while riding the hoods which is much better than my 7 year old Ultegra. My only real dislike is the lack of trim on the FD.

About half the RT700s I see, I love. The other half don't quite do it for me. I can't quite put my finger on it.

Got my Rt!!
I love it, it is so much more beautiful in person, it has amazing curves, I love the shape of the seatstays, as well as the downtube right above the bottom bracket, it looks really beefy.
I am having trouble with the rear derailler. I will drop it into the bike shop and let the mechanic look at it. All in all, it is well worth it, I could not ask for much more. A small problem with the RD is a small price to pay for such a beautiful bike. After all, when it's fixed in a few days, I will forget about the problem and enjoy riding my new steed for years to come.

I have the RT700 with Dura Ace. I am having similar rear shifting problems. The shifting is sluggish and hesitant. I have prior experience with DA and Ultegra, and I am not getting the precision that I have come to expect. There was some discussion of similar problems back around pages 36, 37, 38. At least 2 or 3 others have mentioned the RD shifting issue, with various drive trains and different wheels. I don't believe the problem is cassette spacing or the Ritchey wheels. I suspect cable drag in some location, but not sure where. I have re run the rear cable, lubed it, and been careful to avoid cable crossing in the downtube.
I have no local shop [about 40 miles, one way], but I was traveling last week and stopped at three different shops and talked to mechanics. Their suggestions for better rear shifting include: 1. Sand or otherwise smooth the BB cable guide. 2. Run a small cable housing or a sleave through the BB cable guide. 3. Use a cable housing or other sleave in the rear chainstay. 4. Use a larger size cable housing for the cable where it exits the rear chainstay, and on to the RD. This guy is pretty knowledgable, and said the RD problem was often related to this section of housing. [I didn't realize that shifter cable housing came in a larger size]. 5. Find an aftermarket, heavier spring for the DA RD [don't thionk that this is the problem].
Another shop that sells a lot of Kestrel told me by e-mail that the shifing on the RT700 can be "problematic." They said that they had had better luck with Campy than with Shimano [please don't start...], but that they could usually get it worked out with Shimano.
I hope to have time to work on this further this weekend, so if any of you have any advice please post it.
I do not have fancy shop scales, but with my home scale my RT7700, size 57, is just under 17lb., with pedals, but no computer.

My RT700:
Size 57
17.5 lbs with pedals, computer, and trainer skewer (pedals ~ 0.5 lbs). Not too bad considering the size and the heavier aero post.
First ride yesterday and did 32 miles. Rides great. The seatpost is more forgiving than I expected but then, I weigh 235 so some back and forth might not be suprising. I swapped the 42 cm Ritchey bar for a 44 cm FSA flat bar. Saddle needs to come forward and a bit up. Just switched to the Time pedals from old Shimano/Look Delta style and really like how they feel. Although the Time's are a bit harder to click in. Please, no grief on the clashing water bottles. I am waiting for the new CamelBak bottles to hit my LBS. Also I need to change the carrying bag as the strap around the seat post barely makes it.

I like the Force shifting and the comfort while riding the hoods which is much better than my 7 year old Ultegra. My only real dislike is the lack of trim on the FD.



Nice Bike!!!! The seat seems a bit far back though... Might want to be careful with that setting.

I have the RT700 with Dura Ace. I am having similar rear shifting problems. The shifting is sluggish and hesitant. I have prior experience with DA and Ultegra, and I am not getting the precision that I have come to expect. There was some discussion of similar problems back around pages 36, 37, 38. At least 2 or 3 others have mentioned the RD shifting issue, with various drive trains and different wheels. I don't believe the problem is cassette spacing or the Ritchey wheels. I suspect cable drag in some location, but not sure where. I have re run the rear cable, lubed it, and been careful to avoid cable crossing in the downtube.
I have no local shop [about 40 miles, one way], but I was traveling last week and stopped at three different shops and talked to mechanics. Their suggestions for better rear shifting include: 1. Sand or otherwise smooth the BB cable guide. 2. Run a small cable housing or a sleave through the BB cable guide. 3. Use a cable housing or other sleave in the rear chainstay. 4. Use a larger size cable housing for the cable where it exits the rear chainstay, and on to the RD. This guy is pretty knowledgable, and said the RD problem was often related to this section of housing. [I didn't realize that shifter cable housing came in a larger size]. 5. Find an aftermarket, heavier spring for the DA RD [don't thionk that this is the problem].
Another shop that sells a lot of Kestrel told me by e-mail that the shifing on the RT700 can be "problematic." They said that they had had better luck with Campy than with Shimano [please don't start...], but that they could usually get it worked out with Shimano.
I hope to have time to work on this further this weekend, so if any of you have any advice please post it.
I do not have fancy shop scales, but with my home scale my RT7700, size 57, is just under 17lb., with pedals, but no computer.

ok, some questions on the wheels (tubular).
1. do i need special brake pads, and are they coming with the wheels?
2. skewers, included?
3. does BD/BI sell tubular tires?
thanks all. couldn't bear to go through 51 pages to find out.

1. Yes, you need special pads for the carbon braking surface - which DO come with the group buy.
2. I don't believe they come with skewers, but I didn't go for the wheel deal so I didn't really pay attention.
3. Hmmm.... don't have a clue on this one....

My Evoke build:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2164/2261132494_ba8ec6b419_o.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2263/2260340495_018488cf27_o.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2339/2260340169_cb15cd1807_o.jpg

My Evoke build:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2164/2261132494_ba8ec6b419_o.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2263/2260340495_018488cf27_o.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2339/2260340169_cb15cd1807_o.jpg


That's a nice bike...great job! You must have some experience working on your bike.

I see a lot of these Group Buy bikes being finished with no problems...that makes me feel better waiting on the wheels...

DPN

My Evoke build:



The red hoods are a nice touch.

The red hoods are a nice touch.

Those are red Hüdz (pronounced hoods), available for Campy and Shimano Dura-Ace. Ultegra/105 version should be out by April. SRAM sometime later. Available in eight colors, if you consider black a color. Blue, Green, Red, Grey, Yellow, White, Pink and Black.

http://www.grabthehudz.com/

Cool, how much are they?

Thanks for the compliments. I really enjoy building them as much as riding them.

Hudz donate parts of their proceeds to certain organizations depending on the color. Red is for sickle cell research. I believe Excel sports have them for $34.95.

Overhill, and others who have had a problem with the rear der shifting on the RT700, I may have found the solution.
The short piece of housing that comes from the chainstay to the der., is supposed to have an aluminium head on it, not the plastic one that came with it. I had one lying around, I reversed the housing, because I could see little cracks at the bend, and used the metal cover in place of the plastic, it is shifting pretty much near perfect.
In the process of figuring this out, I tried a lot of other stuff and ended up fraying the cable end, so mine is not perfect, but I hope the problem is solved, good luck, hope this helps.

[QUOTE=bobski;6152312]My Evoke build:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2164/2261132494_ba8ec6b419_o.jpg
QUOTE]
Very nice. Any particular reason you didn't go with red bar tape?:)

Overhill, and others who have had a problem with the rear der shifting on the RT700, I may have found the solution.
The short piece of housing that comes from the chainstay to the der., is supposed to have an aluminium head on it, not the plastic one that came with it. I had one lying around, I reversed the housing, because I could see little cracks at the bend, and used the metal cover in place of the plastic, it is shifting pretty much near perfect.
In the process of figuring this out, I tried a lot of other stuff and ended up fraying the cable end, so mine is not perfect, but I hope the problem is solved, good luck, hope this helps.

I repulled my RD cable and replaced the heads on the short housing on the chain stay with a harder plastic end on the part coming out of the chain stay and a aluminium one going into the rear derailure. I also put one of the harder plastic ones on the housing going into the top of the down tube.

Shifting is much much better!!!! Hope to have some time to test it back on the road again but it looks like that was the trick!

Very nice. Any particular reason you didn't go with red bar tape?:)

LOL...Red tape might put it into the category of gaudy. However, I just won this saddle on ebay. I'm still debating whether to put it on.

That's a no brainer.... Slap it on and take some more pics!!!!!

LOL...Red tape might put it into the category of gaudy. However, I just won this saddle on ebay. I'm still debating whether to put it on.

I had thought about getting that saddle except with the colors reversed.

LOL...Red tape might put it into the category of gaudy. However, I just won this saddle on ebay. I'm still debating whether to put it on.

As long as the shade of red matches the frame well, I'd say go for it!

The copper sun-burnt orange on the RT700 will be tough to match, but I'm determined not to do black bar tape.

How much are those HuZ?

As long as the shade of red matches the frame well, I'd say go for it!

The copper sun-burnt orange on the RT700 will be tough to match, but I'm determined not to do black bar tape.

How much are those HuZ?

About $35 ExcelSports has them

As long as the shade of red matches the frame well, I'd say go for it!

The copper sun-burnt orange on the RT700 will be tough to match, but I'm determined not to do black bar tape.

How much are those HuZ?

I won't be trying to match the copper, and I'm not going black either. I found a color I think rocks - I just need some handlebars and a group to show up so I can mount 'em.

I won't be trying to match the copper, and I'm not going black either. I found a color I think rocks - I just need some handlebars and a group to show up so I can mount 'em.

I think black is the right color for bar tape. And on the RT700 it provides a nice contrast. I think coor will just look either fussy or flat. But let's see what you've got in mind.

Speaking of fussy, I guess I've got a bit myself.
Waterbottles. What color. I've got white Polar bottles that look good on my black bike.
Has anyone seen the orange-copper Polar bottles? Are they a good match for RT700?
I'd like also like gray, but can't find a bottle I like in gray.

Which way are ya'all jumping?

Speaking of fussy, I guess I've got a bit myself.
Waterbottles. What color. I've got white Polar bottles that look good on my black bike.
Has anyone seen the orange-copper Polar bottles? Are they a good match for RT700?
I'd like also like gray, but can't find a bottle I like in gray.

Which way are ya'all jumping?

Hadn't given water bottles a thought, as I have a whole bunch of clear ones. ( I guess I should be looking for that copper-orange colored sport drink)

What do insulated bottles weight ? :rolleyes:

Speaking of fussy, I guess I've got a bit myself.
Waterbottles. What color. I've got white Polar bottles that look good on my black bike.
Has anyone seen the orange-copper Polar bottles? Are they a good match for RT700?
I'd like also like gray, but can't find a bottle I like in gray.

Which way are ya'all jumping?

I am awaiting the new CamelBak bottle (http://www.bicycling.com/article/1,6610,s1-1-323-16588-1,00.html). I am going function over form.

I am awaiting the new CamelBak bottle (http://www.bicycling.com/article/1,6610,s1-1-323-16588-1,00.html). I am going function over form.

You may be looking for function, but that's also a sharp looking bottle, with mild copper highlights!
I may be looking for those too!

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b396/jimfeil/003-1.jpg
Here's another completed Evoke. Little over 17 lbs. with pedals but I don't get too worked up on how much or little my bikes weigh. Seems like a nice bike so far. I have a set of Mavic Cosmic Carbones that I planned on using on this bike but I liked the looks of the Ksyrium SL wheelset from my Colnago on it much better. I'll end up putting the Mavic Cosmic wheelset on this bike because the Mavic Cosmic Carbone aero wheels just don't look that great on the Colnago IMO.

Jimbud the bike looks great !
That chain looks real tight , think it might be a link or two short? Then again that Cassette might have some big sprockets.

I think black is the right color for bar tape. And on the RT700 it provides a nice contrast. I think coor will just look either fussy or flat. But let's see what you've got in mind.

I can try for the metallic grey, or I might do triple white - bar, hoods, and cables - which I what I rode exclusively back in the late 80s.

So, I went and got my headset pressed at the lbs. I gave them the headset all wrapped up that came with the RT700 and the frame. I didn't bring the stem and I told the mech that I would cut it and place the star nut myself. I go and pick it up when it's done and the mech who did it has left and they didn't give me the star nut that came with the headset. So, I go back and ask what happened to it? I assume they forgot to give it to me since it wasn't attached to the bike. They said it didn't come with one and they don't remember seeing one and tried to sell me one.

Though they did offer to cut it and set it for free if I came back.. I go home and check the sheet that came with the cane creek headset and right there in the parts list is the star nut they tried to re-sell me !! ahh!

irish pat: I replaced the rear cable housing, and both plastic heads with aluminum. The RD shifting is significantly improved. Now, if we could just have some decent weather for an outside ride! Thank you for your suggestions.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b396/jimfeil/003-1.jpg
Here's another completed Evoke. Little over 17 lbs. with pedals but I don't get too worked up on how much or little my bikes weigh. Seems like a nice bike so far. I have a set of Mavic Cosmic Carbones that I planned on using on this bike but I like the looks of the Ksyrium SL wheelset from my Colnago much better. I'll end up putting the Mavic Cosmic wheelset on this bike because the aero wheels just don't look that great on the Colnago IMO.

Exactly how I want mine to look. Awesome job!

irish pat: I replaced the rear cable housing, and both plastic heads with aluminum. The RD shifting is significantly improved. Now, if we could just have some decent weather for an outside ride! Thank you for your suggestions.

Another thought - you really need to seat the housing tightly into the ferrules. Grind the ends nice and straight, then if you have a cable stretcher (http://www.parktool.com/products/detail.asp?cat=14&item=BT-2), you can insert on old cable into it and use it to pull the ferrules tight, rather than let it happen gradually, which will gradually degrade your shifting.

my complete "bottecchia".

i hope it rides better than it looks.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/botto/beater_bike.jpg

Nice tires, gramps

Nice tires, gramps

well spotted l'il tim.

you hadn't even started nursery school when i mounted those tires. those are my race wheels, from my first career as a bike racer, as the neon skewer suggests.

waiting on a pair of proraces from pbk to come in.

my complete "bottecchia".

i hope it rides better than it looks.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/botto/beater_bike.jpg

I'm sure it will be a great bike with the new wheelset. I like the looks of the bare ground in the photo. It has that Spring season look to it.

[quote=botto;6171070]my complete "bottecchia".

i hope it rides better than it looks.



What size are you ridin' Botto? A 55? I got mine (a 55) with SRAM Force shifters and derailleurs, SRAM S900 crank, DA 7700 brakes (for now, will be going to FSA Energy in a week or so), Ritchey WCS seatpost and stem , Deda Newton Deep bars (will be going to either a PRO PLT round or similar to reduce reach to the hoods a bit), SLR XP saddle and Ritchey Pro Peloton pedals. Right now I'm riding Ultegra/Open Pro training wheels (with Spec. Armadillo tires to boot so they're bombproof but officially anchors.). I've been using mine for the last two weeks and other than some minor adjustments to the seat setback and bar tilt that I've already made, I'm pretty darn happy with the way mine rides. As it sits right now is about 17.5 lbs but with the carbon race wheels it is right at 16. Even though it is very plain looking, I have to say that I'm pleasantly surprised by how it rides. Very good for sprinting and it feels VERY good while climbing, especially out of the saddle. I've only descended on it once and didn't feel too good but that was with a different set of wheels that had very slippery tires on them so it didn't feel as nice. I raced on it the 3rd day after I built it and felt good during the whole race (besides the seat adjustment and bar tilt thing I mentioned before but that has been corrected since). I also raced it last weekend and got a 5th place on a hilly race that I NEVER do well in.Sure I've been training a lot more this year but what I mean is that I never felt that the bike held me back at all. At least to me the bang for the buck is pretty good with this one.

http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh239/rc32_photo/BD_1.jpg?t=1203194924
http://s257.photobucket.com/albums/hh239/rc32_photo/?action=share&pic=BD_1.jpg


Some of the guys in my team have ridden mine and want to get one. The stealth thing is actually a good conversation starter.

my complete "bottecchia".

i hope it rides better than it looks.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/botto/beater_bike.jpg

Are those Open 4CDs with Michelin Hi-Lite super comps?? If so, nice choice.I used to have a set just like that.

Are those Open 4CDs with Michelin Hi-Lite super comps?? If so, nice choice.I used to have a set just like that.

good eye.

correct on all accounts (yes, it's a 55).

I'm sure it will be a great looking bike with the new wheelset. I like the looks of the bare ground in the photo. It has that Spring season look to it.

thanks jim, but the wheels will remain for the only going to put some new shoes on them.

this is my 'leave it in the US, so i don't have to drag a bike with me on every visit' bike.

my complete "bottecchia".

i hope it rides better than it looks.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/botto/beater_bike.jpg

I was hoping someone post a pic of that frame with the tacx cage. it looks good, I might just have to get some.

I was hoping someone post a pic of that frame with the tacx cage. it looks good, I might just have to get some.

youll need spacers to mount one on the seat tube (which is why you only see one cage in that pic).

youll need spacers to mount one on the seat tube (which is why you only see one cage in that pic).

thanks for the tip. I really can't wait for all the parts to get in. I'm having some components anodized to match the rest of the bike. Is that a DEDA 100 stem? when I saw it, the first thing that came to my mind was, red anodize the steer tube, so a bit of red shows through the stem. It'll look great when I go to Starbucks and just sit there all day and pretend I just finsihed a long ride.

thanks for the tip. I really can't wait for all the parts to get in. I'm having some components anodized to match the rest of the bike. Is that a DEDA 100 stem? when I saw it, the first thing that came to my mind was, red anodize the steer tube, so a bit of red shows through the stem. It'll look great when I go to Starbucks and just sit there all day and pretend I just finsihed a long ride.

yep, deda 100. i ordered the gun metal stem from pbk, but they screwed up and sent the black one.

the gun metal would have looked better, but it's a beater bike, so it doesn't really matter.

irish pat: I replaced the rear cable housing, and both plastic heads with aluminum. The RD shifting is significantly improved. Now, if we could just have some decent weather for an outside ride! Thank you for your suggestions.

No problem, glad it worked out. We will be having nice weather here on Sunday, and I'm doing a century, but think I'll take another bike, too much salt and gravel on the road. It feels real stiff on the trainer, a lot stiffer than my Talon, hopefully, it will also dampen the road as much as the talon.

my complete "bottecchia".

i hope it rides better than it looks.

Hope your front derailer doesn't slip down the seat tube.

You may be looking for function, but that's also a sharp looking bottle, with mild copper highlights!
I may be looking for those too!

At least they are not orange:D