35 degrees and slush.

64° and cloudy. :D

btw - check the RD hanger. just discovered that mine was bent.

not the same frame, but you never know with bd. ;)

...btw - check the RD hanger. just discovered that mine was bent.

not the same frame, but you never know with bd. ;)

Same as my RT700. Along with a damaged RD. The packaging leaves something to be desired.

Same as my RT700. Along with a damaged RD. The packaging leaves something to be desired.

i don't know. the frame was relatively well packed. i'm thinking it was iffy QC.

Ive bought 3 bikes/frames from them. The RD hanger was bent on every one of them. Twice to the point it had to be replaced. Once that my trusty Park Tool RD hanger tool straightened it back out.

I cant fault the packaging as it didnt LOOK damaged from the outside so who knows.

Ive bought 3 bikes/frames from them. The RD hanger was bent on every one of them. Twice to the point it had to be replaced. Once that my trusty Park Tool RD hanger tool straightened it back out.

I cant fault the packaging as it didnt LOOK damaged from the outside so who knows.

Hey JayC,

has your problem with the clamp been resolved? It's funny, I got the Prlee carbon clamp and it actually came with a strip of clear sticker. It was basically intended as a shim if the clamp slips. I'm just wondering if that's an option for you.

i don't know. the frame was relatively well packed. i'm thinking it was iffy QC.

Mine was banged pretty good. A hole punched through the box on one side and the other had a major indentation on the inner plastic sleeve. These lined up right on the rear axle area. Maybe (probably) not a BD issue and more like a UPS issue.

Hey JayC,

has your problem with the clamp been resolved? It's funny, I got the Prlee carbon clamp and it actually came with a strip of clear sticker. It was basically intended as a shim if the clamp slips. I'm just wondering if that's an option for you.

No.. I havent heard anything from BD about it.. I told him not to put himself out to help me and Id handle it myself and I havent made the hour drive to my LBS to get them to try to shim it.

I need to look at the Parlee clamp.. I might have to invest in one. Only problem is my FD is clamp on, not braze on so Id have to buy yet another FD.

I might just try some electrical tape.

64° and cloudy. :D

btw - check the RD hanger. just discovered that mine was bent.

not the same frame, but you never know with bd. ;)

Thanks for the heads up. No issues with shifting or gear jumping so I think it's OK.

praying that there is 1 day left
likely not

praying that there is 1 day left
likely not

Dynamic,

I think you and I want those darn wheels more than anybody!

I already have my tires, and glue, and have stretched the tires. I have my valve extenders. I'm ready to go. How about you?

I just wish Mike would chime in...

DPN

haha~! got two tubes of mastik one glue (for kicks)
haven't stretched the vittoria corsa evo cx's, no rim to do so on
but since I'm going to be working for free at a bike shop, I'll probably get the chance.
oh dpn... how patient this waiting can be

\

Yes, I was able to regester my frame on the new Kestrel web site. I received a email confirmation.


Yes go here:
www.kestrelbicycles.com/ (http://www.kestrelbicycles.com/)

this site does not seem to work:

www.kestrel-USA.com (http://www.kestrel-USA.com) but it might redirect you to the new site above

Yes go here:
www.kestrelbicycles.com/ (http://www.kestrelbicycles.com/)

this site does not seem to work:

www.kestrel-USA.com ("http://www.kestrel-USA.com"to the ) but it might redirect you to the new site above


Both of the above links will get you to the product registration page. Double click on support from the overhead menu. Then double click on Product Registration from the right hand menu. Fill out the form and you should receive a email back confirming your bike's registration.

Where can I find the serial number on the rt700

Back end on the inside of the chainstay

So today would be the, um, 16th, yes?

I am growing impatient. I understand there are delays with this sort of thing, but a word from Mike would be nice...

Duke, we all are impatient, but groupbuys from a foreign country are a pain in the cheeks.

Mike has been trying persistently to contact those in China, but no word has returned (or was it Taiwan? too lazy to check the pm). What he knows is that they are out at sea, or, as we all hope, closer.
As soon as the wheels arrive, he will send out the request for the final payment, and the shipments will be made.

I just really hope its in the next week. Want to get these done by the end of spring break.

Wasn't the original estimated delivery for the wheels not until early April anyway?

Wasn't the original estimated delivery for the wheels not until early April anyway?

More like middle of February, then March 15th.

More like middle of February, then March 15th.

Slip slidin' away
Slip slidin' away...
Seems the nearer your destination
The more you're slip slidin' away.

Those over the age of 40 may recall those prescient Paul Simon lyrics.
The song was actually written about future BD shipping date promises.

That works for me. The farther past Tax Doomsday (April 15) the better for Pcad.

Thanks to the government I may actually have my Kestrel Evoke built up in ime for some June riding. Yes I am taking my economix stimulus money and doing exactly what George wants.

Current build list...

Evoke Frame
Ritchey Pro fork
Thomson elite seatpost
R700 handlebar
Selle SLK seat
Veloce components
KCNC crank
Hed Kermesse or Bastogne wheels
Cane Creeks SL dual pivot brakes

About 7 kilos on the dot

George wants you to buy more gasoline or something that will consume more gasoline (like an SUV). Bike stuff is kinda opposite of that.

7kg ~ 15.4 lbs...pedals?? seems a bit too low to me.

No stimulus for me, so enjoy it. It's on me.

hurry the hell up china. pissing me off now.
time to invest in faster boats you lagging bums!

Is Bikes direct Mike around? We can all use an update on the shipping schedule for the wheels and Ti bikes.

Thanks to the government I may actually have my Kestrel Evoke built up in ime for some June riding. Yes I am taking my economix stimulus money and doing exactly what George wants.

Current build list...

Evoke Frame
Ritchey Pro fork
Thomson elite seatpost
R700 handlebar
Selle SLK seat
Veloce components
KCNC crank
Hed Kermesse or Bastogne wheels
Cane Creeks SL dual pivot brakes

About 7 kilos on the dot

I'm pretty sure most of those companies are not American, so whose economy are we trying to stimulate?

So.... I'm replacing my RT700 fork with a carbon one (carbon steerer tube).... I've built up two bikes in the past, but they both have aluminum steerer tubes and used a star nut. I am suppose to use a compression plug for the carbon fork but the zs-2 headset doesn't come with one.... Can I just buy any generic compression plug (1-1/8) ~$15 and it'll fit both the zs-2 headset and fork?

Thanks,

yes, compression plugs are not specific to headsets.

hopefully you won't have any problems with your new, less secure vs alu, carbon steerer.

Thanks for the advise and warning...

I would prefer aluminum - but I'm just trying something different here...

Is Bikes direct Mike around? We can all use an update on the shipping schedule for the wheels and Ti bikes.

I received an email from BikesDirect after asking about the wheel status, and this is the reply...

"Im really sorry but we have not heard anymore information about the wheels. When I do hear more from Mike I will be sure to let you know."

I'll give it a bit longer but I'm thinking about getting a refund...

DPN

^^^Me too.

The guy that owns our team's shop is offering me Wolber Profil 18/20s on 32h DA hubs for $300.

Classic old school race wheels, with solid hubs and spokes. Solid build, particularly for one of my smallish dimensions.

a discount would work for me. the extended wait is kind of ruining my plans.

a discount would work for me. the extended wait is kind of ruining my plans.

Yeah I had really hoped to have had them for the LA Circuit race this last weekend. I had to use my Reynolds KOM's for that one. Now I'd like to have them for San Dimas in two weeks but I'm not holding out any great hope. I think if they don't show up by this weekend I'll just get a refund and buy some other wheels.

a discount would work for me. the extended wait is kind of ruining my plans.

dreams (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79GSriibjvE).

dreams (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79GSriibjvE).

you suck! :mad:

I received an email from BikesDirect after asking about the wheel status, and this is the reply...

"Im really sorry but we have not heard anymore information about the wheels. When I do hear more from Mike I will be sure to let you know."

I'll give it a bit longer but I'm thinking about getting a refund...

DPN

I was thinking of spending my stimulus cash on some carbon wheels. I wonder if BD would allow order transfers? Of course I would have to find someone here to give up their Campy wheels.

you suck! :mad:

apparently the deal on the wheels sucks more. ;)

worse yet, I need them since I already bought glue and tires.

The interminable delays on my MTB only make it easier for me to pay for the stupid thing. As long as it arrives prior to July 4, I'll be happy.

I have no problem with the wait for the weels. The price was great, I have good wheels to ride already, and I have been traveling for work pretty much non-stop since January anyway, so I have midrif poundage from lack of access to the bike during this time. Hey, I knew I was in for a long wait when I ordered them.

I can't wait to be on my bike trying out the new wheels, but I can wait. I am just a daydreaming hoe right now.

I was thinking of spending my stimulus cash on some carbon wheels. I wonder if BD would allow order transfers? Of course I would have to find someone here to give up their Campy wheels.

I cancelled my order for campy tubies a few weeks ago, so they may have at least one extra set. worth asking.

I made some progress on my RT700 build last night - but it was not without it's share of problems.

First off, I could not get the rear derailleur cable snaked through the downtube, no matter how I tried. I ended up snaking a coathanger up the tube and taping the cable to it to get it down. The left side floated right through with no problems, which was good, because I had to remove it a few times because the cable port on that side had issues. The port screw on the left side would not seat flush enough to allow the jagwire ferrule to seat completely in the cable port. I ended up using a dremel to grind the screw head once it was tightened, which allowed the ferrule to slide by it.

I had similar issues with the cable port for the rear brake, only they were magnified because the ferrule for the brake cable was a slightly larger diameter. It wouldn't fit into the port even off the bike, so I had to ream it out a tad on the drill press. Then I found that the frame opening was not quite perfect, so the screw hole in the port wasn't aligning with the screw hole in the frame. I carefully dremeled the frame opening to allow the port to seat itself properly, and was finally able to get the screw in straight. Then I also had to grind that screw head to get the ferrule to seat.

Next was the rear brake port, (the black metal sleeve). It also had to be reamed out to accept the ferrule.

I then tried to install the rear derailleur port and found that they had stiffed me on one of the port screws.

I called Kestrel this morning, and they said they'd have to ship it to an authorized dealer. A tiny friggin screw! Rather than have it shipped from PA to BD in TX then back to MA, my LBS is going to get it for me.

It's coming along, though. If I could only get the correct crank back from PedalForce, I could finish this off.

Me either - I feel your pain

This wheel order has been a nightmare

The rim maker has postponed the Carbon rims twice
and then came up with delivery right before CNY

No one works for a week or two during Chinesse New Year [it is now Year of the Rat]

I thought the wheel builders might have gotten the wheels built and loaded before CNY
but the ocean freight company can not find a container in transit from them
and of course, during CNY no one is returning e-mails or anwering phones

therefore, I am fairly sure the wheels are not on the water yet.

So they will probably ship right after CNY holiday and be in and thru customs around March 15th. Somewhat later than I had been quoted. But making & getting the CF rims just took double the time quoted. {other parts have been sitting there and ready}.

As soon as we get confirmation of sailing we will start sending out payment requests; so we can ship the day they unload.

I hope he delay is not an issue for anyone
and of course; anyone who would want to cancel order - would get an instant refund

I am very interested in how these wheels perform and look forward to everyone's reveiws.

Mike,

I WOULD LOVE TO GIVE YOU A REVIEW ON THE WHEELS...When can I get them?

Any information on the wheels? We're dyin' out here!!!

DPN

I received the following message from Mike today:


Hi
Sorry for the slow response
I am out of town running one of our remote warehouses

Wheels are on the water [thank goodness]
I am expecting unloading in 2 weeks [might be 3 if customs is slow]

Wheels will be exactly as pictured and specd

I wish I had ordered more!

Mike

I received the following message from Mike today:


Hi
Sorry for the slow response
I am out of town running one of our remote warehouses

Wheels are on the water [thank goodness]
I am expecting unloading in 2 weeks [might be 3 if customs is slow]

Wheels will be exactly as pictured and specd

I wish I had ordered more!

Mike

What the hell does that mean.
Two weeks from now?
Damn this really does suck.

Edit:
poor mike, lol hes getting tossed around from these unexpected delays
sorry bro, we dont blame you

And the bikes....are where?

OK, So I'll reset my wheel countdown timer to 20 days.

20 days to 50mm carbon tubular wheels!

Off topic, I ordered a Cervelo P2C with DA specs on December 1, 2007. I pick it up tomorrow. Just to be a wise guy I thought I might post a picture of it without any wheels (ie. 50mm carbon tubular wheels). So 2 to 3 weeks will be April 3rd thru the 10th. So close yet so far.

Per Mike the bikes are 6 weeks out from a delivery date...

And the bikes....are where?

Per Mike the bikes are 6 weeks out from a delivery date...


6 weeks from delivery or 6 weeks from knowing when the bike will be shipped?

Steve

Good question:

I would say from when it is expected to be received on their end since full payment for all bikes wont come in at the same time from everyone..

Mike (BD) would you happen to have a different answer or is this what we should expect? Approximately the 1st week of JUNE?

6 weeks from delivery or 6 weeks from knowing when the bike will be shipped?

Steve