Cyclocross - '09 Redline Conquest Pro arrives!

I just took delivery this morning of my '09 Redline Conquest Pro. All I have done is remove the spoke protector and wheel reflectors, installed my pedals (and lights and computer), and test ridden it for a couple of miles.

First impression: The workmanship and finish on this bike is excellent. The website does not do it justice. It's a quality piece! Handles nice at all speeds. Has more toe overlap than I expected. I had ordered a SRAM crankset to replace the FSA stock unit, but I'm returning the SRAM. The FSA seems to be a quality crank and it shifts great.

First impression of SRAM shifting: This is my first experience with SRAM road shifters. I've been a Shimano road guy forever. My impression of double-tap? It's no better and no worse than Shimano's shifting. It's just different. I reckon they had to do SOMETHING to keep from infringing on Shimano's patents. It works. I'm sure I'll be happy with it -- except for those times I'm desperate for a shift and absent-mindedly try to move the brake lever.

First impressions are positive.

But, no, there aren't any photos. Whine all you want. There will still not be any photos.

As for the SRAM I think it looks better and feels better in my hands...that alone is worth the purchase. Never could get used to the ergonomics of the Shimano control-towers.

Also, SRAM feels better than Campy to me...Campy feels good, but the hoods always seem too short or something, like my hands are cramped. SRAM is a bit longer/roomier.

i see you took my advice :) i changed out the post bars & stem to the new ritchey wcs wet black & white stuff and swapped to the specialized thicker bar tape and what a difference it made on the drops , much more comfortable than the crap red bar tape , and as far as the cranks they seem ok although not as nice as say sram force , happy trails

Second impressions, after about 40 miles:

I still like the SRAM shifters, but not enough to make them a clear first choice. The SRAM brake levers feel big and clunky to me and the shift quality is inconsistent. Sometimes, it's smoother and more positive than Shimano. Other times, it shifts over, then shifts back (both ends). Overall, the SRAM equipment is okay. Not an improvement. Not bad.

The brakes leave something to be desired. The stock Avid pads degraded somewhat on my first ride and this may be most of the problem. As for performance, they didn't so much STOP the bike as reduce its velocity. I ordered a set of Koolstops to see if that helps.

In every other area, I LOVE this bike. Sweet handling. Smooth ride. I've taken it up some serious climbs, but I haven't ridden it down those same slopes, so I don't know about stability issues at the extremes yet. (And, for climbing the area mountains/hills, the 34T chainring was the right choice.)

At this point, I would call it a great investment.

And, incidentally, I really like the bar tape that came on mine. Very high quality (but still red). I wish I could find some of it for my road bike.

post pics

post pics

see, end of first post.

I just took delivery this morning of my '09 Redline Conquest Pro. All I have done is remove the spoke protector and wheel reflectors, installed my pedals (and lights and computer), and test ridden it for a couple of miles.

First impression: The workmanship and finish on this bike is excellent. The website does not do it justice. It's a quality piece! Handles nice at all speeds. Has more toe overlap than I expected. I had ordered a SRAM crankset to replace the FSA stock unit, but I'm returning the SRAM. The FSA seems to be a quality crank and it shifts great.

First impression of SRAM shifting: This is my first experience with SRAM road shifters. I've been a Shimano road guy forever. My impression of double-tap? It's no better and no worse than Shimano's shifting. It's just different. I reckon they had to do SOMETHING to keep from infringing on Shimano's patents. It works. I'm sure I'll be happy with it -- except for those times I'm desperate for a shift and absent-mindedly try to move the brake lever.

First impressions are positive.

But, no, there aren't any photos. Whine all you want. There will still not be any photos.

I just got a Conquest and noticed the same thing about toe overlap. I have generally ridden 56cm road bikes, but got my Conquest in a 54. The bike feels like a perfect fit, save the toe overlap. It'll just take some getting used to I suppose.

I love my Conquest Sport !