c_bake

Here is a link to my ride on RidewithGPS.com

I finally got around to cleaning up the frame and re-packing the BB, Headset, wheel bearings, replacing the brake cables/housing, new chain and spent this past week trying to dial in the fit before taking out for more than 30+ miles.

Yes the stem is hideous and is only for fit purposes, after todays ride I think I will settle for a 110mm, I'm sure I can find one from a forum member.

I started out with no destination, just to ride. It was in the low 40's and drizzle, but no wind and no traffic which made it nice. I wanted to head up into the canyons and do some climbing but the ceiling was low and it was raining for sure up around 8K feet so I stayed along the foothills although I decided to ride one climb with a grade of 10%.

Some thoughts on the bike:

I was impressed how smooth and plush the 501 frame felt over rough roads, chip seal etc..seemed a bit more smooth than my Champion #2 bike. I was equally impressed how little flex there is in the BB area in out of saddle sprints and out of saddle climbing. I'm sure the small, tight frame helps. On a 38 mph decent the bike felt stable and assuring, although I don't think I'll be hitting 50+ on it like I would my Kestrel, the trust just isn't there yet. All in all the bike handles very good in all phases. If I hadn't been given a return time, I would have been good for 120 miles. In the end, I didn't feel beat up at all.

The original Avocet saddle felt just as good as my Specialized Toupe on my Kestrel, how is this possible..I paid a lot for the white Toupe.....

All in all I think this is a darn good bike, the fit is very aggressive, about 5" of drop but I'm used to that and can ride all day this way.

A few things that really bothered me were the narrow handle bars, I'm used to 44 I think these are 42? In addition, the cranks are 165's, way to short, I may buy another crank set and keep the original of course, any ideas on cranks?

Also the Helicomatic freewheel doesn't spin all that smooth. I'm not sure if these can or are worth rebuilding. I sure don't have the knowledge or tools to do it. Theres one on e-bay right now but i'd hate to buy one that doesn't spin well. I guess another option is to just buy another wheel set if I plan on keeping the bike and keeping the originals if and when I sell it.

I need a 110mm period correct stem. 25.4 bars but I may have to go with the more common 26 and use a shim. Also, in current form the brake levers are not original, I have the originals but I temporarily lost the pin that holds the lever in place so I thru some Shimano's on there for the time being.

I'm sure I will keep the bike, but I will also keep an eye out for the one size bigger frame and if the deal is right I will jump on it.

Finally, sadly I didn't see any other C&V bikes in the road today.

ftwelder

I don't see many C&V riders on the roads either. Good you for doing that distance in the thin Colorado air. I lived in Durango for a while. I think a bigger frame would be a good choice. Older bikes have very short top tube lengths in comparison to seat tube lengths.