650B Rodriguez Arrow Conversion
#27
Wookie Jesus inspires me.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 2,215
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
I can take one if you really want one. It's not that exciting
I'll probably just end up using a longer screw when I find one.
I'll probably just end up using a longer screw when I find one.
#28
Wookie Jesus inspires me.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 2,215
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
An update: Fork is on, got some red hetres, put on the wood-bed rack, and trying out the B17 black now rather than the narrow. What do you think of the black saddle/black tape vs brown? What do you think of the new fork? I think it looks better even though it contrasts with the lugless frame.
Here are some pics:
Here are some pics:
#29
Senior Member
Glad to see an update on this beautiful Rodriguez!
Definitely like it better with the black saddle/black tape combination. As far as the fork goes, looks good, too. With the Hetres now in, will you still have enough clearance for fenders? BTW, fenders in stainless steel or shiny aluminum (as opposed to black) will look great, imo.
Woody rack - hmmm not sure if I like it. Must be the honey color on the wood platform not matching anything else on the bike. It might look better if it matched better the red color on the Hetres. Otherwise, a similar rack (all silver) might look better. All in all, this is minor though.
Now, the million dollar question after all these changes, tell us HOW DOES IT RIDE?
Definitely like it better with the black saddle/black tape combination. As far as the fork goes, looks good, too. With the Hetres now in, will you still have enough clearance for fenders? BTW, fenders in stainless steel or shiny aluminum (as opposed to black) will look great, imo.
Woody rack - hmmm not sure if I like it. Must be the honey color on the wood platform not matching anything else on the bike. It might look better if it matched better the red color on the Hetres. Otherwise, a similar rack (all silver) might look better. All in all, this is minor though.
Now, the million dollar question after all these changes, tell us HOW DOES IT RIDE?
#30
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Posts: 16,878
Bikes: 1980 Masi, 1984 Mondonico, 1984 Trek 610, 1980 Woodrup Giro, 2005 Mondonico Futura Leggera ELOS, 1967 PX10E, 1971 Peugeot UO-8
Mentioned: 49 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1858 Post(s)
Liked 664 Times
in
506 Posts
Even better would be a flat or forged crown with eyelets!
Depending on how one likes the bike to ride, it might be worthwhile to get a fork that will deliver the trail the frame was originally designed for. You can measure that off the original fork, or perhaps Rodriquez could look it up or give you good advice. Having a custom fork built is not always super $$, and you can get it nailed for blade length, brake type, rack or low-rider mounts, lighting mounts, offset, flexiness, tire clearance, headlamp wire guiding, generator mounts, or ... can't think of anything else. Buying forks you're essentially rolling the dice each time.
Last edited by Road Fan; 09-03-12 at 05:42 AM.
#31
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Posts: 16,878
Bikes: 1980 Masi, 1984 Mondonico, 1984 Trek 610, 1980 Woodrup Giro, 2005 Mondonico Futura Leggera ELOS, 1967 PX10E, 1971 Peugeot UO-8
Mentioned: 49 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1858 Post(s)
Liked 664 Times
in
506 Posts
I think if you're enjoying the feel of those new shimano cranks you'll likely be disappointed in the feel of a 50.4 BCD crank.
Ive got a build in progress that uses a lot of the same drivetrain parts you're using here. I had it set up with 650B 32's for most of the summer but i didn't feel the fat tire magic like you get with 38-42s...they just kinda felt like a nice pair of 700x28's, which is fine, but for me pointless. Essentially I was getting the downsides of a 650B conversion with none of the benefits of wide tires that i was looking for.
Interesting Build you've got going. Thar be some long chainstays on that little beast!
Hows that Dura-Ace RD workin out with the 32T cog? I was considering trying that but the specs are only for a max of 27T so I didn't wanna push it that far without at least seeing someone else have some luck
Ive got a build in progress that uses a lot of the same drivetrain parts you're using here. I had it set up with 650B 32's for most of the summer but i didn't feel the fat tire magic like you get with 38-42s...they just kinda felt like a nice pair of 700x28's, which is fine, but for me pointless. Essentially I was getting the downsides of a 650B conversion with none of the benefits of wide tires that i was looking for.
Interesting Build you've got going. Thar be some long chainstays on that little beast!
Hows that Dura-Ace RD workin out with the 32T cog? I was considering trying that but the specs are only for a max of 27T so I didn't wanna push it that far without at least seeing someone else have some luck
#32
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Posts: 16,878
Bikes: 1980 Masi, 1984 Mondonico, 1984 Trek 610, 1980 Woodrup Giro, 2005 Mondonico Futura Leggera ELOS, 1967 PX10E, 1971 Peugeot UO-8
Mentioned: 49 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1858 Post(s)
Liked 664 Times
in
506 Posts
The radial and lateral clearances on that frame are starting to become tight with those 42's. Heine and Peterson agree (!!!) that it's desirable to have 15 mm or more radial clearance between the tire and the chainstay bridge, seatstay bridge, and fork crown underside in order to have good clearance (8 to 10 mm) between the tire and the fender. If you don't have enough clearance here, road debris could cause the tire to jam while you're riding, leading to fender failure or a crash. Or careful riding.
The issue with tight lateral clearance is intolerance of misalignment. If a spoke or two fails and the rim springs out of true, it might not be possible to ride the bike home.
The issue with tight lateral clearance is intolerance of misalignment. If a spoke or two fails and the rim springs out of true, it might not be possible to ride the bike home.
#33
Wookie Jesus inspires me.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 2,215
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Glad to see an update on this beautiful Rodriguez!
Definitely like it better with the black saddle/black tape combination. As far as the fork goes, looks good, too. With the Hetres now in, will you still have enough clearance for fenders? BTW, fenders in stainless steel or shiny aluminum (as opposed to black) will look great, imo.
Woody rack - hmmm not sure if I like it. Must be the honey color on the wood platform not matching anything else on the bike. It might look better if it matched better the red color on the Hetres. Otherwise, a similar rack (all silver) might look better. All in all, this is minor though.
Now, the million dollar question after all these changes, tell us HOW DOES IT RIDE?
Definitely like it better with the black saddle/black tape combination. As far as the fork goes, looks good, too. With the Hetres now in, will you still have enough clearance for fenders? BTW, fenders in stainless steel or shiny aluminum (as opposed to black) will look great, imo.
Woody rack - hmmm not sure if I like it. Must be the honey color on the wood platform not matching anything else on the bike. It might look better if it matched better the red color on the Hetres. Otherwise, a similar rack (all silver) might look better. All in all, this is minor though.
Now, the million dollar question after all these changes, tell us HOW DOES IT RIDE?
You are right regarding the rack. I have a nitto rack sitting on my other bike that I might swap out. Alternatively, I can also remove the wood bed from this.
The ride is awesome. Super cushy + quick handling since this bike was built as more of a race build. The MKS grip kings are really nice and give you very secure footing. It doesn't come close to clipless pedals, but I think it's nice to have at least 1 bike in the stable that you can take anywhere at any time. I took this on a short gravel trail and the hetres aren't as secure offroad as I hoped they would be. CLDV's do much better on gravel since they have a little bite to them. One thing I don't like about 650B is climbing in them. Although the low pressure and high volume soaks up bumps on flats and rides very quickly, the tire compression when climbing slow you down on the hills, especially if you like to mash.
I seem to be late in this thread (hey, wait for me!), but ...
Even better would be a flat or forged crown with eyelets!
Depending on how one likes the bike to ride, it might be worthwhile to get a fork that will deliver the trail the frame was originally designed for. You can measure that off the original fork, or perhaps Rodriquez could look it up or give you good advice. Having a custom fork built is not always super $$, and you can get it nailed for blade length, brake type, rack or low-rider mounts, lighting mounts, offset, flexiness, tire clearance, headlamp wire guiding, generator mounts, or ... can't think of anything else. Buying forks you're essentially rolling the dice each time.
Even better would be a flat or forged crown with eyelets!
Depending on how one likes the bike to ride, it might be worthwhile to get a fork that will deliver the trail the frame was originally designed for. You can measure that off the original fork, or perhaps Rodriquez could look it up or give you good advice. Having a custom fork built is not always super $$, and you can get it nailed for blade length, brake type, rack or low-rider mounts, lighting mounts, offset, flexiness, tire clearance, headlamp wire guiding, generator mounts, or ... can't think of anything else. Buying forks you're essentially rolling the dice each time.
The radial and lateral clearances on that frame are starting to become tight with those 42's. Heine and Peterson agree (!!!) that it's desirable to have 15 mm or more radial clearance between the tire and the chainstay bridge, seatstay bridge, and fork crown underside in order to have good clearance (8 to 10 mm) between the tire and the fender. If you don't have enough clearance here, road debris could cause the tire to jam while you're riding, leading to fender failure or a crash. Or careful riding.
The issue with tight lateral clearance is intolerance of misalignment. If a spoke or two fails and the rim springs out of true, it might not be possible to ride the bike home.
The issue with tight lateral clearance is intolerance of misalignment. If a spoke or two fails and the rim springs out of true, it might not be possible to ride the bike home.
A warning to everyone regarding 650B tires. It can be a huge pain getting the bead to seat properly in the hooks. Even with adequate seating, you can still get a relatively large wobble in your tire. I have tried 3 or 4 times to get a tiny wobble out, but it's pretty difficult. Jan Heine has talked about this and there is also currently a thread about it in the 650B group... Time to whip out the soapy water or talc.
Next up - Finding a new seatpost for this. Not really feeling the American Classic. Also trying to get some compact silver 26.0 bars. Some is out of stock for now. If you know anyone with a set or have any, speak up!
Last edited by Puget Pounder; 09-04-12 at 09:08 AM.
#34
Wookie Jesus inspires me.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 2,215
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Some new pics. I have put on soma hwy one compact bars, which are awesome. I found a team pro that matches the colors well. I switched out the AC seatpost for a dura ace one. I switched out the 50t for a 48t. The salsa ring doesn't have any ramps or pins so the shifting isn't as buttery, but it works for my purposes. Might have a sugino AT triple crank coming in. I would run it as a compact double with 46-48/30. I also added a Retro VO cage that I need to find a match for.
I also bought fenders but ran into some issues at the rear bridge. It's a bit tight, but I think I can get everything to fit. They really are the missing pieces to this. Might have to chat with the folks at Rodriguez to build me a low trail fork with eyelets sometime soon too.
I also bought fenders but ran into some issues at the rear bridge. It's a bit tight, but I think I can get everything to fit. They really are the missing pieces to this. Might have to chat with the folks at Rodriguez to build me a low trail fork with eyelets sometime soon too.
#35
Senior Member
This bike is looking more AWESOME every time I see it. Hope you can make the fenders fit. In regard to the low trail fork, that sounds like a great idea. Souncs like you'll be using this bike for commuting. If so, besides eyelets, you might also consider getting your custom fork built with those new dropouts for a "connector-less" generator light. You can spend the $ on a generator wheel conversion later, but you'll be pleased to have the special dropouts already installed.
#37
Senior Member
Very nice, dude! It looks much better with Pro and the new bars.
__________________
Bikes on Flickr
I prefer email to private messages. You can contact me at justinhughes@me.com
Bikes on Flickr
I prefer email to private messages. You can contact me at justinhughes@me.com
#38
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: San Francisco
Posts: 360
Bikes: koga miyata road gentleman, raleigh crested butte, raleigh comp 650b
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
good move on ditching the carbon fork
#39
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: San Francisco
Posts: 360
Bikes: koga miyata road gentleman, raleigh crested butte, raleigh comp 650b
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
well i guess it was necessary huh
#40
Wookie Jesus inspires me.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 2,215
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Yessir, though I must say, if it were in fine condition and had fenders/adequate clearance, I would've kept it. Nothing like an OX Plat tubeset complimented by a carbon fork. Sorry fellas, I'm a heretic after I got my Gunnar Sport, which is set up with a carbon fork.
#41
Wookie Jesus inspires me.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 2,215
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Met Scozim today. Chatted a bit, did some parts exchanging. Nice to put a face to the names here.
Anyways, stay tuned for a more classic looking crankset. Sugino AT 165mm. Will try it out as a rando compact 46/30. Might take a while because I hate polishing things!
Anyways, stay tuned for a more classic looking crankset. Sugino AT 165mm. Will try it out as a rando compact 46/30. Might take a while because I hate polishing things!
#42
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: San Francisco
Posts: 360
Bikes: koga miyata road gentleman, raleigh crested butte, raleigh comp 650b
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
dont polish it! i think its time for this bike to get diiiirty!
#43
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: San Francisco
Posts: 360
Bikes: koga miyata road gentleman, raleigh crested butte, raleigh comp 650b
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
ah you picked my favorite pedals! if they aren't grippy enough for you, don't be afraid to spike em. it does wonders
#44
Wookie Jesus inspires me.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 2,215
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
How I've been riding it for the past month:
I've been commuting on this 10 mile roundtrip just about every day and it's been a blast. I get compliments on the Burke Gilman all the time. Lots of people asking if I ride with Jan heine too
The fenders took some work to get on. Had to use P-clamps on the fork, which which actually works pretty well. Had to trim them at the chain stays and dimple them at the bridge/fork. Hetres are kind of a pain to get perfectly mounted on synnergies. The front has a hop that I cannot, for the life of me, get rid of. Even an extra 5 PSI will give it enough hop to touch the front fender. I am thinking about moving to B-lines.
Still planning to change the crank to 165mm Sugino AT and run 46/30 gearing. Will probably knock the rear down to an 11-28 instead of the 11-32 (with 48/34 up front) right now.
Has a Selle Anatomica, which I am enjoying the more I ride. I will have to throw the team pro back on just to remember what it was like.
I am toying with the idea of running VO porteur bars, reverse levers, and paul thumbies with the 9s DA shifters. What does everyone think about that?
I've been commuting on this 10 mile roundtrip just about every day and it's been a blast. I get compliments on the Burke Gilman all the time. Lots of people asking if I ride with Jan heine too
The fenders took some work to get on. Had to use P-clamps on the fork, which which actually works pretty well. Had to trim them at the chain stays and dimple them at the bridge/fork. Hetres are kind of a pain to get perfectly mounted on synnergies. The front has a hop that I cannot, for the life of me, get rid of. Even an extra 5 PSI will give it enough hop to touch the front fender. I am thinking about moving to B-lines.
Still planning to change the crank to 165mm Sugino AT and run 46/30 gearing. Will probably knock the rear down to an 11-28 instead of the 11-32 (with 48/34 up front) right now.
Has a Selle Anatomica, which I am enjoying the more I ride. I will have to throw the team pro back on just to remember what it was like.
I am toying with the idea of running VO porteur bars, reverse levers, and paul thumbies with the 9s DA shifters. What does everyone think about that?
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
southpawboston
Classic & Vintage
27
03-30-15 04:35 PM
southpawboston
Classic and Vintage Sales
2
03-15-15 11:04 AM