bigbiker1

Imgur: The most awesome images on the Internet

The only thing I don't like is the lack of stopping power. It takes a LOT longer to stop on this bike then it does on my Jamis. I paid for Dura-Ace pads and they swapped them for me, that helped some. Part of the problem is probably getting use to using the top part of the brake levers because I am on the hoods, it might not be such an issue if I was braking from the drops and could use the leverage.

I was really shocked when we were done with fitting and looked at the sheet and found out its only a 55cm bike! I guess with the way I like to sit on the bike its a near perfect fit. The only issue is with the saddle I am on I have the seat as far back as it will go, which is beyond the max line. I might need to eventually get a seatpost with a higher offset. Either that or I might eventually want to make my position more aggressive and lower the bars a bit.

copperfind

Aahzz

Sweet!!! The red saddle looks awesome on there.

ill.clyde

Kool Stop International - High Performance Bicycle Brake Pads Since 1977

Earlier this year, unaware of just how hilly my new area is, I had a serious pucker-inducing moment going down one of the hills around here and realized my brakes were still the stock pads.

Get some Kool Stops ... and yes, you'll notice greater stopping power if you brake from the drops.

Nice ride

TrojanHorse

What kind of brakes do you have (not pads, brakes)

That's usually the first place vendors cheap out and reportedly, a great way to improve your braking is to remedy that. Try pads first though.

I was going to say, that bike is too small for you! I guess it makes sense if you want to ride it more upright though. Enjoy it!

ksryder

Kool Stop brake pads will help, but also there's just a bit of a learning curve as you get used to rim brakes. I'm guessing your Jamis had disc brakes, which will pretty much always feel superior.

bigbiker1

I have looked everywhere and I don't see a brand name on the brakes themselves.

bigbiker1

Correct, at least these are quiet lol.

bigbiker1

Is there a way to add levers for using while on the hoods? I would guess it will be quite a while before I start using the drops, and in a quick stopping situation no way I would try to switch.

tunavic

Congrats on the new bike! It's a beauty!

Now as far as the most awesome images on the internet..........sorry but no. Not even close

TrojanHorse

They're called suicide levers or brake interrupters or maybe just cross brakes. I suggest learning how to ride wth your hands "on the hoods", which will let you operate the brakes with your first two fingers.

And it's highly likely you have el-cheapo brakes so if the new pads don't do it for you, find the matching brakes to your shift levers on ebay or something and swap them out.

MRT2

The levers are designed to use from the hoods or the drops. That said, you could install a second set of brake levers on the tops but you can't use them when your hands are on the hoods.

ill.clyde

I do this and can brake well enough in most every situation, aside from bombing downhill at 35 plus ...

squirtdad

Nice.....looking for the ride report

bigbiker1

I think I will upgrade them to the Shimano 105 to match the rest of the bike. Since this is the slightly older 10s 105's will the new 6800 105 brakes still be fine?

bigbiker1

I am going to have a hard time sleeping tonight for sure! I am hoping to report tomorrow that I rode at least 40 miles for the first time. That would be a great first ride and a good end to the month!

One thing I didn't think about in my excitement is to look at the rear cassette. My father took one look at the bike today and after saying how nice it looks he pointed out the small "big" cog on the rear. He smiled and told me I would want to change that eventually.

Actually though, for the mostly flat paved trails I ride I should be fine. If I ever decide to do any climbing I am sure he is right hehe.

bigbiker1

Another question, the bike has a Gossamer FSA crankset. Is this a good one? Better/worse/even with 105?

ColonelSanders

Did you repaint this bike?

bigbiker1

No! The paint is stunning, the only flaws I found were some chips near the dropout. Other than that its in pristine shape. All City prides themselves in their paint jobs and I can see why!

Edit: In fact after I put my deposit down on it, I had a hitch installed and bought a hitch rack that carries the bikes by the wheels instead of hanging by the frame. I didn't want this bike to suffer the scratches my old bike rack put on my Jamis.

ColonelSanders

Wow, that is an impressive paint job then.

MRT2

Big waste of money. Just upgrade the pads to Kool Stop.

If you really want to spend a few bucks to upgrade performance, upgrade to some nice clipless pedals and shoes.

MRT2

Should be fine. FSA is a little cheaper than Shimano 105, but until you know why you need to upgrade, don't waste your money. Cranksets last for years, even decades.

I am now over 5 years on my current bike. 9 speed Tiagra shifters and derailleurs, Tektro brakes, and Sugino crankset. (but I did upgrade the chain and cassette to Ultegra when the stock ones wore out. )

MRT2

Probably a 25, or 27 tooth big cog. You need to make sure the derailleur can handle a bigger cog. Short cage road derailleurs often can't.

donalson

NICE... I was looking at last years mr. pink... something about those colors got me... alas I couldn't afford it at the time AND the geo was a bit off from what I want.

bigbiker1

Already have the shoes and pedals. I put the same pedals on my Mr. Pink that I have on my Jamis.