bbeasley

I've been riding 4 years now and am making a change. I ordered this steel frame from Wabi to replace my 4 y/o Trek aluminum road bike. This frame is about 400 grams heavier than a CAAD Synapse according to the info on Weight Weenies. Although with my belly who cares.

I like the crispness of Aluminum but don't care much for the harsh ride. The Carbon bikes I've ridden feel flat to me but do have better ride quality than my aluminum bike but not as good as my steel fixed gear. I get that Carbon, can be very light and can be popped out of a mold and the cool looking shapes provide a great place for marketing stickers but just not my cup of tea. I've fallen in love with my Wabi Fixed Gear and want the same ride for my geared bike so there it is. Also my Trek is a bit too big for me.

Now my decision is do I strip the Trek's 5700 series 105s and wheels or do I sell it and start over with new stuff? I can't seem to get excited over 11 cogs vs the current 10. The group-san has been great and I've got no urge for anything beyond 105s especially the 5700s with internal cables. However the Bontrager Race Lite wheels, while bomb proof over 7,000 miles, are mostly white and I'm not sure how that will look on a red bike with black seat and bar tape?

Decisions, decisions

nymtber

That frame would look great with chrome Campagnolo on it...

I say new wheels, new drivetrain, well new everything! I personally would not put a shimano crankset on it, as the modern ones are...fugly. I'm more a fan of the classic (style) 5-arm cranks.

Steel is definitely better. My old Rockhopper (all steel rigid) rides better than my aluminum mtb with a suspension fork. Takes more finesse around bumps, but on smooth stuff it rides better. But, why do they put a carbon fork on that beautiful frame? :'( It needs a nice steel fork!

Erwin8r

Wabi makes some beautiful frames--and it's hard to compete with the feel of Columbus-tubed steel... Nice! I say sell the ol Trek to a new worthy owner, and build the Wabi the way you want it....

TrojanHorse

If there's nothing wrong with your 5700, move it on over! You can always get new wheels.

On the other hand, if you're going to keep the old bike for a spare (too big, so not likely?) or if you plan on selling it, then you should probably leave it as a whole bike.

I hear you about 11 speed.

jsigone

I'd swap the 105 drive train n brakes, save for new cranks, cockpit and wheels.

white bar tape, white saddle. Maybe even go Thomson silver for the seat post n matching stem. Any handlebar that fits your riding style. I'm a big 3T fan, Ergonova's are bliss.