Just how bad of an idea is this, really?
09-02-10, 08:09 PM
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Just how bad of an idea is this, really?
It's temporary, of course; I bought those shifters for the commuter setup. I'll eventually get some 105 shifters or something to race on, but not in time for the first race in our weekly series. Should be interesting...
09-02-10, 10:06 PM
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Referring to having downtube shifters? RACE IT! and don't even think twice about it. Is that a 53T big ring? You might be better off switching it out for a chain guard and running just 1 gear up front. Either way, if that's what you got, race it and love it!
09-02-10, 10:08 PM
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DT shifters suck on really rough trails, but no problemo on most CX courses. (assuming you're fairly accustomed to 'em already.)
09-03-10, 12:02 AM
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Yeah, it's a standard road crank. It's also a commuter; CX gearing is a little low for keeping up with traffic. I figure I'll see if the 39 works as (effectively) a 1x10 before changing rings.
09-03-10, 08:02 AM
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I thought you were referring to the SL's on a surly. 
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I'm not one for fawning over bicycles, but I do believe that our bikes communicate with us, and what this bike is saying is, "You're an idiot." BikeSnobNYC
I'm not one for fawning over bicycles, but I do believe that our bikes communicate with us, and what this bike is saying is, "You're an idiot." BikeSnobNYC
09-03-10, 08:33 AM
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I thought he was talking about the big/big combo. Yeah, that looks like a bad idea.
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09-03-10, 08:43 AM
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It's not a bad idea. You'll spend all your time in the 39t chainring.
For $35 you can get a Paul thumbie for the rear shifter. Thumbie + sissy levers is actually a pretty good setup for cross IMO.
For $35 you can get a Paul thumbie for the rear shifter. Thumbie + sissy levers is actually a pretty good setup for cross IMO.
09-03-10, 08:47 AM
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Or from Rivendell you can get the barcon mounts for DT shifters for $25 and just move them to the barends. Although they may be long for CX and interfere with your knees.
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I'm not one for fawning over bicycles, but I do believe that our bikes communicate with us, and what this bike is saying is, "You're an idiot." BikeSnobNYC
I'm not one for fawning over bicycles, but I do believe that our bikes communicate with us, and what this bike is saying is, "You're an idiot." BikeSnobNYC
09-03-10, 08:53 AM
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I really don't want barcons for cross - fumbling for a shifter in a place where it can affect my steering isn't my cup of tea.
09-03-10, 09:00 AM
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Fair enough. Just presenting you with an option.
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I'm not one for fawning over bicycles, but I do believe that our bikes communicate with us, and what this bike is saying is, "You're an idiot." BikeSnobNYC
I'm not one for fawning over bicycles, but I do believe that our bikes communicate with us, and what this bike is saying is, "You're an idiot." BikeSnobNYC
09-03-10, 01:32 PM
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As for the DT shifters, I think they'll do in a pinch. No doubt you'll realize their limitations during the first lap.
09-03-10, 02:07 PM
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In defense of barcons: I've been running a single-ring setup with a Dura Ace barcon for years now. It ALWAYS shifts no matter how bad the conditions. It's been absolutely, 100% reliable, which I could not say for the 105 shifters that I had used previously.
As for the DT shifters, I think they'll do in a pinch. No doubt you'll realize their limitations during the first lap.
As for the DT shifters, I think they'll do in a pinch. No doubt you'll realize their limitations during the first lap.
09-04-10, 12:32 AM
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FYI, I did my first real CX workout on this setup today, with a few intervals on a CX-ish loop in a local park. Some kinks to work out in the whole "frankenbike" thing, but overall, it rode like a champ. Shifters were not an issue - I skipped shifting several times, of course, when I might have with STI's, but I doubt it affected my overall speed on the loop.
09-05-10, 08:59 AM
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I think this is darn cool. My suggestion is put it in an easier gear and spin.
09-07-10, 11:48 AM
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I agree with you. It's probably less likely to be damaged in a crash, as well, since it's nestled up there nice and safe behind the head tube.
09-07-10, 11:15 PM
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It's not a bad idea, you just won't be able to shift on technical sections. So shift before them. You've still got the advantage over racing singlespeed, and most people don't call that a bad idea.
09-08-10, 09:10 AM
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Yeah, I raced it in a bandit race last night and it was great. Most reliable shifting I've ever had in mud!
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