hiller

Bike I got for my birthday in May. I added the bags, rack, pedals, and more street-oriented tires.

hiller

Hey. How are your new tires working out? Does the bike roll any faster now? Myself, I switched from the stock 38mm width with full tread to a 32mm with slight tread but I don't feel any difference. I'm wondering if going even skinnier on my next set, like 28 mm, would speed things up or maybe the wheels themselves are just too heavy.

corwin1968

I think the bike rolls significantly faster with the skinnier tires. I don't think it's the width of the tires as much as it is the quality of the tires. My 40mm Duremes are heavy duty touring tires that are designed for durability rather than ride quality. They have some tread that is squishy when moving in anything but a straight line. They are also about 1/2 heavier, each than my other tires. My 32mm Vittoria Randonneur Hypers are significantly lighter but more importantly, they are designed more for performance. They are still designed for ruggedness but not as much as the Duremes. They have a TPI (thread per inch) rating of either 120 or 180 which means it's a supple tire that rolls smoothly. Plus, there is practically no tread on the Vittorias. I think all aspects affect the speed but I think the construction of the tire (ie, TPI) is the biggest influence.

Compass Cycles sells the Grand Bois brand of tires that are designed like race tires rather than for durability. I've never tried these tires but I've heard rave reviews on them. Generally, the higher that quality the tire, the more expensive.

bwilli88 

My 29r hybrid

hiller

Thanks for the feedback, corwin1968. I'll keep the TPI counts in mind when I'm upgrading again. I don't really want to go so far as to get a slick (no tread) as I still like to do a rail trail once and a while. I looked at the Grand Bois line. You're not kidding about quality costing more. The first one I saw was the 'Extra Leger' style at $82 a pop. That's way over my head, at least for this bike.
Ron

since197three

That's an awesome looking bike

daihard 

Nice bike!

martinus

No. the question should have been, why the mtb long cage rear der ?

giantcfr1

Because MTB long cage shadow deraileurs look hot (^-^)v

memebag

My new 2014 Giant Escape City. It is so beautiful to me. It rides like a dream.

daihard 

Looks very nice!

Willis24

After being cannibalized, hung on a wall, then resurrected with better components in most areas, my '02 Jamis Coda is back as a dedicated gravel and general use bike.

anthonybkny

bad boy 5

PatrickGSR94

Do you ever got odd looks or comments from having the Lefty fork?

anthonybkny

lots of questions and compliments. im really surprised by how many people actually notice it.

canadiandude

Here, finally, is a pic of my new 2013 BMC Alpenchallenge AC01. I'm still waiting on a Brooks B17 saddle and some Crankbrothers Mallet IIs to finish the look.

PatrickGSR94

Holy smokes that saddle is low. Is that proper fit for you? Shorter legs and longer upper body perhaps?

Bike looks sweet, though. I love red bits on black.

canadiandude

Lol, no I haven't yet adjusted the saddle height. I am short at 5'6" but will still need to raise it some.

PatrickGSR94

Yeah I used to ride my KHS around with the saddle fairly low. Then I got a proper fitment when I bought my road bike, then got back on the KHS and was like "DANG this saddle is way too low! Oh my knees!" Then I discovered my seat post had been cut off and couldn't be raised safely, so I had to buy a new seat post.

canadiandude

Well I had literally just finished adding all the red highlights (they come in a separate bag together with the bike so you have the option of adding them or now; otherwise the standard parts are also matte black) and it was getting on it the day so I snapped the pic, went inside to prepare dinner and forgot about the seat post adjustment. I have yet to ride it! I ordered online so no LBS to help me with fitment.

Ya gotta hate when they cut seat posts!

daihard 

Looks very nice!

canadiandude

Thanks! I'm going to really enjoy riding it! I'll post another pic with the seat adjusted and the new saddle and pedals in place when those parts finally arrive.

supremekizzle

Sweet looking bike! It has inspired me to repaint mine and add similar accents. I especially like how the red accents are so small. Not a seat or handlebar grips, but crank bolts, seat clamp, and handle bar plugs looks absolutely brilliant. I'd remove the wheel reflectors, but that's just me.

canadiandude

Thanks, and yes, I agree about the reflectors! I just received my Brooks B-17 today so that will be going on this weekend and the reflectors will come off at that time. I need to find a handlebar bag for when I commute. So many things to buy to trick my baby out!

DarkShot

Hey!

Been lurking these forums for a little while and gawking at some of the beautiful rides people have. Figured I'd hop in on the fun and chatter!

Here's my 2011 Quick CX 3. Picked it up used, former owner had only put 1,500 KM on it. It was in fantastic shape, added the rack and guards, swapped the seat to cushion my out of shape rear and flipped the stem. Nothing much otherwise. I'd love to get a BB5 but they're a little too much money for me at the moment. If I can find a place to do powder coating near by I'd love to redo her in a matte black finish. Slowly replacing the red hardware for now.