IF Ti Club Racer - bmike's new bike!
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IF Ti Club Racer - bmike's new bike!
My custom Independent Fabrications Ti Club Racer showed up at my LBS - the West Hill Shop Friday.
I went down to the shop and built the bike (my first build!) with the oversight of one of the mechanics, and after having to wait on several misordered parts (not IF's fault, but a miscommunication between me and the LBS - I finished the build and brought the bike home yesterday.
I've only ridden it around the parking lot
I hope to get out on it today for a longer ride.
The frame is Ti. It's shotpeened - so it is matte and has a beautiful texture and color to it. I asked IF to keep the down tube decal off, and they gladly said "It's your bike, whatever you want!" - I may eventually have a graphic I designed for it cut.
The front fork is steel, painted black, it has eyelettes for my generator lights and mounts for a rack and fenders. (I'll use the fender mounts, but probably no rack on the front...)
The craftsmanship is incredible. I was impressed when I first saw it... absolutely stunning. A rideable work of art.
Components:
Campagnolo Record Ergolevers - 10 sp
Shimano Long Reach Brakes (with the "Shimano" graphics cleverly removed by the mech with some steel wool and tri-flow)
Campagnolo Chorus Front Derailluer
Campagnolo Chorus Rear Derailluer
Look CX Carbon Pedals
Ritchey Pro Compact Cranks (these are old and will go)
Salsa Bell Lap bars, 46cm wide - (wow, I really was cramped on my old ride!)
Forgie TT Stem (this is old and will get swapped to a Thompson road)
Thompson seat post with setback
King Cage water bottle cages, stainless (the LBS was out of the Ti version, plus they SS ones use thinner tubing)
Computer (not mounted yet) VDO MC 1.0+
Brooks Swallow Saddle (I may use a Swift if I find the extra skirt and lack of "tying" is more comfy)
Wheels: (in these photos)
Front - Mavic Open Pro Rim with 32 hole Schmidt SON dyno hub
Rear - Mavic Open Pro rim with Campagnolo Chorus 32 hole hub, 13-29 cassette (low gears for the Green Mountains!)
Continental 4 Season GP tires, 25mm front and rear (these will get replaced with Schwalbe 28's for longer brevets)
I'm debating on crank length - and what cranks to use. I've thought about going with a Specialites TA Carmina double in 94mm bcd. This will allow me to run my typical compact (34-50) chainrings as well as have a ton of options for other rings - (a smallest ring of 30 is possible - so I could do a 30-44 combo for some of the climbing brevets and light touring I hope to do) I'm currently running 175 cranks which some people have told me are long for my height (5-8") and "visual" leg length. I'll be discussing this (and hopefully getting a good answer) at my fit this Friday.
The bike as pictured without the tool bag weighs 20.75 pounds. The lightest bike I've ridden!
When I swap to my lighter wheels it will hopefully be under 20 pounds. (The SON hub alone is 610 grams!)
Some pics: (bike is not quite finished yet - I've got old parts on it and am waiting for a fitting with these folks at FitWerx) The photos look a bit goofy as I have the bars really high, and the steer tube needs to be cut down. I didn't want to cut anything too short until I had the fittin and rode it for at least 500 miles...
I'll have it rigged with typical brevet gear (lights, bags, etc.) later this week as I've got some long rides planned for the holiday weekend. I'll post better pics when I get it tuned in.
The headbadge is sterling silver!
I know, I know - Flip it!
The bar position and stem are there just to get me out the door. On my quick test ride I found I'm way way too tall on the bars. I've already dropped and started looking at positioning - but will leave everything till my fitting. I'll post "proper" BF pics with the stem flipped for all you OCP'rs later.
IF was great to work with. I hated the "waiting" - but they are swamped with work.
I took a tour back when I started the process and was impressed. I went ti after debating steel, maintenance, and how much I ride in the rain and slop.
I went down to the shop and built the bike (my first build!) with the oversight of one of the mechanics, and after having to wait on several misordered parts (not IF's fault, but a miscommunication between me and the LBS - I finished the build and brought the bike home yesterday.
I've only ridden it around the parking lot
I hope to get out on it today for a longer ride.
The frame is Ti. It's shotpeened - so it is matte and has a beautiful texture and color to it. I asked IF to keep the down tube decal off, and they gladly said "It's your bike, whatever you want!" - I may eventually have a graphic I designed for it cut.
The front fork is steel, painted black, it has eyelettes for my generator lights and mounts for a rack and fenders. (I'll use the fender mounts, but probably no rack on the front...)
The craftsmanship is incredible. I was impressed when I first saw it... absolutely stunning. A rideable work of art.
Components:
Campagnolo Record Ergolevers - 10 sp
Shimano Long Reach Brakes (with the "Shimano" graphics cleverly removed by the mech with some steel wool and tri-flow)
Campagnolo Chorus Front Derailluer
Campagnolo Chorus Rear Derailluer
Look CX Carbon Pedals
Ritchey Pro Compact Cranks (these are old and will go)
Salsa Bell Lap bars, 46cm wide - (wow, I really was cramped on my old ride!)
Forgie TT Stem (this is old and will get swapped to a Thompson road)
Thompson seat post with setback
King Cage water bottle cages, stainless (the LBS was out of the Ti version, plus they SS ones use thinner tubing)
Computer (not mounted yet) VDO MC 1.0+
Brooks Swallow Saddle (I may use a Swift if I find the extra skirt and lack of "tying" is more comfy)
Wheels: (in these photos)
Front - Mavic Open Pro Rim with 32 hole Schmidt SON dyno hub
Rear - Mavic Open Pro rim with Campagnolo Chorus 32 hole hub, 13-29 cassette (low gears for the Green Mountains!)
Continental 4 Season GP tires, 25mm front and rear (these will get replaced with Schwalbe 28's for longer brevets)
I'm debating on crank length - and what cranks to use. I've thought about going with a Specialites TA Carmina double in 94mm bcd. This will allow me to run my typical compact (34-50) chainrings as well as have a ton of options for other rings - (a smallest ring of 30 is possible - so I could do a 30-44 combo for some of the climbing brevets and light touring I hope to do) I'm currently running 175 cranks which some people have told me are long for my height (5-8") and "visual" leg length. I'll be discussing this (and hopefully getting a good answer) at my fit this Friday.
The bike as pictured without the tool bag weighs 20.75 pounds. The lightest bike I've ridden!
When I swap to my lighter wheels it will hopefully be under 20 pounds. (The SON hub alone is 610 grams!)
Some pics: (bike is not quite finished yet - I've got old parts on it and am waiting for a fitting with these folks at FitWerx) The photos look a bit goofy as I have the bars really high, and the steer tube needs to be cut down. I didn't want to cut anything too short until I had the fittin and rode it for at least 500 miles...
I'll have it rigged with typical brevet gear (lights, bags, etc.) later this week as I've got some long rides planned for the holiday weekend. I'll post better pics when I get it tuned in.
The headbadge is sterling silver!
I know, I know - Flip it!
The bar position and stem are there just to get me out the door. On my quick test ride I found I'm way way too tall on the bars. I've already dropped and started looking at positioning - but will leave everything till my fitting. I'll post "proper" BF pics with the stem flipped for all you OCP'rs later.
IF was great to work with. I hated the "waiting" - but they are swamped with work.
I took a tour back when I started the process and was impressed. I went ti after debating steel, maintenance, and how much I ride in the rain and slop.
__________________
So long. Been nice knowing you BF.... to all the friends I've made here and in real life... its been great. But this place needs an enema.
So long. Been nice knowing you BF.... to all the friends I've made here and in real life... its been great. But this place needs an enema.
Last edited by bmike; 08-29-06 at 10:58 AM.
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Nice one, Mike! Personally, I think the bike looks fine without the downtube decal; but then I've never been fond IF's large decal design. The head tube badge I like, though.
btw, last I checked the OCP population on Long Distance Cycling seems rather low
and yeah, that new handlebar sure looks roomy.
God, I totally want my Club Racer now, too.
btw, last I checked the OCP population on Long Distance Cycling seems rather low
and yeah, that new handlebar sure looks roomy.
God, I totally want my Club Racer now, too.
#3
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Originally Posted by spokenword
Nice one, Mike! Personally, I think the bike looks fine without the downtube decal; but then I've never been fond IF's large decal design. The head tube badge I like, though.
The head badge is kind of cool, and was "included" with the cost of the ti frame. I don't think I would have chosen silver - but it does look sharp.
Originally Posted by spokenword
btw, last I checked the OCP population on Long Distance Cycling seems rather low
Originally Posted by spokenword
and yeah, that new handlebar sure looks roomy.
God, I totally want my Club Racer now, too.
God, I totally want my Club Racer now, too.
When is your ANT due?
Sorry to hear you bailed on the DRR. Sounds like you had a good time while you were moving.
I'm doing this in a few weeks with a friend. Should be fun - it runs right past my old residence in WNY.
__________________
So long. Been nice knowing you BF.... to all the friends I've made here and in real life... its been great. But this place needs an enema.
So long. Been nice knowing you BF.... to all the friends I've made here and in real life... its been great. But this place needs an enema.
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WOW!!! She's a beaut.... Ride her proudly (don't know if that came out right).... Looks like it was worth the wait....
Are you sure you want to ride her today.....the roads are still pretty wet up here in Townshend. The amount of time I would be spending cleaning her after her madien voyage would be as long as the voyage.
I like the idea of 50 - 34 chainring and 13 - 29 cassette. I was working combos last night but the new SRAM derailleur seems to only allow up to 27 in the back.
I am 5' 7'' and ride 170 mm cranks. My bike came with 175 mm and when I switched...Holy Spinning Batman...my cadence went way up.....
Tell me how the fit up at FitWerx goes. I have been eyeing a fitting with them for some time.
Again enjoy the new ride.....
Are you sure you want to ride her today.....the roads are still pretty wet up here in Townshend. The amount of time I would be spending cleaning her after her madien voyage would be as long as the voyage.
I like the idea of 50 - 34 chainring and 13 - 29 cassette. I was working combos last night but the new SRAM derailleur seems to only allow up to 27 in the back.
I am 5' 7'' and ride 170 mm cranks. My bike came with 175 mm and when I switched...Holy Spinning Batman...my cadence went way up.....
Tell me how the fit up at FitWerx goes. I have been eyeing a fitting with them for some time.
Again enjoy the new ride.....
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Originally Posted by Hammertoe
WOW!!! She's a beaut.... Ride her proudly (don't know if that came out right).... Looks like it was worth the wait....
Are you sure you want to ride her today.....the roads are still pretty wet up here in Townshend. The amount of time I would be spending cleaning her after her madien voyage would be as long as the voyage.
Are you sure you want to ride her today.....the roads are still pretty wet up here in Townshend. The amount of time I would be spending cleaning her after her madien voyage would be as long as the voyage.
Originally Posted by Hammertoe
I like the idea of 50 - 34 chainring and 13 - 29 cassette. I was working combos last night but the new SRAM derailleur seems to only allow up to 27 in the back.
Prior to me deciding on Campy I was going to use an XTR rear with a SRAM mountain cassette - as far as I understand Shimano type rear hubs are interchangeable from mt to road. You could have a 34x34 gear then if you wanted!
Originally Posted by Hammertoe
I am 5' 7'' and ride 170 mm cranks. My bike came with 175 mm and when I switched...Holy Spinning Batman...my cadence went way up.....
Originally Posted by Hammertoe
Tell me how the fit up at FitWerx goes. I have been eyeing a fitting with them for some time.
Again enjoy the new ride.....
Again enjoy the new ride.....
Will, do - they seem like great folks - I've already talked to them in person - and stressed I'm no racer / tri guy - but a slowish LD guy - and they mentioned a few things they would look for to help me out - especially cleat placement / othortics and such - as I've just winged it up to now.
... and thanks.
__________________
So long. Been nice knowing you BF.... to all the friends I've made here and in real life... its been great. But this place needs an enema.
So long. Been nice knowing you BF.... to all the friends I've made here and in real life... its been great. But this place needs an enema.
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Originally Posted by bmike
When is your ANT due?
Sorry to hear you bailed on the DRR. Sounds like you had a good time while you were moving.
I'm doing this in a few weeks with a friend. Should be fun - it runs right past my old residence in WNY.
I'm doing this in a few weeks with a friend. Should be fun - it runs right past my old residence in WNY.
Good luck with the Highlander. Are you doing the full century route?
#7
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duder, yer livin' the dream!!! i should be gettin' mine on 3 october or therebouts!!
NICE!!!!!
NICE!!!!!
#8
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Originally Posted by spokenword
Good luck with the Highlander. Are you doing the full century route?
__________________
So long. Been nice knowing you BF.... to all the friends I've made here and in real life... its been great. But this place needs an enema.
So long. Been nice knowing you BF.... to all the friends I've made here and in real life... its been great. But this place needs an enema.
#9
hello
Absolutely gorgeous!
I've always thought of ordering an IF fixed ti road frame for myself. That day will be soon.....
I've always thought of ordering an IF fixed ti road frame for myself. That day will be soon.....
#10
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That's one nice looking bike.....
As far as the whole stem thing....I had mine flipped up for quite awhile thinking that was the way to go for comfort....that is, until I flipped it down. Now I'm looking into removing some spacers as well.
As far as the whole stem thing....I had mine flipped up for quite awhile thinking that was the way to go for comfort....that is, until I flipped it down. Now I'm looking into removing some spacers as well.
#11
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Originally Posted by GuitarWizard
That's one nice looking bike.....
As far as the whole stem thing....I had mine flipped up for quite awhile thinking that was the way to go for comfort....that is, until I flipped it down. Now I'm looking into removing some spacers as well.
As far as the whole stem thing....I had mine flipped up for quite awhile thinking that was the way to go for comfort....that is, until I flipped it down. Now I'm looking into removing some spacers as well.
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So long. Been nice knowing you BF.... to all the friends I've made here and in real life... its been great. But this place needs an enema.
So long. Been nice knowing you BF.... to all the friends I've made here and in real life... its been great. But this place needs an enema.
#12
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I think I'm around 3 inches of drop currently....and while I spend most of my time in the hoods, I still don't really feel hunched way over. Been having issues with a nerve in my hip that's preventing me from riding a lot in the drops.
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those curved chainstays are SEX!
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nice bike mike... be interested to hear how it rides on 100+ miles rides versus the carbon... I had my bike built this past winter/spring and went with carbon... frame, fork, seatpost... I'm real happy with it.... glides over the ruff pavement.... last year I rode an assortment of aluminum bikes and by the end of long rides I would be dreading every little pebble and crack in the road... just couldn't take the pounding anymore
#16
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Originally Posted by knoregs
nice bike mike... be interested to hear how it rides on 100+ miles rides versus the carbon... I had my bike built this past winter/spring and went with carbon... frame, fork, seatpost... I'm real happy with it.... glides over the ruff pavement.... last year I rode an assortment of aluminum bikes and by the end of long rides I would be dreading every little pebble and crack in the road... just couldn't take the pounding anymore
Sat over in NY (ferry and a trip to Placid and maybe Saranac)
Sun or Mon (depending on body) somewhere in the Green Mountains, with lots of climbing.
So far the Ti is riding nice. I'll post more after this weekend...
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So long. Been nice knowing you BF.... to all the friends I've made here and in real life... its been great. But this place needs an enema.
So long. Been nice knowing you BF.... to all the friends I've made here and in real life... its been great. But this place needs an enema.
#17
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Soooooo Nice !
Wow !
Wow !
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#18
Retro-nerd
Congrats, great bike
Complete package from the frame to the gearing, everything really.
I want a club racer...
Fixed gear and club racers is where the party is right now...
Complete package from the frame to the gearing, everything really.
I want a club racer...
Fixed gear and club racers is where the party is right now...
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Would you like a dream with that?
Would you like a dream with that?
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Originally Posted by georgiaboy
Fixed gear and club racers is where the party is right now...
#20
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I've had my steel club racer for 3 years now, it's such a great ride. I agree about the downtube decals, those things are hideous, so I asked them not to put it on either. Those guys are artisans with metal, the welding job is unbelievable. You'd think they'd come up with a decal that was more tasteful. I wouldn't mind giving them the free advertising, but UGH.
I've done touring, commuting, and long rides on mine, truly a bomb proof jack of all trades.
Congrats and get after it!
I've done touring, commuting, and long rides on mine, truly a bomb proof jack of all trades.
Congrats and get after it!
#21
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great looking bike.
you mentioned you're thinking about the TA Carmina crankset. even though they are labeled as 10spd chainrings we had a big problem at my shop using the carmina in a shimano 10 speed setup. the chain tends to drop in between the middle and outer ring. it may work better with campy 10 setup, just wanted to throw that out there.
you mentioned you're thinking about the TA Carmina crankset. even though they are labeled as 10spd chainrings we had a big problem at my shop using the carmina in a shimano 10 speed setup. the chain tends to drop in between the middle and outer ring. it may work better with campy 10 setup, just wanted to throw that out there.
#22
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Originally Posted by legalize_it
great looking bike.
you mentioned you're thinking about the TA Carmina crankset. even though they are labeled as 10spd chainrings we had a big problem at my shop using the carmina in a shimano 10 speed setup. the chain tends to drop in between the middle and outer ring. it may work better with campy 10 setup, just wanted to throw that out there.
you mentioned you're thinking about the TA Carmina crankset. even though they are labeled as 10spd chainrings we had a big problem at my shop using the carmina in a shimano 10 speed setup. the chain tends to drop in between the middle and outer ring. it may work better with campy 10 setup, just wanted to throw that out there.
i'm having dropped and chain suck issues with the ritchey pro (supposed to be 10 sp!) that i'm currently riding.
i've asked peter white about the carmina didn't get much of a response.
i may just go chorus compact, but i really like the carmina's options for chainrings!
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So long. Been nice knowing you BF.... to all the friends I've made here and in real life... its been great. But this place needs an enema.
So long. Been nice knowing you BF.... to all the friends I've made here and in real life... its been great. But this place needs an enema.
#24
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Originally Posted by knoregs
how'd the weekend ride(s) go?
Left the digicam battery in the charger, so the camera was useless. Picked up a disposable and I'll post or blog em when I get em back.
Today (Monday) got out for 45. Wanted to do another century+ was thinking the Charlotte crossing to the Grand Isle crossing and back - but wasn't feeling it. Rode to Charlotte, crossed Champlain, had breakfast in Essex, NY and chatted with some folks touring on a tandem. Rode north past Ausable Chasm and decided on the ferry at Port Kent back to Burlington. Had I to do it over I'd have kept on moving and just taken my time to finishe the ride. Chatted with some great folks on the ferry though. Will probably go out tonight and get another 20 in with the fiancee.
I had a fitting (nearly all day!) last Friday with FitWerx. Absolutely fantastic folks - and I feel so good on the bike. We did custom insoles and I upgraded to slightly larger (and a new model) SIDI shoes, as well as dial in my position on the IF. We started with the basics of how I had the bike set up (just to get out the LBS door) - then moved to the Serrotta fit cycle which was running through a Computrainer. We looked at my spin and efficiency, as well as a side video camera view of me. Iain sketched on the video monitor and we adjusted to get me in a more comfortable (and powerful) position. We ended up dropping my saddle almost a centimeter from how I was riding the LeMond, played with fore aft to call on my glutes more, and got the bars pretty close to where I had them on the LeMond (which I always thought was low) - but seem so much more comfortable with the proper top tube length and stem reach. We also aligned cleats and talked through what I can do to continue improving efficiency and comfort (more core work, some 1 legged pedalling to recruit more muscles through my cycle, etc...) I was pleasantly surprised at how the computrainer's spin #'s looked. I was worried I'd be lopsided from leg to leg and be choppy - but I was told I have some good numbers for the type of riding I do - and that improvement will be incremental and I'll need to put more mental focus on it than actual physical drills.
My feet love the insoles - I thought I was comfortable in my old shoes - but these are so much nicer - arch support built in, as well as taking care of my "LeWedges" internally - no more knee wobble through my pedal stroke.
The final position was great for the century I did on Saturday. I admit to being a bit skeptical - especially during my test ride as I developed some numbness in my right hand - but after swapping gloves and rewrapping my bars with my preferred tape - that disappeared and the century was some of the most comfortable riding I've done this year. Felt good, actually was able to slide fore and aft on the saddle while climbing and keep my cadence and pace and not cramp - and get into the drops for extended periods.
The only thing I'm debatin on changing is the 46cm Salsa Bell Laps. FitWerx thinks they are too wide... I feel good on them - but I have noticed some minor pain between my shoulder blades - I'm not sure if its the fit or the renovating I did at the house this weekend. If it is the fit I'll drop to a 44cm wide. I always felt cramped on the LeMond - so I ordered larger this time - and so far they've been comfy... exp when climbing.
Well worth the $$$, IMHO.
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So long. Been nice knowing you BF.... to all the friends I've made here and in real life... its been great. But this place needs an enema.
So long. Been nice knowing you BF.... to all the friends I've made here and in real life... its been great. But this place needs an enema.
Last edited by bmike; 09-04-06 at 11:49 AM.
#25
BF Risk Manager
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Snohomish County, Washington USA
Posts: 906
Bikes: Road, mountain and folding
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I have a 2003 IF titanium crown jewel. I have been pondering a club rider or planet cross for use as a commuter. What I am waiting for is IF to continue their development work with the new Reynolds stainless tubing. Up here in the very wet part of the Pacific NW, a stainless Planet Cross would be a very interesting bike indeed, and at a much more affordable price point than titanium.