Just hanging out shooting the bull
03-14-13, 03:20 PM
#5851
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Back in the day I raced on sponsor bikes but had a custom for tts and for just riding around. Enjoy the process.
03-14-13, 03:40 PM
#5853
Idiot Emeritus
You know, the "pressure being off" seems to be good for me. I haven't felt this relaxed in quite some time! I'm going out on the bike again this afternoon to ride with folks I haven't ridden with in some time. They'll probably drop me!
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"Can you add a signature line please? The lack of words makes me think you are being held hostage and being told to be quiet"
03-15-13, 09:55 AM
#5855
West Coast Weenie
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I have an appointment with a local framebuilder tomorrow to discuss a custom bike. I've been telling myself for years that one day I would have one, and why wait? I'll just get older.
He's an unusual guy. First of all, he works in all materials - he'll build you a custom carbon, Ti, steel or alu frame. Second, he appears to be uninterested in making much money. He has quite a reputation in some circles, but never advertises, doesn't have a website, has never sought to expand. He just goes by word of mouth (currently has a three-month waiting list) and seems to love what he does. He builds very beautiful bikes.
Which is what I want. I'm not looking for a bike to race - I really think there is no point in buying anything other than off-the-peg carbon for that. I want something that I will like the look of, and want to ride for long distances in challenging terrain. I'm thinking traditional geometry in steel - he and I have talked about stainless, or Columbus Spirit, or Reynolds 853 - with a slightly longer wheelbase and fractionally bigger clearances than my road bike. Something light enough to be a genuine performance bike but set up to be fine for six hours in the saddle when I want to relax.
Anyway, I'm looking forward to the consultation. One doesn't often get to specify something in quite such fine detail.
He's an unusual guy. First of all, he works in all materials - he'll build you a custom carbon, Ti, steel or alu frame. Second, he appears to be uninterested in making much money. He has quite a reputation in some circles, but never advertises, doesn't have a website, has never sought to expand. He just goes by word of mouth (currently has a three-month waiting list) and seems to love what he does. He builds very beautiful bikes.
Which is what I want. I'm not looking for a bike to race - I really think there is no point in buying anything other than off-the-peg carbon for that. I want something that I will like the look of, and want to ride for long distances in challenging terrain. I'm thinking traditional geometry in steel - he and I have talked about stainless, or Columbus Spirit, or Reynolds 853 - with a slightly longer wheelbase and fractionally bigger clearances than my road bike. Something light enough to be a genuine performance bike but set up to be fine for six hours in the saddle when I want to relax.
Anyway, I'm looking forward to the consultation. One doesn't often get to specify something in quite such fine detail.
For me, its been both enlightening, and humbling. I've found that I'm really not that flexible (yet), and by far the most comfortable position involves a lot higher handlebars than a racing setup. However, my builder has built a lot of adjustability in there that I hope to grow into. I'm getting a bike built for comfort on long rides / climbs - which is certainly what I enjoy most now and what I'm focusing on. I was very impressed by my builders' ability to listen to what I was saying and turn that into practical and specific attributes of the new bike. Now the only problem is waiting for my turn to come up in his job list.
Last edited by Esteban58; 03-15-13 at 09:59 AM.
03-15-13, 11:11 AM
#5856
Senior Member
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My LBS is building up my custom carbon frame today, it's an Alchemy Xanthus (https://www.alchemybicycles.com/bikes...us-carbon-road). Turns out the guy who helped through out the process was Matt Simpson the president of the company. Great experience, six page sizing/interview sheet, then talked to builder to nail down the ride specs. Will post pix. Can't wait!!!
03-15-13, 11:35 AM
#5857
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I think you're going to really enjoy the process - I have so far.
For me, its been both enlightening, and humbling. I've found that I'm really not that flexible (yet), and by far the most comfortable position involves a lot higher handlebars than a racing setup. However, my builder has built a lot of adjustability in there that I hope to grow into. I'm getting a bike built for comfort on long rides / climbs - which is certainly what I enjoy most now and what I'm focusing on. I was very impressed by my builders' ability to listen to what I was saying and turn that into practical and specific attributes of the new bike. Now the only problem is waiting for my turn to come up in his job list.
For me, its been both enlightening, and humbling. I've found that I'm really not that flexible (yet), and by far the most comfortable position involves a lot higher handlebars than a racing setup. However, my builder has built a lot of adjustability in there that I hope to grow into. I'm getting a bike built for comfort on long rides / climbs - which is certainly what I enjoy most now and what I'm focusing on. I was very impressed by my builders' ability to listen to what I was saying and turn that into practical and specific attributes of the new bike. Now the only problem is waiting for my turn to come up in his job list.
I took along my existing race bike, the Giant TCR, so he could see me on that as part of the fitting process. His initial impression when looking at me and the bike separately was that the saddle/bar drop was likely too extreme, but those concerns disappeared when he saw me on the bike. He reckoned my riding position was close to perfect, which pleased me given that I've never previously been professionally fitted and my set-up is the product of considerable trial and error over several years.
However, there are various compromises I have had to make to reach that position on the TCR, all of which he will address with the new frame. My saddle is currently pretty well forward, and I'm using a 100mm stem, so the plan is for a fractionally steeper seat tube, a shorter top tube and a longer 120mm stem, all of which will keep the effective reach the same while putting the saddle in a more neutral position on the seat pin and improve the handling at the front end; as will moving from a very aggressive 74 degree head tube angle to a 73. In addition the new bike will have about 1cm longer chainstays to lengthen the wheelbase, which he reckons will further help the handling given that I'm a big rider. And it is certainly true that the TCR as currently set up handles very much as a crit bike and isn't what you'd call a relaxing ride.
Columbus Spirit steel tubing, carbon forks. Interesting how much of the weight penalty for steel over carbon resides in the forks rather than the frame.
So, as you and shovel predicted, a most interesting and enjoyable experience so far. Now to think about colourscheme.
03-15-13, 12:48 PM
#5858
West Coast Weenie
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Interesting. And my initial session with Kevin was very interesting, too.
I took along my existing race bike, the Giant TCR, so he could see me on that as part of the fitting process. His initial impression when looking at me and the bike separately was that the saddle/bar drop was likely too extreme, but those concerns disappeared when he saw me on the bike. He reckoned my riding position was close to perfect, which pleased me given that I've never previously been professionally fitted and my set-up is the product of considerable trial and error over several years.
However, there are various compromises I have had to make to reach that position on the TCR, all of which he will address with the new frame. My saddle is currently pretty well forward, and I'm using a 100mm stem, so the plan is for a fractionally steeper seat tube, a shorter top tube and a longer 120mm stem, all of which will keep the effective reach the same while putting the saddle in a more neutral position on the seat pin and improve the handling at the front end; as will moving from a very aggressive 74 degree head tube angle to a 73. In addition the new bike will have about 1cm longer chainstays to lengthen the wheelbase, which he reckons will further help the handling given that I'm a big rider. And it is certainly true that the TCR as currently set up handles very much as a crit bike and isn't what you'd call a relaxing ride.
Columbus Spirit steel tubing, carbon forks. Interesting how much of the weight penalty for steel over carbon resides in the forks rather than the frame.
So, as you and shovel predicted, a most interesting and enjoyable experience so far. Now to think about colourscheme.
I took along my existing race bike, the Giant TCR, so he could see me on that as part of the fitting process. His initial impression when looking at me and the bike separately was that the saddle/bar drop was likely too extreme, but those concerns disappeared when he saw me on the bike. He reckoned my riding position was close to perfect, which pleased me given that I've never previously been professionally fitted and my set-up is the product of considerable trial and error over several years.
However, there are various compromises I have had to make to reach that position on the TCR, all of which he will address with the new frame. My saddle is currently pretty well forward, and I'm using a 100mm stem, so the plan is for a fractionally steeper seat tube, a shorter top tube and a longer 120mm stem, all of which will keep the effective reach the same while putting the saddle in a more neutral position on the seat pin and improve the handling at the front end; as will moving from a very aggressive 74 degree head tube angle to a 73. In addition the new bike will have about 1cm longer chainstays to lengthen the wheelbase, which he reckons will further help the handling given that I'm a big rider. And it is certainly true that the TCR as currently set up handles very much as a crit bike and isn't what you'd call a relaxing ride.
Columbus Spirit steel tubing, carbon forks. Interesting how much of the weight penalty for steel over carbon resides in the forks rather than the frame.
So, as you and shovel predicted, a most interesting and enjoyable experience so far. Now to think about colourscheme.
For me its a case of relatively long legs and arms, relatively short torso, we couldn't get the seat back far enough on the Fuji, had to move to his fitting bike to find a comfortable position.
Also Columbus tubing, carbon forks, mostly aluminum components, but not sacrificing too much in weight whilst keeping the overall price reasonable.
I'm going with Black (gloss) with Red highlights (e.g. red Chris King headset).
If it feels as comfortable as the fitting bike felt when we were done getting it set up, I'll be in heaven.
03-15-13, 01:27 PM
#5859
Idiot Emeritus
If I could afford it and if i was in the market for a "comfort" long ride type bike, I would love to have a Renovo. I met Ed and his son at Sea Otter last year and got to ride one of their bikes. OMG, was it smooooooth! Not to mention that is was beautiful, a true work of art. Since then, the Tall Russian and I have been to the Renovo shop in Sausalito and have spoken to Ed even more. He's an enthusiastic, knowledgeable, solid engineer who understands bikes, understands what riders want, and is an artist to boot. And, he's a very nice, very funny, very smart man! I think the Tall Russian may end up with a Renovo before I do (if I ever do), he's as smitten as I am.
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"Can you add a signature line please? The lack of words makes me think you are being held hostage and being told to be quiet"
"Can you add a signature line please? The lack of words makes me think you are being held hostage and being told to be quiet"
03-15-13, 01:55 PM
#5860
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If I had a bazillion dollars, I would own:
Gaulzetti full custom crit bike. DA9070, Zipp 404's.
Spectrum Ti full custom road race bike. DA9070, Zipp 303's.
Late 80's Basso Gap, full Campy SR with pantograph. Mavic GEL280's. Relive my heyday. Sunny day recovery bike.
Serenity Marvel S track bike, HED disc and H3. Not that I've ever ridden one, they just look cool.
I'd keep the Felt for a rain bike. 9070, of course.
Gaulzetti full custom crit bike. DA9070, Zipp 404's.
Spectrum Ti full custom road race bike. DA9070, Zipp 303's.
Late 80's Basso Gap, full Campy SR with pantograph. Mavic GEL280's. Relive my heyday. Sunny day recovery bike.
Serenity Marvel S track bike, HED disc and H3. Not that I've ever ridden one, they just look cool.
I'd keep the Felt for a rain bike. 9070, of course.
03-15-13, 02:03 PM
#5861
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03-16-13, 08:33 AM
#5862
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Tell me if I'm insane. I'm thinking about doing an 11 mile ITT next Saturday, March 15th. Then on Sunday morning (8:10a), I'd do a 40-minute Masters 55+/60+ followed by an afternoon (after 12:00p) 2 Km ITT and/or team pursuit (distance TBD) at the velodrome. I don't race in the rain or on dirt roads and I don't do ultra distances on my bike, but I'm considering doing this.
03-16-13, 08:35 AM
#5863
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My mother has a signed P&S on her Sandy-damaged home. $50K above market, no realtor, cash deal. Closing in April. The market is getting flooded with these homes and values are dropping. The timing couldn't have been better. Meanwhile, she has a deposit down on a condo in town. It was on the market for three hours and she was first in line. By the end of the day there were four offers behind hers. $100K under market, pre-probate sale. Closing in March. We have a bridge loan setup for her. We also have a bonus clause in the P&S to extend closing to April if the seller will accept it.
That's the good stuff. The company that I work for will run out of money in July without another investment. Once I get through the taxes I hit the streets and see what is out there. The first glance is that there's work but it's not close. Yet another strain on training. Life goes on.
That's the good stuff. The company that I work for will run out of money in July without another investment. Once I get through the taxes I hit the streets and see what is out there. The first glance is that there's work but it's not close. Yet another strain on training. Life goes on.
03-16-13, 10:54 AM
#5864
OMC
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The company that I work for will run out of money in July without another investment. Once I get through the taxes I hit the streets and see what is out there. The first glance is that there's work but it's not close. Yet another strain on training. Life goes on.
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Regards,
Chuck
Demain, on roule!
Regards,
Chuck
Demain, on roule!
03-16-13, 01:14 PM
#5866
Banned.
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Nice day today. Wasn't racing myself but went to help out at the local circuit races. A lot of the kids who are joining the youth team I am sponsoring were racing. Placed 1,3,4 in the youth boys race and 1 and 2 in the admittedly less competitive girls field. Really looking forward to taking them to a national competition in three weeks time.
03-16-13, 02:52 PM
#5867
Idiot Emeritus
03-16-13, 04:24 PM
#5868
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03-16-13, 07:57 PM
#5870
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Dude, you are a champion. You would find a way.
You looked great in that TT clip.
Speaking of looking good, I did another adjustment on the FC today before my openers. I moved the saddle forward another 3mm and switched the 100mm 73 degree stem to the 110 73 degree stem. I won't know until I race tomorrow, but d***, I think I may have nailed it. I feel a lot more neutral on the bike. Weight balance and handling is much better. I am finally comfortable on the hoods. Climbing out of the saddle, I no longer hit my knees on the bars. In the drops or the speed bars, my back is flat, no longer curved. I feel fast.
One of our strongest teammates crashed today on a group ride. He trashed his frame and has four stitches in his leg. I was hoping to race for results tomorrow, but now I have my work cut out for me. With one guy in the yellow and our leader as the designated sprinter, it's going to be a long, hard day.
You looked great in that TT clip.
Speaking of looking good, I did another adjustment on the FC today before my openers. I moved the saddle forward another 3mm and switched the 100mm 73 degree stem to the 110 73 degree stem. I won't know until I race tomorrow, but d***, I think I may have nailed it. I feel a lot more neutral on the bike. Weight balance and handling is much better. I am finally comfortable on the hoods. Climbing out of the saddle, I no longer hit my knees on the bars. In the drops or the speed bars, my back is flat, no longer curved. I feel fast.
One of our strongest teammates crashed today on a group ride. He trashed his frame and has four stitches in his leg. I was hoping to race for results tomorrow, but now I have my work cut out for me. With one guy in the yellow and our leader as the designated sprinter, it's going to be a long, hard day.
03-16-13, 08:41 PM
#5872
Tilting at Windmills
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Just got home from dinner and a book reading, with my ex and 9yo. daughter.
A package with some Fusion 3 goodness was on the doorstep.
Thanks, other Ex.
A package with some Fusion 3 goodness was on the doorstep.
Thanks, other Ex.
03-16-13, 08:46 PM
#5873
Old & Getting Older Racer
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"Stage one" complete. Double stage tomorrow. Mental imagery begins tonight. Does it hurt when your eyeballs bleed? 
Very happy to hear that your mother is emerging from that disaster about as well as anyone could hope.
Very unhappy to hear that your job is in jeopardy. Given your outlook on life I expect that you will emerge from this phase in good shape.
chasm54, that is really great to hear about your work with a youth team. A road trip (as we call it in the US) with a bunch of young racers sounds like a great and exhausting time.
Glad that the new bike fit is evolving in the right direction. Sorry to hear about your teammate. Kill it tomorrow. I am going to try to do the same in both of my races. Either that or they'll kill me.
My mother has a signed P&S on her Sandy-damaged home. $50K above market, no realtor, cash deal. Closing in April. The market is getting flooded with these homes and values are dropping. The timing couldn't have been better. Meanwhile, she has a deposit down on a condo in town. It was on the market for three hours and she was first in line. By the end of the day there were four offers behind hers. $100K under market, pre-probate sale. Closing in March. We have a bridge loan setup for her. We also have a bonus clause in the P&S to extend closing to April if the seller will accept it.
That's the good stuff. The company that I work for will run out of money in July without another investment. Once I get through the taxes I hit the streets and see what is out there. The first glance is that there's work but it's not close. Yet another strain on training. Life goes on.
That's the good stuff. The company that I work for will run out of money in July without another investment. Once I get through the taxes I hit the streets and see what is out there. The first glance is that there's work but it's not close. Yet another strain on training. Life goes on.
Very unhappy to hear that your job is in jeopardy. Given your outlook on life I expect that you will emerge from this phase in good shape.
Nice day today. Wasn't racing myself but went to help out at the local circuit races. A lot of the kids who are joining the youth team I am sponsoring were racing. Placed 1,3,4 in the youth boys race and 1 and 2 in the admittedly less competitive girls field. Really looking forward to taking them to a national competition in three weeks time.
Dude, you are a champion. You would find a way.
You looked great in that TT clip.
Speaking of looking good, I did another adjustment on the FC today before my openers. I moved the saddle forward another 3mm and switched the 100mm 73 degree stem to the 110 73 degree stem. I won't know until I race tomorrow, but d***, I think I may have nailed it. I feel a lot more neutral on the bike. Weight balance and handling is much better. I am finally comfortable on the hoods. Climbing out of the saddle, I no longer hit my knees on the bars. In the drops or the speed bars, my back is flat, no longer curved. I feel fast.
One of our strongest teammates crashed today on a group ride. He trashed his frame and has four stitches in his leg. I was hoping to race for results tomorrow, but now I have my work cut out for me. With one guy in the yellow and our leader as the designated sprinter, it's going to be a long, hard day.
You looked great in that TT clip.
Speaking of looking good, I did another adjustment on the FC today before my openers. I moved the saddle forward another 3mm and switched the 100mm 73 degree stem to the 110 73 degree stem. I won't know until I race tomorrow, but d***, I think I may have nailed it. I feel a lot more neutral on the bike. Weight balance and handling is much better. I am finally comfortable on the hoods. Climbing out of the saddle, I no longer hit my knees on the bars. In the drops or the speed bars, my back is flat, no longer curved. I feel fast.
One of our strongest teammates crashed today on a group ride. He trashed his frame and has four stitches in his leg. I was hoping to race for results tomorrow, but now I have my work cut out for me. With one guy in the yellow and our leader as the designated sprinter, it's going to be a long, hard day.
__________________
Thanks.
Cleave
"Real men still wear pink."
Visit my blog at https://cleavesblant.wordpress.com/
Lightning Velo Cycling Club: https://www.lightningvelo.org/
Learn about our Green Dream Home at https://www.lawville.org/
Thanks.
Cleave
"Real men still wear pink."
Visit my blog at https://cleavesblant.wordpress.com/
Lightning Velo Cycling Club: https://www.lightningvelo.org/
Learn about our Green Dream Home at https://www.lawville.org/
03-16-13, 10:14 PM
#5874
Idiot Emeritus
All of you guys racing tomorrow - kill it. I know you will.
__________________
"Can you add a signature line please? The lack of words makes me think you are being held hostage and being told to be quiet"
"Can you add a signature line please? The lack of words makes me think you are being held hostage and being told to be quiet"
03-16-13, 11:38 PM
#5875
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I just looked and saw the TT's are pre reg only. Hopefully I can sweet talk my way into the 2 or 4k.