Steamroller Complete: what to upgrade first?
07-09-08, 11:29 AM
#26
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www.brookssaddles.com/brooksengland.html
i am no pro on these but i would guess the materials used...some have titanium rails and the b17 champion that i have has steel rails...check it out for yourself
i am no pro on these but i would guess the materials used...some have titanium rails and the b17 champion that i have has steel rails...check it out for yourself
07-09-08, 11:56 AM
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I'm confused.
Perhaps it's my inferior intellect, but it seems to me that you bought a complete bike, as opposed to building a bike from scratch, to avoid potentially incurring additional expenses by having to purchase tools. Now you want to switch parts, which may require you to purchase said tools, thereby incurring said previously-avoided expenses anyway. Am I wrong or just stupid?
Perhaps it's my inferior intellect, but it seems to me that you bought a complete bike, as opposed to building a bike from scratch, to avoid potentially incurring additional expenses by having to purchase tools. Now you want to switch parts, which may require you to purchase said tools, thereby incurring said previously-avoided expenses anyway. Am I wrong or just stupid?
07-09-08, 12:20 PM
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I'm confused.
Perhaps it's my inferior intellect, but it seems to me that you bought a complete bike, as opposed to building a bike from scratch, to avoid potentially incurring additional expenses by having to purchase tools. Now you want to switch parts, which may require you to purchase said tools, thereby incurring said previously-avoided expenses anyway. Am I wrong or just stupid?
Perhaps it's my inferior intellect, but it seems to me that you bought a complete bike, as opposed to building a bike from scratch, to avoid potentially incurring additional expenses by having to purchase tools. Now you want to switch parts, which may require you to purchase said tools, thereby incurring said previously-avoided expenses anyway. Am I wrong or just stupid?
It takes more than money to build a good bike from scratch, it also takes a certain knowledge-base, which most newcomers to fixies lack. So what is the best way to learn? Get a complete bike, ride it, break parts, and ask others good questions in order to learn from them. C'mon man. Why sit with half a bike when you can buy the complete and learn as you ride?
07-09-08, 12:29 PM
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www.brookssaddles.com/brooksengland.html
i am no pro on these but i would guess the materials used...some have titanium rails and the b17 champion that i have has steel rails...check it out for yourself
i am no pro on these but i would guess the materials used...some have titanium rails and the b17 champion that i have has steel rails...check it out for yourself
https://www.brooksengland.com/shop/sh...------------77
Can't beat the black color.
07-09-08, 12:34 PM
#34
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it should not be lacking in support it only has a slightly narrower profile where the legs pass the edge of the saddle for more efficient pedaling...i am sure the width of the saddle is similar to that of the B17
i am sure your ass be treated great on the narrow
i am sure your ass be treated great on the narrow
07-14-08, 06:25 AM
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I got the Brooks and it looks great. Had her a week and a half and I have put about 150 miles on her. The saddle is continuously getting more comfortable. The mallet pedals make a big difference to the ride as well.
Thanks for all your help.
Thanks for all your help.
07-14-08, 07:49 PM
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A Brooks B17 is an excellent saddle. I have a Brooks Swallow because it is slick-looking, but it does not compare to my Brooks B17. If you buy a Brooks, don't spend your money on the more expensive models -- go for the B17.
I also have a 25+ year Brooks saddle that is basically the original version of the B17. Dang comfy, and old-school cool.
I also have a 25+ year Brooks saddle that is basically the original version of the B17. Dang comfy, and old-school cool.
07-15-08, 12:16 PM
#38
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No. The only upgrades are the saddle and the pedals. I got Mallets (the cheapest version) and good mountain bike shoes (Shimano, nice and stiff). It makes for a very comfy and quick ride even on rough street surfaces.
07-15-08, 02:09 PM
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Things I've upgraded on my Surly Steamroller:
Saddle - Sella Italia Flite Gel (from the spare parts bin)
Seatpost - Torque Ti (from the spare parts bin)
Pedals - MKS Slyvan
Chainring - Sugino 46t (easier for town riding)
Bars - Nitto RB-018 bullhorns
I probably should have just built up the frame, but I was getting paralysis by analysis when trying to build one up. I got a great deal on the complete and was done with it.
Saddle - Sella Italia Flite Gel (from the spare parts bin)
Seatpost - Torque Ti (from the spare parts bin)
Pedals - MKS Slyvan
Chainring - Sugino 46t (easier for town riding)
Bars - Nitto RB-018 bullhorns
I probably should have just built up the frame, but I was getting paralysis by analysis when trying to build one up. I got a great deal on the complete and was done with it.
07-15-08, 03:35 PM
#40
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Answer: Stupid.
It takes more than money to build a good bike from scratch, it also takes a certain knowledge-base, which most newcomers to fixies lack. So what is the best way to learn? Get a complete bike, ride it, break parts, and ask others good questions in order to learn from them. C'mon man. Why sit with half a bike when you can buy the complete and learn as you ride?
It takes more than money to build a good bike from scratch, it also takes a certain knowledge-base, which most newcomers to fixies lack. So what is the best way to learn? Get a complete bike, ride it, break parts, and ask others good questions in order to learn from them. C'mon man. Why sit with half a bike when you can buy the complete and learn as you ride?
I understand the issue that keeps coming up - it is kind of annoying to see someone buy a complete bike and then immediately start asking "what do I need to upgrade?" It sounds a lot like "what should I have bought in the first place?" On a FG, it only takes 2-3 upgrades to pretty much negate the money saved by buying complete vs building your own. There just aren't that many parts.
Is something on the bike bothering you? Then go ahead and replace it. I don't have any problem with the approach you initially took. You bought a complete bike because you wanted a good deal and wanted to try stuff before deciding on parts, and because you didn't want to initially drop $$ on tools. Good call. However, why aren't you just riding for awhile and seeing what you like/dislike for yourself? Try a couple of weeks and then come back and report what you like/dislike. Don't worry, tons of people will still want to give you their opinion on what you should do then, but this time you will have the bonus of opinions of your own.
To top it off, some of the stuff you say seems a little off. You correct people because you think they fail to recognize the deal you got by buying a complete bike, and then a couple posts later you agree that buying a complete second wheelset just to have is a good idea? What are you going to do, change wheels mid commute? In addition, you acknowledge the "best approach" is to "Get a complete bike, ride it, break parts, and ask others good questions in order to learn from them." You are going straight from buy complete bike to ask others, but your questions are not good. They are totally general and don't give any indication of what you want to improve about your ride, and that's because you don't know what you want to improve! Honestly, I think you have the right idea. Go ride. Say what you think.
Finally, one quick observation. This is very much a preference thing, but try bringing the nose on your B17 up until the top is level or if anything, slightly nose up. I know this is completely different than the setup on most modern saddles, but the Brooks is a different beast. The way you have it set, you are more likely to slide onto the skinny part of the nose, causing discomfort. Bringing the nose up is more likely to keep your butt where it should be for proper support. Give it a shot.
07-15-08, 06:11 PM
#41
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Finally, one quick observation. This is very much a preference thing, but try bringing the nose on your B17 up until the top is level or if anything, slightly nose up. I know this is completely different than the setup on most modern saddles, but the Brooks is a different beast. The way you have it set, you are more likely to slide onto the skinny part of the nose, causing discomfort. Bringing the nose up is more likely to keep your butt where it should be for proper support. Give it a shot.
07-16-08, 08:00 AM
#42
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Dear new person: don't be a d*ck. You asked us not to, please follow the same rule.
I understand the issue that keeps coming up - it is kind of annoying to see someone buy a complete bike and then immediately start asking "what do I need to upgrade?" It sounds a lot like "what should I have bought in the first place?" On a FG, it only takes 2-3 upgrades to pretty much negate the money saved by buying complete vs building your own. There just aren't that many parts.
Is something on the bike bothering you? Then go ahead and replace it. I don't have any problem with the approach you initially took. You bought a complete bike because you wanted a good deal and wanted to try stuff before deciding on parts, and because you didn't want to initially drop $$ on tools. Good call. However, why aren't you just riding for awhile and seeing what you like/dislike for yourself? Try a couple of weeks and then come back and report what you like/dislike. Don't worry, tons of people will still want to give you their opinion on what you should do then, but this time you will have the bonus of opinions of your own.
To top it off, some of the stuff you say seems a little off. You correct people because you think they fail to recognize the deal you got by buying a complete bike, and then a couple posts later you agree that buying a complete second wheelset just to have is a good idea? What are you going to do, change wheels mid commute? In addition, you acknowledge the "best approach" is to "Get a complete bike, ride it, break parts, and ask others good questions in order to learn from them." You are going straight from buy complete bike to ask others, but your questions are not good. They are totally general and don't give any indication of what you want to improve about your ride, and that's because you don't know what you want to improve! Honestly, I think you have the right idea. Go ride. Say what you think.
Finally, one quick observation. This is very much a preference thing, but try bringing the nose on your B17 up until the top is level or if anything, slightly nose up. I know this is completely different than the setup on most modern saddles, but the Brooks is a different beast. The way you have it set, you are more likely to slide onto the skinny part of the nose, causing discomfort. Bringing the nose up is more likely to keep your butt where it should be for proper support. Give it a shot.
I understand the issue that keeps coming up - it is kind of annoying to see someone buy a complete bike and then immediately start asking "what do I need to upgrade?" It sounds a lot like "what should I have bought in the first place?" On a FG, it only takes 2-3 upgrades to pretty much negate the money saved by buying complete vs building your own. There just aren't that many parts.
Is something on the bike bothering you? Then go ahead and replace it. I don't have any problem with the approach you initially took. You bought a complete bike because you wanted a good deal and wanted to try stuff before deciding on parts, and because you didn't want to initially drop $$ on tools. Good call. However, why aren't you just riding for awhile and seeing what you like/dislike for yourself? Try a couple of weeks and then come back and report what you like/dislike. Don't worry, tons of people will still want to give you their opinion on what you should do then, but this time you will have the bonus of opinions of your own.
To top it off, some of the stuff you say seems a little off. You correct people because you think they fail to recognize the deal you got by buying a complete bike, and then a couple posts later you agree that buying a complete second wheelset just to have is a good idea? What are you going to do, change wheels mid commute? In addition, you acknowledge the "best approach" is to "Get a complete bike, ride it, break parts, and ask others good questions in order to learn from them." You are going straight from buy complete bike to ask others, but your questions are not good. They are totally general and don't give any indication of what you want to improve about your ride, and that's because you don't know what you want to improve! Honestly, I think you have the right idea. Go ride. Say what you think.
Finally, one quick observation. This is very much a preference thing, but try bringing the nose on your B17 up until the top is level or if anything, slightly nose up. I know this is completely different than the setup on most modern saddles, but the Brooks is a different beast. The way you have it set, you are more likely to slide onto the skinny part of the nose, causing discomfort. Bringing the nose up is more likely to keep your butt where it should be for proper support. Give it a shot.
The seat was set like that by the LBS. It took me a mile or two of riding to discover the problem and correct it. Good call. (And, in case you are still looking for contradictions in an online chartroom discussion, the pics were taken before that discovery was made.)
The thread was started because I wanted to know what to put on the bike/take off in order to make it the best ride possible. That's it. I did not want to strip the frame and rebuild or anything like that. I am not that aggressive. Otherwise, yeah, I would have built my own. I asked in this forum in order to know what parts are weak in the set up, what parts don't work well, what can be added to make it more comfortable, just in case I did not notice them, AND so that I could begin to keep an eye out for good deals on these parts. I bought the Surly because it is a sturdy, tough, and quick bike, and it is reputed to have amongst the best entry level components. But, if some of these components (despite be good) have a flaw that you guys already know about, why not ask so that I can know what is coming and plan ahead?
In any case, there will be no major overhaul on the bike anytime soon, if what I hear is correct, and if my experience with the bike so far is indicative of the future.
OK. Enough about me. (Who cares about me anyway?) Back to the bike.
There has been some discussion of a messed up chain ring on the Steamroller.
https://www.bikeforums.net/singlespeed-fixed-gear/338855-46mm-chainline-problem.html
But, I've had no problems with the chain drive at all. And, I've noticed that none of you have done anything to modify it (If I've missed something, let me know). What's all that talk about then? Is it just that it won't accommodate a certain kind of chain or what?
07-16-08, 08:18 AM
#43
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07-16-08, 08:19 AM
#44
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To top it off, some of the stuff you say seems a little off. You correct people because you think they fail to recognize the deal you got by buying a complete bike, and then a couple posts later you agree that buying a complete second wheelset just to have is a good idea? What are you going to do, change wheels mid commute?
07-16-08, 08:23 AM
#45
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There has been some discussion of a messed up chain ring on the Steamroller.
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=338855
But, I've had no problems with the chain drive at all. And, I've noticed that none of you have done anything to modify it (If I've missed something, let me know). What's all that talk about then? Is it just that it won't accommodate a certain kind of chain or what?
07-16-08, 10:09 AM
#46
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There has been some discussion of a messed up chain ring on the Steamroller.
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=338855
But, I've had no problems with the chain drive at all. And, I've noticed that none of you have done anything to modify it (If I've missed something, let me know). What's all that talk about then? Is it just that it won't accommodate a certain kind of chain or what?
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=338855
But, I've had no problems with the chain drive at all. And, I've noticed that none of you have done anything to modify it (If I've missed something, let me know). What's all that talk about then? Is it just that it won't accommodate a certain kind of chain or what?
I should say that the chain does sound a bit clanky at times (especially when I just spin the cranks going downhill or something). But it is not bad. It just does not consistently deliver that clean "whoosh". It seems to me that this is probably normal. But am I wrong? Could this be the main problem people have?
If I am interpreting this wrong, and the road trips and trail trips are seperate, and you are OK with spending for a second wheelset, then go for it.
07-16-08, 11:32 AM
#47
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Yeah. If you keep the chain tension right and keep it clean and lubed, it should do fine. Perhaps, changing the size of the chainring can make it better for certain kinds of riding, as Dave the Aggie suggested above. But, if it suits you, keep it as is until it needs replacing. And I wouldn't expect that to go first anyway.
07-16-08, 11:46 AM
#48
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I haven't had any issues with my RD cranks either. The chain can sometimes get a bit noisey, but then I clean it up and all is well.
My Surly is only for commuting to work (10 miles roundtrip) and the occasional social ride. I have a road bike for my real training. Swapping to the 46t made it much easier to get going from stops. I also prefer the higher cadence. I don't need to haul arse to the office.
I have thought about throwing on some larger tires or even some CX for some SS trail rides. The Steamroller is such a versatile frame.
My Surly is only for commuting to work (10 miles roundtrip) and the occasional social ride. I have a road bike for my real training. Swapping to the 46t made it much easier to get going from stops. I also prefer the higher cadence. I don't need to haul arse to the office.
I have thought about throwing on some larger tires or even some CX for some SS trail rides. The Steamroller is such a versatile frame.
07-21-08, 07:48 AM
#49
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no problems with chainline here...the noise that i hear comes from a 1/8 chain on a 3/32 cog and chainring i believe but if i do keep the chain clean and the tension correct i don't really notice the drivetrain noise anymore
just put the vittoria zaffiro pros on last week and i love them so far...the white tires make the bike look very classy and they ride great too, supposed to be a great training tire
the pictures are coming
just put the vittoria zaffiro pros on last week and i love them so far...the white tires make the bike look very classy and they ride great too, supposed to be a great training tire
the pictures are coming
07-29-08, 08:40 AM
#50
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I’ve been thinking about switching out the bars on my Steamroller to straight, or almost straight bars, and adding leather tape. Anyone have a good online source for these? I like the new Soma Straight Bars, which actually have a 5 degree bend, but I don't want pink or blue... just chrome.