FlowerBlossom

Miles2go...I've recently ridden the 52cm. A local BF member has one, and let me test-ride it Friday. Nice, eh? And, amazing, really, the timing of it. I am a bit stretched out on the 52, otherwise, it fits nicely. I can "walk the top tube" all the way to the stem and the top tube doesn't touch me. I sent measurements to the bike shop that has the sherpa, and their computer/bike fit algorithm says the 50 should fit me just fine with the stock stem.

I'm concerned about the stand-over height, but, I'm going to get the bike. If they haven't sold it today to someone else. I think that since I want something that I can tour on dirt trails, having this geometry in my collection will be a positive addition.

I was going to surprise everyone/this thread with a photo when I finally get/got the bike in my hands, as a thank-you gesture for putting up with all my questions. I'll still post a photo; it just won't be a surprise.

I'm now considering the components, front chain rings sizes, hand-built wheels, etc.

Speaking of wheels...in a previous posting, you said your sherpa has hand-built wheels...did you get them built after buying the bike? Or, were they part of the original components? I wish the later, but, I assume the former is most true.

If I get hand-builts, I am considering upgrading to XT hubs. Question is, are the stock hubs a good value, or would it be worth upgrading? I'd be happy keeping the stock hubs for the hand-built wheels if upgrading isn't going to give me that much more (for the money). I can't afford Phil Wood.

And, will 105 drive train last, as touring components? I usually consider 105s to be for road bikes, XTR for touring (and mtn bikes, of course). But, I might be underestimating the durability of the 105s. I have the world's dirtiest drive train and commute with quite a bit of weight (books, clothes, etc), in addition to touring needs.

tacomee

Ah, 105 parts last about as long as any Shimano makes. Dura Ace and Ultegra are lighter, sexier, smoother...but not really tougher.

FlowerBlossom

Is there a difference enough between 105 and XTR?

tacomee

Not really-- XTR rear derailers have better pivot points, better pulleys-- but average the cost of the miles until the derailer fails, I'd bet 105 is a better deal. I'm not sure the front derailer is any better at all. Both hubs have contact seals, hardened cones. The XTR cones might be a little better polished.

XTR and Dura Ace are bike bling.... very light, very smooth, very hip. But not really needed on a touring bike. 105 and LX stuff works fine. Heck, even Sora and Deore parts will work!

Miles2go

FB, Sorry to ruin the surprise. If you're looking to replace the stock hand built wheels please offer them to me.

Deore is something like touring bike standard equip often found on touring bikes in the UK and Europe. My well-used Thorn Nomad has Deore bits on it. I wouldn't hesitate to use Deore hubs, derailleurs and cranksets. In fact, I seek that stuff out when I'm setting my bikes up.

I'd decide on what gearing you ultimately want and focus your attention there. When I get back from Alaska I may install a Ocktalink BB and Deore crankset on the Sherpa. I'm guessing it's more likely that small bike shops would be able to work on Ocktalink than ISIS.

FlowerBlossom

Thanks tacomee and Miles2Go. This helps.

I didn't realize, obviously, that the wheels were already hand-built. That's great news.

I probably won't mess with the bottom bracket. I generally have the "if it's not broken, don't fix it" philosophy, unless an upgrade is relatively cheap and will get me where I'm going for longer.

jignall

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Tracking down the Sherpa is proving very difficult but I am determined. I've had a few leads but complications with shipping from Canada have proved difficult. As you can see in the post below, I'm offering a $100 finders fee to anyone who can help me track down a 55cm Sherpa from a U.S. shop that is willing to ship it to me in NY (The person who did my bike fitting is imploring I go with the 55cm over the 58cm). Thanks in advance and feel free to PM me. First come, first paid!

https://www.bikeforums.net/want-buy/318948-wtb-55cm-rocky-mountain-sherpa-30-a.html

trace22clawson

I was trying to help you out. I called "Bikes on the Drive" (that's where I bought my bike) in Vancouver, BC. They had 4 Sherpa 30's - 1 50cm and 3 52cm bikes. They told me that Rocky Mountain doesn't have any of the bikes anymore so you can only check dealer stock. They told me that Rocky Mountain was going to do an early run on manufacturing the '08 sherpa 30 in September and that is when they would be getting their next bikes.

Miles2go

I'd already given Jeff the contact info for Fishers Cyclery some time ago.

For those interested that think they can work out a buy in Salt Lake City, according to Ali (works there) they have four 07s; 1 46.5cm (53cm VTT), 1 50cm (54cm VTT), 1 52cm (55cm VTT) and 1 58cm (57cm VTT). I'll stress again that to me these bikes feel bigger than they are. My factory indicated 52cm(55cm VTT) fits me like just about like every 57cm bike I've owned. Ride one in advance if you can.


If the bike makes it to Alaska in one piece I'll really be putting it to the test in nearly stock form. Completely stock except for the saddle, chainrings and tires/tubes.

Tailwinds

jignall

Hi - I've been speaking to Fisher Cycles and they've been saying they will sell me the 58cm and that they are calling me back but they never do. Been two weeks now. Anyway, I've decided the 55cm is the way to go so I'm headed in a different direction. Nice guys but for some reason have been somewhat unresponsive.

jignall

Thanks a lot. Yes, these are super hard to track down. I've heard mid-August for the next production run. My trip is in early September so I'm not sure I can't tempt fate that long. If noone can find one at their LBS I may just need to to the LHT build or I've heard the LHT complete bikes are coming back out again soon.

Jeff

Miles2go

Two more racks installed and fitting very well.



On the rear is the Tubus Cargo with plenty of rack stay adjustability to cant it fore or aft of center if that's what you want. The unused disc brake tab on the 2006 is completely out of the way for rack mounting. On the front is the well-loved Jandd Extreme front rack, mounted with one spacer at each mounting point to keep it off the paint. Packing room is tight for airline travel and if it comes down to it, I'll have to leave the Jandd Extreme at home and opt for the Tubus Tara which folds nicely for travel but lacks a storage platform.

Sloping top tubes are great for touring bikes. I often stand over the bike visiting with locals or other tourers for up to 20 minutes. With these tall 42-622 tires installed I can just clear standing over the top tube. Additionally, the tighter rear triangle with this geometry makes for added stability.

jignall

Great news. I called a local Rocky dealer who loves a challenge and he got me the '06 red 55cm I was trying to get from Canada! His sales rep worked out a deal where Rocky is taking the bike back from the shop in Canada and then shipping it to him! He's giving me a solid deal on the bike as well! I'm pretty pumped up guys (and girls) -- thx again for everyone's help. I hate to jinx this before I have the bike in hand but it seems pretty firm. In fact, the local Rocky dealer was going to take delivery of the bike either way bc he loved the specs so much (he said he would have just sold it to a diff client). This is sweet!

Jeff
'

Deleted User

give these guys a call

richardson bike mart (home of Lance Armstrong)
Phone: 972-231-3993
Email: sales@bikemart.com

sdakin

Funny you should recommend Richardson Bike Mart, if that is indeed the "home of Lance Armstrong". The Sept/Oct issue of Road Bike Action magazine has the following quote attributed to Lance:
That's Lance for ya. I, for one, have never had a problem with a sloping top tube. The Sherpa looks like one sweet ride, IMHO.

jignall

Ladies and Gentlemen - The Sherpa has landed! My LBS just got it in and will be building it up for me to pickup on Sunday. Pics to follow!

Jeff

FlowerBlossom

Congrats Jeff.

I've had mine for about 2 weeks. I will post the pics as well--I owe at least that much, given I tortured everyone about sizing.

jignall

Thanks Pam. So tell me, how are you enjoying the bike? How's the ride? Give us a review!

Jeff

Deleted User

Being from Plano, where Lance grew up I'm very familiar with the area, Richardson Bike Mart, and the saga that Lance and the owner of Richardson Bike mart went through. His first bike was in fact from RBM, he started his racing career there, and if i'm not mistaken the owner of RBM bought Lance his first car.

Great shop if you get the chance to visit.

FlowerBlossom

Honestly, I'm sad to say that I haven't ridden it much. I don't have racks yet, so, I can't commute with it, so it stays at home (Olympia) while I'm in Seattle for work. That leaves weekend riding only, and wouldn't you know it---the first weekend I had my Sherpa, it rained all weekend. I didn't want to get it dirty the first ride!

This past weekend was a bit nicer, only a threat of rain (mostly in the mornings). I enjoyed riding it very much. It is a good fit length-wise, the 52cm was definitely a bit too long for me. The biggest thing I noticed was that although my arthritis in my wrist has been acting up recently, I didn't have any pain riding the Sherpa. (yay!). I now understand where being able to shift without taking my hands off the bars will be useful, if only I would stop reaching for the down-tube shifters that aren't there. LOL. The Sherpa came with extra spokes already on it. I knew this in advance, but, it still felt like a nice touch when I saw them for the first time. I am definitely going to have to get a different seat; I'll spare you the details and you can take my word for it. I don't know if I like the rear cassette (or is it a freewheel? I didn't check, apologies); it seems like there are some very big gears and some very small gears, and not something in-between, especially for flat, unloaded riding that I did this past weekend. Perhaps changing the front chainrings (as has been done with by other sherpa owners) will help change that. And, it's very pretty. I LOVE the red.

jignall

UGGGGH....THE AGONY!!!

Got the Sherpa today. What a beauty, but.....IT'S TOO SMALL. So painful. My bike shop jumped through hoops to get the bike and since I identified the one I wanted without them having fitted me, they are reluctant to refund me. So now I have to sell it. It's a 55cm 2006 red (n.b. the sticker on the bike says 21.0").

Let me know if anyone has any interest. It's brand new (except for a quick test ride by me) and would be shipped in the original box with all the original paperwork (including the lifetime warranty card). If not, I'll likely be listed it on ebay (but would prefer to avoid the ebay fees).

If you PM me I can send over a picture.

Jeff

kipibenkipod

Jeff,
Sorry for the bike. I think you will sell them in no time. As you know there is a shortage
Can you post your hight and inseam, just for the sake of future sherpa buyers.
Thanks

jignall

Sure - I'm 6' 1" with a 34.5" inseam

hex1110

I am from NS Annapolis Valley
I own a 2006 relatively new if I were too choose again i would go for the Trek 520 if you would like to trade a Trek 520 for my Sherpa it is a deal>>

kipibenkipod

Thanks.
Sorry to bother you with this, but I'm 6' and 34'' inseam, and I currently have 55cm trek that are too too small for me. After reading the sizing article of rivendell I really considering moving to 60cm frame.
Is the 55cm idea came from regular fitting at LBS's? They tend to calculate smaller. I got 54 and 56 when they measure me at some LBS's.