Wildwood wrote:
You mentioned in initial post that your friend is a novice cyclist, when he wears out the tires I'd recommend a 27 X 1 for a bit sportier performance. Auchen mentioned "pretty aggressive ride" and I would agree as the front center looks short, although the chainstays could be 43cm. What does the friend think of the ride?
I agree about the tires. As for handling, I rode the bike on a test ride and it is dead stable and no more aggressive than my
Trek 560. I've cautioned him that he can stick his foot into the front wheel.
I've not talked to my friend for some days, but he seemed happy with it the last time I heard from him. I set up the cockpit as one might for a novice — compact and not so aggressive. All in all, it will make a nice path bike. As an inveterate runner, my friend takes to the levees and paths on the bottom land along the local rivers. Those fatter tires may just be the thing for now. Actually, I hope that someday he reverts to 700c with new hubs — although the Wolber 58's are great rims.
randomgear wrote:
Wow, beautiful build! Fabulous attention to detail.
I'm amazed that those wheels and tires fit in between those tight chainstays. I run 700x25's on what I think is an '84 Atlantis, I suspect I can fit 700x30's in there, but I think even that would be pushing it.
Thanks for the comp! Yes, the fit was close. A local racing mechanic was concerned that the rear might rub, but then he tried flexing the frame and it wouldn't budge. So, we know it is good to go. The front is a much better fit, and the Weinmann 604 brakes are right on the mark at both ends.
I did pay attention to detail. The job that Argos did for the previous owner just seemed to demand no less than keen attention to little things like replacing all the self-locking airframe style and capped nuts on the brakes.