Until today, we've had almost non-stop rain in Sacramento since before Christmas. Having taken vacation time from Dec. 23rd through Jan 2nd, this provided me with extended time off the bike and to much time to kill - so of course I bought another bike frame. Wouldn't everyone?

Bike #7 is going to based on a NOS '03 Specialized Allez Pro frame with SLX Columbus tubing made from Specialized's E5 alloy with Specialized's C4 full carbon fork. This build won't be a lightweight like my Ellsworth, with the frame and integrated headset combined weighing in at 1354 grams and the uncut fork at 456 grams bringing in a total weight of 4.04 lbs. Still not bad though.

This build differs in two ways from my other bikes. First, it is a mainstream brand where my other bikes are all lesser known, less popular bikes. Second, this frame is compact geometry while my other bikes are all standard frames. I'm pretty excited about getting it on the road to see how the compact frame rides and handles. Of course I'll follow up with pictures when its done.

I'm hoping for no more prolonged rain storms this winter - as I sure don't need/cant' afford an eighth bike!

The build will be as follows:

Frame, fork and headset as above.
Full Dura Ace 9 speed using DA7800 rear dérailleur and DA7800 brakes.
Ritchey WCS OS Stem and handlebars
Thomson Elite 330mm seatpost (or possibly a Specialized Pave seatpost)
Fizik Arione Saddle
Forte Pro Mg Ti Road Pedals
Wheelset: I'm going to first try out the $89 SG Korso's I picked up the last time they were on sale, and if I don't like them, I'm going to use my Spinergy Xaero Lites that are currently on my CFR LE.

I'm including s picture of the frame and fork below. Let me know what you think.