N + 1 Completed
03-07-10, 07:07 PM
#1
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N + 1 Completed
Well I picked up the new ride yesterday and started working on the upgrades. Swapped out the cassette for a 13-28. It came with 12-23. Put on some Bontrager Hardcase tires. No one told me that also stood for almost impossible to install on your rims. 
On the front tire I went thru 2 tubes before success. I was all worn out after doing the back tire.
Not shown is the conversion from 53/42 to 53/39. New computer comes in Friday. The LBS had a big run this weekend due to a warm weekend. I think new wheels are in the future, but we will wait for a reason to replace. (like a scratch).
Bike weighs in 21 lbs. My aluminium weighs in 23 lbs. Took it out for two rides so far and took it on some rough asphalt roads. It really rides smooth. Not bone jarring like the Specialized Sequoia.
I like the ride so much I have eliminated the Specialized Allez from the wish list.
I got the color right.
On the front tire I went thru 2 tubes before success. I was all worn out after doing the back tire.Not shown is the conversion from 53/42 to 53/39. New computer comes in Friday. The LBS had a big run this weekend due to a warm weekend. I think new wheels are in the future, but we will wait for a reason to replace. (like a scratch).
Bike weighs in 21 lbs. My aluminium weighs in 23 lbs. Took it out for two rides so far and took it on some rough asphalt roads. It really rides smooth. Not bone jarring like the Specialized Sequoia.
I like the ride so much I have eliminated the Specialized Allez from the wish list.
I got the color right.
Last edited by thomamueller; 06-12-10 at 06:08 PM.
03-07-10, 07:44 PM
#2
You gonna eat that?
Nice bike.
Nice size, too.
Nice size, too.
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I stop for people / whose right of way I honor / but not for no one.
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I stop for people / whose right of way I honor / but not for no one.
Originally Posted by bragi "However, it's never a good idea to overgeneralize."
03-07-10, 08:23 PM
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Sweet looking bike...including the lugs and quill stem and classic single-color paint scheme. What tubing? Why the Hardcase tires? I recall the original Specialized Sequoia (about same vintage as Trek 400) was a triple sport touring go anywhere bike that rode very well and good on centuries. Guess the switch to aluminum made it go from a steel ride that went "twang and hum" to one that goes "klunk and smack".
Anyway, you've got a bike people will notice and get wistful about.
Anyway, you've got a bike people will notice and get wistful about.
Last edited by '47; 03-07-10 at 08:34 PM.
03-07-10, 08:31 PM
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First upgrade on all of my bikes is to put on kevlar base tires. On the Lotus the tires cost more than the bike. Too much broken glass around here. Nothing worse then getting a couple of flats on an outing. The Hardcase is new for me. I have been riding the Specialized version with great success. 2200+ miles. Knock on wood. Not sure what the question is regarding the tubing. I pinched 2 while installing the front tire.
03-07-10, 09:49 PM
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Very nice bike; thanks for posting the photos and early upgrades.
03-07-10, 10:26 PM
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03-08-10, 12:53 AM
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Flats can certainly disturb the rhythm of your riding, especially if there's no where to lean the bike. Yet after changing "x" number of flats over the years, they have become just one more aspect of cycling...a chance to get off and "become one with the landscape" (lol, not sure if I really believe that). Still, I'd rather get a resilient, nice-riding balance between armor plate and no kevlar at all. Right now, I find Conti GP4000's a fine all-around tire.
03-08-10, 05:52 AM
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I will second the conti 4000's. I had Hard Case Bont's and like the contis better. They feel smoother
03-08-10, 06:01 AM
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Very nice looking bike. 
Too bad you have so much glass on your roads. Flat resistant tires ride rough.
I think the question about tubing was about the frame.
Too bad you have so much glass on your roads. Flat resistant tires ride rough.
I think the question about tubing was about the frame.
03-08-10, 08:10 AM
#11
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It looks like you got a good catch, it looks brand new. I've been riding the 4000s for a little over a year now and they are nice tires. I have another set in storage and when they wear out, I think I'm going back to the 4 seasons. I get almost twice the mileage with the 4 seasons as I do the 4000s.YMMV
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