Workswell 093
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 15,453
Bikes: 2015 Workswell 066, 2017 Workswell 093, 2014 Dawes Sheila, 1983 Cannondale 500, 1984 Raleigh Olympian, 2007 Cannondale Rize 4, 2017 Fuji Sportif 1 LE
Mentioned: 144 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7628 Post(s)
Liked 3,453 Times
in
1,823 Posts
Workswell 093
Yup.
So .... just in time for whichever holiday .... I don’t do holidays ... but ...
I did finally get my latest Workswell frame on the road.
It is the 093 “endurance geometry” model, built up with 105 (except an Ultegra rear derailleur) which weighed in at 16.27 lbs “showroom,” and about 19 ready to ride (lights, cages, tools, tubes, pump.)
Frame went together well, no problems. I used a Wheels Mfgr. screw-in BB86 because I hate press-doesn’t fit. I needed an extra washer because the hole on the back of the fork was a little bit big for the brake-caliper fixing bolt ... but I have boxes full of random hardware.
I used 28-mm tires (Maxxis Padrone Tubeless Ready Road Tires) with a tube in back because I couldn’t find a compressor and I wasn’t about to not get the bike built because of one recalcitrant tire. I think maybe the valve had issues—I have managed to get three tubeless wheels working by pulling the valve core and pumping vigorously with a floor pump. This one worked once, and seated and sealed, but the leaky valve let the tire drain ... After I replaced the valve I couldn’t get it to seat with the floor pump. So ... so far I am not sold on tubeless.
The frame has clearance for 28s ... but a wide 28 ... not so sure. I will test later with a Conti Ultrasport, because I know they run about 30 mm ... but it Looks like there is 1.5 mm clearance all around with the Maxxis 28s.
The real clearance issue was the rear (this says "Front." It has always said "Front") derailleur—that long-arm 5800/6800 design we all love so much. I had to play around with the derailleur mount and ended up mounting it a little higher than I wanted, because the arm hit the tire in full top gear. I had to fiddle with the mounting position for a while, and even now there is less than a millimeter when the thing is in full top gear. Anyone buying this frame might want to consider all that.
I am happy with the tires, but I know that whenever I need to replace them, I will have to consider carefully the actual versus the advertised width.
Other than that, I love the bike. I wanted something a little less aggressive than my 066—I figured I could take the 066 in a more sporty, longer/lower direction and have the 093 for longer rides where stretching might get tiring.
One last thing—I splurged and got some very nice wheels made by a mysterious person from far away from everywhere ... s/he has asked that I not reveal his/her identity (actually I made that up .... ) but ....
Kinlin rims, Bitex hubs, Laser spokes .... very nice wheels. Round, and full of spokes.
People always say stuff like “They spin up fast,” which to me is like saying “Our beer is always cold” (which I actually heard in a commercial ... )
Wheels spin up fast if you pedal hard. Beer is cold if you chill it. I can make any wheel slow ... just by riding my normal pace.
These wheels, however are light and spin easily (low friction in the hubs I guess) and like any lighter wheelset, are very rewarding in that when you decide to punch it up a little, you can feel an immediate surge.
I have only once did comparison testing, going from heavy to lighter to very light wheels on the same frame, and though I may be fooling myself, the bike did seem to accelerate a lot better with the lighter wheels.
The set I have on the 093 aren’t spindly-light—1430 grams for the pair, but they support my enormous weight—and I did hit one familiar pavement imperfection this morning just to see .... (rather break some spokes close to home than 50 miles out.) I slammed a set of asphalt gouges at a decent pace and the wheels didn’t protest at all.
So ... now I have two favorite riding bikes, two grocery bikes, a trainer bike, and an MTB. I will happily trade the trainer bike or one of the grocery bikes for more time off to go riding, if anyone wants to make the swap.
So .... just in time for whichever holiday .... I don’t do holidays ... but ...
I did finally get my latest Workswell frame on the road.
It is the 093 “endurance geometry” model, built up with 105 (except an Ultegra rear derailleur) which weighed in at 16.27 lbs “showroom,” and about 19 ready to ride (lights, cages, tools, tubes, pump.)
Frame went together well, no problems. I used a Wheels Mfgr. screw-in BB86 because I hate press-doesn’t fit. I needed an extra washer because the hole on the back of the fork was a little bit big for the brake-caliper fixing bolt ... but I have boxes full of random hardware.
I used 28-mm tires (Maxxis Padrone Tubeless Ready Road Tires) with a tube in back because I couldn’t find a compressor and I wasn’t about to not get the bike built because of one recalcitrant tire. I think maybe the valve had issues—I have managed to get three tubeless wheels working by pulling the valve core and pumping vigorously with a floor pump. This one worked once, and seated and sealed, but the leaky valve let the tire drain ... After I replaced the valve I couldn’t get it to seat with the floor pump. So ... so far I am not sold on tubeless.
The frame has clearance for 28s ... but a wide 28 ... not so sure. I will test later with a Conti Ultrasport, because I know they run about 30 mm ... but it Looks like there is 1.5 mm clearance all around with the Maxxis 28s.
The real clearance issue was the rear (this says "Front." It has always said "Front") derailleur—that long-arm 5800/6800 design we all love so much. I had to play around with the derailleur mount and ended up mounting it a little higher than I wanted, because the arm hit the tire in full top gear. I had to fiddle with the mounting position for a while, and even now there is less than a millimeter when the thing is in full top gear. Anyone buying this frame might want to consider all that.
I am happy with the tires, but I know that whenever I need to replace them, I will have to consider carefully the actual versus the advertised width.
Other than that, I love the bike. I wanted something a little less aggressive than my 066—I figured I could take the 066 in a more sporty, longer/lower direction and have the 093 for longer rides where stretching might get tiring.
One last thing—I splurged and got some very nice wheels made by a mysterious person from far away from everywhere ... s/he has asked that I not reveal his/her identity (actually I made that up .... ) but ....
Kinlin rims, Bitex hubs, Laser spokes .... very nice wheels. Round, and full of spokes.
People always say stuff like “They spin up fast,” which to me is like saying “Our beer is always cold” (which I actually heard in a commercial ... )
Wheels spin up fast if you pedal hard. Beer is cold if you chill it. I can make any wheel slow ... just by riding my normal pace.
These wheels, however are light and spin easily (low friction in the hubs I guess) and like any lighter wheelset, are very rewarding in that when you decide to punch it up a little, you can feel an immediate surge.
I have only once did comparison testing, going from heavy to lighter to very light wheels on the same frame, and though I may be fooling myself, the bike did seem to accelerate a lot better with the lighter wheels.
The set I have on the 093 aren’t spindly-light—1430 grams for the pair, but they support my enormous weight—and I did hit one familiar pavement imperfection this morning just to see .... (rather break some spokes close to home than 50 miles out.) I slammed a set of asphalt gouges at a decent pace and the wheels didn’t protest at all.
So ... now I have two favorite riding bikes, two grocery bikes, a trainer bike, and an MTB. I will happily trade the trainer bike or one of the grocery bikes for more time off to go riding, if anyone wants to make the swap.
Last edited by Maelochs; 12-26-17 at 10:24 AM.
#3
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 15,453
Bikes: 2015 Workswell 066, 2017 Workswell 093, 2014 Dawes Sheila, 1983 Cannondale 500, 1984 Raleigh Olympian, 2007 Cannondale Rize 4, 2017 Fuji Sportif 1 LE
Mentioned: 144 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7628 Post(s)
Liked 3,453 Times
in
1,823 Posts
Oi. I am an idiot.
It is the FRONT derailleur that hits the tire when mounted at the 1.5 mm clearance over the chain ring that I wanted.
Arghhh .... why do people let me type things when they know i will get it all wrong? It's all everybody else's fault!
The rear derailleur is normal. The front derailleur touched the tire---more than touched it---until i fiddled with the mounting position.
It is the FRONT derailleur that hits the tire when mounted at the 1.5 mm clearance over the chain ring that I wanted.
Arghhh .... why do people let me type things when they know i will get it all wrong? It's all everybody else's fault!
The rear derailleur is normal. The front derailleur touched the tire---more than touched it---until i fiddled with the mounting position.
#4
Expired Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: TN
Posts: 11,460
Mentioned: 37 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3638 Post(s)
Liked 5,315 Times
in
2,700 Posts
Very nice, like that paint! How did you decide what size to order?
#5
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 15,453
Bikes: 2015 Workswell 066, 2017 Workswell 093, 2014 Dawes Sheila, 1983 Cannondale 500, 1984 Raleigh Olympian, 2007 Cannondale Rize 4, 2017 Fuji Sportif 1 LE
Mentioned: 144 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7628 Post(s)
Liked 3,453 Times
in
1,823 Posts
I measured all my bikes, I measured myself with the Competitive Cycle site, (https://www.competitivecyclist.com/S...ulatorBike.jsp) I did a mechanical drawing before I ordered my last Workswell (066) and I made sure of the range where I wanted my contact points .... I know what range I can handle with stack, reach, effective top tube, and how long a stem and what angle I might need to get the bars right given those measurements.
This time I also I took the side-elevation photos off the site, and sized them in photoshop to scale, and added parts cut out of photos of my existing bikes. That was unnecessary and very time consuming.
This time I also I took the side-elevation photos off the site, and sized them in photoshop to scale, and added parts cut out of photos of my existing bikes. That was unnecessary and very time consuming.
#6
Clark W. Griswold
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: ,location, location
Posts: 13,280
Bikes: Foundry Chilkoot Ti W/Ultegra Di2, Salsa Timberjack Ti, Cinelli Mash Work RandoCross Fun Time Machine, 1x9 XT Parts Hybrid, Co-Motion Cascadia, Specialized Langster, Phil Wood Apple VeloXS Frame (w/DA 7400), R+M Supercharger2 Rohloff, Habanero Ti 26
Mentioned: 54 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4253 Post(s)
Liked 3,866 Times
in
2,579 Posts
I can't tell what I am looking at... ; )
Nice little bike there!
Nice little bike there!
#7
Sunshine
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Des Moines, IA
Posts: 16,538
Bikes: '18 class built steel roadbike, '19 Fairlight Secan, '88 Schwinn Premis , Black Mountain Cycles Monstercross V4, '89 Novara Trionfo
Mentioned: 123 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10902 Post(s)
Liked 7,391 Times
in
4,148 Posts
YUGE saddle bag. What brand/model?
I would comment on the bike, but i cant see it.
I would comment on the bike, but i cant see it.
#8
Clark W. Griswold
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: ,location, location
Posts: 13,280
Bikes: Foundry Chilkoot Ti W/Ultegra Di2, Salsa Timberjack Ti, Cinelli Mash Work RandoCross Fun Time Machine, 1x9 XT Parts Hybrid, Co-Motion Cascadia, Specialized Langster, Phil Wood Apple VeloXS Frame (w/DA 7400), R+M Supercharger2 Rohloff, Habanero Ti 26
Mentioned: 54 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4253 Post(s)
Liked 3,866 Times
in
2,579 Posts
#9
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 15,453
Bikes: 2015 Workswell 066, 2017 Workswell 093, 2014 Dawes Sheila, 1983 Cannondale 500, 1984 Raleigh Olympian, 2007 Cannondale Rize 4, 2017 Fuji Sportif 1 LE
Mentioned: 144 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7628 Post(s)
Liked 3,453 Times
in
1,823 Posts
It is no doubt an intellectual theft of that bag. I have seen a few versions; one carries one bottle, one carries two. It is for exceedingly long rides on exceedingly hot summer days--or carrying sleeves and such in the winter. I plan to swap out the bag with something more reasonable for most rides ... and add a top-tube and handlebar bag as needed.
That bag was exceedingly cheap and might not even be workable----I think I might hit it with my thighs when riding vigorously. It might need some modification.
I also dropped the bars just a bit. Still seeking the perfect balance.
That bag was exceedingly cheap and might not even be workable----I think I might hit it with my thighs when riding vigorously. It might need some modification.
I also dropped the bars just a bit. Still seeking the perfect balance.
#10
Veteran, Pacifist
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Seattle area
Posts: 13,304
Bikes: Bikes??? Thought this was social media?!?
Mentioned: 284 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3876 Post(s)
Liked 4,780 Times
in
2,205 Posts
Light wheels = the best upgrade after finding a decent saddle.
I kinda like the camo. Nice bar tape match.
I kinda like the camo. Nice bar tape match.
__________________
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
#11
Master Sarcaster
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: DFW, Texas
Posts: 527
Bikes: 2018 Allez Sprint, 2016 Trek Crockett Canti
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 190 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Oi. I am an idiot.
It is the FRONT derailleur that hits the tire when mounted at the 1.5 mm clearance over the chain ring that I wanted.
Arghhh .... why do people let me type things when they know i will get it all wrong? It's all everybody else's fault!
The rear derailleur is normal. The front derailleur touched the tire---more than touched it---until i fiddled with the mounting position.
It is the FRONT derailleur that hits the tire when mounted at the 1.5 mm clearance over the chain ring that I wanted.
Arghhh .... why do people let me type things when they know i will get it all wrong? It's all everybody else's fault!
The rear derailleur is normal. The front derailleur touched the tire---more than touched it---until i fiddled with the mounting position.
Was going to say.... that would have to be a really long cage rear derailleur.
Like the paint, was that an orderable option or did you have that done after receiving it?
#12
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 15,453
Bikes: 2015 Workswell 066, 2017 Workswell 093, 2014 Dawes Sheila, 1983 Cannondale 500, 1984 Raleigh Olympian, 2007 Cannondale Rize 4, 2017 Fuji Sportif 1 LE
Mentioned: 144 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7628 Post(s)
Liked 3,453 Times
in
1,823 Posts
Paint is aftermarket, Wheels are already under 1450 grams .... custom Kinlin/Bitex/laser build for a fairly reasonable price. The "big splurge" part of the build.
#13
Sunshine
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Des Moines, IA
Posts: 16,538
Bikes: '18 class built steel roadbike, '19 Fairlight Secan, '88 Schwinn Premis , Black Mountain Cycles Monstercross V4, '89 Novara Trionfo
Mentioned: 123 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10902 Post(s)
Liked 7,391 Times
in
4,148 Posts
#14
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 15,453
Bikes: 2015 Workswell 066, 2017 Workswell 093, 2014 Dawes Sheila, 1983 Cannondale 500, 1984 Raleigh Olympian, 2007 Cannondale Rize 4, 2017 Fuji Sportif 1 LE
Mentioned: 144 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7628 Post(s)
Liked 3,453 Times
in
1,823 Posts
I don’t have the parts numbers handy but the rims are 24 mm wide and 26 mm deep. I will get more detailed info from the builder if I cannot find it on my PC somewhere, at some other time.
#15
Expired Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: TN
Posts: 11,460
Mentioned: 37 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3638 Post(s)
Liked 5,315 Times
in
2,700 Posts
Tell us about the paint, please.
#16
Senior Member
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Norman, OK
Posts: 839
Bikes: Casati Laser, Colnago Tecnos, Ciöcc Exige, Black Mountain Cycles Road
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 129 Post(s)
Liked 177 Times
in
78 Posts
Very nice bike -- thanks for the write up.
I'm curious about your impressions of the Bitex hubs and how well they hold up. I've been thinking of having some wheels built with them, but I don't know anyone with experience of them.
I'm curious about your impressions of the Bitex hubs and how well they hold up. I've been thinking of having some wheels built with them, but I don't know anyone with experience of them.
#18
staring at the mountains
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Castle Pines, CO
Posts: 4,560
Bikes: Obed GVR, Fairdale Goodship, Salsa Timberjack 29
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 394 Post(s)
Liked 197 Times
in
112 Posts
pics of tire clearance? How'd the headset and bb go in? I have this nagging idea of building up a carbon frame, but don't want to elephant my way into a $500 mistake...
#19
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 15,453
Bikes: 2015 Workswell 066, 2017 Workswell 093, 2014 Dawes Sheila, 1983 Cannondale 500, 1984 Raleigh Olympian, 2007 Cannondale Rize 4, 2017 Fuji Sportif 1 LE
Mentioned: 144 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7628 Post(s)
Liked 3,453 Times
in
1,823 Posts
I can't say much about the hubs so far .... I don't have enough mile son them. I am impressed with the whole wheel set so far. They spin very well, the rear hub seemed loud during the bike build but got much quieter during the first ride, and when I deliberately whacked some paved ruts I normally avoid (having slammed them in thee dark before and not finding it enjoyable) the wheels seemed sturdier than the Vueltas on my other bike.
I am sure someone on the site must have some miles on a set---they seem to be a readily available midrange hub---not too heavy, not too pricey. If I get more time to ride I'll update ... miles have been hard to find latley.
Someone told me Kinlin rims were flexy, too ... and I am a megaclyde riding a 24/28 spoke lightweight wheelset and I don't feel it. I have deliberately hit some other, more minor bumps just to get a feel for the wheels (break 'em close to home, I say) and with 28s pump[ed up to over 110 psi they seems completely solid and strong and still suck up the bad bumps.
I'll tell you, nothing sucks like having too many good bikes.
I am sure someone on the site must have some miles on a set---they seem to be a readily available midrange hub---not too heavy, not too pricey. If I get more time to ride I'll update ... miles have been hard to find latley.
Someone told me Kinlin rims were flexy, too ... and I am a megaclyde riding a 24/28 spoke lightweight wheelset and I don't feel it. I have deliberately hit some other, more minor bumps just to get a feel for the wheels (break 'em close to home, I say) and with 28s pump[ed up to over 110 psi they seems completely solid and strong and still suck up the bad bumps.
I'll tell you, nothing sucks like having too many good bikes.
#20
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 15,453
Bikes: 2015 Workswell 066, 2017 Workswell 093, 2014 Dawes Sheila, 1983 Cannondale 500, 1984 Raleigh Olympian, 2007 Cannondale Rize 4, 2017 Fuji Sportif 1 LE
Mentioned: 144 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7628 Post(s)
Liked 3,453 Times
in
1,823 Posts
Headset and BB went in prefectly. headset was supplied by the vendor, and I used a Wheels thread-in BB86 with angular bearings. I have a press-in BB-Right in my other CF bike and it was a Bear to get in (even with a pro-quality press) and now, two years later, is making a little noise. I ma going to yank it out and thread in a Wheels unit there too.
I also replaced the BB86-Evo or whatever in my Fuji with a Wheels unit. Press-doesnt-fit BBs are not to my taste. Nothing on a bike should creak but the bones of the aging rider.
As far as all that goes, i can also recommend Workswell as a frame supplier. This is my second and I have zero complaints---except they wouldn't do the five-color camo pattern I wanted. But they did two-tone on my other bike and it is first-rate ... cost less than $100 as I recall, and they bargained with me for a cut price CF seat too.
All the plugs for the cables fit, the cable guide fit, I didn't need a headset press (I used a home-made press on the 066) The seat clamp actually holds the seat post .... and stripped for paint the ultra-light 093 in 56 cm weighed 800 grams. i paid extra for the ultralight, but I priced it against the similar frames from Dengfu/Hongfu and it was the same ... and I had dealt with WW before.
I wish i could by and build another one---I have all the parts----but i don't have time to ride what I have ...... It's tough, all these First-World problems....
#21
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 15,453
Bikes: 2015 Workswell 066, 2017 Workswell 093, 2014 Dawes Sheila, 1983 Cannondale 500, 1984 Raleigh Olympian, 2007 Cannondale Rize 4, 2017 Fuji Sportif 1 LE
Mentioned: 144 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7628 Post(s)
Liked 3,453 Times
in
1,823 Posts
Oh, you wanted sharp, clear, informative pictures? Well, you should have paid holiday rates.
I had a particularly hard time getting a clear shot or rear tire clearance just because I wasn’t that interested in crawling or climbing or setting up special lighting. It looks to me like there is two mm all around though.
Sub 1-mmm between front derailleur arm and tire .... I had to fiddle with that again today. But it worked and it rides fantastically.
I think I have room for Conti Ultasports or GP4K Except maybe at the derailleur arm ... and I assume I could raise it even higher above the chain and gain another mm there if needed.
#22
Expired Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: TN
Posts: 11,460
Mentioned: 37 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3638 Post(s)
Liked 5,315 Times
in
2,700 Posts
#23
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 15,453
Bikes: 2015 Workswell 066, 2017 Workswell 093, 2014 Dawes Sheila, 1983 Cannondale 500, 1984 Raleigh Olympian, 2007 Cannondale Rize 4, 2017 Fuji Sportif 1 LE
Mentioned: 144 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7628 Post(s)
Liked 3,453 Times
in
1,823 Posts
No but the headset was supplied, and it fit snugly without the use of any mechanical assistance.
Other bikes, I have had to use PVC tubes, bits of wood, hammers ... various devices to persuade the headset to seat properly. This one was the perfect size ... manual pressure was enough to get it in place.
Other bikes, I have had to use PVC tubes, bits of wood, hammers ... various devices to persuade the headset to seat properly. This one was the perfect size ... manual pressure was enough to get it in place.
#24
Expired Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: TN
Posts: 11,460
Mentioned: 37 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3638 Post(s)
Liked 5,315 Times
in
2,700 Posts
Cool, that must be a new thing (or maybe just new to me!)
#25
Senior Member
Given the large amount of seatpost showing and the positive angle on the stem, the frame looks too small for you. Did you want a short reach?