bmike

still, it has to pivot as the wheel turns. now it would seem that you are introducing stress in a place the chain likes it least. how does it work? silly upright riders want to know!

unterhausen

I didn't really think that chainline through. At speed, there would be no problem. I wonder if the two pulleys move with the frame or the fork. I guess that's why there is a chain tensioner.

efuentes

I did a metric Century on this, but half of it offroad, so it hurt like a regular one.

Barrettscv 

Last year my Soma Double Cross was finished. During the last 12 months, the Soma has provided 4700 miles of high quality travel. Equipment problems include 3 flat tires and one blistered tire. No other problems to report, I just ride when I want without equipment concerns.

The rides and rider have changed. Originally built as a commuter, The Soma has evolved into a long distance “Brevet” bike that is fast enough for most group rides, Century events and fitness riding. I’m also considering touring. This is one versatile bike.



Almost every component on the bike has been changed out. Bike fit issues determined one set of changes, long distance performance needs prompted other changes. As my monthly mileage increased to 500 plus; the seat, handlebar and pedals began to create issues. Look Keo pedals and road shoes eliminated hot spots on both feet. A 35 year old Brooks saddle reduces seat discomfort and FSA compact handle bars improved hand comfort while on the hoods and made the drops more accessible. I have zero rider discomfort, even after 8 hours.





Drivetrain changes were made mostly to experiment, I could ride a single-speed given the mostly flat riding here. A Cyclocross 46 & 38t double worked fine, but I rarely used the 38t chainring. I installed a 44t single chainring and used that for 4000 miles with a 12-27 10 speed cassette. This set-up forced me to attack every hill out of fear of walking. The range also required a rapid cadence at higher speeds. It was a good training drivetrain. I put a 50, 39 & 30t triple crankset on the bike this month. My plan is to ride more hilly Century rides next year. I use the 39t chainring and only need the 50t above 27 mph. The 30t chainring is not needed, but will be used as a convenience a few times a month.



32 spoke Mavic Open Pro wheels with Shimano 105 hubs save significant weight over the CPX 22 Mavic wheels that were first on the bike.

The bike is the ultimate in comfort and versatility. It’s a keeper.

Llamero

Here's my century bicycle, both in it's 1st century configuration and its current century configuration. By no means the traditional century bike (the only hybrid to finish the century last year, and the first electric long tail ever to finish the century this year).

Last year's century


This year's century

Hydrated

I went to their website and couldn't find any technical description or in-depth FAQ about the drivetrain. But I did find some movie clips that I watched... one of them shows a guy riding their lowrider equipped with a derailleur/freewheel front drive setup. The video is pretty jerky, but it looks as if they have those pulleys mounted high enough that the chainline allows for enough chain wrap to allow turns. Plus the wheel base looks short enough that you wouldn't have to crank the front wheel sideways to get the bike to move.

Interesting setup....

Edba

2 centuries and a bunch of metrics so far with a Giant Defy 2, pretty much stock. First road bike, having a blast with it!

lonesomesteve

I posted back in May of this year but since then I have a new bike for long rides. It's been on a couple of 600k brevets, some 200ks and a bunch of shorter rides. It's a Surly Cross Check in stealth mode (a hair dryer, a credit card, a cold beer and 45 minutes was all it took to get rid of the decals).

lbear

I have watched your Soma since you built it up last year. I am waiting for 2010 Soma frames myself. It seems like a great frame for a commuter build.
Why did you opt for the clip on fender instead of full fenders since you have the clearance? and What did it end up weighing?

Barrettscv 

Hi,

The bike without water bottles but with the tool bag comes in at 23 lbs.

I like a rear fender that keeps my back and the rear water bottles clean. This fender is also silent, no rattles. If I wanted to have both front and rear fenders, I would use full fenders. I am considering full fenders for touring next year, but this fender is enough for century rides and fitness rides.

Michael

bmike

nice looking build!

ToddBS

I love that Cross Check. How do you find it handles with a handlebar bag on? Can you ride no-hands without bobbing and weaving too much?

USAZorro

Here's the 2nd incarnation of the old Fuji. Made in 1972 - remade with a touring double crankset, rear rack, full fenders and bell in 2009. Has been my companion for full centuries in both configurations. Not quite a full-on glamour shot, but I was eager to get out of the Assateague rest stop.

lonesomesteve

Thanks!

I started my last 600k with nearly 10 lbs. in the handlebar bag. A load like that definitely affects the handling. I can still ride no-hands, but it takes some effort. Personally it doesn't bother me much, just one of those things you get used to after the first few miles and then don't think about anymore.

RobbieTunes

My century bike carries little more than me. It's not a long day, and all my routes have stops.
Slight rando bars are my only nod to comfort, but it's a comfortable bike already. For centuries,
I load up with my grey/black seat bag, 2 black bottle cages.

rumrunn6

$20 schwinn letour (blue)

thinking about doing it next year on the (red) varsity. I know it's not fats but it's not slow either - just curious what it would be like. it has a great ride and absolutely silent

EjustE

I did more that 15 centuries and 5 longer 2 day rides on this, since I got it new in 1990. The last few years it's primarily a commuting/cross machine and my hilly terrain and winter riding machine:

bigbossman 

I don't have a "special" century bike. I just grab whatever I feel like riding that day from my collection, and go. With the exception of my mtbs, I've ridden all my bikes on centuries.

The current rotation - Pogliaghi, Palo Alto, Cinelli:

bmike

Update of my IF... rigged for S24O touring - shakedown for a self supported 320 to 380 2-3 day Adirondack mountain exploration next fall.



Currently I'm in PT for my back - but getting the mind and body ready to start some winter centuries as soon as I can tolerate the bike position and get a base back.

pferreira

Here is my century ride of choice!
I love my Bianchi

Debusama

Well, I did a 100-mile MTB race on a 2008 Jamis Dakar XC.
bikesmall.jpghc100cropped.jpg

I did several on-road centuries while training for the aforementioned race on an early 90’s Giant Acapulco mountain bike w/ street tires, and I have since done a century on my 2007 Giant TCR C3. I don’t have pictures of the last two because I made the paparazzi quit following me.

Dilberto

First Solo Century 12/20/2009:

Miles = 101.07
Ride time = 6.41 hours
Elapsed time = 7.43 hours
Avg. speed = 15.0 mph

The CAAD 9 below performed FLAWLESSLY....

mike868y

100_1281.jpg

I've done 3 centuries and 1 double over the past summer on this bike, and I've really enjoyed it. Pictured after my first road race, but it was setup pretty much the same way on all long distance rides.

cod.peace

it's a twist-chain setup. The chain has plenty of flex. This type of FWD system has been around for many years and is well-proven.

beech333

It looks nice. I've seen that you have mentioned it before, but never seen pictures.

Here is one of my favorite distance riders, although it is probably going to be looked down upon as a gas-pipe frame with some random components. It will be getting some fenders and more appropriate levers in a few days.