That's next! Actually, I lowered it one spacer for the race yesterday. It felt really good!

shovel - Channeling your inner 41? :)

Sara - Classy bike! Matches its rider.

Naw, I just have a thing for that look, even though my Felt isn't slammed.

Awww, shucks!! Thanks, Chuck!

specialized claims that the mclaren is a different generation of their carbon (12r vs 11r), but my sources tell me that it's not the case. the mclaren does use a more complex layup schedule. basically, mclaren used its knowledge of composites to maximize the manufacture of specialized's existing design to maximize stiffness.

the mclarens were the #1 race bikes for the pro tour riders (and of the few that were out there many kept them); the rest were the regular s-works lay-ups. that said, the pro tour venges, including the mclaren, come in heavier than the stock s-works frames availalbe at retail.

even though the mclaren was touted as "stiffer, lighter" the reality is it is heavier (and stiffer).

i have a friend who has many bikes from a former highroad rider; one of them is the mclaren. it's one of a few bikes he has that are too stiff to really enjoy unless being ridden full-gas, he tells me. the venge, in my experience, is on par with the tarmac in terms of comfort; the hype about this aero frame being too stiff or unforgiving is just hype. if one can tolerate the tarmac, the venge is fine.

nice looking bike, ex!

Well, my new (to me) race bike is together and has been test-ridden. Rather than take up additional space on the server, I'll just let you know it's here. It's so nice to have a purpose-built bike that fits, rather than shoe-horning my endurance-geometry bike into that role.

Nice job, @revchuck.

Race Rigs - Show us your equipment!
 

Really nice!!

It's a pic thread, fer cryin' out loud! (and no need to take server space - just use a link)

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l1...ps98bfb3a2.jpg

Nice!

Very nice.

Wheels! It's screaming for wheels!

True, but I need a job more than it needs wheels at this moment. :) I've certainly been window shopping - thinking about HED C2 rims and DT Swiss 240 hubs, or something similar.

;)

On the the 33, more explanation here:

http://i1111.photobucket.com/albums/...ps5c0539e1.jpg

Ultegra group
Mavic Cosmic Carbone clinchers
Conti GP4000s
Adamo TT saddle
Fi'zik tape
Ultegra 170mm crank, KeO's

"Price point" stuff: I'm not so sure about the Microshift shifters. They work well enough, but they aren't real positive. The do allow some "trimming", but they also allow sloppy shifting. I'll get used to them, or I'll find a pair of Dura-Ace shifters to replace them with. The silly Sunrace chain kinked a link at 10 miles and had to be repaired. I have a Dura-Ace chain in the parts bag, and it's going on the bike.

Other than that little stuff, it's a worlds better bike than that old B2. The frame is very smooth riding and stiff. The shop spent a long time fitting me to it, as well, so I'm really comfortable on it. I know some will say that the sticks angle up too much, but that is intentional. The fitter explained to me that they prefer that folks new to TT bikes carry their forearms and hands a little higher. That allows them to turtle their heads easier, but it allows them to see, as well. It also takes stress off of the shoulders. I certainly felt that during the fit process. A big thing the fitter did was to make me let go of the sticks, just rest my hands on top of them. It caused me to relax, plus, as he explained, tight hands and arms will affect how quickly the body processes lactic acid. I noticed that difference, too.

http://i1277.photobucket.com/albums/...ps3c984413.jpg

Just finished her up. More pictures here.

^^ Oh man, you're making me want to rebuild mine. Maybe we could Tren to let us do a vintage 2-man TT at Piru just for the fun of it.

I've got a Giro Aerohead and a La Vie Clair jersey waiting...

Love it. You might have to explain it to the young and clueless.

speaking of...

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7408/9...95376bdc_h.jpg

Aerolab has it in the .21 - .22 range so far, but I have yet to do a TT without crosswinds on it.

Nice!!!!

I still run one of these too, but it just essentially got replaced with a Wilier Gran Turismo. Poor thing even had the nice Mavic Ksyrium SL wheelset yanked off of it for the Wilier. Now she's rolling on some Shimano RS30 wheels. Last real ride on it was my first century (MS Bike: Mason-Dixon Challenge).

http://img844.imageshack.us/img844/6246/hnf0.jpg

Lovin' the retro! Ex, wow!!! Chuck - wow!!!! You fellas know how to charm a girl with the bling!

@Racer Ex: Great, we can totally fred-out since I have a La Vie Claire jersey too. Bought it one of the years when the Coors Classic started at Fisherman's Warf. Back then it was cool to pose in pro kits. BTW, I also have a wool Renault jersey though that's a little too retro for bikes of this vintage.
@Grumpy McTrumpy: New to you? I'm getting closer to being dialed in on my Shiv (same model as Ex).
@K1196A: A lot of nice upgrades on your Centurion.

To me that looks like a ride of pain and suffering.

Yes it is. This NOS frame sort of fell into my lap this spring and I have had it sitting around since then. After my previous TT bike was wrecked in the July 27 crash, I decided to build it up before the end of the season. Rather than completely duplicating the old position, I am going with a new one and waiting for adaptation. I think I should be good for next season.