MIN 

I got a new (& longer) stem since I went to a nonsetback seatpost.

It's the ITM K-sword, with some careful wet sanding and matte polishing. I removed the decals under the clearcoat and wet sanded the rest of the clearcoat (while leaving it in tact). The effect is merely superficial but I didn't care for the loud boy-racer graffix. Per Craig Calfee's suggestion, I applied SPF 50 sunscreen to the nude carbon, which gave it a great luster. It had the effect of Turtle Wax on oxidized paint. I was a bit nervous when I was doing the wet sanding and felt justified in my nervousness when I saw the finish after it dried. Luckily, the sunscreen restored a matte shine. I did a similar thing to my post.




The unique thing about this stem is the clamping mechanism, a triangular wedge which compresses around the bar and steerer tube. There is no faceplate. Installation is a chore since it requires one side of the bar to be unwrapped. As a side note, the torque guidance called for 11Nm! (Compared with 4-5Nm for carbon handbars.) The wedge clamping is supposed to ensure consistent forces over carbon bars and steerer tubes. Sadly, I have neither carbon bar nor steerer tube so I humbly present my carbon stem:

CEE

nice job

prendrefeu

Looks good. Do you have a link to Calfee's suggestion of the sunscreen? Is this a 'permanent' recommendation?

Dynamic

so expensive O_O
like $250 right?

phallenthoul

stronglight pulsion+downtube shifters.
what a cross over..

MIN 

I talked to Craig personally.

You can also use Formula 303 protectant, as suggested earlier. The issue is UV rays, which damages the CF over time. I will probably reapply every few months.

Again, it's not like it's going to come off once applied. It's like trying to revert back to oxidized paint once it's been waxed, you can't do it.

me="retro-grouch with a carbon fetish"

It ranges from $250 to $392(!!!) online. I got it for substantially less at a LBS.

Phantoj

The background on the first image is great. There's a lot going on: Disinterested GF reading a magazine, some B&W show on the TV, little weiner dog tearing around the corner, about to jump through the front spokes... did I miss anything?

I'll never be satisfied with white garage doors again.



Also, isn't it fender season in Portland?

MIN 

Note the 6-week old Pomeranian puppy on the fiance's lap!

auk

Looks great and I agree about the stem being a bit guady as far as graphics. I did the same thing to the K-Sword seatpost, but used clearcoat to bring back the uniform gloss look. The gloss vs. matte depends on the application. I like both. Yours is right for the build no doubt about it.

divineAndbright

Is there a good way to remove decals like that from an aluminum stem without mucking up the finish?

brianallan

If there was one component that does NOT belong on a Lemond, it's this one

auk

To each their own. What about the $6k Lemonds? Okay then?

MIN 

You can remove anodization or paints but not decals selectively on alloy stem.

I know, I love being ridiculous.

rpj795

"12 angry men" in the background on tv. i love that movie

operator

Lol @ stem design. Single handedly strikes down the advantage of using a threadless stem with removeable faceplate and thrusts itself backwards in time to quill stems.

HillMut

I'm confused w/ your choice of cranks... not saying its bad, just wondering what made you get those?

robncircus

Bike looks good. I still really think oyu should have considered a custom build with the amount of stuff you've switched out on there.

Rob

DWWILCZE

+1000 That movie rocks.

BHBiker

wow very nice! I am sure that will add 2-3 watts of power in your ride! :-) :-)

ridethecliche

I did 12 angry jurors as a play in high school. It was fun!

Dynamic

I dont' see 12 angry men playing.

I do see one angry wife.