Oh man, the Arayas look sweet! But yeah, a little porky at ~ 2000g f/r.

I have a Novatec hub similar to this one:

http://novatecusa.net/wp-content/upl...06/A185SBT.jpg

One of the red spacers got locked down too tight, and I believe it's rubbing against the hub and needs to be loosened.

However, it's stuck tight, and I can't hold onto the axle tightly enough to turn the spacer without the axle turning along with it.

Any ideas?

What if you tried tightening the other side (non-stuck) to your dropout so that the hub is on the outside of the frame?
here is a crude depiction: /\ is the frame viewed from the rear, _ is the hub... /\_

Or you could just hold the spacer on the other side using the appropriately sized cone wrench.

Well, damn, that sure worked better than cursing and banging on my hub with a wrench like a crazed monkey. :eek:

Never fear! Your friendly engineer is here to help!

700x20 or 700x23 safe on a 24 outer width rim or is it dangerous?

Probably fine. I'm running 23's on Archetypes, which I think are a 23 outer width. Can't imagine ever wanting to go skinnier than 23's though unless the riding surface was smooth as glass.

Yeah, i was wondering cause right now my 25s measure as 28s on the 24 width rim. So if i used 23s it would probably size up to 25 or 26. And it would be more aerodynamic if i used 20s. I probably shouldnt even worry about this since i dont ride professionally... thanks for the info.

I've also considered running 23s on my Archetypes for a little more aerodynamic benefit but cannot fathom having to make these 2 sacrifices:

1. The super plush and comfortable, yet still fast and grippy ride that I get with 25s

2. My gumwall tire of choice does not come in 23

#2 is not a negative or a sacrifice. :)

Anyone have thoughts on the best way to cut down Champ Yoshida grips?

I don't like snaking them all the way around the bends in my risers, but the last time I hacked down some grips they looked like they got mauled by a t-rex, which I would also like to avoid.

700x20??? Are you mad? Who makes that skinny of a tire these days? They should be drawn and quartered!
Wider is way better even 23-25c is something.

Not only are you (or any of us.. I think?) not pro, but the width of your tire really shouldn't be your concern when it comes to aerodynamic drag. Search "how to be more aero on a bike" for all the low-hanging fruit that makes up the vast majority of your drag; then (and only then) should you even start to think about the marginal gains you might (might) get from things like tire width.

I always thought the most aero setup was having tires and wheels be the same width - I swear I read that somewhere before.

Welp thanks for knocking some sense into me guys

ta da


Point proven, not gonna shave my legs.

But it makes them so smooth. Also the biggest aero benefit you can get is just getting in the drops.

You know, I'm not even sure why I posted that because I totally knew that. I believe I was under the influence of bourbon and beer.

Sub 1600g wheelset for $200? Anybody here used or know anything about these wheels? Or the company, or any of their other products?

http://conquerelite.myshopify.com/products/s-300

Mr Pink?

I have a decent enough portion of a 600 Tricolor gruppo and kinda want to build a more modern rode bike and saw there is a new Mr. Pink coming in the nearish future possibly I think so I might build up a little 600/Ultegra jobber.

That'd be a bummer if they got rid of the pink Mr Pink.

Agreed but should I get a Mr. Pink and put said Tri Color gruppo on it?

I say why not! I've seen one with silver athena and it looked alright.

I just swapped everything on mine to DA except for the crank. Think I'm going to throw on the White Industries crank and call it a day.

Prepare to be bummed. The new Mr. Pink is blue.