much much lighter. noticeably so. and at higher pressures the tubulars feel more supple than the clinchers on the DeepV set. the DeepV's also get crosswinds pretty bad and it doesn't affect the set on the Venus.

+1
i've also experimented the same thing with mine compared to regular clincher. i struggle when it's time to cross the wide field with a crosswind with deep vs. but with no wind or little wind you can realy feel the difference when you pas the 30 km\h barrier. it's as easy to keep up at 35-40km\h vs 20-25km\h. i'm high geared tough 48x14, the innertia is also a real plus in some cases.

just my 0.02 if it can help somebody

thats a really really nice bike dude .

Somec is a favorite old Italian mfg of mine.
Where'd you find that thing?

Ebay, about 6-7 years ago.

ellipse are cool as hell they look good on any bike.

Your Venus is one of my favorite bikes. Super *****ific.

Pics of the Samson in Daylight
 

Samson sees the light of day:

http://velospace.org/node/7720

Not feelin the Brooks, recommendations welcome? Also might replace the 24 hole pursuit wheel up front might be a little fragile. Perhaps a new wheelset altogether after my first flat, don't like the maintenance with tubulars, I'm lazy.

beautiful

more and better pics of the somec!

So I am running Deep V's right now and not a huge fan in some respects. I got them because I ride streets that are atrocious and kill wheels like crazy. the deep V's kill me on crosswinds and are tough to get rolling, but once up to speed they keep going which is nice and they are true as the day I got them after 6 months of 5+ miles a day on these roads, and up and down curbs etc. I am ready to get some new wheels on my next build I am looking at getting some nice wheels similar to yours. I want some faster and less how do I say... Deep V'y and flashy. But I am a little concerned as to their durability. what can you tell me bout durability? I don't weigh a ton and I ride pretty soft sucking up most of the road hazards but you just can't miss all of them here. I am willing to baby them a bit but don't want to be truing every week.

open pro are nice, light, tough and kinda classic looking...if you still want better htan that you need to go tubular.

how refreshing... someone actually gets everything right the first time for once. i'm loving it.

I'd say Selle Italia Turbo, San Marco Rolls, or Fizik Arione. Although Ariones look a little funny on keirin frames, but mine has one: http://velospace.org/node/7098 for a pic. It's the best saddle ever IMO.

PS that wheelset is the ****, keep it!

a couple nice bikes on this page!! (and thanks carl!)


as for wheels, I too like the DeepV's at speed on calm days. I have also bashed them inadvertently and they have remained strong and true. my normal route every day is on a fast mini-highway (koshukaido) and they excel there. the only problem is that it is lined with buildings, so when crosswinds come, they come hard.

the wheelset on the Venus is OOOOLD. the dude threw it in with the frame when I bought it. old version 36h DA hubs, butted 4x spokes, Araya Gold rims, and now some cheap-o tubulars. I weight 175 but try to ride carefully and be nice to my wheels. I have ridden that set off road (on park trails) rather frequently on my way to and from a nice neighborhood called Kichijoji. they've been fine thus far. they feel so much more nimble on the road than clinchers (but I do like clinchers too).

especially when I have a messenger bag or larger backpack, having an extra tire is no problem. and you can always strap it behind your saddle or on the in-side of the seat lug. haven't had a flat in about 5 months though (knock on wood).....

nobody is going to whine about the dog dick bars on the somec except me?

eh, who really cares? from every detail it looks to be a bike that's getting ridden and not just posed around with at the coffee shop, so why b:)tch and whine?

no, that saddle is kinda far forward on the post...

edit: atleast i didn't bring up the valvestem to label deal...

i noticed it but was going to keep quiet about it, because i'm pretty liberal about grips or tape and placement thereof. it's not my favourite style to finish a bar (aesthetically) but it indicates it's being ridden instead of looked at.

have had this thing for a couple of months now, love it

bad pictures, my apartment is too small i can't zoom out well enough haha

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d9...l/DSC_0238.jpg
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d9...l/DSC_0233.jpg

To the bartape comments:

Anyone who really RIDES their nike with REAL track drops knows how uncomfortable it can be without tape. I didn't finish the drops because I like the way the raw metal looks with the rest of the bike and I barely get down on the drops in normal city riding.

To the valvestem comment:

The front tire is a Tufo tubular clincher. It only sits one way. Trust me, it annoys me that it doesnt line up right. OCD, much?

To the seat position comment:

Its comfortable for me positioned this way. Purely non-aesthetic. Get over it.

And yes, the bike gets ridden. This bike has many miles in two different countries. (Copenhagen is bike heaven BTW) I have recently gotten back on the bike, and boy are my knees talking. Long term fixed gear riding on the street does a number on your knees. Im sure most of us have that subtle pop from time to time.

Riser bars on it now. Purely for comfort. I dont like them though.

More pictures coming.

That whole grain pasta is the best.