Bike Forums - 2009 Dawes SST-AL?

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Thetank (Post 8584096)

Don't want to turn this into a twin of the KILO TT thread but about how tall are you and how well does the 58 fit you? Cause I ride a 55cm Kilo that's technically a 58 but their geo measurements for this bike got me wondering if I should ride a smaller frame? Also pics please! :D

I'm 6'2 with an inseam of 34". The 58cm fits perfectly but I think I can probably fit the next size up if needed. I really wish I could conjure up some sort of size/geo comparison but since this is my second "real" bike, I wouldn't even know how.

A couple of things to note:

1. The crank arm length on the 58cm is 172.5mm.
2. the lockring on the fixed cog definitely needs to be "re-"tightened before riding.
3. I greased up every single moving part on the bike during assembly and would advise everyone else to do the same thing.
4. The stem and pedals are crap. The drops will be replaced shortly, too.
5. The reflectors, pedals, freewheel, and rear brake were not pre-installed on the bike which made assembly a breeze since they weren't going to go on it anyways.
6. Surprisingly, the stock seat is very comfortable. I may just keep it instead of upgrading it right away.
7. Wheels seem to be fairly trued. I was able to take it out on a quick spirited ride immediately after assembly. Unfortunately, I can't say much about the tires.

Here are a few pictures (taken w/ my only imaging device at the time; Blackberry Curve) :(.
http://uploader.ws/upload/200903/d1.jpg
http://uploader.ws/upload/200903/d2.jpg
http://uploader.ws/upload/200903/d3.jpg
http://uploader.ws/upload/200903/d4.jpg
http://uploader.ws/upload/200903/d5.jpg
http://uploader.ws/upload/200903/d6.jpg

Quote:

Originally Posted by cyrano138 (Post 8575381)

Very cool! I'm trying to get a friend to purchase one of these, and your review helps me feel more confident that I'm recommending a quality bike from a reliable merchant. Did you find bikesdirect's weight estimate to be pretty accurate (21 lbs i think)?

Yeah, that 21 pounds is about right. I'm thinking I measured the 52cm at 20.5 pounds with the stock saddle and no rear brake. That might have been without pedals; I'm not exactly sure what state it was in when I put it on the scale.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thetank (Post 8575142)

Awesome work on the review, its exactly what this bike needs other than manufacturer's info. If you're looking for a decent and affordable carbon fork look at performance and nashbar, they carry forks under $100 and sometimes you can get take offs on ebay for even less. If I could ask just one favor, could you take a picture of both front and rear brake calipers showing tire clearance, I would very much appreciate it since I kinda want to see how big of a tire one can stuff into this frame. Thanks and :thumb:

I don't ride big tires, so I'm not sure what size will fit on this bike. The current tires are 700x25, so they're pretty skinny. Here are a couple of quickie shots of the front and rear brakes -- does this show you enough to judge by?

And thanks for the heads up on after market forks. If I stick with this bike I may go that route eventually. My road bike has a steel fork and might get jealous, though!

Thanks again for the info.

That is exactly what I needed to see, thanks so much for the pictures. The reason I needed to see that was that I'm debating between this bike and the phantom cross uno and since it looks like it has clearance for 32s (maybe) I might go with this one. Thanks again.

Hey guys, I am really debating buying this bike. I just have a few questions that maybe someone can help me out.

First, I plan on using this bike on dirt trails that are for the most part, pretty smooth. Do you think the 700x25 tires will be ok for this?

I am looking at a 52cm (I am 5'9), does anyone know the crank arm length for that size? (trvth, maybe you can answer this?)

Is the fork aluminum or steel? To the people that have the bike, how does the frame feel for being aluminum?

Well, I guess that is it for now. I see this bike in my garage in the near future, I just want to make sure it is exactly what I'm looking for :thumb:

Quote:

Originally Posted by bkowa092 (Post 8709486)

1. I would go with 28s on dirt trails, even if smooth they can get slippery and from the looks of the clearance I would bet this bike can fit those size tires without a problem.

2. BD says the smaller sizes come with 165mm arms

3. BD specs: Chro-moly fork

Don't own the bike so I can't answer the other questions about ride quality but from previous experience with aluminum road bikes, its gonna ride a bit buzzy and harsh over less than perfect roads. Go with a carbon fork and bigger tires for that.