Street cred means even less here than the nothing at already means (though I did wrap it like that for looks), but the bars feel a bit too small holding it on the bare section and the finishing tape is already coming up because of how I hold them (which is why I'm thinking about rewraping them).

Guess this one is 100% preference--no right or wrong then?


I think I'll stick with the gel cork then, I like it's squish.

Pretty much. Bar tape is about as personal a choice as a saddle. If you spend that much time on the tops and you don't care about showing all the bros and sqrls your Cinelli swag, then hell yeah wrap em up.

Probably will end up rewraping them.

Holy crap this is awesome

Thinking about picking up a new frameset at the end of the summer. I like the 722 alright, but its pretty heavy, and I'd really like something with a bit tighter geometry. I'd like to try out an aluminum frame, preferably rated under ~2250g for the frameset. I use it primarily for commuting, so the shedding of a pound or two on the frame and fork would be appreciated in the stop and go traffic, and up-down stairs. I'll have around $700 to spend. Any recommendations for lightweight aluminum frames?

Obviously, I have the internet and can look them up myself. But, I'm really just looking to hear what you folks like. The French 75 seems to be pretty much in the same weight range as, say, the Bianchi Super Pista. But its around twice as expensive. Is the super pista's price warranted? I could probably hold out and pick one up used eventually, for instance. Would love some ideas. Thanks!

at ~17lbs my 722 is plenty light, id look for lighter wheels

I wouldn't worry about weight so much for a commuter. Comfort is much more important, and a Super Pista is not going to give you comfort.

The wheelset I have isn't exactly heavy. I haven't actually weighed it, but it was sold to me at around 1650g. I can't imagine trimming more than a couple hundred grams from that at a pretty high cost.

Fair enough. I was using it mostly as an example, but I follow you.

I don't know of any off the shelf FG wheels that are that light.

What do you have?

They weren't off the shelf. They're kinlin NB-Rs laced to low flange novatecs. They may not be quite that light, as I've never weighed them myself, but that's at least the right ball park.

so im in NYC for a couple of days. should I go to affinity in brooklyn and pick up a black straight-bladed 1inch steel fork to put on my chrome kilo tt?

does anyone have a example/ experience with this? do kilo & affinity forks have the same effective rake?

I currently have three bikes inside my apartment. Moving on the weekend, and I'm thinking one bike might need to start living outside. The parking area at the new place is under the building, and isn't visible from the street, but it is accessible to anyone, with no gate or barrier to entry. Bike theft isn't as serious an issue living in Japan as it is in the states, but it still happens, especially to bikes left in the same place day after day, and especially over night.

Should I...

Park the Big Block in the garage with two locks and just hope it doesn't get stolen, or
Sell the Big Block and build a new (not as nice) bike with decent but nondescript parts in the hopes it will be less-likely to get stolen?

I don't think any two Kilo forks have the same rake, so that may be a difficult question to answer.

super record cranks with 52/42 rings, rusty chainring bolts, different date codes on the arms for $110?

visually look like theyre in good shape

The problem with old square taper cranks is that they may be worn on the taper such that they either draw flush with the axle and can't be tightened properly or don't go on square and have a wobble.

seller claims interface and threads all fine, im mostly concerned with the arms not being exactly matching dates

Something else to be concerned about is that certain vintages of these cranks are prone to failures like this:

http://pardo.net/bike/pic/fail-001/w...illy/crank.jpg

Should I buy this for $600? Any estimate on its true value?

http://i42.tinypic.com/qwwsw4.jpg

Parts list?

Bianchi Super Pista Concept frame, SRAM Omnium Cranks, Nitto NJS handlebars, Nitto seatpost w/ Selle Italia seat, and SOMA cages. B43 wheelset.

All i've got to work with.

Sounds like you need to get more creative with your storage.

if all else fails, go up

Seems like a fair price.

$600 for all that? That seems like a pretty good deal.