the bike I have came with a yellow rear velocity deep V. and had the stock Wolber up front. I'm not a fan of yellow, first off. and I think keeping a late eighties frame classic looking is something I'd like to do. however, I'm 275lbs. and if deep V's are stronger, then I would be swayed towards them. it is a dilemma

purchase a pake rum runner OR kilo tt frame OR some other steel frame i don't know about?

Im out of shape and havent regularly ridden bikes for at least 15 years. I just got a SST AL for exercise and riding to work. The riding position is a bit too far forward for comfort for me. the stem is already flipped upwards and there is no room to raise the stem.

Should I:
A) put a 650 wheel on the back to raise the bars?
B) buy a dorkylooking 35 degree stem to raise the bars?
C) be a man and just ride the thing?

D) Go to your lbs and talk to them, maybe you can get some riser handlebars instead of the drop bars the sst-al comes with. maybe the bike is the wrong size, maybe sell it, buy a smaller size. but first go to the lbs

played polo tonight and loved it, so now I need a bike I don't care about destroying. there's a scuffed up motobecane track on Bi for $200 (they're usually $280). should I just grab that instead? shipping is free but im in texas so have to pay tax
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...cane/track.htm

I can't afford a "proper" polo bike right now

consider bar choice

The 650 on the back is funny to imagine what it would look like. Id probably have to slam the seat to keep from falling over backwards. Ok enough with the joking.

This being my first road bike and previously having had a mtn bike, im appreciating the different hand positions that drop bars provide. So im going to try to stick with them for now and ive got a new stem coming in the mail.

just swapped my drops out for a pair of the Deda Crononero (not the low riders)
i have to get a new brake lever. Should i run a cross lever still or go with bar end levers?

depends what hand position you use the most.

No. Dumb idea. It's easier to get a job when you have one.

i have only been on the bike once since i got the new bars yesterday. Did a quick 17 mile ride and i was riding the tops a lot but i would force myself to get more into the "horns" trying to get myself use to it. I guess riding with the bars more would help make this decision easier but i hate being without a brake.

Figure out what position is most comfortable for you, personally I'd get the bar end lever because I find the 'horns' comfortable, but I say for now find a temporary cross lever since you said you don't like riding brake less.

ok thanks for the advice.

Should I sand the paint from my black Sugino 75 crank arms so it matches the rest of my bike? Or just keep it black.

should i try and buy a mash cxss?

Not before you try other offerings. ;)

On another note, it needs derailleur hangers.

Should I buy the Wabi rear wheel or should I build my own using (Novatec fixed/fixed 32h hubs, Velocity Aerohead, Sapim Spokes and Nipples)

Should I buy a GTB? I finally found one in my size..

Of course, n+1

Build, yo

Keep it black for one year. If you still want 'em silver, do it then.

Should I spend less time here trying to wake up with a cup of coffee or get on the bike sooner and wake up on the ride?

I think its a good idea and it is what I would do. Waiting for something comparable to come up used will take forever.

Get on the bike. BF is not going anywhere.

But then, neither is the road.

Regardless, go.

Getting ready to build a new wheelset. I ride fatter tires; 28mm rear, 25mm front. Here's the most recent pic of my bike:

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...36382484_n.jpg

Should I go with H+SON TB14s?
Benefits:
Wider rim profile (how much? no idea), possibly beneficial on cornering and road feel

What about Kinlin XR-270s?
Benefits:
Lighter weight (100g less compared to the H+SONs)
less expensive (per RG, $40 cheaper for the set)
Semi-aero profile (purely aesthetic for my purposes)

With my overall wheel choices, both are going to be strong, lightweight wheels. It really comes down to aesthetics on this one, and the potential ride characteristics of the wider rim. Think I'll see an improvement going with the heavier, more expensive TB14? Since I don't really have a budget for these wheels, price doesn't matter to me that much.