Scrod: Have you put together a list of go-to parts, components, bikes, et al? I saw on your pedalroom that you said something about a certain chain, how you would not buy any other chain. I think it would be a good resource to have a few lists of what you think are the best things out there right now... actually, three lists, like a budget list, a main-line list, and a top of the line list. I imagine that some items may be the same across lists because some budget items are the best you can get, but whatever.

I know it could be a pain to maintain as products come and go, but it could be helpful and if you linked to products you might find a way to monetize it (assuming you link to some products that you do not sell).

Since Japanese has pitch-accent rather than stress-accent none of these various spellings/boldings are likely to capture the actual native pronunciation, which is part of the source of confusion. I believe that the high front vowel is always tense /i/ and so "neato" is probably closer to it. As the accent is lexical and not represented by the spelling, we would need a native Japanese speaker to say whether Nitto has an accent or not.

/notscrod
/too many years as fricking linguist even though I don't really know phonology

Sort of a carry-over from my question in RG - I did a spoke length calc. for an A23/chub road front build (24 hole, 3-cross) and it told me I need a 302.5mm spoke length. Sapim and Wheelsmith DB14's top off at 302. Am I just derping or should I rethink my build? Not dead-set on 24h but I'm a relatively light, small guy (5'6/150lbs) but also not bummed on the idea of likely having to retrue more than a 32h.

Is there any videos or pic tutorials on how to setup a brake lever? I just ordered some Cane Creek 200TT's and would not mind trying to put them on myself when they get here.

You'll be fine using 302mm spokes.

They'll most likely come with an instruction sheet.

I definitely have a few "go-to" parts that I always use and recommend (which is mainly why we recently teamed up with Ben's Cycle to sell their Protype BB for Sugino 75s). Making an actual list would be difficult though because a lot of stuff comes down to personal preference. The KMC K710-SL chain, for example, has proven itself and I'll most likely use that chain forever but I'm sure there are people out there who will say it's crap. On the other side of the coin, Phil Wood cogs - for all intents and purposes - should be top notch but I think they are garbage compared to standard EAI cogs.

Scrod,

Have you noticed that the seatpost clamps on the blue EAI BK frames like yours look different than some of the others I have found on Pedalroom. Did they change it just for that particular color or are they changed in general?

Hi Scrod,

I've been fond of my Durano Plus 25's, but might pick up a second pair of slightly wider and lightly treaded tires that would be almost as good on pavement, but also give me increased flexibility to ride unpaved/off-road paths more often. The Durano's ain't too comfortable in those situations, and I'm avoiding a lot of good paths nearby. I'm looking at the Panaracer Pasela TG's. I wouldn't get rid of the Duranos, but probably swap out every once in a while to mix things up. Not looking for anything as aggressive as cross tires...just some more width, comfort and slight tread while remaining very puncture-resistant.

I see from Pedal Room that you've actually used both of these tires. Any thoughts on how the Panaracer and the Durano Plus subjectively feel as far as ride quality, rolling resistance, stability, etc.? Do the Panaracers feel less out of place on non-paved surfaces? I know it's hard to compare, so just any personal thoughts are appreciated.

PS: I've read that the Panaracer 28's run a bit small. Do you know if the 32's are also small? 32 might be a bit big for my clearance, but if they are effectively smaller, I might consider them...

So... I have more questions...haha...

Do I cut the spacer to match the height of my stem? (It's a little bit taller.)

Assuming you mean the shim, using a small (2.5mm) 1 1/8" spacer above the stem will solve your problem.

Pasela TGs are awesome on hard-packed gravel and such and they have great rolling resistance if you keep them inflated a little over the recommended PSI. I love them. The TGs do run a little small, though.

Don't have to cut the shim (I presume by spacer you mean shim) if you're using a 1 1/8" spacer and 1 1/8" top cap above the stem.

E: that'll teach me to reply to a stale thread without refreshing it first.

Thanks!

Yes, I did. Okay, sounds good sir.

That reminds me.. I know you love Pasela TG's, but how do you rate the Durano Plus? Anywhere close to TG's?

The Durano Plus is another great tire. Awesome rolling resistance at high PSI and extremely durable.

The first ones I had started falling apart of the sidewalls - every day long threads were coming off and it kept getting worse and worse - but I contacted Schwalbe and they sent me replacements (I guess there was a bad batch) that I had no issues with. Once I got the replacement tires, I tried killing my damaged rear 25c by skidding through it and got bored because it was taking too long. :lol:

What is a good road single speed gearing for someone who is new to single speed bikes? The area is hilly with some steep hills to climb, the cranks are 165, and 700x28c wheels.

Thank you

Dear Scrod,

I want to buy the MKS Urban Platform pedals from you. What clips/straps combo should I get to go with them? Thanks.

Even though you're asking in the wrong thread I'll be nice because it's you, Kaz.

Personally, I'd go with MKS clips and deluxe doubles.

Dammit! Sorry, Scrod. I've never been in the marketplace forum so I didn't know that thread was there. Thanks for being nice.

I love a happy ending. :love:
http://www.tinygif.com/data/media/8/...g_applause.gif

Scrod, have you ever heard of a deep V rim that is compatible with tubeless tires? Some, maybe all, Hutchinson tires are not compatible with conversion kits. Given the amount of glass on the roadways of Rhode Island, I'd love some tires that are pretty much bomb proof.

Hey Scrod, do you happen to know the torque specs on the Leader i806 carbon fork? The compression plug and stem bolt clamp.
Thanks.

Not sure if this belongs in the Retrogression thread or here - is it mainly a one-man operation at RG or do you employ other mechanics as well?

Hey,

Do you know anything about the elusive black sidewall Pasela TG's? They seem to be a European release, also available on Ebay, but Panaracer doesn't even list it on their website. They seem to be only wire bead too.

Wondering if the black makes a stronger sidewall? Or if there's not much point tracking them down if the T-Serv's in black are basically the same thing?

T-Serv Protex is basically a black-sidewall Pasela TG with a folding bead. Another awesome tire, IMO.

Thanks again. That's about what I thought.

Now to decide whether to go gum-wall or stay black...

Scrod, why, why are the people on Craigslist so flakey? WHY?