Scrod,

I need to wrap the bars on my 722. I'd love something that looks nicer than standard cork tape, but is equally padded/comfortable. I've tried the Deda Mistral and Fizik Microtex Softtouch and they don't have enough padding.

Any suggestions?

Have you tried using the gel inserts that Fizik sells?

Negative. I feel like I wouldn't like my bars changing thickness at different spots where the gel is/isn't, and I worry that it might be too squishy.

Scrodzilla- Whats your inseam boo? Yeah I took it there.

I was considering Lizardskins, particularly the "DSP Race 1.8mm" stuff. Any experience with that?

+1 for DSP. I just found out they just started making an even thicker 3.5mm version.

I think the Race 1.8mm stuff sucks. I had it on my 725 a while back and it was too sticky/not padded enough for my liking.

Roger that. I'll order some 2.5 stuff, thanks!

Scrod, should I take Glucosamine sulfate, methyl-sulfonyl-methane and hyaluronic acid to help the longevity of my joints?

I have no idea. Maybe ask Carleton?

Any idea if it's possible to mount a rear brake on a Leader 721? The bridge is rounded, so I feel like it might work with concave washers, but I don't know how much I'd trust it...

the license plate seriously rocks...*so* classy on the brooks! that really your bike? if so, any connection to the kennedy's?

Scrod, if I were to throw a pair of 25.4 bars into my 26.0 stem, will a beer-can shim be fine?

You're overthinking it.

Install a brake. "Problem" solved.

Not sure what you mean about the Kennedys.

That's an old pic of my SE Premium Brew. I've had that little license plate since around 1982 when I sent away for it as a "prize" offer from Honeycomb cereal.

It should be. If not, a proper shim is 5 bucks.

Scrodzilla,
Just received my Velocity Deep V wheelset from Velomine. I need to go to my LBS to get the cogs and lockrings mouted up since I dont have the tools for that. Is it worth having them check to see if the wheels are true? What does a basic wheel service like this cost normally? Thanks.

All wheels I've ever seen that have come from Velomine are in good shape right out of the box.

I have no idea what your local shops charge but we bill everything based on time and usually charge between $10-20 per wheel depending on how much work they need.

Thanks a lot Scrod that's what I had thought. I know you dont know their rates, just wondering what rates normally go for.

One of the wheels I got from them was perfect. The other was true, but the spokes not quite evenly tensioned (at least I think, I was playing with my tension meter and truing stand before building my first wheelset and that was the test wheelset). Didn't bother to fix it as it's going to go on my wife's townie that I don't expect to see much use (she doesn't ride much), but will be keeping an eye on it. A quick cheep test would be to throw a couple of zip ties (cut so they're almost touching the rim) on your frame and see if the wheel always stays the same distance from them, then flip and repeat.

Or you could just go with them.

-Notscrod, but that's my experience.

Since it should be relatively cheap I think I'll just have the lbs take a look at them and if they need an adjustment they can do so. Good way for me to meet people at the shop anyways, and support local business. Thanks for the advice guys.

Shipping is often pretty rough on wheels, especially knowing the way UPS throws around boxes. If you're going to be there anyway, it may be best to have them check them out.

i will say that the way they came packaged was quick a nice design.

Scrod, looking for a new saddle I have heard good things about the Brooks team pro classic. What is your best advice for purchaseing a new saddle? Especially online, because I would like to order from Retrogression.

I like the Brooks Team Pro but that doesn't mean you will. Buying a saddle you've never tried before online is risky.