Getting all my measurements down for my wheel build, and plugging the pertinent info into a spoke length calculator I get a result of 294mm. Does this spoke length hold true regardless of nipple length, and can I go up or down 1mm in order to get the spokes I want? Bear in mind these measurements were done by hand, and not the result of plugging in manufacturer's dimensions, so the measurements themselves may be _slightly_ inaccurate.

RB-002, beautifull and confortable

Why not the Nashbar aero bars and a longer stem?
/notscrod

Scrod, what's a one-liner to post in the comments of this video?

.be

I love my Nashbar pusuits. They flex more than a wet noodle but they are still alright.

I agree. RB-021s look nice but I find them to have too much drop, which is also my reason for getting rid of my Deda Lowriders. Compact drops have proven to be pretty amazing - even without hoods - but if you want bullhorns, go for RB-002s.

That's insane, and quite funny.

In my experience, it's always better to round down if need be because new spokes do "stretch" slightly and you may need the extra mm or so when you retension your wheels after riding them for a bit. If you want me to check your components and get the right spoke length, shoot me a PM.

Dear Scrod,

When wrapping LizardSkins tape, how much should you stretch it? I've heard everything from not stretching it at all to pulling it really hard.

You need to stretch it a little bit but if you do too much, the top layer will deform and you'll end up with wonky looking LizardSkins after a few rides.

Coolio.

I think I'm going to go Compact Drops with a new stem and hoods. If only you had lizardskins in black Scrod :C

Should be here this week! Oh wait...we're not supposed to talk about this stuff here.

Scrod,

If I have a 27.2mm Seatpost, what size FD clamp do I need?

Long story short, I'm trying to reuse a FD from a bike that had a 31.6mm seatpost, it seems that the smallest FD clamp size is 28.6. Would this work for me? https://www.amazon.com/Shimano-Ultegr...d_rhf_se_p_t_3

EDIT: is this something for the mechanics forum?

For most bikes with a 27.2 seatpost, the correct seatpost collar/front derailleur size is typically 31.8mm.

Your lbs should have a bunch of shims on hand.

Ah, I get it. I measured my old frame and new one, with a 31.6 seatpost, it looks like my old one had a 35mm FD clamp, and the new frame looks like it needs (like you said) a 31.8mm clamp.

Is rotafixing cogs on and off really that bad?

/notscrod but c'mon! a GOOD chain whip is 16 bucks, do it properly.

You're right but I was just asking on the fly... will it do anything besides possibly chipping paint?

Scrod,

What are your thoughts on the Gator Hardshell?

there is the possibility of damaging the hub because rotafixing puts a lot of torque on it. just don't get carried away and you'll be fine. I'd only rotafix in an emergency situation where the proper tools aren't available. a decent chainwhip is not too expensive and your LBS shouldn't charge you much at all for the labor.

/notscrod

Rotafixing just isn't necessary. I've never used that method to install or remove a cog, even during times when I've been without a chainwhip.

I think they're awesome. A little tough to get on the rim, but awesome nonetheless.