Scrod,

What's your opinion on

a. Expensive frame with cheap components

b. Expensive components with cheap frame

And why do you think there is a stigma with mixing expensive+cheap?

If it is, Angie's on the highway to Hell:

http://www.pedalroom.com/p/angies-le...1tr-2789_3.jpg

I have no real opinion on this and don't adhere to "stigmas".

Whatever gets you riding and enjoying yourself works.

Sweet. Is there really any major reason to go with Omniums over the S300's?

144 bcd cranks tend to be a little stiffer. Also, options for high-quality 144 bcd chainrings are a little more plentiful. The S300 is one of the best 130 bcd cranks out there, in my opinion.

I dont know who that is but thank you for your help. 792mm/31" standover on the 58cm seems like the winner for me.

Angie is my lady and other half of Retrogression.

Just so you know, the 58cm frames are pretty huge. I'm 5'10" with a 33" inseam and typically ride a 58cm steel frame but my 725 is a 55cm.

Cool.


Im six foot even with same inseam, suggestions on whether 55 or 58?

How do your used ThickSlicks have no skids on them if you ride brakeless? Do you just do light backpedaling to control your speed? I always thought that was hard to do when you want to come to a complete stop on a hilly intersection or something.

I've mentioned it in this thread and others - riding brakeless doesn't necessitate skidding. There's no sense in hauling ass toward a busy intersection and then needing to lock up your back wheel to stop. That's just stupid.

The rear ThickSlick actually has one small skid on it - just because I wanted to see how sticky they really were when they were new (and they are very sticky) - but it literally didn't even leave a visible mark.

Ok. How about this:

What's some advice about riding brakeless? (ex: things to do/not to do, techniques)

Pay attention to your surroundings and don't ride like an idiot.

/notscrod

I ride brakeless, I just think it's important to be aware of things going on around you (as you always should be on a bike) to make sure you will have time to stop if you need to (again, as you should be on any bike). I much prefer clipless when riding brakeless just because it's a lot more secure than straps and cages, but that is all personal preference. I run a 17t back cog so that helps as far as skid patches goes, but lately I have been trying to not skid as much as possible and it's working out great. I'm not going through tires as fast and it just feels a lot smoother. Overall brakeless isn't bad imo

this. and there really isnt a reason to ever skid

I have a front brake that I haven't touched in months. Don't ride like you're trying to set an hour record and pay attention like your life depends on it, cuz it really does.

Yeah, I see what you guys are saying. I just don't see how you can go down a somewhat large hill and [safely] control your speed.

If you have hills use a brake. Otherwise, put your left foot on the downtube, and park your right foot on the tire. But seriously, get a front brake. I'd rather be safe than cool.

With a gear ratio which is a good match for your ability, it really isn't that hard.

I see. I'm not ever considering riding brakeless but if I did I would want to know. I don't want to end up like these guyz:

I don't get what you're saying.

The guys in the video don't stop.

Why would they? They're clearly participating in a race.

Scrod, I would like to drop below 70 gi.

Right now I'm at 48/17, new cog for 48/19 or new ring for 44 or 43/17?

Price difference between ring and cog isn't too much of an issue.

Bigger gears result in less wear on your chain and a smoother drivetrain in general. 48/19 FTW.

Plus it looks BAMF

I ran both 48/19 and 44/17. They feel the same, so I just stick with 48/19 'coz:

And:

I suspected the wear thing, so yeah, should be cheaper too. Hope my shop of choice has one in stock, I hate waiting.

dearest scrod,
why is the road forums section so lame?
i try reading some threads, but then i'm like... "lame"
-max

I think it's because they take the forum more seriously...

/Scrod-in-training

+1 on the 'brakeless doesn't mean you skid'. I really only skid if I'm effing around with my friends. I never do it while commuting, and I mean never. I just keep an eye out on the lights and the intersections and control my speed based on what's in front of me. If you're riding a ratio you're comfortable with then it won't take much time at all to get used to what the dos and dont's are, homebrewk.

Scrod,
I was looking at Faz's Kagero and saw he's 53/15. Am I just a bitter @ss or does a ratio like that, for someone who doesn't get on the track, scream "trying too hard"? or is it just me?