Anything you use to remove the green paint is likely to damage the original color underneath.

Scrod, do you sell those stupid expensive yet awesome EAI cog/lock ring track tools? I've seen them elsewhere, but if you carry them I'd kinda like to keep it in the family here.

They're not up on the site but we've got a few in stock. Our price is $135.

That's a fair price. How can I order it?

Contact us through the site and provide your shipping address. I'll have Angie send you an invoice in the morning.

Done. I assume you approve of the tool? Seems like a great, albeit pricey, bit of kit. But as a bit of a tool geek, I say what the hell…..gotta have it.

I have one in my toolbox that sees occasional use when I want to impress someone.

IMO it works better than a chain whip (especially on smaller cogs) and the polished finish is beautiful - similar to EAI Superstar cogs.

I have something similar, although it's only a cog tool. It has two different size ends for larger and smaller cogs. It can also be used to disassemble old style multi-speed freewheels with screw-on cogs. My only complaint is that it grabs only one tooth of the cog and can damage it, which is why I prefer to use a chain whip if possible. As to the lockring tool, nothing beats the Hozan pliers that I bought from RG.

How does that work?
I'm assuming the cog fits into the slot in the middle, and there is something that grabs onto the teeth of the cog?

The little notch that grabs the lockring slots appears to be grooved int eh shape of an interlocking tooth for the cog.

Bingo.

I've never had any problems with it damaging a cog tooth.

I really want to pick up a Leader in the next couple of weeks.
Sold one of my old bikes and I have a little extra tax money, so it should be happening soon.

I don't think building a 725 from the ground up is going to be within my budget though.
Scrod, how do you feel about the 725 completes (I think you guys sell one?). I also like the look of the 722 as well.

Most of my miles are done commuting on a part rural part city route for about 10 miles one way. So I need something that works well around town, but can also handle a 40-50 mile ride without being ridiculously uncomfortable. Is Leader even a good option?

I do 30-40 mile rides on my 725 regularly without any trouble.

Unfortunately, the 722TS has been out of production for over two years and 725 completes are long gone until the 2014 model comes out. At the shop, we've been buying 725 Duomatics from Leader and swapping out the wheelset to make them fixed gear.

What kind of budget will you be looking at?

I'd like to keep it under a grand. I'll eventually add nicer components to the bike, but for now I need something pre-built that is "nice" when it arrives.

I was wondering if the only difference in the duomatics was the wheelsets, because I've seen some cheap duos. I guess that could be an option if I don't find anything else.

Any idea when Leader typically drops the completes for their newest year? I know the frames have been out for a bit now.

The only difference is the wheels.

I'm not really sure when the new Leader completes will hit the market but when they do, they'll be over $1000.

So... got deals on Duomatic wheelsets...?

We actually buy them without the wheels. I may be able to work some magic though.

so my best bet is to find a duomatic floating around or increase budget?

is the 721 remotely close to the 725 or would the difference be night and day?

thanks for the help

No prob!

The 721 and 725 share the exact same geo, the only real differences are the aero seat tube and smooth welds on the 725.

what tires would you recommend for dirty streets ? im running thickslicks but they are slick and i dont feel confident pushing them

How do you like those Resist Nomads that you have on your 725? Im looking for something new, and they look pretty interesting...

Also, I am thinking about getting some risers. You guys seem to like the Leader Uptowns... Anything magic about them?

Rubino in front, Rando out back.

They looked cool but that was about it.

I like risers with a lot of rise and they're decent for the money.

Did you ever find a price on a rear wheel???

I sold him the complete set for $120.