How twitchy is the Rum Runner? I'm looking for a budget steel frame to replace my 722ts, and the Rum Runner seems to be an option, but the geometry seems like it'll be a lot twitchier. Also, thinking of ordering it paired with the lugged steel fork on your shop, which, though only a 3mm difference in rake, would decrease the trail by another 3mm. I'm hesitant to take an already twitchy bike and decrease the trail by another 3mm.

It's got track geo so I guess it could be considered "twitchy".

I've built up quite a few Rum Runners for customers using our lugged fork and honestly don't notice any difference in handling between that and the Pake fork.

And if you get one that's too long, you can always cut it down. Go with Scrod's advice though, let's face it, he knows what he's talking about whereas I know how to unscrew my screwups ... usually.

Thoughts on the park tools home truing stand? I'm looking to buy a stand to keep my wheels trued and learn to build wheels. I trust park tools on their quality but am I going to regret just not buying their higher end stand?

Park Tool TS-8 Home Mechanic Wheel Truing Stand https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000LNW2OS..._0PHGub16XVD6M

I've ordered a few for customers and they're good. If you're just using it occasionally at home, it's all you'll ever need and nothing you don't.

Scrod, what can you tell about miche primato pista hubset? I've heard some talks that they aren't that suitable for street riding.
Same question about bombtrack drome hubset.

Thanks.

What would make a high flange, sealed bearing hub "not suitable for street riding"? Whoever said that is an idiot. I know several people (including my wife) who have been using them on the street for years.

I've never seen the BT hubs in person but I'm sure they'd also be fine.

Thanks.

Scrod - first question for me so go easy on me if you can!

Carbon fork w/ carbon steerer. Is it necessary to have a spacer above the stem or can the stem be at the top? 2009 Jamis Sonik is the bike, street ridden commuter because I can. Will see no track use.

It's probably fine without one but I typically put at least a 5mm spacer on top of the stem to ensure the stem's clamp making full contact with the steerer.

I am not sure what size is on there now, but I have two smaller spacers that are the equivalent height. Going to split the difference with one under and one over. Just looking for a little rise out of it. Swapping the stem simply cannot happen because the stem is straight ******. Thanks for the answer.

So what you are saying is that this is OK?

Before:


After:

Yup.

I don't recommend using more than 30-35mm worth of spacers under the stem on a carbon steerer though.

I am above your recommended amount then. I believe that the fork is uncut (not sure as I bought the bike used). I am 6'0" with a very freakishly long torso, and a 30" inseam. I am lucky that I got my height, but unlucky that I got the geometry of a turtle. The bike is a 58cm frame. There are currently 2 1/4" worth of spacers under the stem right now, which equates to about 57mm of spacers.

Does this add unnecessary stress on the steerer tube? I don't crank hard on the bars or on the bike that much as I ride it for fun and commute to work on the street. I do not track or race the bike at all.

Yes. Read the third paragraph here and if you like your face the way it looks now, cut your steerer.

Thank you for that article. Now, from what I am reading, they are talking about TT bikes, where you would rest quite a bit of your body weight on the bars/pads/steerer tube. Regardless, I just sent an inquiry to Jamis to see what they recommend. The last thing that I want is a catastrophic failure on the bike.

The first thing you need to determine is your desired rise/drop of the bars relative to the saddle height. After this is determined, you cut the unnecessary excess of the steerer tube above the stem. If you really need more than 30-35mm of spacers below the stem, then buy a new stem that has more rise to get the desired handlebar height.

This.

but...but.. his stem is straight ******..

Oh ****, sorry. Never mind.

I see what you did there. I really like the stem a lot. Using that term may have given the wrong impression. Being safe is the number one thing, so I am looking into other options.

You stock Aventon now? Didn't you used to not like them?

Not Scrod...But I don't see Aventon's for sale on his site at all.....

Instagram

I'm going to be out in SD for an interview next week, I'll try to swing by the shop and check it out.