Tuesday 27 November 2012
New chain shortened, reweighed, & fitted
Following the initial trouble-free test rides, the borrowed 110 link chain has been returned, and a new one has now been shortened from 114 links to 110, reducing its weight from 251.5g to 242.5g (including the 2.5g Powerlock link), and fitted. No final decision yet on whether or not to go all the way to 108 links.
Wednesday 21 November 2012
Carbon fibre seatpost plus titanium headset cap & bolt delivered & weighed
The Hylix carbon fibre seatpost weighs in at a favourable 163.3g (claimed was 160g) for its full 400mm nominal length (it's actually just over 390mm, with 357mm of 27.2mm diameter post, of which 244mm is above the "0" insertion marker). However, the stand-in seatpost currently fitted has 20mm of setback, and I've already repositioned the saddle almost as far back as it will go, which doesn't bode well for the Hylix post, which has no setback. Maybe the stand-in post is going to stay put, and the Hylix is going to pass through eBay for a second time - a few more rides will tell. But the stand-in post, even though it's already been shortened, is heavier - I'm reserving final judgement on its potential permanence.
The J&L titanium headset cap and its titanium bolt weigh 11.1g (claimed was 11.0g). Unlike the current plastic M:Part cap, which has a rounded underside, the titanium cap has a flat underside with a slightly raised circular locating ridge. The ridge is slightly smaller in diameter than the internal diameter of the steerer tube, and almost shallow enough for the cap to fit perfectly without needing the stack spacer that's currently sitting under the stem. If I get the height of the ridge reduced slightly, I'll be able to save a total of 6.8g by discarding the spacer and fitting the titanium cap and bolt in place of the M:Part equivalents, and I'll have the absolute maximum surface area contact between the stem and the steerer.
Before:
- M:Part cap = 8.6g
- M:Part bolt + washer = 8.3g
- stack spacer = 1.0g
- total = 17.9g
After:
- titanium cap = 6.3g
- titanium bolt = 4.8g
- no spacer = 0.0g
- total = 11.1g
Total weight saving = 6.8g (!)
And the free socks? As expected, way too small! Gave them away without even bothering to weigh them... ;-)
The J&L titanium headset cap and its titanium bolt weigh 11.1g (claimed was 11.0g). Unlike the current plastic M:Part cap, which has a rounded underside, the titanium cap has a flat underside with a slightly raised circular locating ridge. The ridge is slightly smaller in diameter than the internal diameter of the steerer tube, and almost shallow enough for the cap to fit perfectly without needing the stack spacer that's currently sitting under the stem. If I get the height of the ridge reduced slightly, I'll be able to save a total of 6.8g by discarding the spacer and fitting the titanium cap and bolt in place of the M:Part equivalents, and I'll have the absolute maximum surface area contact between the stem and the steerer.
Before:
- M:Part cap = 8.6g
- M:Part bolt + washer = 8.3g
- stack spacer = 1.0g
- total = 17.9g
After:
- titanium cap = 6.3g
- titanium bolt = 4.8g
- no spacer = 0.0g
- total = 11.1g
Total weight saving = 6.8g (!)
And the free socks? As expected, way too small! Gave them away without even bothering to weigh them... ;-)
Saturday 17 November 2012
ESI grips ordered
Still undecided on colour, so I've ordered a black pair as they'll have multiple alternative uses if I eventually decide I really must have another colour for Ti10x.
Best price I could find was from a USA seller on eBay. I went for the very slightly more expensive ($1.30) option, which includes an ESI-branded Specialized water bottle:
- http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/260946381950
- http://www.esigrips.com/GripsInABottle.htm
- 60g/pair (claimed)
- £15.27 (including £3.25 delivery)
eBay/Paypal applied their usual exchange rate rip-off - advertised price is $18.49, which eBay states is "approximately £11.67", and postage is $5.00, which eBay states is "approximately £3.16".
Now "approximately £11.67" + "approximately £3.16" is approximately £14.83 - right? Wrong. According to Paypal, it's (exactly) £15.27 - are we not supposed to notice?
Best price I could find was from a USA seller on eBay. I went for the very slightly more expensive ($1.30) option, which includes an ESI-branded Specialized water bottle:
- http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/260946381950
- http://www.esigrips.com/GripsInABottle.htm
- 60g/pair (claimed)
- £15.27 (including £3.25 delivery)
eBay/Paypal applied their usual exchange rate rip-off - advertised price is $18.49, which eBay states is "approximately £11.67", and postage is $5.00, which eBay states is "approximately £3.16".
Now "approximately £11.67" + "approximately £3.16" is approximately £14.83 - right? Wrong. According to Paypal, it's (exactly) £15.27 - are we not supposed to notice?
Sunday 11 November 2012
First ride
Today I removed the bottom bracket bearings, derailleur, back brake, seatpost clamp, and bottle cages (basically everything in contact with the titanium frame), and applied Park Tools ASC-1 anti-seize compound before refitting them. I also applied Finish Line Fiber Grip to the fork steerer tube before properly cinching the stem.
Finally, I tidied up a few loose ends - I cut the inner brake and shifter cables to length and crimped their end caps in place, switched the orientation of the Cateye computer mount so I could move it from the handlebar to the stem, and fitted a stand-in seatpost and my Selle SMP Plus saddle.
And with that, we were all set. It wasn't a long ride (time was limited) but it was a good one!
In some ways it wasn't very interesting - no huge surprises, and nothing fell off! The only adjustments needed once I got going were to the saddle, moving it almost as far back as it can go and raising the nose slightly.
What was interesting was that the overriding first impression was how easy it is to accelerate and to push big gears. I know that really that directly equates to speed, but if I had to sum up in one word how it felt, it would be "effortless", not "fast" - probably because I was in no hurry.
No drivetrain problems, the relatively wide ratios felt fine, and shifting was flawless and without hesitation, even from 9th to 10th under load. Top feels plenty high enough, and I think bottom should be adequate.
The only thing needing urgent attention is the handlebar grips - I don't think I'd get very far on the temporary grips, I need to get those ESI grips ordered ASAP.
Finally, I tidied up a few loose ends - I cut the inner brake and shifter cables to length and crimped their end caps in place, switched the orientation of the Cateye computer mount so I could move it from the handlebar to the stem, and fitted a stand-in seatpost and my Selle SMP Plus saddle.
And with that, we were all set. It wasn't a long ride (time was limited) but it was a good one!
In some ways it wasn't very interesting - no huge surprises, and nothing fell off! The only adjustments needed once I got going were to the saddle, moving it almost as far back as it can go and raising the nose slightly.
What was interesting was that the overriding first impression was how easy it is to accelerate and to push big gears. I know that really that directly equates to speed, but if I had to sum up in one word how it felt, it would be "effortless", not "fast" - probably because I was in no hurry.
No drivetrain problems, the relatively wide ratios felt fine, and shifting was flawless and without hesitation, even from 9th to 10th under load. Top feels plenty high enough, and I think bottom should be adequate.
The only thing needing urgent attention is the handlebar grips - I don't think I'd get very far on the temporary grips, I need to get those ESI grips ordered ASAP.
Saturday 10 November 2012
Fitting the Cateye V2/V3 speed & cadence sensor backwards
Why? Because not only is the gap between the crank and the chainstay wider than the maximum reach of the cadence sensor arm (when it's mounted conventionally), but also because the (temporary) M590 cranks have hollow backs which would mean the cadence sensor magnet couldn't be ziptied into place without additional material to raise the magnet out of the recess.
How? I fitted the sensor unit under the chainstay, instead of above it, so that the cadence sensor arm extends back towards the rear wheel, instead of forwards towards the bottom bracket (I couldn't fit it above the chainstay and turn it around, because the speed sensor only tilts in one direction).
The cadence magnet attached itself to the inner end of the pedal spindle, but I was pretty sure magnetism alone wouldn't be enough to keep it there permanently. It couldn't be secured with a ziptie, because of course the pedal spindle would be in the way on the outboard side of the crank, so I popped the magnet out of its plastic holder, and used a short length of inner tube (with a small hole cut in it for the pedal spindle) instead.
How? I fitted the sensor unit under the chainstay, instead of above it, so that the cadence sensor arm extends back towards the rear wheel, instead of forwards towards the bottom bracket (I couldn't fit it above the chainstay and turn it around, because the speed sensor only tilts in one direction).
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| The sensor unit mounted backwards under the chainstay, showing the alignment of the speed sensor with the speed magnet on the wheel spoke, and of the cadence sensor arm with the eventual position of the cadence magnet (concentric with the hole in the crank arm). |
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| The cadence magnet, looking lost in the depths of the hollow rear side of the crank arm. |
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| L to R: about 25mm of inner tube, with a slightly elongated hole offset a little towards one end; pedal; cadence sensor magnet; and the plastic holder and ziptie that would normally secure the magnet. |
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| The inner tube sleeve in position on the pedal spindle, ready to be fitted to the crank arm. |
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| Pedal fitted, with magnet attaching itself to the inboard end of the spindle. |
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| The inner tube sleeve pulled into position to secure the magnet. |
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| Outboard view of the pedal spindle and inner tube sleeve in place. |
Friday 9 November 2012
Test build almost complete
The first rough build is nearing completion - a test ride with a stand-in seatpost is imminent.
The brake cable problem has been resolved with a pair of alternative ferrules from MK Cycles, and I've temporarily fitted a couple of flimsy (7g each!) foam handlebar grips.
I've even installed a Cateye V2/V3 computer mounting kit, which is a story in itself - I ended up fitting the speed/cadence sensor upside down and back-to-front, and stuck the cadence magnet on the end of the pedal spindle - maybe I'll take some more photos and write that up tomorrow.
The M590 crankset is still fitted, as I haven't even begun the XTR M960 crankset modifications yet.
Having discussed the chain length issue with Mr Wotler et al, I've decided to leave the borrowed 110 link chain on for the first ride. If all is well, I'll then shorten a new chain to 110 and probably run that for a while, and reserve judgement on possibly going to 108 at a later date.
The next step, after a few test rides, will be to tear it down again and tackle the aesthetics.
The brake cable problem has been resolved with a pair of alternative ferrules from MK Cycles, and I've temporarily fitted a couple of flimsy (7g each!) foam handlebar grips.
I've even installed a Cateye V2/V3 computer mounting kit, which is a story in itself - I ended up fitting the speed/cadence sensor upside down and back-to-front, and stuck the cadence magnet on the end of the pedal spindle - maybe I'll take some more photos and write that up tomorrow.
The M590 crankset is still fitted, as I haven't even begun the XTR M960 crankset modifications yet.
Having discussed the chain length issue with Mr Wotler et al, I've decided to leave the borrowed 110 link chain on for the first ride. If all is well, I'll then shorten a new chain to 110 and probably run that for a while, and reserve judgement on possibly going to 108 at a later date.
The next step, after a few test rides, will be to tear it down again and tackle the aesthetics.
Thursday 8 November 2012
Cables fitted, derailleur & brakes set up
I haven't previously done any bicycle cabling from scratch, but this first attempt has gone almost without a hitch.
The shifter cable came from two sources - the inner came with the shifter, the outer from MK Cycles, a local bike shop. I didn't attempt to cut the outer myself, instead I bought two separate lengths, each slightly longer than I would need (for shifter to downtube adjuster barrel, and chainstay cable stop to derailleur) from the bike shop, offered them up to the bike, marked them for cutting, and then returned them to the shop to be trimmed with their (rather expensive looking) special cutter.
Setting up the derailleur was straight forward, it's working perfectly, and is all set to be fine-tuned on a test ride to get it absolutely spot-on under load.
The brake cables came with the Tiagra levers, which I chose because they are highest group Shimano flat bar levers, and can be used with caliper brakes (they can be set up either for V-brakes, or for caliper or cantilever or roller brakes) and the diagonal cutters on my pliers proved up to the job of neatly pruning them to length.
There was a problem however with the supplied ferrules - they fit perfectly into the adjuster barrels on the levers, and into the cable stops on the frame, but their external diameter is very slightly larger than the internal diameter of the adjuster barrels on the Tiagra calipers. Not sure what's gone wrong there - I assumed that the cables Shimano supplied with BL-4600 Tiagra levers would be compatible with BR-4600 Tiagra calipers! So for now I've left those two ferrules out, and I'll get an opinion (and, I suspect, a couple of different ferrules) from the bike shop next time I'm passing.
No problems adjusting the brakes. I still need to cut the inner cables to length, resolve the ferrule problem, get a shorter mounting bolt for the rear caliper, and I should probably replace the used brake shoes with something that will be as kind as possible to my Ultegra rims, but none of those things is stopping the bike from being ridden.
The shifter cable came from two sources - the inner came with the shifter, the outer from MK Cycles, a local bike shop. I didn't attempt to cut the outer myself, instead I bought two separate lengths, each slightly longer than I would need (for shifter to downtube adjuster barrel, and chainstay cable stop to derailleur) from the bike shop, offered them up to the bike, marked them for cutting, and then returned them to the shop to be trimmed with their (rather expensive looking) special cutter.
Setting up the derailleur was straight forward, it's working perfectly, and is all set to be fine-tuned on a test ride to get it absolutely spot-on under load.
The brake cables came with the Tiagra levers, which I chose because they are highest group Shimano flat bar levers, and can be used with caliper brakes (they can be set up either for V-brakes, or for caliper or cantilever or roller brakes) and the diagonal cutters on my pliers proved up to the job of neatly pruning them to length.
There was a problem however with the supplied ferrules - they fit perfectly into the adjuster barrels on the levers, and into the cable stops on the frame, but their external diameter is very slightly larger than the internal diameter of the adjuster barrels on the Tiagra calipers. Not sure what's gone wrong there - I assumed that the cables Shimano supplied with BL-4600 Tiagra levers would be compatible with BR-4600 Tiagra calipers! So for now I've left those two ferrules out, and I'll get an opinion (and, I suspect, a couple of different ferrules) from the bike shop next time I'm passing.
No problems adjusting the brakes. I still need to cut the inner cables to length, resolve the ferrule problem, get a shorter mounting bolt for the rear caliper, and I should probably replace the used brake shoes with something that will be as kind as possible to my Ultegra rims, but none of those things is stopping the bike from being ridden.
Wednesday 7 November 2012
Sealant-free tubeless tyres - initial pressure check
After 24 hours, pressure is down about 3-4psi. This includes however much is lost as a result of applying the pressure gauge (which probably isn't insignificant, given the low volumes and high pressures involved).
Tuesday 6 November 2012
Hutchinson Fusion 3 tubeless tyres fitted
This is the first time I've fitted tubeless bicycle road tyres, and I wasn't quite sure what to expect. My previous experience with bicycle tyres in general (reasonable), tubeless MTB tyres (limited), and tubeless motorcycle and car tyres (considerable is probably an understatement) suggested that fitting these would be a doddle. On the other hand, most reports I've read online, both by Joe Public and supposed press professionals, generally indicated that superhuman strength, heavy duty tyre levers, and a compressor of industrial proportions would be needed.
I popped the tyres in the airing cupboard for half an hour first (warm tyres are that bit more flexible and stretchy) then applied diluted liquid soap to the beads with my finger. The first side went on by hand in a flash, followed by most of the second side. I did then resort to a second pair of hands to help me get to within about nine inches of bead remaining, but could proceed no further with my bare hands. Three gentle applications of a single normal plastic bicycle tyre lever then effortlessly popped the last section into place.
A simple track pump was then applied. The first (front) tyre took about 30 seconds with my glamorous assistant pumping and me gently manipulating to get a complete seal, and even less time to get from there to 100psi - per the sidewall, which states "REC. PRESSURE 7.0 BAR (100 PSI) MAX. PRESSURE 8.7 BAR (125 PSI)". The second (rear) tyre went straight up, right from the first stroke on the track pump, without needing any manipulating whatsoever.
Momentarily over-inflating a tyre (within reason) can help to get the best possible mating of beads and rim, but these appear to have gone on very neatly without needing any special persuasion, and the beads and the tread look perfectly concentric when the wheel is spun.
No sealant used - let's see what pressure they are at in 24 hours time.
I popped the tyres in the airing cupboard for half an hour first (warm tyres are that bit more flexible and stretchy) then applied diluted liquid soap to the beads with my finger. The first side went on by hand in a flash, followed by most of the second side. I did then resort to a second pair of hands to help me get to within about nine inches of bead remaining, but could proceed no further with my bare hands. Three gentle applications of a single normal plastic bicycle tyre lever then effortlessly popped the last section into place.
A simple track pump was then applied. The first (front) tyre took about 30 seconds with my glamorous assistant pumping and me gently manipulating to get a complete seal, and even less time to get from there to 100psi - per the sidewall, which states "REC. PRESSURE 7.0 BAR (100 PSI) MAX. PRESSURE 8.7 BAR (125 PSI)". The second (rear) tyre went straight up, right from the first stroke on the track pump, without needing any manipulating whatsoever.
Momentarily over-inflating a tyre (within reason) can help to get the best possible mating of beads and rim, but these appear to have gone on very neatly without needing any special persuasion, and the beads and the tread look perfectly concentric when the wheel is spun.
No sealant used - let's see what pressure they are at in 24 hours time.
Monday 5 November 2012
Tubeless valves & outer shifter cable collected
At long last, the tubeless valves arrived at MK Cycles today. Front and rear valves are completely identical, except the rear valve has an additional adapter to match the offset section of the rear rim. Despite the almost microscopic proportions of this simple plastic spacer, the rear valve is a whopping 50% more expensive than the front.
WH-7850-SL-F valve unit, front:
- 6.8g
- £3.99
WH-7850-SL-R valve unit, rear:
- 6.9g
- £5.99
While I was at the shop collecting the valves, I also picked up a length of outer sheath for the shifter cable, plus the necessary ferrules for the outer and a cap for the inner, which altogether set me back £1.50.
I'm now looking forward to finding out how lacking my humble collection of bicycle tools is over the next few days!
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| The rear valve is the one on the right, complete with its adapter, which sits on the outside surface of the rim. There's an O-ring seal under the knurled locking ring, but not under the adapter. |
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| Here's the rear valve in situ, perched on its adapter, overhanging the drive side of the rim. |
- 6.8g
- £3.99
WH-7850-SL-R valve unit, rear:
- 6.9g
- £5.99
While I was at the shop collecting the valves, I also picked up a length of outer sheath for the shifter cable, plus the necessary ferrules for the outer and a cap for the inner, which altogether set me back £1.50.
I'm now looking forward to finding out how lacking my humble collection of bicycle tools is over the next few days!
Saturday 3 November 2012
Chain length - 108 or 110?
A bit of a moment-of-truth today - I borrowed a chain off another 10-speed bike, draped it across the 46 tooth chainring, threaded it through the XTR derailleur, wrapped it around the 11-36 XTR cassette, Powerlocked the ends, and got to see 1x10 in action for the first time. As I've no tyres (the tubeless valves still haven't arrived at the shop) and no shifter cable yet, it was only a quick hand-cranked test spin, but shifting was quick and smooth, even at the extremities, with no audible complaints from anything, even when in 10th - fingers crossed everything looks and sounds just as sweet under load!
The borrowed chain was 110 links. However, according to the time-honoured method of determining the correct length by wrapping the chain around the biggest ring and biggest cog without going through the derailleur, and then adding two links, I should be OK with 108 links.
Here are a couple of photos, first with 110 links, then with 108 links. How might I learn from first trying 110 that it would be better not to proceed to 108? Or should I just get on with it and go straight to 108?
The borrowed chain was 110 links. However, according to the time-honoured method of determining the correct length by wrapping the chain around the biggest ring and biggest cog without going through the derailleur, and then adding two links, I should be OK with 108 links.
Here are a couple of photos, first with 110 links, then with 108 links. How might I learn from first trying 110 that it would be better not to proceed to 108? Or should I just get on with it and go straight to 108?
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| 110 links - too long? |
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| 108 links - too short? |
Friday 2 November 2012
bike24.com order has arrived
Got my hands on the brake levers, chain, and tyre sealant today.
First job is to weigh everything! Next I can determine how many links need to be removed from the chain - and then after it's been shortened, weigh it all over again!
First job is to weigh everything! Next I can determine how many links need to be removed from the chain - and then after it's been shortened, weigh it all over again!
Thursday 1 November 2012
700x23 Hutchinson Fusion 3 tubeless tyres delivered & weighed
Claimed weight: 290g
Actual weights: 305.5g and 317.5g
So that's 623g for the pair, 311.5g average. Well, let's look on the bright side - their weight will decrease as I wear them out! Can't tell you much more than that until the tubeless valves arrive.
Interestingly (not!) it's a similar story with the Camelbak Podium 710ml bottles - the first one weighed 74.3g, the second one (which just arrived, with the tyres) weighs 77.1g - so 151.4g for the pair, 75.7g average.
Actual weights: 305.5g and 317.5g
So that's 623g for the pair, 311.5g average. Well, let's look on the bright side - their weight will decrease as I wear them out! Can't tell you much more than that until the tubeless valves arrive.
Interestingly (not!) it's a similar story with the Camelbak Podium 710ml bottles - the first one weighed 74.3g, the second one (which just arrived, with the tyres) weighs 77.1g - so 151.4g for the pair, 75.7g average.
Wednesday 31 October 2012
Brake levers, chain, & sealant ordered
I've placed an order with bike24.com which includes:
Shimano Tiagra brake levers:
- http://www.bike24.com/1.php?content=8;product=23776
- http://www.bike-components.de/products/info/p30229_Tiagra-Bremshebelset-BL-4600-mit-Zuegen-Modell-2012-.html
SRAM PC1091R chain:
- http://www.bike24.com/1.php?content=8;product=7391
- http://www.bike-components.de/products/info/p25061_PC-1091R-10-fach-Kette-.html
Hutchinson "Fast'air" tubeless tyre sealant:
- http://www.bike24.com/1.php?content=8;product=15568
- http://www.hutchinsontires.com/en/accessoires.php
Pricing the individual items (there was other stuff in the same order) hasn't been simple. I took advantage of the bike24.com price match policy and paid the lower prices listed by bike-components.de for the levers and the chain, along with a higher delivery charge. Then bike24.com invoiced me the wrong (full unmatched) price, and three days later I got a credit for the amount they had overcharged me - meaning two different exchange rates and two lots of bank charges. So you'll just have to trust me - I've done some serious calculator thrashing to divide the total final price between the items as realistically as possible, and as the individual delivery charges were so arbitrarily determined, I've not shown them seperately.
The good news is that all I need now is the outer shifter cable housing and a pair of handlebar grips. Eventually I'll also need a rear light, if I'm to venture out after dark.
I plan to sort the shifter cable at a local bike shop, but not until after the brake levers arrive, as they supposedly include brake cables but I don't know what colour they'll be.
Favourite grips are still ESI silicone MTB, which I'm expecting to cost £15.50 or thereabouts. I've yet to decide on the colour (eight to choose from!), but there's no rush to order these as I've already got something else that will tide me over.
Spent so far:
- frame (including £20.00 delivery) = £332.88
- crankset (including £6.00 delivery) = £126.00
- fork (including £10.00 delivery) = £63.50
- wheelset = £162.63
- brake calipers (including £5.00 delivery) = £18.83
- chainring = £46.53
- headset = £18.61
- shifter = £54.99
- handlebar = £25.37
- stem = £12.68
- bottles (pair) = £13.95
- bottle cages (including £2.99 delivery) = £76.00
- cassette = £143.01
- derailleur = £107.53
- cassette spacer = £0.99
- seatpost #2 (including £7.04 delivery) = £40.21
- Ti headset cap & bolt (including £0.70 delivery) = £4.02
- tyres (pair) = £71.98
- brake levers (including delivery charge) = £17.01
- chain (including delivery charge) = £37.15
Total = £1366.68
I've not included the tyre sealant yet - first I'm going to fit the tyres without sealant, and see what happens. And if I do later add sealant, I don't yet know how much will be needed - I'm hoping there will be some guidance printed on the can (I've got two cans coming, which cost £9.05 each including delivery).
Also not (yet) included are the tubeless valves, and the fiver I paid to have the headset pressed into place.
Shimano Tiagra brake levers:
- http://www.bike24.com/1.php?content=8;product=23776
- http://www.bike-components.de/products/info/p30229_Tiagra-Bremshebelset-BL-4600-mit-Zuegen-Modell-2012-.html
SRAM PC1091R chain:
- http://www.bike24.com/1.php?content=8;product=7391
- http://www.bike-components.de/products/info/p25061_PC-1091R-10-fach-Kette-.html
Hutchinson "Fast'air" tubeless tyre sealant:
- http://www.bike24.com/1.php?content=8;product=15568
- http://www.hutchinsontires.com/en/accessoires.php
Pricing the individual items (there was other stuff in the same order) hasn't been simple. I took advantage of the bike24.com price match policy and paid the lower prices listed by bike-components.de for the levers and the chain, along with a higher delivery charge. Then bike24.com invoiced me the wrong (full unmatched) price, and three days later I got a credit for the amount they had overcharged me - meaning two different exchange rates and two lots of bank charges. So you'll just have to trust me - I've done some serious calculator thrashing to divide the total final price between the items as realistically as possible, and as the individual delivery charges were so arbitrarily determined, I've not shown them seperately.
The good news is that all I need now is the outer shifter cable housing and a pair of handlebar grips. Eventually I'll also need a rear light, if I'm to venture out after dark.
I plan to sort the shifter cable at a local bike shop, but not until after the brake levers arrive, as they supposedly include brake cables but I don't know what colour they'll be.
Favourite grips are still ESI silicone MTB, which I'm expecting to cost £15.50 or thereabouts. I've yet to decide on the colour (eight to choose from!), but there's no rush to order these as I've already got something else that will tide me over.
Spent so far:
- frame (including £20.00 delivery) = £332.88
- crankset (including £6.00 delivery) = £126.00
- fork (including £10.00 delivery) = £63.50
- wheelset = £162.63
- brake calipers (including £5.00 delivery) = £18.83
- chainring = £46.53
- headset = £18.61
- shifter = £54.99
- handlebar = £25.37
- stem = £12.68
- bottles (pair) = £13.95
- bottle cages (including £2.99 delivery) = £76.00
- cassette = £143.01
- derailleur = £107.53
- cassette spacer = £0.99
- seatpost #2 (including £7.04 delivery) = £40.21
- Ti headset cap & bolt (including £0.70 delivery) = £4.02
- tyres (pair) = £71.98
- brake levers (including delivery charge) = £17.01
- chain (including delivery charge) = £37.15
Total = £1366.68
I've not included the tyre sealant yet - first I'm going to fit the tyres without sealant, and see what happens. And if I do later add sealant, I don't yet know how much will be needed - I'm hoping there will be some guidance printed on the can (I've got two cans coming, which cost £9.05 each including delivery).
Also not (yet) included are the tubeless valves, and the fiver I paid to have the headset pressed into place.
Tuesday 30 October 2012
Tubeless tyres & tubeless valves ordered
I've ordered a pair of 700x23 Hutchinson Fusion 3 tubeless tyres from wiggle.co.uk for the price of £35.99 each, courtesy of a 20% discount code. Wiggle deduct these discounts from the "list price", so I only actually got 11.1% off their real advertised price, but it was enough.
On the same order is the second Camelbak 710ml Podium water bottle, which cost £7.19 with the same 20% discount code.
My search for a mailorder supplier of genuine Shimano tubeless valves for Ultegra wheels (would you believe front and rear valves are different?) drew a blank, so I've ordered a pair from MK Cycles, one of my local bike shops. Hopefully I'll be able to pick them up sometime this week.
On the same order is the second Camelbak 710ml Podium water bottle, which cost £7.19 with the same 20% discount code.
My search for a mailorder supplier of genuine Shimano tubeless valves for Ultegra wheels (would you believe front and rear valves are different?) drew a blank, so I've ordered a pair from MK Cycles, one of my local bike shops. Hopefully I'll be able to pick them up sometime this week.
Friday 26 October 2012
Carbon fibre seatpost plus titanium headset cap and bolt ordered
I've bought a carbon fibre seatpost plus a titanium headset cap and bolt on eBay - from Taiwan! I suspect the seatpost might be a bit more fragile than I really would have preferred, but it's lightweight, it's inexpensive (for brand new carbon fibre), and it'll get me started. The plan with the titanium stem cap is to get the underside machined to exactly match my existing stem/steerer combination, allowing the (alloy) stem absolute maximum surface area contact with the (carbon fibre) steerer without the need for the 2.5mm stack spacer under the stem.
As the cap and bolt together only weigh 11g I'd hoped to get them shipped free with the seatpost, but the best I could eventually negotiate was a miserly $1 discount plus a free pair of cycling socks (I've requested the very largest size they have, but I'll bet they are too small for me anyway...)
Yet again, eBay/Paypal were a mile out in their currency conversions. Fingers crossed I don't get saddled with any import duty. I've split the total delivery charge in proportion to the cost of each item. They were sent yesterday, and delivery is supposed to take "15 ~ 25 business days" - so hopefully sometime between 15th and 30th of November.
Hylix carbon fibre seatpost (27.2mm x 410mm):
- 160g (claimed)
- £40.21 (including £7.04 delivery)
J&L titanium headset cap and bolt:
- 11g (claimed)
- £4.02 (including £0.70 delivery)
As the cap and bolt together only weigh 11g I'd hoped to get them shipped free with the seatpost, but the best I could eventually negotiate was a miserly $1 discount plus a free pair of cycling socks (I've requested the very largest size they have, but I'll bet they are too small for me anyway...)
Yet again, eBay/Paypal were a mile out in their currency conversions. Fingers crossed I don't get saddled with any import duty. I've split the total delivery charge in proportion to the cost of each item. They were sent yesterday, and delivery is supposed to take "15 ~ 25 business days" - so hopefully sometime between 15th and 30th of November.
Hylix carbon fibre seatpost (27.2mm x 410mm):
- 160g (claimed)
- £40.21 (including £7.04 delivery)
J&L titanium headset cap and bolt:
- 11g (claimed)
- £4.02 (including £0.70 delivery)
Saturday 20 October 2012
Tubeless bicycle road tyre availability, prices, & claimed weights
I've been searching for each and every tubeless bicycle road tyre that I'm aware of.
So far I've checked the following bicycle mailorder websites:
- bike-components.de (bike-components)
- bike24.com (bike24)
- chainreactioncycles.com (CRC)
- dotbike.com (dotbike)
- evanscycles.com (evans)
- sjscycles.co.uk (SJS)
- stif.co.uk (stif)
- wiggle.co.uk (wiggle)
- winstanleysbikes.co.uk (winstanley)
Here are the results, as of today. In a nutshell, the choice is between three Hutchinsons, or wait until next year for Schwalbe.
All are black in colour, unless otherwise stated. Weights as claimed on the manufacturers website are in brackets. "Not listed anywhere" means not listed on any of the above mailorder websites.
Bontrager
- http://bontrager.com/model/10991
- http://bontrager.com/model/11383
R2 - 700x23 (280g) - Not listed anywhere
R2 - 700x25 (295g) - Not listed anywhere
R3 - 700x23 (265g) - Not listed anywhere
R3 - 700x25 (280g) - Not listed anywhere
Rumoured to have been manufactured by Hutchinson and now discontinued.
Hutchinson
- http://www.hutchinsontires.com/en/catalogue.php?cat=route
Atom - 700x23 (270g)
- €49.95 (~£41) @ bike-components.de (NB: delivery charges apply)
- €49.90 (~£41) @ bike24
- £51.05 @ SJS
- £49.49 @ wiggle
Fusion 3 - 700x23 (290g)
- €48.95 (~£40) @ bike-components.de (NB: delivery charges apply)
- £39.59 @ CRC
- £40.49 @ wiggle
Intensive - 700x25 (320g)
- £44.49 @ wiggle
No sign of the rumoured Atom Galactic or Intensive 28c ("Top Speed"?) anywhere, even in the hutchinsontires.com catalogue.
...updated 01/11/2012: I just took delivery of a pair of 700x23 Fusion 3s, and they actually weigh (surprise surprise) more - 305.5g and 317.5g - so that's 623g for the pair, 311.5g average.
IRC
- http://www.irc-tire.com/en/bc/products/road_tl/
Formula Pro Tubeless Light - 700x23 (240g) - Not listed anywhere
Formula Pro Tubeless RBCC - 700x23 grey/red (290g) - Not listed anywhere
Formula Pro Tubeless X-Guard - 700x23 (310g) - Not listed anywhere
Roadlite Tubeless - 700x23 black/red/white (310g) - Not listed anywhere
Available in Japan, these seem to be about twice the price of Hutchinson/Schwalbe product.
Kenda
- http://www.kendatire.com/en/home/bicycle/road.aspx
Rumoured to be thinking about getting into tubeless bicycle road tyres, but doesn't appear to have announced any products yet.
Maxxis
- http://www.maxxis.com/Bicycle/Road-Racing/Padrone.aspx
Padrone - 700x23 (300g) - Not listed anywhere
Schwalbe
- http://www.schwalbe.com/gbl/en/presse/rollstuhl/index.php5?gesamt=292&ID_Sprache=2
- http://www.schwalbe.com/gbl/en/produkte/race/produkt/?ID_Produktgruppe=46&ID_Produkt=245
Ultremo ZX Tubeless - 700x23 (295g)
- €39.95 @ bike-components.de
NB:
- bike-components.de currently has no stock, states "delivery status: delivery period approx. 20 days or more", and applies delivery surcharges for the UK
- Although Schwalbe has stated that this tyre is "available now" and released samples to the media for testing earlier this year, both schwalbe.co.uk and schwalbe.com have since confirmed that it won't go on sale until 2013
...updated 30/01/2013: apparently the tubeless Ultremo ZX will not now be available until "spring" 2013 - http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=12900079
Specialized
- http://www.specialized.com/au/gb/ftb/road-tires/endurance-road-tires/roubaix-road-tubeless
Roubaix Road Tubeless - 700x23/25 (23mm tread, 25mm casing; no weight claimed) - Not listed anywhere
Rumoured to be manufactured by Hutchinson.
WTB
- http://www.wtb.com/products/tires/
Rumoured to be thinking about getting into tubeless bicycle road tyres, but doesn't appear to have announced any products yet.
So far I've checked the following bicycle mailorder websites:
- bike-components.de (bike-components)
- bike24.com (bike24)
- chainreactioncycles.com (CRC)
- dotbike.com (dotbike)
- evanscycles.com (evans)
- sjscycles.co.uk (SJS)
- stif.co.uk (stif)
- wiggle.co.uk (wiggle)
- winstanleysbikes.co.uk (winstanley)
Here are the results, as of today. In a nutshell, the choice is between three Hutchinsons, or wait until next year for Schwalbe.
All are black in colour, unless otherwise stated. Weights as claimed on the manufacturers website are in brackets. "Not listed anywhere" means not listed on any of the above mailorder websites.
Bontrager
- http://bontrager.com/model/10991
- http://bontrager.com/model/11383
R2 - 700x23 (280g) - Not listed anywhere
R2 - 700x25 (295g) - Not listed anywhere
R3 - 700x23 (265g) - Not listed anywhere
R3 - 700x25 (280g) - Not listed anywhere
Rumoured to have been manufactured by Hutchinson and now discontinued.
Hutchinson
- http://www.hutchinsontires.com/en/catalogue.php?cat=route
Atom - 700x23 (270g)
- €49.95 (~£41) @ bike-components.de (NB: delivery charges apply)
- €49.90 (~£41) @ bike24
- £51.05 @ SJS
- £49.49 @ wiggle
Fusion 3 - 700x23 (290g)
- €48.95 (~£40) @ bike-components.de (NB: delivery charges apply)
- £39.59 @ CRC
- £40.49 @ wiggle
Intensive - 700x25 (320g)
- £44.49 @ wiggle
No sign of the rumoured Atom Galactic or Intensive 28c ("Top Speed"?) anywhere, even in the hutchinsontires.com catalogue.
...updated 01/11/2012: I just took delivery of a pair of 700x23 Fusion 3s, and they actually weigh (surprise surprise) more - 305.5g and 317.5g - so that's 623g for the pair, 311.5g average.
IRC
- http://www.irc-tire.com/en/bc/products/road_tl/
Formula Pro Tubeless Light - 700x23 (240g) - Not listed anywhere
Formula Pro Tubeless RBCC - 700x23 grey/red (290g) - Not listed anywhere
Formula Pro Tubeless X-Guard - 700x23 (310g) - Not listed anywhere
Roadlite Tubeless - 700x23 black/red/white (310g) - Not listed anywhere
Available in Japan, these seem to be about twice the price of Hutchinson/Schwalbe product.
Kenda
- http://www.kendatire.com/en/home/bicycle/road.aspx
Rumoured to be thinking about getting into tubeless bicycle road tyres, but doesn't appear to have announced any products yet.
Maxxis
- http://www.maxxis.com/Bicycle/Road-Racing/Padrone.aspx
Padrone - 700x23 (300g) - Not listed anywhere
Schwalbe
- http://www.schwalbe.com/gbl/en/presse/rollstuhl/index.php5?gesamt=292&ID_Sprache=2
- http://www.schwalbe.com/gbl/en/produkte/race/produkt/?ID_Produktgruppe=46&ID_Produkt=245
Ultremo ZX Tubeless - 700x23 (295g)
- €39.95 @ bike-components.de
NB:
- bike-components.de currently has no stock, states "delivery status: delivery period approx. 20 days or more", and applies delivery surcharges for the UK
- Although Schwalbe has stated that this tyre is "available now" and released samples to the media for testing earlier this year, both schwalbe.co.uk and schwalbe.com have since confirmed that it won't go on sale until 2013
...updated 30/01/2013: apparently the tubeless Ultremo ZX will not now be available until "spring" 2013 - http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=12900079
Specialized
- http://www.specialized.com/au/gb/ftb/road-tires/endurance-road-tires/roubaix-road-tubeless
Roubaix Road Tubeless - 700x23/25 (23mm tread, 25mm casing; no weight claimed) - Not listed anywhere
Rumoured to be manufactured by Hutchinson.
WTB
- http://www.wtb.com/products/tires/
Rumoured to be thinking about getting into tubeless bicycle road tyres, but doesn't appear to have announced any products yet.
Thursday 18 October 2012
1x10 chainline
Let's call chainrings 'rings', and cassette sprockets 'cogs'. And on my 10-speed cassette, let's call the largest cog '1st', and the smallest cog '10th'.
For Shimano 10-speed cassettes (according to Sheldon):
- centre-to-centre cog spacing = 3.95mm
- cog thickness = 1.6mm
- cog spacer thickness = 2.35mm
- overall cassette width = 37.2mm
(...not sure about that overall cassette width though - I reckon (3.95 x 9) + 1.6 = 37.15, not that 0.05mm is going to make much difference in practice...)
My frame has a standard (for modern road bikes, but not modern MTBs) OLD of 130mm. And I measure my clearance between the inside surface of the forkend and the outside surface of the 10th cog as (approx.) 3mm.
So I reckon the offset of 10th is 65mm (half OLD) - 3mm (forkend-cassette clearance) - 0.8mm (half cog thickness) = 61.2mm.
In which case the offset for each of my cogs (with proposed gear inches in brackets) is:
- 1st (33.5) = 25.65mm
- 2nd (37.7) = 29.6mm
- 3rd (43.1) = 33.55mm
- 4th (50.3) = 37.5mm
- 5th (57.4) = 41.45mm
- 6th (63.5) = 45.4mm
- 7th (70.9) = 49.35mm
- 8th (80.4) = 53.3mm
- 9th (92.8) = 57.25mm
- 10th (109.6) = 61.2mm
I'm expecting to spend most of my time in 7th, and that optimum overall chain alignment will be with my single ring lined up midway between 6th and 7th (roughly where the outboard ring would be on a 3x10) - an offset of 47.4mm.
The offset of my single ring is (approx.) 47.5mm (which apparently tallies with preferred Shimano spec.) - alignment is looking good!
So the plan is to start off with no ring spacers, and see if 1st is viable. And if not, move the ring inboard by 1mm or 2mm (45.4mm, directly in line with 6th, is roughly where the outboard ring would be on a 2x10).
NB: the '(approx.)' measurements have been done with a ruler; verniered updates to follow.
For Shimano 10-speed cassettes (according to Sheldon):
- centre-to-centre cog spacing = 3.95mm
- cog thickness = 1.6mm
- cog spacer thickness = 2.35mm
- overall cassette width = 37.2mm
(...not sure about that overall cassette width though - I reckon (3.95 x 9) + 1.6 = 37.15, not that 0.05mm is going to make much difference in practice...)
My frame has a standard (for modern road bikes, but not modern MTBs) OLD of 130mm. And I measure my clearance between the inside surface of the forkend and the outside surface of the 10th cog as (approx.) 3mm.
So I reckon the offset of 10th is 65mm (half OLD) - 3mm (forkend-cassette clearance) - 0.8mm (half cog thickness) = 61.2mm.
In which case the offset for each of my cogs (with proposed gear inches in brackets) is:
- 1st (33.5) = 25.65mm
- 2nd (37.7) = 29.6mm
- 3rd (43.1) = 33.55mm
- 4th (50.3) = 37.5mm
- 5th (57.4) = 41.45mm
- 6th (63.5) = 45.4mm
- 7th (70.9) = 49.35mm
- 8th (80.4) = 53.3mm
- 9th (92.8) = 57.25mm
- 10th (109.6) = 61.2mm
I'm expecting to spend most of my time in 7th, and that optimum overall chain alignment will be with my single ring lined up midway between 6th and 7th (roughly where the outboard ring would be on a 3x10) - an offset of 47.4mm.
The offset of my single ring is (approx.) 47.5mm (which apparently tallies with preferred Shimano spec.) - alignment is looking good!
So the plan is to start off with no ring spacers, and see if 1st is viable. And if not, move the ring inboard by 1mm or 2mm (45.4mm, directly in line with 6th, is roughly where the outboard ring would be on a 2x10).
NB: the '(approx.)' measurements have been done with a ruler; verniered updates to follow.
Wednesday 17 October 2012
Almost a full complement of components
It's now exactly one month since I started this blog, at the suggestion of Mr Wotler, following my unexpected victory in an eBay auction for a Litespeed Tuscany titanium frame the previous day.
Spent so far:
- frame (including £20.00 delivery) = £332.88
- crankset (including £6.00 delivery) = £126.00
- fork (including £10.00 delivery) = £63.50
- wheelset = £162.63
- brake calipers (including £5.00 delivery) = £18.83
- chainring = £46.53
- headset = £18.61
- shifter = £54.99
- handlebar = £25.37
- stem = £12.68
- bottle = £6.76
- bottle cages (including £2.99 delivery) = £76.00
- cassette = £143.01
- derailleur = £107.53
Total = £1195.32
Only a few loose ends now remain:
- cassette spacer (for fitting 10-speed cassettes on 8/9/10-speed hubs) - already ordered from wiggle.co.uk
- brake levers, chain & spare links - to be ordered from bike24.com
- outer shifter cable - I'll probably sort this out at a local cycle shop
Pending:
- ESI handlebar grips - awaiting a decision on colours (I already have a temporary alternative)
- seatpost - the dodgy Bontrager post has been refunded; now I want to research more then shop around for a replacement
- tyres (and tubes or tubeless valves) - no tubeless Schwalbes until "early 2013", so research (especially on availability) on alternatives needed
- 2nd water bottle, rear light, plus some tools and sundries - fingers crossed for a discount voucher from chainreactioncycles.com soon!
Not included is any further titanium bling I'm ultimately unable to resist, such as bottle cage bolts...
When the chain and brake levers (which include brake cables) get here, I can start on setting up the chain alignment and getting the outer shifter cable sorted. In the meantime I'll be doing my tyre and seatpost homework.
Spent so far:
- frame (including £20.00 delivery) = £332.88
- crankset (including £6.00 delivery) = £126.00
- fork (including £10.00 delivery) = £63.50
- wheelset = £162.63
- brake calipers (including £5.00 delivery) = £18.83
- chainring = £46.53
- headset = £18.61
- shifter = £54.99
- handlebar = £25.37
- stem = £12.68
- bottle = £6.76
- bottle cages (including £2.99 delivery) = £76.00
- cassette = £143.01
- derailleur = £107.53
Total = £1195.32
Only a few loose ends now remain:
- cassette spacer (for fitting 10-speed cassettes on 8/9/10-speed hubs) - already ordered from wiggle.co.uk
- brake levers, chain & spare links - to be ordered from bike24.com
- outer shifter cable - I'll probably sort this out at a local cycle shop
Pending:
- ESI handlebar grips - awaiting a decision on colours (I already have a temporary alternative)
- seatpost - the dodgy Bontrager post has been refunded; now I want to research more then shop around for a replacement
- tyres (and tubes or tubeless valves) - no tubeless Schwalbes until "early 2013", so research (especially on availability) on alternatives needed
- 2nd water bottle, rear light, plus some tools and sundries - fingers crossed for a discount voucher from chainreactioncycles.com soon!
Not included is any further titanium bling I'm ultimately unable to resist, such as bottle cage bolts...
When the chain and brake levers (which include brake cables) get here, I can start on setting up the chain alignment and getting the outer shifter cable sorted. In the meantime I'll be doing my tyre and seatpost homework.
Tuesday 16 October 2012
Schwalbe Ultremo tubeless disappointment
According to multiple recent reports, which tested samples supplied by Schwalbe and quoted Schwalbe press releases, Schwalbe's new tubeless Ultremo tyres are already available. Unable to find them anywhere, I asked schwalbe.co.uk for help. Their reply:
"The tubeless ZX will not be available in the UK aftermarket until early 2013"
A second message asking which county or countries would get the product first apparently didn't merit a reply. So I asked schwalbe.com about worldwide availability - and the reply from Germany:
"Said article is not yet available, delivery date is still unknown"
Hopefully the tyres, whenever they do eventually become available to Joe Public, will be more impressive than the coordination of Schwalbe's marketing and sales teams.
Time to research the alternatives?
http://ti10x.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/tubeless-bicycle-road-tyre-availability.html
http://roadtubeless.blogspot.co.uk
...updated 30/01/2013: apparently the tubeless Ultremo ZX will not now be available until "spring" 2013 - http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=12900079
"The tubeless ZX will not be available in the UK aftermarket until early 2013"
A second message asking which county or countries would get the product first apparently didn't merit a reply. So I asked schwalbe.com about worldwide availability - and the reply from Germany:
"Said article is not yet available, delivery date is still unknown"
Hopefully the tyres, whenever they do eventually become available to Joe Public, will be more impressive than the coordination of Schwalbe's marketing and sales teams.
Time to research the alternatives?
http://ti10x.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/tubeless-bicycle-road-tyre-availability.html
http://roadtubeless.blogspot.co.uk
...updated 30/01/2013: apparently the tubeless Ultremo ZX will not now be available until "spring" 2013 - http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=12900079
Monday 15 October 2012
Seatpost re-think
Close inspection of my shiny new Bontrager carbon fibre seatpost has revealed a problem. The Bontrager website describes the Race XXX Lite as having "'Double D' tube for superior strength" (I swear I didn't choose this post because of a predilection for all things DD). The idea is to allow more back-and-forth flex while limiting side-to-side flex, by making two opposing "sides" of the post tube thicker than the other two. The problem with mine is that the thicker sections of the tube are aligned at about 45 degrees to the seat rail clamps, which obviously can't be right.
This picture shows both the 'Double D' section and the alignment problem:
I bought it as brand new on eBay from a seller who also advertises an apparently identical Ritchey Superlogic version (doubtless produced by the exact same manufacturer). Apparently the seller's entire stock has exactly the same problem (which probably explains why they are so plentiful and cheap on eBay - they are seconds that Bontrager/Ritchey wouldn't accept), so the seatpost has gone back for a refund, and I've gone back to trawling the usual places for an alternative.
This picture shows both the 'Double D' section and the alignment problem:
I bought it as brand new on eBay from a seller who also advertises an apparently identical Ritchey Superlogic version (doubtless produced by the exact same manufacturer). Apparently the seller's entire stock has exactly the same problem (which probably explains why they are so plentiful and cheap on eBay - they are seconds that Bontrager/Ritchey wouldn't accept), so the seatpost has gone back for a refund, and I've gone back to trawling the usual places for an alternative.
Sunday 14 October 2012
Trying everything for size
Missing from this shot (apart from everything I haven't ordered yet) are the seatpost (because it's going back to the seller), the shifter (because I couldn't be bothered), and the XTR M960 cranks.
The temporary stand-in cranks are a ratty pair of used Shimano M590s. The M960s will be fitted once they've been modified. As the M590s have a conventional 104mm pcd, the DXR chainring went straight on, with chainring bolts borrowed from the M960s.
A shorter nut (maybe this?) will be needed for the rear caliper.
Saturday 13 October 2012
Headset fitted
Got the M:Part headset fitted today at Green Machine in Horwich. Dead reckoning had predicted there
would be less than 1mm of fresh air from the top of the stem down to the
top of the steerer tube; in reality it turned out to be a lot less.
In fact there wasn't enough room for the dished underside of the cap to drop into, preventing the top of the cap from fitting flush.
So for now there's a 2.5mm spacer under the stem, providing sufficient clearance for the cap to fit perfectly.
Ultimately the spacer could just stay there (it only weighs 1g), or it could swap places with the stem; or it might become redundant if either headset or stem gets replaced with something (slightly) taller, or if the cap gets replaced with something different. A custom titanium cap, maybe? Only problem would be that I presume a titanium cap could only be secured with a titanium bolt...
In fact there wasn't enough room for the dished underside of the cap to drop into, preventing the top of the cap from fitting flush.
So for now there's a 2.5mm spacer under the stem, providing sufficient clearance for the cap to fit perfectly.
Ultimately the spacer could just stay there (it only weighs 1g), or it could swap places with the stem; or it might become redundant if either headset or stem gets replaced with something (slightly) taller, or if the cap gets replaced with something different. A custom titanium cap, maybe? Only problem would be that I presume a titanium cap could only be secured with a titanium bolt...
Friday 12 October 2012
Cassette & derailleur ordered
I've gone for broke (pardon the pun) and opted for an XTR cassette instead of an XT (can't believe I've paid more for a cassette than a derailleur! Wonder how much the five titanium cogs will be worth if I weigh them in when the cassette is toast?)
I've ordered both cassette & derailleur from ads on ebay.it (Italy) placed by bikenow2, a Spanish seller who says both are in stock and will be dispatched together from... Liverpool! They do have decent feedback... watch this space!
...updated 14/10/2012: received two "Your item(s) has been marked as dispatched" messages this morning
...updated 16/10/2012: both items arrived AOK today (ordered Thursday evening, delivered Monday morning)
This order has been an eBay/Paypal eyeopener - they used blatantly disparate currency conversion rates and ripped me off good and proper. Here are the facts...
Shimano XTR M980 11-36 cassette:
- advertised price = €170.90 (free delivery)
- "Approximately" price displayed by ebay.co.uk = £137.64
- actually charged by Paypal = £143.01
Shimano XTR M980 GS derailleur:
- advertised price = €128.50 (free delivery)
- "Approximately" price displayed by ebay.co.uk = £103.49
- actually charged by Paypal = £107.53
To add insult to injury, not only was Paypal's exchange rate a dismal £1.00 = €1.195, but there was no option to have my bank handle the conversion - if Amazon can provide that choice, why can't Paypal?
I've ordered both cassette & derailleur from ads on ebay.it (Italy) placed by bikenow2, a Spanish seller who says both are in stock and will be dispatched together from... Liverpool! They do have decent feedback... watch this space!
...updated 14/10/2012: received two "Your item(s) has been marked as dispatched" messages this morning
...updated 16/10/2012: both items arrived AOK today (ordered Thursday evening, delivered Monday morning)
This order has been an eBay/Paypal eyeopener - they used blatantly disparate currency conversion rates and ripped me off good and proper. Here are the facts...
Shimano XTR M980 11-36 cassette:
- advertised price = €170.90 (free delivery)
- "Approximately" price displayed by ebay.co.uk = £137.64
- actually charged by Paypal = £143.01
Shimano XTR M980 GS derailleur:
- advertised price = €128.50 (free delivery)
- "Approximately" price displayed by ebay.co.uk = £103.49
- actually charged by Paypal = £107.53
To add insult to injury, not only was Paypal's exchange rate a dismal £1.00 = €1.195, but there was no option to have my bank handle the conversion - if Amazon can provide that choice, why can't Paypal?
Monday 8 October 2012
£1k now spent! & component update
All three of last weekend's chainreactioncycles.com orders are now in my possession, likewise a pair of King Cage titanium bottle cages, and I've updated the relevant weights in my earlier 'List of components & weights' post.
Spent so far:
- frame (including £20.00 delivery) = £332.88
- crankset (including £6.00 delivery) = £126.00
- fork (including £10.00 delivery) = £63.50
- wheelset = £162.63
- brake calipers (including £5.00 delivery) = £18.83
- chainring = £46.53
- headset = £18.61
- shifter = £54.99
- handlebar = £25.37
- stem = £12.68
- bottle = £6.76
- seatpost (including £3.50 delivery) = £53.49
- bottle cages (including £2.99 delivery) = £76.00
Total = £998.27
The remaining components needed to complete the build are:
- tyres
- tubeless valves (x2)
- derailleur
- cassette
- chain
- outer shifter cable
- brake levers
- handlebar grips
- rear light
- water bottle (x1)
And to recap, components I already had to hand: pedals, saddle, computer, front light.
Spent so far:
- frame (including £20.00 delivery) = £332.88
- crankset (including £6.00 delivery) = £126.00
- fork (including £10.00 delivery) = £63.50
- wheelset = £162.63
- brake calipers (including £5.00 delivery) = £18.83
- chainring = £46.53
- headset = £18.61
- shifter = £54.99
- handlebar = £25.37
- stem = £12.68
- bottle = £6.76
- seatpost (including £3.50 delivery) = £53.49
- bottle cages (including £2.99 delivery) = £76.00
Total = £998.27
The remaining components needed to complete the build are:
- tyres
- tubeless valves (x2)
- derailleur
- cassette
- chain
- outer shifter cable
- brake levers
- handlebar grips
- rear light
- water bottle (x1)
And to recap, components I already had to hand: pedals, saddle, computer, front light.
Sunday 7 October 2012
Wheels collected & weighed
Shimano WH-6700 Ultegra tubeless wheels:
- front wheel = 683.1g (excluding tubeless valve & skewer)
- front skewer = 58.7g
- rear wheel = 950.7g (excluding tubeless valve & skewer)
- rear skewer = 63.0g
- £162.63
- http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/271061608605
- http://cycle.shimano-eu.com/publish/content/global_cycle/en/nl/index/components/road/ultegra_6700/product.-code-WH-6700.-type-.wh_road.html
- front wheel = 683.1g (excluding tubeless valve & skewer)
- front skewer = 58.7g
- rear wheel = 950.7g (excluding tubeless valve & skewer)
- rear skewer = 63.0g
- £162.63
- http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/271061608605
- http://cycle.shimano-eu.com/publish/content/global_cycle/en/nl/index/components/road/ultegra_6700/product.-code-WH-6700.-type-.wh_road.html
Saturday 6 October 2012
Friday 5 October 2012
Drivetrain
I've saved the best (!) till last. Here's the strategy for the final, albeit most fundamental, section of the puzzle.
Bottom bracket bearings:
- Shimano MTB (used; XTR?)
- included with crankset purchase
- 103.5g
Crankset:
- XTR M960 175mm (used; triple, for conversion to single)
- <500g (estimated, after modification)
- £126.00 (inc.£6.00 delivery)
- http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/130768279756
Chainring:
- Shimano DXR CR80, 46t
- 139.1g
- £46.53
- http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=35272
Chain:
-Shimano XTR CN-M980 10-speed
- SRAM PC1091R 10-speed, with Powerlock link
-260g (claimed, 116 links)
- 251.5g (as supplied - 114 links)
-~£30 (€35.90)
- £37.15 (including delivery charge)
-http://www.bike24.com/1.php?content=8;product=17327
- http://www.bike24.com/1.php?content=8;product=7391
- http://www.bike-components.de/products/info/p25061_PC-1091R-10-fach-Kette-.html
Cassette:
-Shimano Deore XT CS-M771-10, 11-13-15-17-19-21-24-28-32-36
- Shimano XTR M980 10, 11-13-15-17-19-21-24-28-32-36
-350g (claimed)
- 271.6g
~£44 (€52.90)
- £143.01
-http://www.bike24.com/1.php?content=8;product=15784
- http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/251154658936
Cassette spacer:
- Shimano CS-HG 1mm cassette spacer
- 1.8g
- £0.99
- http://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-cs-hg-1mm-sprocket-spacer/
Derailleur:
- Shimano XTR RD-M980-GS Shadow medium length 10-speed
- 174.3g
-£108.00
- £107.53
-http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/251154295020
- http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/251154656620
Shifter:
- Shimano XTR M980 10 speed trigger shifter, RH rear bar mount
- 119.5g (including inner shifter cable)
- £54.99
- http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=82514
Pedals:
- Shimano XTR PD-M980
- 306.8g/pair
- already got these
- http://cycle.shimano-eu.com/publish/content/global_cycle/en/nl/index/footwear/Pedals_MTB___BMX/product.-code-PD-M980.-type-..html
I'll finalise things like chainring bolts and outer shifter cable later.
Bottom bracket bearings:
- Shimano MTB (used; XTR?)
- included with crankset purchase
- 103.5g
Crankset:
- XTR M960 175mm (used; triple, for conversion to single)
- <500g (estimated, after modification)
- £126.00 (inc.£6.00 delivery)
- http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/130768279756
Chainring:
- Shimano DXR CR80, 46t
- 139.1g
- £46.53
- http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=35272
Chain:
-
- SRAM PC1091R 10-speed, with Powerlock link
-
- 251.5g (as supplied - 114 links)
-
- £37.15 (including delivery charge)
-
- http://www.bike24.com/1.php?content=8;product=7391
- http://www.bike-components.de/products/info/p25061_PC-1091R-10-fach-Kette-.html
Cassette:
-
- Shimano XTR M980 10, 11-13-15-17-19-21-24-28-32-36
-
- 271.6g
- £143.01
-
- http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/251154658936
Cassette spacer:
- Shimano CS-HG 1mm cassette spacer
- 1.8g
- £0.99
- http://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-cs-hg-1mm-sprocket-spacer/
Derailleur:
- Shimano XTR RD-M980-GS Shadow medium length 10-speed
- 174.3g
-
- £107.53
-
- http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/251154656620
Shifter:
- Shimano XTR M980 10 speed trigger shifter, RH rear bar mount
- 119.5g (including inner shifter cable)
- £54.99
- http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=82514
Pedals:
- Shimano XTR PD-M980
- 306.8g/pair
- already got these
- http://cycle.shimano-eu.com/publish/content/global_cycle/en/nl/index/footwear/Pedals_MTB___BMX/product.-code-PD-M980.-type-..html
I'll finalise things like chainring bolts and outer shifter cable later.
Thursday 4 October 2012
Seatpost bought, delivered, & weighed
Another eBay purchase.
Bontrager Race XXX Lite 27.2mm carbon fibre seatpost:
- 400mm overall length, 330mm post length, 20mm setback
- 173.5g (as supplied)
- £53.49 (including £3.50 delivery)
- http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/110958347510
- http://bontrager.com/model/00286
Bontrager Race XXX Lite 27.2mm carbon fibre seatpost:
- 400mm overall length, 330mm post length, 20mm setback
- 173.5g (as supplied)
- £53.49 (including £3.50 delivery)
- http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/110958347510
- http://bontrager.com/model/00286
Wednesday 3 October 2012
Computer & lights
I've already got a couple of Cateye V2c/V3 computers; the V3 tracks heartrate, in addition to the speed and cadence monitored by the V2c. The speed/cadence sensor, magnets, and handlebar mount brackets, are exactly the same for both.
I've also got a spare Ixon IQ headlight. These interfere with many wireless computers, including my previous Cateye, but not with the 2.4GHz Cateye V2c/V3.
I'm torn between two Cateye rear lights. The compact TL-LD170 is an old and trusted favourite - simple, inexpensive, effective, and reliable. The bigger TL-AU100BS incorporates a large reflector and looks like it could be just the thing for British winters, I'd be interested to see one in the flesh and give it a try. I just might end up ordering one of each.
Cateye V2c (CC-TR200DW) / V3 (CC-TR300TW) cycle computers:
- 71.5g (excluding magnets, zip ties, and V3 heartrate chest strap)
- http://www.cateye.com/en/products/detail/CC-TR200DW/
- http://www.cateye.com/en/products/detail/CC-TR300TW/
Busch + Müller IXON IQ LED front light
- 215.5g (including handlebar mounting bracket & 4 x Eneloop AA batteries)
- http://www.bumm.de/produkte/akku-scheinwerfer/ixon-iq.html
Cateye TL-LD170 rear light (AAAx2):
- ?g
- £7.99 (CRC) / ~£5.50 (bike24.com - excluding mounting bracket?)
- http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=64497
- http://www.bike24.com/1.php?content=8;product=3407
Cateye TL-AU100BS rear light + reflector (AAx2):
- ?g
- £17.99 (CRC) / ~£11.50 (bike24.com - similar model)
- http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=64503
- http://www.bike24.com/1.php?content=8;product=1476
...updated 01/11/2012 - Cateye magnet weights:
- wheel spoke magnet = 3.0g
- crank/cadence magnet = 2.0g
I've also got a spare Ixon IQ headlight. These interfere with many wireless computers, including my previous Cateye, but not with the 2.4GHz Cateye V2c/V3.
I'm torn between two Cateye rear lights. The compact TL-LD170 is an old and trusted favourite - simple, inexpensive, effective, and reliable. The bigger TL-AU100BS incorporates a large reflector and looks like it could be just the thing for British winters, I'd be interested to see one in the flesh and give it a try. I just might end up ordering one of each.
Cateye V2c (CC-TR200DW) / V3 (CC-TR300TW) cycle computers:
- 71.5g (excluding magnets, zip ties, and V3 heartrate chest strap)
- http://www.cateye.com/en/products/detail/CC-TR200DW/
- http://www.cateye.com/en/products/detail/CC-TR300TW/
Busch + Müller IXON IQ LED front light
- 215.5g (including handlebar mounting bracket & 4 x Eneloop AA batteries)
- http://www.bumm.de/produkte/akku-scheinwerfer/ixon-iq.html
Cateye TL-LD170 rear light (AAAx2):
- ?g
- £7.99 (CRC) / ~£5.50 (bike24.com - excluding mounting bracket?)
- http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=64497
- http://www.bike24.com/1.php?content=8;product=3407
Cateye TL-AU100BS rear light + reflector (AAx2):
- ?g
- £17.99 (CRC) / ~£11.50 (bike24.com - similar model)
- http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=64503
- http://www.bike24.com/1.php?content=8;product=1476
...updated 01/11/2012 - Cateye magnet weights:
- wheel spoke magnet = 3.0g
- crank/cadence magnet = 2.0g
Tuesday 2 October 2012
Headset, chainring, shifter, handlebar, stem, & a bottle ordered
chainreactioncycles.com just had a £10-off weekend promotion, which ended at noon today. With the help of a couple of other established CRC account holders, I've ordered six more components and bagged £30 off.
For the purposes of keeping track of what I've spent, I've split the total discount between the six items, in proportion to their cost. Total price would otherwise have been £194.94; total discount was £30.00, which is 15.4%.
Spent today:
- chainring (Shimano DXR CR80, black 4-bolt 46t) £54.99 -15.4% = £46.53
- headset (M:Part In-Line Low Profile, black 1.1/8") £21.99 -15.4% £ = £18.61
- shifter (Shimano XTR M980 10 speed trigger, RH rear, bar mount) £64.99 -15.4% = £54.99
- handlebar (Controltech SUP MTB, 25.4 x 560mm) £29.99 -15.4% = £25.37
- stem (FSA XC-150 LX, 25.4 x 110mm) £14.99 -15.4% = £12.68
- bottle (CamelBak Podium, clear 710ml) £7.99 -15.4% = £6.76
Spent so far:
- frame (including £20.00 delivery) = £332.88
- crankset (including £6.00 delivery) = £126.00
- fork (including £10.00 delivery) = £63.50
- wheelset (presuming I collect) = £162.63
- brake calipers (including £5.00 delivery) = £18.83
- chainring = £46.53
- headset = £18.61
- shifter = £54.99
- handlebar = £25.37
- stem = £12.68
- bottle = £6.76
Total = £868.78
For the purposes of keeping track of what I've spent, I've split the total discount between the six items, in proportion to their cost. Total price would otherwise have been £194.94; total discount was £30.00, which is 15.4%.
Spent today:
- chainring (Shimano DXR CR80, black 4-bolt 46t) £54.99 -15.4% = £46.53
- headset (M:Part In-Line Low Profile, black 1.1/8") £21.99 -15.4% £ = £18.61
- shifter (Shimano XTR M980 10 speed trigger, RH rear, bar mount) £64.99 -15.4% = £54.99
- handlebar (Controltech SUP MTB, 25.4 x 560mm) £29.99 -15.4% = £25.37
- stem (FSA XC-150 LX, 25.4 x 110mm) £14.99 -15.4% = £12.68
- bottle (CamelBak Podium, clear 710ml) £7.99 -15.4% = £6.76
Spent so far:
- frame (including £20.00 delivery) = £332.88
- crankset (including £6.00 delivery) = £126.00
- fork (including £10.00 delivery) = £63.50
- wheelset (presuming I collect) = £162.63
- brake calipers (including £5.00 delivery) = £18.83
- chainring = £46.53
- headset = £18.61
- shifter = £54.99
- handlebar = £25.37
- stem = £12.68
- bottle = £6.76
Total = £868.78
Monday 1 October 2012
Seating
Although this frame doubtless deserves something lighter and sleeker, I'll be using my existing trusty Selle SMP Plus saddle, at least to begin with. It's a hefty 375g or thereabouts - I'll weigh it properly when the time comes to transfer it.
A 23.3g Litespeed 31.8mm seatpost clamp came with the frame.
And I'm currently prowling eBay for a 27.2mm carbon fibre seatpost.
Possible seatpost:
- Bontrager Race XXX Lite, 20mm setback
- 150g (claimed)
- http://bontrager.com/model/00286
A 23.3g Litespeed 31.8mm seatpost clamp came with the frame.
And I'm currently prowling eBay for a 27.2mm carbon fibre seatpost.
Possible seatpost:
- Bontrager Race XXX Lite, 20mm setback
- 150g (claimed)
- http://bontrager.com/model/00286
Sunday 30 September 2012
List of components & weights
I'll update this as things progress...
...updated 04/10/2012: 7615.4g - initial guesstimated total weight; excluding cables & tyre sealant
...updated 08/10/2012: 7752.4g - more actual weights; excluding cables, tubeless valves, & tyre sealant
...updated 12/10/2012: 7677.4g - XT cassette out, XTR in; excluding cables, tubeless valves, & tyre sealant
...updated 16/10/2012: 7656.2g - more actual weights; excluding cassette spacer, cables, tubeless valves, & tyre sealant
...updated 22/10/2012: 7639.5g - minor revisions; excluding cables, tubeless valves, & tyre sealant
...updated 03/11/2012: 7668.5g - more actual weights; excluding cables, tubeless valves, & tyre sealant
NB:
- 'total weight' excludes 'miscellaneous' components (bottles & cages, computer & lights) but does include pedals.
- 'as supplied' denotes weight reduction potential, e.g. by shortening, substitution of titanium fittings, etc.
frameset: 1953.3
- frame - 1515g (including downtube cable adjusters & bottom bracket cable guide)
- fork - 318.3g (including star nut)
- headset - 120.0g (as supplied, but excluding 10.5g star nut)
steering: 361.6g (estimated)
- stem - 157.7g (as supplied)
- headset spacer - 1.0g
- handlebar - 142.4g (as supplied)
- grips - 60.5g/pair (as supplied, including bar end plugs)
seating: 548.2g (estimated)
- seatpost - 160g (claimed)
- seatpost clamp - 23.3g
- saddle - 364.9g
wheels & tyres: 2392.2g (excluding sealant)
- wheelset - 1755.5g (including skewers, excluding valves)
- tubeless valves - 13.7g/pair
- tyres - 623g/pair
- sealant - ?
brakes: 559.3g (excluding cables)
- calipers - 389.7g/pair
- levers - 169.6g/pair
- cables - ?/pair
drivetrain: 1876.9g (estimated)
- bottom bracket bearings - 103.5g
- crankset - <500g (estimated, after modification)
- chainring - 139.1g (as supplied)
- chain - 242.5g (110 links, including 2.5g Powerlock link)
-cassette (XT) - 350g (claimed)
- cassette (XTR) - 271.6g
- cassette spacer - 1.8g
- derailleur - 174.3g
- shifter - 119.5g (including inner cable)
- outer shifter cable -17.8g
- pedals - 306.8g/pair
miscellaneous: 705.1g (estimated)
- bottle cages - 58.0g/pair
- bottle cage bolts x 4 - ?g
- bottles - 151.4g/pair
- computer - 76.5g (including magnets; excluding zip ties & heartrate chest strap)
- front light - 215.5g (including handlebar mounting bracket & 4 x Eneloop AA batteries)
- saddle bag & rear light -198.9g
...updated 04/10/2012: 7615.4g - initial guesstimated total weight; excluding cables & tyre sealant
...updated 08/10/2012: 7752.4g - more actual weights; excluding cables, tubeless valves, & tyre sealant
...updated 12/10/2012: 7677.4g - XT cassette out, XTR in; excluding cables, tubeless valves, & tyre sealant
...updated 16/10/2012: 7656.2g - more actual weights; excluding cassette spacer, cables, tubeless valves, & tyre sealant
...updated 22/10/2012: 7639.5g - minor revisions; excluding cables, tubeless valves, & tyre sealant
...updated 03/11/2012: 7668.5g - more actual weights; excluding cables, tubeless valves, & tyre sealant
NB:
- 'total weight' excludes 'miscellaneous' components (bottles & cages, computer & lights) but does include pedals.
- 'as supplied' denotes weight reduction potential, e.g. by shortening, substitution of titanium fittings, etc.
frameset: 1953.3
- frame - 1515g (including downtube cable adjusters & bottom bracket cable guide)
- fork - 318.3g (including star nut)
- headset - 120.0g (as supplied, but excluding 10.5g star nut)
steering: 361.6g (estimated)
- stem - 157.7g (as supplied)
- headset spacer - 1.0g
- handlebar - 142.4g (as supplied)
- grips - 60.5g/pair (as supplied, including bar end plugs)
seating: 548.2g (estimated)
- seatpost - 160g (claimed)
- seatpost clamp - 23.3g
- saddle - 364.9g
wheels & tyres: 2392.2g (excluding sealant)
- wheelset - 1755.5g (including skewers, excluding valves)
- tubeless valves - 13.7g/pair
- tyres - 623g/pair
- sealant - ?
brakes: 559.3g (excluding cables)
- calipers - 389.7g/pair
- levers - 169.6g/pair
- cables - ?/pair
drivetrain: 1876.9g (estimated)
- bottom bracket bearings - 103.5g
- crankset - <500g (estimated, after modification)
- chainring - 139.1g (as supplied)
- chain - 242.5g (110 links, including 2.5g Powerlock link)
-
- cassette (XTR) - 271.6g
- cassette spacer - 1.8g
- derailleur - 174.3g
- shifter - 119.5g (including inner cable)
- outer shifter cable -17.8g
- pedals - 306.8g/pair
miscellaneous: 705.1g (estimated)
- bottle cages - 58.0g/pair
- bottle cage bolts x 4 - ?g
- bottles - 151.4g/pair
- computer - 76.5g (including magnets; excluding zip ties & heartrate chest strap)
- front light - 215.5g (including handlebar mounting bracket & 4 x Eneloop AA batteries)
- saddle bag & rear light -198.9g
Saturday 29 September 2012
Digital scales
This week I've acquired some digital scales:
- Argos Value Range Electronic Kitchen Scale - 1g-4999g = £3.99 (collected)
- Lupo Digital Scale (via eBay) - 0.1g-999.9g = £7.10 (including £1.99 delivery)
And here they are compared, weighing a couple of camera batteries:
Actual component weights:
- Frame (excluding seatpost clamp): 1533g
- Seatpost clamp: 23.3g
- Fork: 318.3g
- Crankset (unmodified cranks; including pinch bolts & end cap; excluding bottom bracket): 537.0g
- Bottom bracket: 103.6g
- Brake calipers: 389.7g/pair
- Argos Value Range Electronic Kitchen Scale - 1g-4999g = £3.99 (collected)
- Lupo Digital Scale (via eBay) - 0.1g-999.9g = £7.10 (including £1.99 delivery)
And here they are compared, weighing a couple of camera batteries:
Actual component weights:
- Frame (excluding seatpost clamp): 1533g
- Seatpost clamp: 23.3g
- Fork: 318.3g
- Crankset (unmodified cranks; including pinch bolts & end cap; excluding bottom bracket): 537.0g
- Bottom bracket: 103.6g
- Brake calipers: 389.7g/pair
Friday 28 September 2012
Tiagra calipers have arrived
I won a set of used Shimano Tiagra BR-4600 calipers on eBay on Saturday, and today I got my paws on them.
Weights:
- front - 196.6g
- rear - 193.1g
- pair - 389.7g
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/200820484288
Spent so far:
- frame (including £20.00 delivery) = £332.88
- crankset (including £6.00 delivery) = £126.00
- fork (including £10.00 delivery) = £63.50
- wheelset (presuming I collect) = £162.63
- brake calipers (including £5.00 delivery) = £18.83
Total = £703.84
Weights:
- front - 196.6g
- rear - 193.1g
- pair - 389.7g
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/200820484288
Spent so far:
- frame (including £20.00 delivery) = £332.88
- crankset (including £6.00 delivery) = £126.00
- fork (including £10.00 delivery) = £63.50
- wheelset (presuming I collect) = £162.63
- brake calipers (including £5.00 delivery) = £18.83
Total = £703.84
Thursday 27 September 2012
Wheels bought
Another used eBay acquisition: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/271061608605
Not sure if I'm going to collect or get them sent, so "spent to date" update is pending.
Not sure if I'm going to collect or get them sent, so "spent to date" update is pending.
Wednesday 26 September 2012
"Jeff Jones" XTR 960 crankset modification
Today I've been researching my intended conversion of a 3-ring Shimano XTR 960 crankset, circa 2003, to a lightweight (sub-500g), sleek, shiny, super-stiff, and hopefully nukeproof single ring crankset, mainly by means of an epic overdose of elbowgrease. It's a reasonably well-trodden (ridden?) path, especially by single-speed MTBers.
Here's a selection of related links, as much for my own reference as anything else. I'll add more if/as/when I come across them.
Links direct to pictures, for those with better things to do with their time:
Before - complete chainset
Before - bare RH crank
After - on the bench
After - on a bike
Links to articles and discussions:
http://forums.mtbr.com/weight-weenies/xtr-xt-crankset-ss-way-go-597093.html
http://forums.mtbr.com/singlespeed/jeff-jones-960-xtr-510632.html
http://www.mtnbikeriders.com/2011/03/12/diy-xtr-960-single-crankset/
http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/who-has-done-a-jones-m960-xtr-crank-conversion
http://www.thehubsa.co.za/forum/topic/57930-jeff-jones-xtr-crank-mod-a-pictorial/
http://www.ebay.com/itm/330569148739
http://www.jonesbikes.com/news/News1.html
Same idea, but Deore M532 cranks:
http://www.velosolo.co.uk/jjcrank.html
Here's a selection of related links, as much for my own reference as anything else. I'll add more if/as/when I come across them.
Links direct to pictures, for those with better things to do with their time:
Before - complete chainset
Before - bare RH crank
After - on the bench
After - on a bike
Links to articles and discussions:
http://forums.mtbr.com/weight-weenies/xtr-xt-crankset-ss-way-go-597093.html
http://forums.mtbr.com/singlespeed/jeff-jones-960-xtr-510632.html
http://www.mtnbikeriders.com/2011/03/12/diy-xtr-960-single-crankset/
http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/who-has-done-a-jones-m960-xtr-crank-conversion
http://www.thehubsa.co.za/forum/topic/57930-jeff-jones-xtr-crank-mod-a-pictorial/
http://www.ebay.com/itm/330569148739
http://www.jonesbikes.com/news/News1.html
Same idea, but Deore M532 cranks:
http://www.velosolo.co.uk/jjcrank.html
Monday 24 September 2012
Bling of Kings
This is supposed to be a low budget proof of concept, but isn't it obligatory to equip a titanium frame with titanium goodies?
The Chris King headset is ruled out, for now at least, which conveniently does away with the dilemma posed by the aluminium version weighing (4g!) less than the same item in titanium.
But all is not lost!
King Cage titanium bottle cages:
- 28g each (claimed)
- £79.98 (including £2.99 delivery) for two
- http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/400302042498
- http://www.kingcage.com/products-waterbottle-cages.html
Oh dear - I suppose I'll "need" four titanium bottle cage mounting bolts too.
Shall we do bottles while we're at it? I was tipped off about these many moons ago by my good friend Mr Wotler. I'm currently using the smaller size, I've also used the caps on non-Camelbak insulated bottles (long story). I'll probably go for a pair of the larger size this time...
Camelbak Podium water bottles - clear/carbon
- 610ml - £6.99 each
- 710ml - £7.99 each
- http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=75233
- http://www.camelbak.com/Sports-Recreation/Bottles/2012-Podium-Bottle-21oz.aspx
- http://www.camelbak.com/Sports-Recreation/Bottles/2012-Podium-Bottle-24oz.aspx
- http://www.bikerumor.com/2009/10/12/super-hack-shave-4g-from-camelbak-podium-bottle/
- http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/accessories/water-bottle/product/review-camelbak-podium-water-bottle-32110
Conflicting reports on the bottle weights (get these for the valve though, not the weight) - I'll pop them on my shiny new digital scales later.
The Chris King headset is ruled out, for now at least, which conveniently does away with the dilemma posed by the aluminium version weighing (4g!) less than the same item in titanium.
But all is not lost!
King Cage titanium bottle cages:
- 28g each (claimed)
- £79.98 (including £2.99 delivery) for two
- http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/400302042498
- http://www.kingcage.com/products-waterbottle-cages.html
Oh dear - I suppose I'll "need" four titanium bottle cage mounting bolts too.
Shall we do bottles while we're at it? I was tipped off about these many moons ago by my good friend Mr Wotler. I'm currently using the smaller size, I've also used the caps on non-Camelbak insulated bottles (long story). I'll probably go for a pair of the larger size this time...
Camelbak Podium water bottles - clear/carbon
- 610ml - £6.99 each
- 710ml - £7.99 each
- http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=75233
- http://www.camelbak.com/Sports-Recreation/Bottles/2012-Podium-Bottle-21oz.aspx
- http://www.camelbak.com/Sports-Recreation/Bottles/2012-Podium-Bottle-24oz.aspx
- http://www.bikerumor.com/2009/10/12/super-hack-shave-4g-from-camelbak-podium-bottle/
- http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/accessories/water-bottle/product/review-camelbak-podium-water-bottle-32110
Conflicting reports on the bottle weights (get these for the valve though, not the weight) - I'll pop them on my shiny new digital scales later.
Sunday 23 September 2012
Steering
Today I've pencilled in my shopping list for the remaining front end components.
I've been aware of the ESI grips for a while, just never had a good excuse to order them up and give them a try.
Everything else I've plucked from the pages of chainreactioncycles.com - so it's all subject to something else catching my eye, or finding a better price elsewhere, before I actually place the order.
The headset and stem have a combined stack height of 59mm - which is pretty much exactly what my frame/fork combination can accommodate. A Chris King headset would have been nice, but they are 31.4mm tall; the 24mm M:Part has good reviews and is less than a quarter of the price. Most stems have a stack height of 40mm; the 35mm FSA is a respectable brand and a decently low weight (150g for 100mm), especially for the price.
I wanted a 25.4mm bar, and the scandium Controltech seems a good price given its weight.
Headset:
- M:Part In-Line low profile headset - black
- 24mm stack height
- 133g
- £21.99
- http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=28122
Stem:
- FSA XC-150 LX stem - black, 1 1/8" x 25.4mm (x 90mm or 110mm?)
- 35mm stack height
- ~150g
- £14.99
- http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=59606
Handlebar:
- Controltech SUP MTB (scandium) alloy flat bars - black, 25.4mm x 560mm
- ~160g (sub-150 after I've shortened them?)
- £29.99
- http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=19589
Grips:
- ESI Chunky 100% silicone MTB grips (black, blue, green, red, white, yellow, or orange)
- 60g/pair
- £15.50
- http://www.mountain-trax.com/product/3667/ESI_Chunky_Grip
- http://www.esigrips.com/Silicone_Grips_Shock_Absorbing.htm
- http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/components/grips/product/review-esi-grips-chunky-silicone-grips-11-45221
I've been aware of the ESI grips for a while, just never had a good excuse to order them up and give them a try.
Everything else I've plucked from the pages of chainreactioncycles.com - so it's all subject to something else catching my eye, or finding a better price elsewhere, before I actually place the order.
The headset and stem have a combined stack height of 59mm - which is pretty much exactly what my frame/fork combination can accommodate. A Chris King headset would have been nice, but they are 31.4mm tall; the 24mm M:Part has good reviews and is less than a quarter of the price. Most stems have a stack height of 40mm; the 35mm FSA is a respectable brand and a decently low weight (150g for 100mm), especially for the price.
I wanted a 25.4mm bar, and the scandium Controltech seems a good price given its weight.
Headset:
- M:Part In-Line low profile headset - black
- 24mm stack height
- 133g
- £21.99
- http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=28122
Stem:
- FSA XC-150 LX stem - black, 1 1/8" x 25.4mm (x 90mm or 110mm?)
- 35mm stack height
- ~150g
- £14.99
- http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=59606
Handlebar:
- Controltech SUP MTB (scandium) alloy flat bars - black, 25.4mm x 560mm
- ~160g (sub-150 after I've shortened them?)
- £29.99
- http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=19589
Grips:
- ESI Chunky 100% silicone MTB grips (black, blue, green, red, white, yellow, or orange)
- 60g/pair
- £15.50
- http://www.mountain-trax.com/product/3667/ESI_Chunky_Grip
- http://www.esigrips.com/Silicone_Grips_Shock_Absorbing.htm
- http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/components/grips/product/review-esi-grips-chunky-silicone-grips-11-45221
Saturday 22 September 2012
Frame, fork, & crankset have arrived
A quick finger-tight mating of the (road) frame and (MTB) bottom bracket / crankset looks good.
But the head tube is a tad longer than anticipated - 154.5mm. The fork steerer tube is 213mm. So that's just 58.5mm for the headset and the stem, which will rule out some headset/stem combinations - I'll have to choose carefully (or get another fork).
Pictures to follow.
But the head tube is a tad longer than anticipated - 154.5mm. The fork steerer tube is 213mm. So that's just 58.5mm for the headset and the stem, which will rule out some headset/stem combinations - I'll have to choose carefully (or get another fork).
Pictures to follow.
Friday 21 September 2012
Pedals
I'll be tossing my existing pedals into the mix - Shimano XTR PD-M980, allegedly 310g/pair.
http://cycle.shimano-eu.com/publish/content/global_cycle/en/nl/index/footwear/Pedals_MTB___BMX/product.-code-PD-M980.-type-..html
http://cycle.shimano-eu.com/publish/content/global_cycle/en/nl/index/footwear/Pedals_MTB___BMX/product.-code-PD-M980.-type-..html
Thursday 20 September 2012
Brakes
Plan A for brakes is Tiagra... with a twist!
Calipers:
- Shimano Tiagra BR-4600 brake calipers
- 380g (pair)
- €31.90 /~£26 (pair) from bike24.com
- http://www.bike24.com/1.php?content=8;product=23767
Levers:
- Shimano Tiagra BL-4600 flatbar brake levers
- 170g (pair)
- €16.90 / ~£14 (pair) from bike24.com
- cables are included in the price but not in the weight
- http://www.bike24.com/1.php?content=8;product=23776
That's right - for flat bars. Sacrilege, eh?
Calipers:
- Shimano Tiagra BR-4600 brake calipers
- 380g (pair)
- €31.90 /~£26 (pair) from bike24.com
- http://www.bike24.com/1.php?content=8;product=23767
Levers:
- Shimano Tiagra BL-4600 flatbar brake levers
- 170g (pair)
- €16.90 / ~£14 (pair) from bike24.com
- cables are included in the price but not in the weight
- http://www.bike24.com/1.php?content=8;product=23776
That's right - for flat bars. Sacrilege, eh?
Wednesday 19 September 2012
Wheels & tyres
These are the wheels and tyres I think I'm going to go for...
Wheelset:
- Shimano Ultegra WH-6700 - tubeless compatible
- 1625g (695g front, 957g rear)
- €259 / ~£215 (pair)
- spindles & tubeless valves included
- http://www.bike24.com/1.php?content=8;product=11695
- http://www.bike24.com/1.php?content=8;product=23187
- http://cycle.shimano-eu.com/publish/content/global_cycle/en/nl/index/components/road/ultegra_6700/product.-code-WH-6700.-type-.wh_road.html
Tyres:
- Schwalbe Ultremo ZX tubeless 700x23
- 590g (pair)
- ~£70 (pair)
- Schwalbe Doc Blue sealant included with 2-tyre pack
- http://www.schwalbe.com/gbl/en/presse/rollstuhl/index.php5?gesamt=292&ID_Sprache=2
- http://road.cc/content/news/65200-eurobike-2012-schwalbe-launch-ultremo-zx-tubeless-tyres
- http://roadcyclinguk.com/news/gear-ne
- http://www.slowtwitch.com/Products/Things_that_Roll/Tires/New_tires_from_Schwalbe_for_2012_2852.html
- http://www.bike-components.de/products/info/p32986_Ultremo-ZX-Evolution-Tubeless-Faltreifen-Modell-2013-.html
Wheelset:
- Shimano Ultegra WH-6700 - tubeless compatible
- 1625g (695g front, 957g rear)
- €259 / ~£215 (pair)
- spindles & tubeless valves included
- http://www.bike24.com/1.php?content=8;product=11695
- http://www.bike24.com/1.php?content=8;product=23187
- http://cycle.shimano-eu.com/publish/content/global_cycle/en/nl/index/components/road/ultegra_6700/product.-code-WH-6700.-type-.wh_road.html
Tyres:
- Schwalbe Ultremo ZX tubeless 700x23
- 590g (pair)
- ~£70 (pair)
- Schwalbe Doc Blue sealant included with 2-tyre pack
- http://www.schwalbe.com/gbl/en/presse/rollstuhl/index.php5?gesamt=292&ID_Sprache=2
- http://road.cc/content/news/65200-eurobike-2012-schwalbe-launch-ultremo-zx-tubeless-tyres
- http://roadcyclinguk.com/news/gear-ne
- http://www.slowtwitch.com/Products/Things_that_Roll/Tires/New_tires_from_Schwalbe_for_2012_2852.html
- http://www.bike-components.de/products/info/p32986_Ultremo-ZX-Evolution-Tubeless-Faltreifen-Modell-2013-.html
Tuesday 18 September 2012
Fork
As of this evening, there's an Easton EC90 SL carbon fork about to wing its way from sunny Sunderland.
It's another used eBay item: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/251149638149
So far I've spent:
- frame (including £20.00 delivery) = £332.88
- crankset (including £6.00 delivery) = £126.00
- fork (including £10.00 delivery) = £63.50
Total = £522.38
It's another used eBay item: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/251149638149
So far I've spent:
- frame (including £20.00 delivery) = £332.88
- crankset (including £6.00 delivery) = £126.00
- fork (including £10.00 delivery) = £63.50
Total = £522.38
Monday 17 September 2012
Crankset
Just bought a Shimano XTR M960 (175mm) chainset on eBay:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/130768279756
The plan is to modify the cranks to run a single chainring in the middle position.
Favourite chainring is currently a 46 tooth Shimano DXR CR80:
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=35272
Basically, it's a Saint downhill ring for 1x9/1x10 drivetrains. It has no ramps or pins. It's also available in 38T, 41T, 42T, 43T, and 44T.
The middle mounts of the XTR960 crankset are 102mm pcd, the DXR chainring is 104 pcd. Plan A involves four custom (titanium?) chainring bolts; plan B calls for a custom (titanium?) chainring instead of the DXR.
As (used) bearings are included, first thing I'll be doing is checking for compatibility issues between the road frame and the MTB bottom bracket / cranks.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/130768279756
The plan is to modify the cranks to run a single chainring in the middle position.
Favourite chainring is currently a 46 tooth Shimano DXR CR80:
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=35272
Basically, it's a Saint downhill ring for 1x9/1x10 drivetrains. It has no ramps or pins. It's also available in 38T, 41T, 42T, 43T, and 44T.
The middle mounts of the XTR960 crankset are 102mm pcd, the DXR chainring is 104 pcd. Plan A involves four custom (titanium?) chainring bolts; plan B calls for a custom (titanium?) chainring instead of the DXR.
As (used) bearings are included, first thing I'll be doing is checking for compatibility issues between the road frame and the MTB bottom bracket / cranks.
Getting started
As of today, we've got a project name: Ti10x
And we've just won an eBay auction for a frame: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/140845442663
And we've just won an eBay auction for a frame: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/140845442663
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