New Commuter Bike

[WindingRoad]

So I've decided to take the plunge and get myself a different commuter bike. I can't stand the flat bars anymore they are absolutely killing me! Since it's a hybrid bike its not really too easy to just switch the bars around and it doesn't have mounts to add disk brakes, not to mention the thing weighs a TON. Soooooo..... here's what I have been thinking, feel free to make suggestions if you have seen something cool. This is the bike I'm thinking about though:

http://www.redlinebicycles.com/bikes/cyclocross/2011-conquest-classic

I definitely want disk brakes. Hilly commutes have been eating my brake pads alive so those have got to go! ;)

[indysteel]

Sweet, WR! Brian just got a Redline 29er from Indy Cycle Specialist on the eastside of Indy and is loving it. Comparably speced bikes were a lot more, so he's thrilled all the way around.

[Catrin]

Sweet! Of course you know I've a sweet spot for steel anyway, but that is a cool bike!

Are you commuting from 46th or elsewhere? I was just picturing the commute to myself and wasn't sure where you are starting from.

[indysteel]

I assume the "hilly" commute she's referring to is in Philly.

[Owlie]

Very nice!

[WindingRoad]

LOL yeah Indy, the Philly commute is the hilly one :D

Catrin, been taking 56th street trail to Lafayette road then through the neighborhoods to cross Michigan Rd. Its about a 17 mile commute each direction.

[Velocivixen]

I'm likely getting a Kona Honky Inc, which has mounts for fenders, racks. Has Avid BB7 disc brakes, steel chro-moly steel frame with carbon forks, Shimano 105 groupset with Ultegra rear derailleur. Runs about $1679 MSRP, but my local shop sells it for $1575. Not only that-it's pretty.

Good luck and have a great time. Let us know.

[Catrin]

LOL yeah Indy, the Philly commute is the hilly one :D

Catrin, been taking 56th street trail to Lafayette road then through the neighborhoods to cross Michigan Rd. Its about a 17 mile commute each direction.

Totally forgot about Philly, was trying to figure out a hilly route from this part of town to where you work :)

[WindingRoad]

I'm likely getting a Kona Honky Inc, which has mounts for fenders, racks. Has Avid BB7 disc brakes, steel chro-moly steel frame with carbon forks, Shimano 105 groupset with Ultegra rear derailleur. Runs about $1679 MSRP, but my local shop sells it for $1575. Not only that-it's pretty.

Good luck and have a great time. Let us know.

Oh my Velo, that bike is really awesome! I like the BB7 brakes and better components. Nice!

[Bike Chick]

Sweet! That's a great bike. I wish it came in my size

Does it have braze-ons for a rear rack and room for fenders? I can't tell from the pics.

[Melalvai]

I can't stand the flat bars anymore they are absolutely killing me!
You can get different kinds of handlebars. I put a trekking bar on mine. But I like the disc brakes--envy!

[Chicken Little]

That is beautiful. Get two!

[WindingRoad]

It does have all the requirements for rear and front rack and fenders :-) I was thinking of those polycarbonate fenders in silver for it. I'd like to keep the weight down in the case of stairs again. A guy I know has last years model and he said I could ride it. He really loves the one he has. He does lots of rain commuting too.

[Catrin]

I have SKS fenders on my LHT and they are quite light & quiet. They come in several colors I think. The version on my LHT are close to transparent which I like.

[WindingRoad]

So I opted to build up my own bike instead of going with the Redline. Gonna get a Civia Bryant frame; steel, accepts disk brakes, racks, fenders etc. My biggest dilemma has been what type of drivetrain to go with. Many people I know who commute say absolutely go with a triple, others swear by a compact. Some are saying use a mountain bike crank etc. So many combos it makes my head spin. I tried using some of the SRAM road components and I don't particularly care for that big hand movement you have to do to downshift. That doesn't seem like something I want to do in traffic or while loaded up with cargo. Maybe I'm just used to Shimano stuff and its just what I'm comfortable with. I am told SRAM shifts better under load which sounds good on paper but honestly by now I've learned to shift ahead of time so shifting under load hasn't been a problem. The shifters on my commuter now are pretty dumpster and I've made them work just fine so it would seem that if I did a 105 triple I would think I'm in heaven. I hope I don't drive myself insane obsessing over components to put on this thing. Its kinda driving me crazy but in a good way :D I am super excited about getting this thing built up. Anyone have any suggestions of rims??? I'm gonna go with Deore XT mountain hubs, been looking at DT Swiss tandem rims and Stan's ZTRs. I wasn't sure about how the Stan's were b/c they say they were for tubeless tires but that they could do tubes? I was wondering how bad they would be to get a tire on and off of that rim, anyone have insight into that one?

[WindingRoad]

http://civiacycles.com/bikes/bryant/bryant_frame/#build

Here's the frame I'm building up? What do you think?

[Biciclista]

since weight is not a big issue for you, the extra 4 ounces from adding the triple are not going to bother you. If you like a triple,g et a triple. If you like Shimano, get that too.
I applaud you for building up a bike yourself! I wish I had disc brakes!

[Catrin]

Congratulations on your decision! It is good to be able to reach that point, it gives you a direction. I was going to suggest SRAM X0 trigger or grip shifters but then remembered that you want to go with road bars...don't think that would work :o

I have no experience with road bikes and commuting - but considering the size of hills you will deal with, what's wrong with a triple and a mountain rear cassette? It won't add much weight and gives you a full range of options. Personally I prefer the combination of mountain crank with mountain cassette on my Gunnar, my LHT has a road crank with mountain cassette and the range of gears are much wider on the LHT. I love my Mavic rims, strong and light, but of course you aren't going with 26 inch wheels :)

Have fun as you explore your possibilities and looking forward to learning what you decide upon!

Beautiful frame, congratulations on your decision again! Best way to get what you want :)

[pll]

How cool, building a bike. The one argument I see for a SRAM groupset is that they have 11-32 cassettes (PG 1050 and PG 1070), compatible with Apex, Rival and Force. Shimano has up to 11-28 only.

When I was shopping for my bike, I tried SRAM and I really liked it. At the end, it would have entailed a higher price for me, so I stuck with Shimano. The SRAM components are also significantly lighter than the Shimano counterparts. My next bike (when I win the lottery) will have SRAM Red!

[Velocivixen]

I don't have any tech iCal expertise to add, but wanted to say Congratulations! Enjoy choosing your components, etc. But one tiny piece of unsolicited advice is not to obsess too much. I know from experience! Also, things that look good "on paper" may not be fun to ride or may not feel good. I recently learned that.

[laura*]

The one argument I see for a SRAM groupset is that they have 11-32 cassettes (PG 1050 and PG 1070), compatible with Apex, Rival and Force. Shimano has up to 11-28 only.

With the Shimano road groups, it is possible to use a MTB cassette and a MTB rear derailleur to get lower/wider rear gearing. The only caveat is that the RD must not be a "new" DynaSys 10-speed derailleur - an older 9-speed (or 8, or 7!) is fine.

Of course, the color and finish won't match...

[WindingRoad]

Unfortunately the Bryant I originally decided to build up is now on back order indefinitely. :rolleyes: I returned to my plan A, which was a Salsa Vaya. By a twist of fate I basically called every Salsa dealer I could reach within the US and eventually called a shop in Kentucky. The owner was very cool and said he had no problem ordering me a new frame! So eventually I will get to see it in person.

Here's a good pic of someone's Vaya, this is the same frame I'm getting
http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=710893

Style suggestions welcome :D

[WindingRoad]

http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/public/96mwGHjgI0haDpTlmrXAo8fdez2JXY-E-I4ptNBIR3Md8i_YkgeD42Qo-qCJBiiDQZ8UMvxt-SmCL4VkW4-kuhQn84nBN1-hZHC4fkP4KH9RiSoHqUdNBcxxdvywvP1bfTam7DkwcH1Mfu6MXinj_1FKy3Vaus72kMxkBQ

Here's a link to just the frame, help me girls with some neat looking details. I'm having a hard time visualizing what will look cool.

[buffybike]

Wow. I looked up that Redline Conquest, and my first thought was, "I could give up my car for that."

[WindingRoad]

That Redline is a really nice bike only thing is better is being able to custom pick the components which is why I ordered a frame. As of today I am officially the owner of a gorgeous new charcoal colored Salsa Vaya frame. I am super stoked about seeing her all built up!!!! Catrin u r gonna have to come over some time to see it!

[WindingRoad]

I have wheels!!! It's starting to look like a real bike.... Will post pics soon :-)

[Antaresia]

very nice! So glad you're able to get the nice charcoal frame rather than the new orange one. So much classier looking, IMO.

[WindingRoad]

These pics aren't very clear but this is where I'm at so far with the Salsa. It's very close to being done. Have to decide where to cut my fork off but I want to get on it and ride a little before I commit to that. You can see my friends crazy dog in the background. She's a blur because she NEVER sits still, lol. :) I'm so excited I can't WAIT to ride it! :D

[Velocivixen]

Those photos are nice. It looks like those are flat handlebars. Is that what you decided to go with? What disc brakes did you decide on and what drivetrain? (I'm living vicariously through you!) ;)

[pll]

Those photos are nice. It looks like those are flat handlebars. Is that what you decided to go with? What disc brakes did you decide on and what drivetrain? (I'm living vicariously through you!) ;)

I think they are road bars... the second picture shows it better. So cool to see someone build a bike!

[Bike Chick]

Very nice, Winding!

[WindingRoad]

:D My loverly new "do EVERYTHING" bike which I am absolutely in love with!!! :D:D:D

[WindingRoad]

Here's the last two;)

[pll]

Wow. Beautiful! What kind of gearing do you have on it? It looks like a fun bike. You will want to ride to work, for sure. :D

[Antaresia]

Gorgeous! I love all the red details.

[Catrin]

It is a lovely bike! I never realized that you are REALLY taller than me until I saw your bike in person :eek: ;)

[WindingRoad]

Here is my list o' goodies:

Salsa, Vaya 55 cm frame with fork - charcoal
Salsa semi 29'er rims - 32 hole
Deore XT hubs - 32 hole
Avid BB7 brakes
FSA headset 1 1/8" - red
DT spokes - heavy gauge
DT red nipples - 2.0
Bontrager racelite carbon seat post - 27.2
SRAM X7 rear der - long cage
Shimano 105 front der - braze on
Front Der. Adapter 28.6
Shimano 105 triple shifters
Shimano 105 triple crankset - 172.5 mm
shift mate - adapts SRAM der. to Shimano shifter :)
SRAM cassette 11-36 :D
Bontrager Hardcase tires - 700x32
Gore sealed brake and shifter cables
Salsa bar tape - black
Salsa ProMoto stem
Salsa seat collar - red
SRAM chain 10 spd
Red zip ties ;)
EA70 Easton Carbon handle bar 40mm
Serfas Dorado saddle
Bontrager Back Rack II

[WindingRoad]

It is a lovely bike! I never realized that you are REALLY taller than me until I saw your bike in person :eek: ;)

In your defense I think I have disproportionately long legs is all ;)

[Sardine]

Oh, very nice! You are a tall woman. Picking up my new road bike tomorrow morning but nothing quite as special. Congratulations and enjoy.

[Velocivixen]

Wow oh wow! Thanks for the photos and list. I knew I recognized that rear raci-it's the one I have on my hybrid. Good and sturdy. Now...about fenders??? Will you get some? How does it ride? I mean what does it feel like? Where have you ridden it to so far? I want all the details. ;)

[WindingRoad]

It is super silky smooth to ride, the steel frame is VERY plush. Fenders are next on the list. I've been thinking that the aluminum hammered fenders from Velo Orange would be the perfect look for this bike.

http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=velo+orange+hammered+fenders&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=7Sq&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&channel=s&prmd=ivns&resnum=2&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&biw=960&bih=442&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=2042351971759283008&sa=X&ei=nmVpTvH8JIXg0QGTlenbBA&ved=0CFMQ8wIwAA

I've been commuting on it this week and it has been very windy here. Even in nasty cross winds it's super stable. It feels like you are glued to the road when you are riding but still takes off when you need it to. I was cruising along at 20 MPH this week and I could hear my tires humming, lol. I kept thinking a car was coming up behind me but it WAS me.

I have super low gears for climbing while loaded up with gear but still plan to use it for training so I have road worthy gears too so I can keep up with the group. I treated the frame before building it to make it rust proof. I do a lot of commuting so this is pretty much the grocery getter and the everything else bike.

[Catrin]

oooooh, I approve of the fenders :D

[Becky]

WR, if you don't mind me asking, how tall are you?

I'm considering a Vaya frame (among others) to replace my Bianchi frame. It's one of the few steel bikes I can find with a slacker seat tube in the small-mid sizes. But I'm not on board with the 26" wheels on the smallest sizes, so that may limit my choices.

[WindingRoad]

I am 5'8, my inseam is 32.5"

[Becky]

This is good info- thanks!

[WindingRoad]

Sooooooo after some time trying to make it work I discovered that you CANNOT use a Shiftmate device to pair your shimano sti shifters to a SRAM rear derailleur when you are using Gore Tex Sealed cables :rolleyes: Apparently the cables are too slippery to allow the pulley to work and rotate fully, bupkis. I did however make a new discovery that even though Shimano resource guides say that an 9 speed Deore XT rear mountain bike derailleur will NOT work with 10 speed Shimano STI shifters they are absolutely full of poo ;) It does work, in fact is works better than I could have dreamed. I'm talking every gear of every ring working good :D I have all 30 gears and they are all usable, not chattery annoying ones at the end of the cassette. Very VERY happy about this. After some extensive research online about who has 'non traditional' drive train setups on their bikes I found the whole 10 speed STI with XT 7-8-9 speeds to be pretty common place on a lot of tandems??? I did ALSO find out that a 10 speed shimano mountain bike derailleur does NOT work with the same 10 speed STI shifters?!?!?! It's enough to make your head spin right??!!?? So I thought I would share this pivotal tidbit of info in the case that anyone else runs into this, that way you can save your self a good chunk of money and not buy parts that don't work.

Today came my next hurdle.... the fenders. As beautiful as they may be they are horrible to install. I have absolutely no idea how but when I was installing the front fender somehow one of the eyelets got all cross threaded and mucked up and I thought the freaking screw was gonna break off in there :eek: So I used a little of my optician background and ran a couple of screws through it backwards and managed to pretty much restore it to useable, whew, that was a close one. I got the front all installed and it is beyond gorgeous. I'm taking a break so now I can get the courage to drill a hole in the back fender :eek: I'm so afraid I'll screw something up and oh did I mention I am a perfectionist to the nth degree when it comes to this kind of stuff. I've had the tape measure out measuring the gaps between the wheels and the fenders. I needed a break from being OCD. So now that I'm almost done with my coffee and muffin it's about time to drag out the drill! :eek::eek::eek::eek: Wish me luck!

[WindingRoad]

I'm tired.... but super happy with the fenders, they are quiet too :D

[laura*]

I did however make a new discovery that even though Shimano resource guides say that an 9 speed Deore XT rear mountain bike derailleur will NOT work with 10 speed Shimano STI shifters they are absolutely full of poo ;) It does work, ... I did ALSO find out that a 10 speed shimano mountain bike derailleur does NOT work with the same 10 speed STI shifters?!?!?!

The Shimano 10 speed mountain bike shifters/derailleurs are the parts that follow their new cable pull specs. The 10 speed road bike stuff still adheres to the old spec from way back in the 6 and 7 speed era.

[Sky King]

Great job on the Fender Install!! They are so time consuming. When the bike hermits installs he has to do a flat fee and it doesn't begin to cover his time but we also know what a bear it can be, especially for people who don't have a stand.

[WindingRoad]

OK Laura I was a little slow on the uptake there, I just noticed you responded with this. :rolleyes:


With the Shimano road groups, it is possible to use a MTB cassette and a MTB rear derailleur to get lower/wider rear gearing. The only caveat is that the RD must not be a "new" DynaSys 10-speed derailleur - an older 9-speed (or 8, or 7!) is fine.

Of course, the color and finish won't match...