Show & Tell: Upgrades!

My nearly 3 year old road bike just got its first major upgrade - Velocity A23 rims and Velocity hubs:
https://sphotos-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/h...21726654_n.jpg

My previous Mavic Aksium rims will go on my CX bike. My existing rear cassette (11-25, I think) will stay on my roadie and the new cassette (11-28, I believe) that we ordered with the new rims will go on my CX bike. My current cassette on my CX bike is 11-26 and there are spots on some CX courses where I *almost* make it to the top of a hill before I simply cannot mash the crank around any further. Really sucks dismounting just a couple of yards from the top (one of these days I'll actually drop my extra 25#s and this will be less of an issue).

What's your latest upgrade?

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Originally Posted by zoom-zoom

My nearly 3 year old road bike just got its first major upgrade - Velocity A23 rims and Velocity hubs:
https://sphotos-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/h...21726654_n.jpg

My previous Mavic Aksium rims will go on my CX bike. My existing rear cassette (11-25, I think) will stay on my roadie and the new cassette (11-28, I believe) that we ordered with the new rims will go on my CX bike. My current cassette on my CX bike is 11-26 and there are spots on some CX courses where I *almost* make it to the top of a hill before I simply cannot mash the crank around any further. Really sucks dismounting just a couple of yards from the top (one of these days I'll actually drop my extra 25#s and this will be less of an issue).

What's your latest upgrade?

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How do you like the rims so far? Do they live up to the advertised claims about better handling and smoother riding (due to the resulting rounder tire profile and lower needed tire PSI)?

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Originally Posted by Hi Ho Silver

How do you like the rims so far? Do they live up to the advertised claims about better handling and smoother riding (due to the resulting rounder tire profile and lower needed tire PSI)?

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I haven't been able to get a ride in, yet (have one planned in a little bit), since I was working the ODRAM ride all weekend. Everyone I know loves them for those reasons, though. The PSI question is a good one. I usually roll 110ish. What should I be inflating these to...?

Did a short ride today...I couldn't tell that the handling was different so much as they moved so much more effortlessly. And they had an interesting metallic hum and really quiet freewheel. Also they made my brakes SUPER grabby, which gave me an almost oh sh!t moment when I came to my first stop sign and nearly endo'd! :p

I just ordered a custom set of wheels for my road bike yesterday. I got the A23's too. Can not wait to get them. 3-5 weeks is going to be soooooooo long.

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Originally Posted by Trek-chick

I just ordered a custom set of wheels for my road bike yesterday. I got the A23's too. Can not wait to get them. 3-5 weeks is going to be soooooooo long.

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I think you will really love them! What will yours look like?

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Originally Posted by zoom-zoom

I think you will really love them! What will yours look like?

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I am getting black rims/hubs/nips and white CX-Ray spokes. I will post a photo before/after of my bike w/all my new upgrades, when they come in.

That sounds dead sexay!!!

Ooh, those are sweet rims, Zoom!

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Originally Posted by Muirenn

Oh, and I need to order some Kool Stop pads for my CAADX. Plus some Bird Cage bottle cages from Portland Bike works. :D

Little things, but hopefully will make a difference.

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PDW has some absolutely gorgeous things. I want one of their racks as well as the bird cages. Curse my lack of income! (One of my long-term goals is a Soma Buena Vista. Those would be perfect for it, I think.) Also, their CO2 inflator is called "The Shiny Object." This amuses me greatly.

I have "upgrades" planned for my mountain bike/hybrid, though it's mostly for functionality rather than a true upgrade. I've already started. Stainless steel bottle cages to replace the black ones it came with, new grips (although I can't actually get the old ones off...), tires, seat post and saddle (though I haven't been able to hunt one down yet), new pedals (actually the platforms that came with my Avail), a rack and panniers. I'll post a picture when Godzilla is ready.

I also got new wheels and tires for the roadie. Nothing fancy--not worth it. It's a stop-gap measure until I can afford the new road bike. OK, the tires are fancy. It has a set of Gatorskins, and a set of GP4000S for when the Gators wear out.

IIRC, you see that combo a lot on entry-level cruiser-type bikes. It'll work, if it's not a bike you're doing anything major on. :)

Zoom Zoom,

What are your thoughts on the A23's after a couple of weeks of use? I am contemplating a set for my Amira to replace the stock Mavic Askium Race wheels. The Askiums seems slow to spin up to speed to me. Wheels on other bikes do not feel that way, so I think I need to get something else for the Amira. The Velocity A23's look like a good value for what you get and they are handmade in Michigan. Would appreciate your additional thoughts on the wheels.

thanks,
P2

My bike just got new FSA SL-K handlebars. I wasn't counting on upgrading the stock anchor anytime soon, but I got an offer I couldn't refuse :D

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Originally Posted by pinsonp2

Zoom Zoom,

What are your thoughts on the A23's after a couple of weeks of use? I am contemplating a set for my Amira to replace the stock Mavic Askium Race wheels. The Askiums seems slow to spin up to speed to me. Wheels on other bikes do not feel that way, so I think I need to get something else for the Amira. The Velocity A23's look like a good value for what you get and they are handmade in Michigan. Would appreciate your additional thoughts on the wheels.

thanks,
P2

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I LOVE them...I can't believe how much nicer they are than the Aksiums that came on my bike. Those are going on my CX bike. I'd have the A23s on that bike, too, if cost were no issue. They roll fast and feel a TON lighter. Very noticeable on uphills.

Thanks! Santa will be shopping this week!!!! He'll let me do a test ride then bike with wheels will be put away til Xmas. That's why you gotta have N+1!!!

P2

Ordered a custom Velocity A23 Pro build yesterday. I am anxious to see them in a couple of weeks.

P2

NICE!!! Post pics when you have 'em!

New A23s arrived yesterday. They were installed at the LBS. Flat within first 2 miles, fortunately I was within walking distance of the house. Tiny hole in original tube (should have had new ones put on). The tires from the Amira were absolute buggers to get on and off. So much so, the tube exploded before I even got the wheel on the bikr..my bad. Second go was easier, but those tires are a pain. I would think the lower profile rim should be easier for installation. This time everything went fine. Will do pics when I have the wheel back on the bike. Early impressions are very good!!!!

P2

I still love mine...can't wait to see yours!!

Update not so good. When on got the rear wheel back on the bike it was out of true after only 1 1/2 miles of riding. Took back to LBS and they tried to true it. Owner determined that he could not reasonably true it. He is working with Velocity for a replacement. By the way, I got the Pro Build with 24f/28r, black rims, black Sapim CX-Ray spokes, and red nipples. More to come.

P2