My pride and first build ever.

[g19]

Finally my update on the first maiden 100+ miles with my new steel pride.

It would be not fair to say the least to compare this bike with my former one (a Specialized Allez from 2006) wich is a low entrance kinda bike and is so equipped with low end parts.

I feel that the best way to compare would be to stick to the frame material wich is what i shall do.

So is there a difference to notice. Well definitely yes. The best way to describe it would be more stable and more smooth/comfortable on the same roads i have been riding my Allez. The roads i ride on are a mixture of asphalt, chip and seal, coble stones.

Riding these kinda roads on my former bike was relatively ok until one starts to add up the daily miles. Lets say 60+ miles a day and not forgetting age count's too I felt 'shaken' all over as in the short miles with the steel one the 'shaken' feeling is there, but not on the same level. There definately is a increase in 'comfort' it smooths out things and this is not a placebo effect
All these experiences is what i have been reading for so many times from others and no i can only confirm, it's true.

Further more when going downhill - has also to do with the wheels i admit - but here too more stable feeling then the former one.

So what's the conclusion.

Well that this one was custom build for my body measurements (and riding style) which is key in my eyes as no matter how nice and well equipped a bike looks if one's body measurements isn't spot on with the frame dimensions than i feel the performance is never 100% as is the pleasure while riding.

Was is it worth it, well yes although i regret that my lbs had sold me a bike (Allez) that never 'fit' me in the first place. But than again every downside has a upside i learned the hard way that you get what you pay for.

Further more when building one's own bike increases one's self confidence and technical independence when needed for maintenance and at a roadside repair

Realizing that all this started by reading this forum and asking myself why do these Americans have a 'thing' for steel.

After having had the opportunity to do the shortest bicycle test ride in my life, but probably the most important one i was convinced that steel was my frame and the rest is history.

All i have to do now is pedalling my steel pride and resisting a test ride on a TI bike ........

[madscot13]

cool bike! I like that you chose a bike that was perfect for you and spent time to find all the right parts.

how did you pain the crank? is it still lasting? that is an interesting custom thing to do.