SRAM Force

[Triskeliongirl]

I am running a 50/34 which is how I calculated the gear ratios I posted. Its not just going lower, the diff. between the 27 and 28 isn't that big, its also going higher, the diff between 11 and 12 does seem to buy a lot on the high end (to compensate for 50 tooth front ring and 650c wheel), unless I ran the calculations wrong.

At this point I am used to HUGE gaps since I run an 11/34 mountain casette on a 700c rear wheel with a 50/34 in front. But I would effectively only be giving up my largest cog in terms of gear inches in the new set up with an 11/28. I hope having a ligher bike will make up for the lost low gear..........or that the bike will motivate me to get stronger, or some combination thereof, if that makes any sense. This bike is too pretty to junk up with a mountain casette.

And yes, I like the color and specs (durace) on the 2008 more than on the 2009. The frame is the same but the 09 was downgraded to ultegra.

[Triskeliongirl]

I BOUGHT HER!

My kids borrowed my camera so I could only take a picture on my cell phone which doesn't do her justice. I love the colors a lot more than the girly girl white and blue of my terry titanium isis.

The bars are temporary, he is ordering me a shorter reach bar but even with this one she feels amazing (tweaking gals).

The shop was amazing to work with! All this time they were in my town but I had been going to the wrong shops. I finally found someone that understands my fit issues, and a stock frame that looks like it was designed just for me.

She is the most amazing bike I have ever ridden. She climbs like a dream. I LOVE THE DURACE, and the durace compact FD works perfectly with my custom compact crank which I was worried about. I did go with the shimano casette at the shop's recommendation, although he told me the new durace group does come with an 11/28 if I find I don't like the 12/27 to consider when it wears out.

I did have to ditch the carbon crankset and put my heavy leather brooks saddle on her due to some personal biomechanical stuff, and while I know I will never race I can tell she will let me be the best rider that I can be.

Thanks for your help and encouragement!

[Wahine]

I'm coming a little late to the party but congrats!! And just to ease your mind further, I have a very good friend who is an amazing bike wrench and does custom builds for a living. He loves SRAM and says it's a way better deal than Shimano and also far more reliable. As for mixing the 2 go ahead. And I would also go for the 11. I have the SRAM 11 -27 on my compact double and I love it, the 11 does make a big difference.

[Crankin]

Congratulations! The bike looks beautiful. I'm jealous you can go outside and ride it!
I have the same wheels.

[Triskeliongirl]

Thanks guys! I am so excited. Saturday will be my first serious ride on her. I wish I had the new bars but I just couldn't wait!!!!!!!

[Aggie_Ama]

The shop was amazing to work with! All this time they were in my town but I had been going to the wrong shops. I finally found someone that understands my fit issues, and a stock frame that looks like it was designed just for me.

Ugh isn't that a good but sick feeling? I bought my bike from a shop because I really wanted a Cannondale but 5 months later was in another shop having a woman fit it because the baffoon at the other shop had it all wrong and was really causing me pain.

Congrats on the new baby!

[Jo-n-NY]

I wouldn't have been able to wait either...congrats on your new ride!!!!

~ JoAnn

[ilima]

Awesome. So glad you found a great bike & a great shop.