New ike Pix

[Kathi]

Here's the specs.

Chris King headset
Campy Record Shifters, Derailleurs and cassette 13-29
Specialties TA Carmina 165 mm compact Crankset 48-34
Zero Gravity Brakes
Richey WCS Stem
Modolo Venus handlebars 34 cm
Thompson Masterpiece Seat Post
Handbuilt wheels, 650c Nimble Rims, Sapim CX-Ray Spokes, Tune rear hub, AC front hub, 1185 g without skewers, Campy Record Skewers
Michelin Axil Pro Race Tires

She's 15.4 lbs and could have been lighter if I was able to use the Campy Record crankset. But I like the Carmina, it's pretty bike jewelry.

I love how proportioned she is on her 650c wheels!

[Kathi]

The colors are slate a dark grey, (not black) and a greyish pink called Ciao Bebe.

[KnottedYet]

Oh, baby..... or rather, "oh, bebe..."

[Kalidurga]

That's a pretty pony you got there, Kathi. I'm curious: What sort of saddle do you have on it?

[KSH]

So pretty! Love the color!

Congrats on the new baby bike!

[Kathi]

It's a WTB Speed She, ti rails. It looks like their changing the line to the Deva. I got it for 50% off at Performance back in May.

It may not be fancy but it works for me.

[Kano]

Oh, I do like it!

Now for the newbie question: still wondering about this "geometry" stuff. Is this bike "relaxed geometry" or "aggressive geometry" -- and what about it makes it whatever?

Maybe a picture will help me understand better than all the other explanations I've seen, well, at least I can hope!

Karen in Boise

[jobob]

The colors are slate a dark grey, (not black) and a greyish pink called Ciao Bebe.

It's stunning !

You now need matching "Ciao Bebe" nail polish

[Triskeliongirl]

She is absolutely beautiful, but it seems like the top end of your gearing is awful low. I ran your numbers through the sheldon brown site and it seems your top gear ratio is only 90. Why did you choose a 48 vs a 50 ring in front? That would help a little. I have a 50/34 compact double and the shifting is just fine on it, and I have it paired with a 12/27 rear, so for me even the 50/13 would be a tad low for the high end. If you swapped your 48 for a 50 you wouldn't compromise your low end but could get a bit more of a high end. But, what is important is that you chose gears that work best for your body! Do enjoy her, she is absolutely beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[DirtDiva]

At long last. May you have many happy miles together.

[pooks]

She's SO beautiful! The colors are stunning.

Have you considered dying your hair "Ciao Bebe?"

Your pedals look like they're almost on the ground. Is that unusual for them to be so low?

[Kathi]

She is absolutely beautiful, but it seems like the top end of your gearing is awful low. I ran your numbers through the sheldon brown site and it seems your top gear ratio is only 90. Why did you choose a 48 vs a 50 ring in front? That would help a little. I have a 50/34 compact double and the shifting is just fine on it, and I have it paired with a 12/27 rear, so for me even the 50/13 would be a tad low for the high end. If you swapped your 48 for a 50 you wouldn't compromise your low end but could get a bit more of a high end. But, what is important is that you chose gears that work best for your body! Do enjoy her, she is absolutely beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!!

When we chose the gearing back in the spring we didn't know how well my knee would be healed when the bike came so we chose a gearing that wouldn't push the it too much.

Since the knee is still "talking to me" the 48 was a good choice.

[Triskeliongirl]

Do know that if you ever feel the need, its not a big deal to swap out that 48 for a 50. Also, be aware that sometimes knee problems can be fixed with saddle height adjustments, and cleat positioning and/or increasing float. I know since I did all of the above! I like speedplay pedals with lots of float, and even then my cleats have to be mounted just right, and my saddle has to be high enough or I get knee pain. My recommendation to use the 50 shouldn't effect anything, since you won't compromise on your low range, but you'd have another high gear to not spin out on descents or in a tail wind, which also shouldn't bother your knee.

[Cassandra_Cain]

Wow! That is a stunning bike, I absolutely love the colors and the lines are great.

Happy riding and congratz

[Kathi]

Do know that if you ever feel the need, its not a big deal to swap out that 48 for a 50. Also, be aware that sometimes knee problems can be fixed with saddle height adjustments, and cleat positioning and/or increasing float. I know since I did all of the above! I like speedplay pedals with lots of float, and even then my cleats have to be mounted just right, and my saddle has to be high enough or I get knee pain. My recommendation to use the 50 shouldn't effect anything, since you won't compromise on your low range, but you'd have another high gear to not spin out on descents or in a tail wind, which also shouldn't bother your knee.

Thanks but my knee problem is recovering from ACL surgery in Feb. It's getting stronger but still has not regained the strength of my uninjured leg. And yes, I know that I can go with a 50, I plan to do that when my knee regains its full strength. Dr. says it's a year until it's fully healed.