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  1. #16
    Join Date
    Aug 2004
    Location
    North Texas
    Posts
    1,565

    new crankset on my Epesi

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    My sweet Epesi (Specialized Allez Comp 18) returned from CA with her new crankset.

    She had the stock Ultegra 53/39 front with a 9sp 12-27 cassette. I didn't want to go triple, but I wanted a lower "granny" gear for the hills.

    Chris at Robinson Wheelworks (can't remember the town... Dita?) made some great suggestions based on my current and goal riding style plus keeping it USCF legal so I can race if I choose to.

    We ended up agreeing on the following:

    - kept my existing Ultegra cassette
    - installed an FSA compact 50/34 with compact compatible derailler

    I lose 1 top end gear, but gained 2 low end gears.

    And here's a picture...
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version. 

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    no regrets!

    My ride: 2003 Specialized Allez Comp - zebra (men's 52cm), Speedplay X5 pedals, Koobi Au Enduro saddle

    Spazzdog Ink Gallery
    http://www.printroom.com/pro/gratcliff

  2. #17
    Join Date
    Jun 2002
    Location
    Mrs. KnottedYet
    Posts
    9,152
    Robinson Wheelworks is in San Leandro CA on Macarthur near Estudillo.
    Fancy Schmancy Custom Road bike ~ Mondonico Futura Legero
    Found on side of the road bike ~ Motobecane Mixte
    Gravel bike ~ Salsa Vaya
    Favorite bike ~ Soma Buena Vista mixte
    Folder ~ Brompton
    N+1 ~ My seat on the Rover recumbent tandem
    https://www.instagram.com/pugsley_adventuredog/

  3. #18
    Join Date
    Aug 2004
    Location
    North Texas
    Posts
    1,565
    Thanks Deets!

    Anyway I like this setup because I can work the "spinning" on hills, getting my cadense skill work done without jeapardizing my knee and I still have the future option of choosing a new cassette setup as I get stronger/faster.

    Speaking of my knee... talk about a crack-up; I go to CA for the Cindy (with no training), crank out 50 miles without any after-ride bodily payback. I come back to MA, rake/bag leaves for 6 hrs in my backyard and my knee is SCREAMING!

    Is there no justice...
    no regrets!

    My ride: 2003 Specialized Allez Comp - zebra (men's 52cm), Speedplay X5 pedals, Koobi Au Enduro saddle

    Spazzdog Ink Gallery
    http://www.printroom.com/pro/gratcliff

  4. #19
    Join Date
    Sep 2004
    Location
    Albuquerque, NM
    Posts
    3,099

    Is there no Justice??

    Sounds like there is to me......sounds like no more yardwork for Spazz.....only bike riding type exercise is acceptable from here on out. If your neighbours complain tell them it aggravates your knee too much to work in your yard!

    Nice bike porn, opps pixs!!
    Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, champagne in one hand, strawberries in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming: "Yeah Baby! What a Ride!"

  5. #20
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    Frankfurt am Main, Germany
    Posts
    21

    swapping cassettes

    Ladies, Ladies, Ladies,

    We are not wimps - ever! The important thing is that we get up the hill without or with walking. Please, the psychologist in me says that calling yourself a wimp - even in jest - can cause you to falter on a hill.

    Last year, at 57, I got my first road bike (this is after 5 or 6 years of serious cycling). First my husband sortof laughed. I told you about that. But then he really got enthusiastic when he considered the possibilities. The pro at the bikeshop smirked but tended to me anyway. My best choice was a Giant with only two chain rings. I immediately asked if I could get a triple, and he said yes, but when I went to pick up the bike, the third was third, but the sprockets were still not low enough (25).

    OK, I'd try it. Well it was just too hard to get up the hills I already knew I could get up with my touring bike. Back to the shop.

    I, too, can confirm it makes all the difference in the world. My knees crackle and pop going up and down stairs.

    "Wimpy" hubby Goetz has 3 chain rings. He cycles 6000 miles per year. His biggest thrill is going up Mt Ventoux of Tour de France fame (four times last year). He's done it with 2 rings and was 20 minutes slower than with his triple . Now he brags that he's only one hour behind Armstrong. He does the Giro delle Dolomiti now in the summer and is going to switch to a 27 sprocket.

    I've gone 3/4 of the way up Ventoux, to Chalet Renard.

    Another thing. Who invented this term "granny gear"? Frankly, as a granny (ask me about my grandchildren) I find it demeaning. How about "go-go gear" or "spinning gear".

    Remember, Ladies, we are women, we are strong, we are invincible.

    Barb
    Last edited by Barb, USA; 04-24-2005 at 11:09 AM.
    You're never too old!

  6. #21
    Join Date
    Aug 2004
    Location
    North Texas
    Posts
    1,565

    Report on my new FSA crankset

    This is an exerpt from the note I sent Chris (the mechanic) in CA.

    Preface it with the fact that on my old crankset, I stood on every incline on this route for at least 1/2.

    "I took the bike for a quick 10 miles around my neighborhood... did 4 laps of a 1.5 mile course. It has a couple of 200 meter flats, 2 x 2-300 meter climbs (est. 8%) then, as I get toward my house 3 very short (25 meters) but increasing incline 10%-18% with double S-turn.

    I was able to stay seated and spin the entire route except for the last bump up in incline on the last hill. But for 25 meters, I'll stand.

    Additionally, on the downhill (gradual) between the 2 longer climbs I was able to spin with a bit of resistance (85-90 rpms) to hit 26 mph and then hold it just at 20 mph in a lower spinning gear going uphill."

    Needless to say grrls, I'm liking the new setup. Now if the weather would only hold.

    spazz
    no regrets!

    My ride: 2003 Specialized Allez Comp - zebra (men's 52cm), Speedplay X5 pedals, Koobi Au Enduro saddle

    Spazzdog Ink Gallery
    http://www.printroom.com/pro/gratcliff

  7. #22
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    Frankfurt am Main, Germany
    Posts
    21

    Report on the FSA

    spazz,

    It's great you're having such a good time training. Isn't that what it's all about. I envy you. It's raining here.

    Barb
    You're never too old!

 

 

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