Build Up

Here is the latest photo. I am waiting for my Mavic wheels to come in but decided to throw my wife's Super-Six wheel set on just to see how it looks and fits. Very happy with the way it looks. Her wheels have red spoke nipples that match my red Chris King headset. The bike in this configuration weighs 19lbs. with her wheels and no chain. Hopefully the Mavics are lighter and stronger.

As for fit, it is hard to tell just coasting around the front of the house. It definitely feels good. The seat stays are a little shorter than my old frame and I hit the back of my shoes on the rear derailleur. But I had on running shoes and I think I will be fine with actual cycling shoes. Also, I am a bit concerned that the handlebars are not high enough and that the 45 rake fork (vs. 43) might make for some sluggish steering. Hard to tell as the tires I had on were low on air pressure.

Decision made

Don't I look happy? This is right after we picked up the frame. Decided to go with the 68cm Gunnar Rodie for a couple of reasons. It offered the highest head tube at 270mm tall. My Raleigh Super Course only had a 225mm head tube so I should notice a big difference. The top tube length seems just about right at 62cm, and its a virtual 68cm so the seat tube is only 65cm tall. I also liked the price and the fact that it is made in the USA. This was not the cheapest in the line up at $900 but I feel a reasonable price. I have always ridden steel road bikes so I know what to expect from ride quality and maintenance. I do love the look of carbon bikes but could not bring myself to shell out $2500 just for a frame, let alone the fact that I could not find one in my size! I will post pics as the build up commences. Also after all the decisions were made, guess the blog should have been called 68cm Tall Bike...

Couple things to note here. I chose a Charcoal Grey Metallic, it looks great. I also choose to have the decals removed. All but the made in USA on the non-drive side chain stay. Frame weighs 5lbs.