I was riding the acclaimed Clement X'Plor MSO 40mm tyres. They sucked. Video below.
Monday, November 10, 2014
Back to Marengo
A bit short of 2 years ago myself, David, Tim, and Patrick did a route out of Marengo thru English. Tim, David and I were joined by Jeff this weekend for another go...and I took zero pictures.
I was riding the acclaimed Clement X'Plor MSO 40mm tyres. They sucked. Video below.
I was riding the acclaimed Clement X'Plor MSO 40mm tyres. They sucked. Video below.
Sunday, June 8, 2014
ReBoot
After a fun and calorific Derby and birthday season, my weight is up to levels not seen in 4 years and my fitness is in the cellar. Time to take my health seriously.
The slipped cervical disc I suffered last year seems to be as good as it's gonna get, meaning mostly pain free, but I still have serious strength issues in my right arm, as well as some rotational limits in the shoulder. I'm hopeful some strength training will help that out. There's not enough strength for most body weight exercises, so I'm looking into dumbbell routines.
As far as weight, diet and cardio. The goal is to cycle 3-4 days a week and get in 2-3 5k or longer runs (mostly treadmill). The diet, is mostly paleo again. Trying to keep carbs under 75grams/day and no idea how to make this happen without protein shakes, but 1g/lb of lean body weight in protein. Alcohol? Dry white wine has less carbs than even the lowest carb beer, whiskey less than either. Cheat Days? Tuesday Night with the guys for beer.
If anyone wants to know what my new Go-To Snack Food is: Pumpkin Seeds. Lower in fat and carbs than peanuts, and higher in protein. Also scores pretty well on the Omega 3s.
The slipped cervical disc I suffered last year seems to be as good as it's gonna get, meaning mostly pain free, but I still have serious strength issues in my right arm, as well as some rotational limits in the shoulder. I'm hopeful some strength training will help that out. There's not enough strength for most body weight exercises, so I'm looking into dumbbell routines.
As far as weight, diet and cardio. The goal is to cycle 3-4 days a week and get in 2-3 5k or longer runs (mostly treadmill). The diet, is mostly paleo again. Trying to keep carbs under 75grams/day and no idea how to make this happen without protein shakes, but 1g/lb of lean body weight in protein. Alcohol? Dry white wine has less carbs than even the lowest carb beer, whiskey less than either. Cheat Days? Tuesday Night with the guys for beer.
If anyone wants to know what my new Go-To Snack Food is: Pumpkin Seeds. Lower in fat and carbs than peanuts, and higher in protein. Also scores pretty well on the Omega 3s.
Sunday, November 10, 2013
Gravel Adventure Rides
As part of my rehab effort and to get back in race shape, I've decided to add a series of rides to the LBC schedule. Today was the first such ride. 35 miles out of Marengo, IN.
11 hearty souls decided to give this gravely goodness a go. All said they had a great time and would definitely be back for more.
The day started out on a beautiful November morning and was warm considering the time of year. We left heading South-West, and much like the rest of the day would go, started uphill to gain altitude for a downhill run at the first gravel section. It felt odd leading a club ride from the front, but this allowed me to regroup the riders at intersections, turns and the top of climbs making sure no one got off track or left behind.
Suddenly, we were sweeping down the first section of gravel through Bogard Hollow, a quick regroup where we crossed a road and we had our first water crossing, which everyone managed without getting dunked!
Bogard Hollow ends in a short climb, then we turned onto Magnolia to reclaim altitude on pavement. Again we reach the top and turn onto gravel and descend, this time the fast and wide Seaton Hill Rd into Grantsburg. A steady 2 mile paved climb up 237 brings us to Zahn Rd, which seems innocent enough at first, but soon turns downhill. What starts as fairly deep and fresh gravel, soon turns to rutted and leaf-covered dirt and rocks. We regroup at the bottom, where we are amazed that there is an actual road sign.
We reach Tunnel Hill Rd, where they have happily paved the bottom, steepest part of the climb, then are treated to about 3 steady miles of beautiful, rolling gravel.
At the top again, we turn onto busy and boring IN-64, but after a quick 0.2 miles we take a left and to quote another rider "Fall down the rabbit hole" onto Longest Rd. a full 2.5 mile downhill run of gravel, mud and water crossings galore. I have video from this winter, I'll add here at some point.
A quick stop at the gas station in English, IN (which, luckily, was open!) and we're heading uphill again. Soon, we're zooming down a paved road coming up to the road around the reservoir, where I'm asked "Aren't reservoirs typically at the top of hills?" Ummm, quite often.
The road around is rather muddy and quite fun. I'm just a big kid splashing right through instead of riding around each puddle. As we get to the climb up, the road turns to rocky and rutted, forcing nearly everyone to walk.
The climb to the top of Reservoir Rd:
After that it's just a couple miles of rolling and wide gravel and a few more of paved and we're back at the ride start.
"I feel like I've just been hit by a truck full of awesome."- Kirk Roggenkamp.
and here's the route we rode
Next week: New Washington, IN.
11 hearty souls decided to give this gravely goodness a go. All said they had a great time and would definitely be back for more.
The day started out on a beautiful November morning and was warm considering the time of year. We left heading South-West, and much like the rest of the day would go, started uphill to gain altitude for a downhill run at the first gravel section. It felt odd leading a club ride from the front, but this allowed me to regroup the riders at intersections, turns and the top of climbs making sure no one got off track or left behind.
Suddenly, we were sweeping down the first section of gravel through Bogard Hollow, a quick regroup where we crossed a road and we had our first water crossing, which everyone managed without getting dunked!
Bogard Hollow ends in a short climb, then we turned onto Magnolia to reclaim altitude on pavement. Again we reach the top and turn onto gravel and descend, this time the fast and wide Seaton Hill Rd into Grantsburg. A steady 2 mile paved climb up 237 brings us to Zahn Rd, which seems innocent enough at first, but soon turns downhill. What starts as fairly deep and fresh gravel, soon turns to rutted and leaf-covered dirt and rocks. We regroup at the bottom, where we are amazed that there is an actual road sign.
We reach Tunnel Hill Rd, where they have happily paved the bottom, steepest part of the climb, then are treated to about 3 steady miles of beautiful, rolling gravel.
At the top again, we turn onto busy and boring IN-64, but after a quick 0.2 miles we take a left and to quote another rider "Fall down the rabbit hole" onto Longest Rd. a full 2.5 mile downhill run of gravel, mud and water crossings galore. I have video from this winter, I'll add here at some point.
A quick stop at the gas station in English, IN (which, luckily, was open!) and we're heading uphill again. Soon, we're zooming down a paved road coming up to the road around the reservoir, where I'm asked "Aren't reservoirs typically at the top of hills?" Ummm, quite often.
The road around is rather muddy and quite fun. I'm just a big kid splashing right through instead of riding around each puddle. As we get to the climb up, the road turns to rocky and rutted, forcing nearly everyone to walk.
The climb to the top of Reservoir Rd:
After that it's just a couple miles of rolling and wide gravel and a few more of paved and we're back at the ride start.
"I feel like I've just been hit by a truck full of awesome."- Kirk Roggenkamp.
and here's the route we rode
Next week: New Washington, IN.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Westgate-Chillicothe 200K
I drove up to Columbus, OH to complete my third 200K this season. I had originally planned to stay an extra day and do the FrankenBike 50, and as such decided to just take one bike to do both: my Origin8 700CX, rolling on 29x2.0 Kenda Kozmik Lite II, with a 2x9 Shimano SLX drivetrain offering gearing of 36x22 and a 11-28 cassette. I figured this would be good training for the upcoming gravel season.
The Westgate-Chillicothe 200k is a flattish triangular route, with one decent climb around mile 55.
I left home at 3:15am to try to arrive by 6:30. It was raining, and I didn't expect it to let up until well into the ride. It was a bit chilly at the start as well, and dropped into the upper 50s as we left the city. While many of the other riders (there were 30 who finished, as several of the 40+ registered opted to not start in the rain) were opting for rain jackets, rain pants, helmet covers and the like, I opted for a simple wind vest over Swobo SS wool and wool armwarmers, with my 7-Eleven cycling cap under my helmet.
As we rolled out, I made a mistake in following the other riders, expecting them to know the route. Oops. We spent quite some time trying to figure out where to go. This killed about 5 minutes out of the first 20. I then decided to stay on the front draft for as long as I could hold on. Probably not the wisest choice, and I would spend the rest of the day trying to keep my over-cooked quads turning. It also put me off my fueling plan, and playing catch-up doesn't quite work.
On the other hand, I did average over 19mph for over 30 miles. On knobbies. Turning a 36x11 high gear. A four mile stretch in the middle of that averaged over 22mph! I don't see averages like that on my Soma!
At the first control in Circleville, Mile 33, I quickly got my card signed, ate a bar out of my bag and rolled on out. That took about 10 minutes, with the crowd at the control circling all the way to the back of the store to checkout/get signed.
Around this point, I joined up with another rando, Rich, who I ended up riding the rest of the ride with. He was a much stronger rider, having done PBP in '03, and allowed me to spend as much time as possible in his draft. It helped. Even so, the drag those big 50mm wide tyres create was undeniable.
The second leg, to Chillicothe, continued South, but was also the hillest part of the route, including the one major climb, Rocky Rd, a ~500ft 1.3m climb with a large 15% section. This was a very nice section.
The next leg started turning back North, towards New Holland, taking advantage of the Tri-County Triangle Trail for nearly 17 miles. A nice rail trail, with tunnels under other roads and bridges over creeks, It made for an enjoyable change from dealing with traffic.
The final 38 miles took us back to Columbus, straight into the wind pretty much the whole way. I spent much time continuing to draft Rich, 12-13mph was about all I could maintain into the wind, with my speed popping right back into the 15-17 range when we turned out of the wind momentarily.
After we finished, we each had to go over to the RBA's place to do our final control, and we also had a picnic.
I had originally intended to, as I mentioned at the beginning, stay overnight to do the FrankenBike 50, but considering how my legs felt after pushing those fat tyres into the headwind (and the hammering for the first 30+ miles probably didn't help), I opted to drive back home that night, having to eventually stop and catch some sleep at a rest area.
I was very happy with the way the bike performed and the overall comfort level. I will seriously consider using this bike more often for brevets and other long rides. Just not on the knobbies, that's what I have road tyres for.
The Westgate-Chillicothe 200k is a flattish triangular route, with one decent climb around mile 55.
I left home at 3:15am to try to arrive by 6:30. It was raining, and I didn't expect it to let up until well into the ride. It was a bit chilly at the start as well, and dropped into the upper 50s as we left the city. While many of the other riders (there were 30 who finished, as several of the 40+ registered opted to not start in the rain) were opting for rain jackets, rain pants, helmet covers and the like, I opted for a simple wind vest over Swobo SS wool and wool armwarmers, with my 7-Eleven cycling cap under my helmet.
As we rolled out, I made a mistake in following the other riders, expecting them to know the route. Oops. We spent quite some time trying to figure out where to go. This killed about 5 minutes out of the first 20. I then decided to stay on the front draft for as long as I could hold on. Probably not the wisest choice, and I would spend the rest of the day trying to keep my over-cooked quads turning. It also put me off my fueling plan, and playing catch-up doesn't quite work.
On the other hand, I did average over 19mph for over 30 miles. On knobbies. Turning a 36x11 high gear. A four mile stretch in the middle of that averaged over 22mph! I don't see averages like that on my Soma!
At the first control in Circleville, Mile 33, I quickly got my card signed, ate a bar out of my bag and rolled on out. That took about 10 minutes, with the crowd at the control circling all the way to the back of the store to checkout/get signed.
Around this point, I joined up with another rando, Rich, who I ended up riding the rest of the ride with. He was a much stronger rider, having done PBP in '03, and allowed me to spend as much time as possible in his draft. It helped. Even so, the drag those big 50mm wide tyres create was undeniable.
The second leg, to Chillicothe, continued South, but was also the hillest part of the route, including the one major climb, Rocky Rd, a ~500ft 1.3m climb with a large 15% section. This was a very nice section.
The next leg started turning back North, towards New Holland, taking advantage of the Tri-County Triangle Trail for nearly 17 miles. A nice rail trail, with tunnels under other roads and bridges over creeks, It made for an enjoyable change from dealing with traffic.
The final 38 miles took us back to Columbus, straight into the wind pretty much the whole way. I spent much time continuing to draft Rich, 12-13mph was about all I could maintain into the wind, with my speed popping right back into the 15-17 range when we turned out of the wind momentarily.
After we finished, we each had to go over to the RBA's place to do our final control, and we also had a picnic.
I had originally intended to, as I mentioned at the beginning, stay overnight to do the FrankenBike 50, but considering how my legs felt after pushing those fat tyres into the headwind (and the hammering for the first 30+ miles probably didn't help), I opted to drive back home that night, having to eventually stop and catch some sleep at a rest area.
I was very happy with the way the bike performed and the overall comfort level. I will seriously consider using this bike more often for brevets and other long rides. Just not on the knobbies, that's what I have road tyres for.
Monday, June 18, 2012
Great Lakes Randonneurs 200K Brevet Report
I've been wanting to participate in a brevet for several years, and I've really tried to do one for about the last two. Sadly, until this weekend, I've never been able to get to one, when I felt like I was actually able to complete the event. I was going to do the local 200K, but accidentally double-booked myself with a 5K run, and since I'd already paid for the 5K and not the 200K, I went ahead and ran.
But I had already decided that this year would contain attempts at both the 200K and 300K (assuming I made the 200K distance), and it was up to me to find an event to do. I had thought for a moment that I would be yet again doing the LBC Tour de Mad Dog, which would have taken up many of my weekends, limiting even further the events that I could get to. Luckily, I missed out on qualifying for the TMD, and it has freed many weekends.
Searching the RUSA events page , I came across a 200K event put on by The Great Lakes Randonneurs, who are based out of Chicago, but run most of their events from Delavan, WI. This allowed me to drive up the night before, sleep in the van, and after the ride go visit friends who live nearby and shower and crash on their sofa.
Despite having the new bike, I decided to ride the Motobecane. It is really better set up for distance events, with plenty of luggage space, fatter tyres, fenders, stouter wheels, etc. I tuned it up with a new chain and cables, trued up the recently-built-by-me rear wheel. A few check rides and it was good to go. A new battery in the computer would have been a good idea, I later found out.
I sleep fairly well after a dinner at the local Chili's, and get myself registered, brevet card filled out and cue sheet. I chat a bit with some of the people doing the earlier starting 400K/600K rides, then get changed and ready for the 7am departure.
I roll out and get into a nice trio with a pair of Anciens. Bob, who I rode with off and on for about half the ride and Hamid, who was doing the 300K and went off on his way after the first control.
The route is quite a nice one, with mostly well paved roads and very little traffic, meandering through tiny little towns, each of which is quite picturesque with their little main streets of businesses that are nearly all brick-pavered. Sadly I took no pictures of these, as I was running low on phone juice and haven't gotten around to buying a new digital since the old one died.
I rolled with Bob for about the first 38 miles, enjoying a chat. We were rolling briskly and missed a turn, once back on course, it started getting more climby than rolly, and I decided it was time for me to back off and ride my own ride for a bit. It also started raining a few miles earlier. I was pretty stoked about the rain, but sadly another couple who were at the first control were not thrilled and decided to wait it out and then turn back. I get my first brevet stamp, ate quickly and rolled on out. 15 minutes stopped. Not bad.
Upon leaving the control I had a bit of an issue finding the route. I spent about 2 miles and around 10 minutes making sure I was going down the right road, but finally figured it out. The next control was only14 16 miles on, and despite the tailwind, I took it pretty easy concentrating on making sure I was correctly following the course.
As I was coming into the second control, I saw the others already on the bikes and heading to the next control. I was 62 miles in at this point, close to half way through the ride and was ready for lunch, despite the fact that I knew this might mean I never see the other riders the rest of the day. Getting my card stamped, I grabbed a bag of Combos, a gas-station cheeseburger and a grape soda. A gel and Powerbar from my bag made for a quick meal and I was rolling again. I was rather impressed with another 15 minute stop considering all the food I got down.
With some fresh fuel in me, I picked up the pace to the next control. Averaging 18mph I take advantage of the tailwind and make the 13 miles from Evansville, WI to Oregon, WI in under 45 minutes. The cashier tells me I'm only 10 minutes back from the others. I make my shortest stop of the day, 7 minutes and turn SE towards the next control.
The wind is coming out of the South. 10mph or so at this point of the day, slowing me again, but I push on. The rain has since stopped and the heat is starting to rise. I manage to get the 25 mile leg in ~1h40m or so. This leg crosses through some very pretty farmland. It reminds me of parts of Kentucky. Not quite the lavish horsefarms around Versailles, but smaller prettier places...with a rather strong odor...
As I roll into the control, I see Bob is still there. He's still eating and drinking and prepping his bottles for the last leg, which means I actually caught up and he wasn't just waiting up for the first-timer. He tells me he'll ride in with me and to take my time. I thank him and proceed to take my longest stop of the day: 17minutes.
The final leg is 30 miles, during which time we discuss topics ranging from terrain of WI and the history of the areas we've ridden through, to bikes and fueling. We're pushing into a stouter headwind 15mph or so and not in a real hurry as we've all the time in the world to get back. I already knew once I let the 7 hour mark pass at the last control that I wasn't making it in sub-9, but I knew that sub-10 was practically a given at this point. 9:20. I am very happy with that result.
But I had already decided that this year would contain attempts at both the 200K and 300K (assuming I made the 200K distance), and it was up to me to find an event to do. I had thought for a moment that I would be yet again doing the LBC Tour de Mad Dog, which would have taken up many of my weekends, limiting even further the events that I could get to. Luckily, I missed out on qualifying for the TMD, and it has freed many weekends.
Searching the RUSA events page , I came across a 200K event put on by The Great Lakes Randonneurs, who are based out of Chicago, but run most of their events from Delavan, WI. This allowed me to drive up the night before, sleep in the van, and after the ride go visit friends who live nearby and shower and crash on their sofa.
Despite having the new bike, I decided to ride the Motobecane. It is really better set up for distance events, with plenty of luggage space, fatter tyres, fenders, stouter wheels, etc. I tuned it up with a new chain and cables, trued up the recently-built-by-me rear wheel. A few check rides and it was good to go. A new battery in the computer would have been a good idea, I later found out.
I sleep fairly well after a dinner at the local Chili's, and get myself registered, brevet card filled out and cue sheet. I chat a bit with some of the people doing the earlier starting 400K/600K rides, then get changed and ready for the 7am departure.
I roll out and get into a nice trio with a pair of Anciens. Bob, who I rode with off and on for about half the ride and Hamid, who was doing the 300K and went off on his way after the first control.
The route is quite a nice one, with mostly well paved roads and very little traffic, meandering through tiny little towns, each of which is quite picturesque with their little main streets of businesses that are nearly all brick-pavered. Sadly I took no pictures of these, as I was running low on phone juice and haven't gotten around to buying a new digital since the old one died.
I rolled with Bob for about the first 38 miles, enjoying a chat. We were rolling briskly and missed a turn, once back on course, it started getting more climby than rolly, and I decided it was time for me to back off and ride my own ride for a bit. It also started raining a few miles earlier. I was pretty stoked about the rain, but sadly another couple who were at the first control were not thrilled and decided to wait it out and then turn back. I get my first brevet stamp, ate quickly and rolled on out. 15 minutes stopped. Not bad.
Upon leaving the control I had a bit of an issue finding the route. I spent about 2 miles and around 10 minutes making sure I was going down the right road, but finally figured it out. The next control was only
As I was coming into the second control, I saw the others already on the bikes and heading to the next control. I was 62 miles in at this point, close to half way through the ride and was ready for lunch, despite the fact that I knew this might mean I never see the other riders the rest of the day. Getting my card stamped, I grabbed a bag of Combos, a gas-station cheeseburger and a grape soda. A gel and Powerbar from my bag made for a quick meal and I was rolling again. I was rather impressed with another 15 minute stop considering all the food I got down.
With some fresh fuel in me, I picked up the pace to the next control. Averaging 18mph I take advantage of the tailwind and make the 13 miles from Evansville, WI to Oregon, WI in under 45 minutes. The cashier tells me I'm only 10 minutes back from the others. I make my shortest stop of the day, 7 minutes and turn SE towards the next control.
The wind is coming out of the South. 10mph or so at this point of the day, slowing me again, but I push on. The rain has since stopped and the heat is starting to rise. I manage to get the 25 mile leg in ~1h40m or so. This leg crosses through some very pretty farmland. It reminds me of parts of Kentucky. Not quite the lavish horsefarms around Versailles, but smaller prettier places...with a rather strong odor...
As I roll into the control, I see Bob is still there. He's still eating and drinking and prepping his bottles for the last leg, which means I actually caught up and he wasn't just waiting up for the first-timer. He tells me he'll ride in with me and to take my time. I thank him and proceed to take my longest stop of the day: 17minutes.
The final leg is 30 miles, during which time we discuss topics ranging from terrain of WI and the history of the areas we've ridden through, to bikes and fueling. We're pushing into a stouter headwind 15mph or so and not in a real hurry as we've all the time in the world to get back. I already knew once I let the 7 hour mark pass at the last control that I wasn't making it in sub-9, but I knew that sub-10 was practically a given at this point. 9:20. I am very happy with that result.
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Roadie
Well, the bike shop I work for is coming to a close. Soon. Thursday, as a matter of fact. Knowing that I'd be losing my righteous discount, I wanted to get a few things done. First among these was a new bike. Knowing that I didn't have the funds to get my dream rando bike finished in that short of time, I thought it would be fun to get a true road bike added to the stable. After weighing various options, I knew that just any bike wouldn't do. Aluminum was not gonna fly. Carbon isn't something I care for. Titanium is out of my price range. Steel is real, and the only option.
I chased specs and looked over reviews. Racy was key. No low-rent steel. This is going to be a fair weather ride. No fenders. No racks. Minimal luggage. After looking at and discarding several bikes/framesets, the Soma Smoothie won out.
The Soma Smoothie has Heat Treated Tange Prestige tubing, maximum clearance for 28mm rubber and short and fast geometry.
When specing it out I tried to balance bling with cost effective parts. Shimano 105 in silver. Costs a bit more than the black 105, but I think it looks better, and saves a ton over Ultegra, while keeping most of the features, without adding much weight. A Chris King headset was considered, but a more basic Origin8 headset was speced to save room in the budget for Thomson stem and post.
The wheels I built myself, using Velocity A23 rims and 105 hubs. While I went with 36 spokes, I saved a good bit of weight by going with thinner 1.8/1.6 double-butted DT Swiss on the front and non-drive rear, with standard 2.0/1.8 on the drive side. This gave a finished (estimated) weight below a 32H build with standard DB spokes all-around, while making for a stiffer and easier to true wheelset.
In keeping with the racy tone of the build, I went with tyres lighter and skinnier than I typically ride. Vittoria Diamante Pro 23F/25R, with Continental Race Supersonic tubes, overall saving ~80g per wheel over the rather light 28mm Rubino Pros I run on my other bike. The Diamante Pro tyres have been discontinued and replaced with the Diamante Pro Radiale model.
Here's the entire build:
Frame: Soma Smoothie 60cm White
Fork: Soma Smoothie 43mm rake
Crankset: Shimano 105 Silver 50/34 175mm FC-5750
Cassette: Shimano 105 12-27 10sp
Brakes: Shimano 105 Silver BR-5700 S
Derailleur Front: Shimano 105 Silver FD-5700 Clamp on
Derailleur Rear: Shimano 105 Silver RD-5700 SS
Chain: Shimano 105
Front Hub: Shimano 105 HB-5700
Rear Hub: Shimano 105 FH-5700
Rims: Velocity A23 Silver 36H
Front Spokes: DT Swiss Competition 1.8/1.6 Silver
Rear Spokes: DT Swiss Competition DS 2.0/1.8 Silver NDS 1.8/1.6 Silver
Spoke Nippes: DT Swiss Black Brass
Tyres: Vittoria Diamante Pro 700C x 23mm front/ 700C x 25mm rear
Tubes: Continental Race Supersonic
Saddle: Brooks B-17 Mandarin Orange
Tape: Brooks Mandarin Orange
Bag: Acorn Tubular
I chased specs and looked over reviews. Racy was key. No low-rent steel. This is going to be a fair weather ride. No fenders. No racks. Minimal luggage. After looking at and discarding several bikes/framesets, the Soma Smoothie won out.
The Soma Smoothie has Heat Treated Tange Prestige tubing, maximum clearance for 28mm rubber and short and fast geometry.
When specing it out I tried to balance bling with cost effective parts. Shimano 105 in silver. Costs a bit more than the black 105, but I think it looks better, and saves a ton over Ultegra, while keeping most of the features, without adding much weight. A Chris King headset was considered, but a more basic Origin8 headset was speced to save room in the budget for Thomson stem and post.
The wheels I built myself, using Velocity A23 rims and 105 hubs. While I went with 36 spokes, I saved a good bit of weight by going with thinner 1.8/1.6 double-butted DT Swiss on the front and non-drive rear, with standard 2.0/1.8 on the drive side. This gave a finished (estimated) weight below a 32H build with standard DB spokes all-around, while making for a stiffer and easier to true wheelset.
In keeping with the racy tone of the build, I went with tyres lighter and skinnier than I typically ride. Vittoria Diamante Pro 23F/25R, with Continental Race Supersonic tubes, overall saving ~80g per wheel over the rather light 28mm Rubino Pros I run on my other bike. The Diamante Pro tyres have been discontinued and replaced with the Diamante Pro Radiale model.
Here's the entire build:
Frame: Soma Smoothie 60cm White
Fork: Soma Smoothie 43mm rake
Crankset: Shimano 105 Silver 50/34 175mm FC-5750
Cassette: Shimano 105 12-27 10sp
Brakes: Shimano 105 Silver BR-5700 S
Derailleur Front: Shimano 105 Silver FD-5700 Clamp on
Derailleur Rear: Shimano 105 Silver RD-5700 SS
Chain: Shimano 105
Front Hub: Shimano 105 HB-5700
Rear Hub: Shimano 105 FH-5700
Rims: Velocity A23 Silver 36H
Front Spokes: DT Swiss Competition 1.8/1.6 Silver
Rear Spokes: DT Swiss Competition DS 2.0/1.8 Silver NDS 1.8/1.6 Silver
Spoke Nippes: DT Swiss Black Brass
Tyres: Vittoria Diamante Pro 700C x 23mm front/ 700C x 25mm rear
Tubes: Continental Race Supersonic
Saddle: Brooks B-17 Mandarin Orange
Tape: Brooks Mandarin Orange
Bag: Acorn Tubular
Monday, April 16, 2012
Commiskey Gravel Grinder
After spending Saturday hammering in the Knobs, Sunday was quite the trudge. I was tired. However, I was really looking forward to getting out on some gravel and really testing out the equipment upgrades.
New Crankset: Shimano SLX 36/22 and matching derailleur
New Camelback Rogue
Revisiting the Kenda Happy Mediums (now with superlight tubes)
More fueling testing.
I don't think any of it would have mattered considering how exhausted I was from the previous day's effort. The lower gearing did mean I had the option of taking it easy on all the climbs (this is important to know, as near the end of Almanzo, I expect to be rather tired).
I had one other rider show up, a serious competitor in Xterra events, time trials and other sports. We rolled out and enjoyed the time, talking and occasionally hammering. Mostly trying to keep up with him. He rode an older Cannondale 26er hardtail (with headshock) that had a road compact crankset and drop bars.
The route was rather nice, having ridden much of it before, I was pretty certain it would be about 50% gravel, I underestimated, and am pretty sure it is over 60% (an important distinction, as that's the cutoff to be listed on GravelGrinderNews.com) The sections we missed last time due to cue sheet error were nearly all gravel, probably 15 of the last 20 miles. With the constant 20+ mph winds even the flat stretches required a steady effort to move forward.
The previous day's rains had made it soft in spots, allowing me to see how much the tyres would dig in, and a couple loose, steep climbs gave me an idea of traction limits. It wasn't a good day to judge how fast the tyres are, given my physical state and the headwinds. I think I may be able to drop a few psi to smooth the ride some more.
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