Nagrom_

And the wheelset parts start to finally come in. Just waiting on hubs and nipples to arrive.

Nagrom_

Schweet. Build time.

THSdrummer

They look awesome so far. What are the specs? A23 rims?

The hubs look pretty dang great as well. I haven't been around long enough to identify them. Still digging around with the possibility of a new wheelset sometime over summer or fall. Considering the Flo 30s once they are released, but getting a handbuilt pair is looking more and more tempting every day. If I can ride for the LBS, I'll probably ask him to build me a wheelset. (Stan's No Tubes 340 rims with Chris King hubs, spokes and nipples open to suggestions).

Still trying to dig up more info on hubs. I want quality, long-term use. If I were to cut down to Velocity hubs or something I could save about half of what I'm looking at with my current build.

Tallying up possible gram saving upgrades. If I go Flo 30, I could afford a new cockpit (narrower handlebars would be ideal) and seat post, or go with the handbuilt set and just get a new cockpit OR seatpost. Any thoughts or considerations? (Feel free to PM me) - I love to discuss this stuff and this is the only place I can go for it.

Nagrom_

I'm the guy if you want to talk wheels, haha.

I'm actually just coming off of a pair of A23's due to stiffness issues. Too heavy/strong for 28 lasers in the rear. These are KinLin XC-279s. 23 wide, 28 deep, The hubs are welterweight Novatecs, branded by November. I love the anodized red, and now love the guys from November. Great customer service, great prices. I just laced them 2 cross front, 3 cross rear. Sapim Lasers up front, Sapim Races rear for stiffness. These will add a bit of weight to my CAAD, but ****, I'm 200 pounds... so uh... yeah, haha. These should come under 1600g anyway, haven't yet weighed them.


Regarding hubs. I really don't see a point going for CK's and the like. If you want to talk about diminishing returns, we should talk more about hubs. I've had 5 (or 6?) sets of Novatecs. For the money, they are REALLY hard to beat. Light, cheap, serviceable. Couldn't really ask for more.

As for spokes, that depends on pretty much every other part of the build. Rim choice, hub choice, lacing pattern, rider weight, etc. With those details I could help you more. PM me if you want.

Nagrom_

They came out really well. Such well machined hoops, so round.

THSdrummer

Those look super clean.

Wonderful looking CAAD as well. The red hubs are such a nice, subtle accent.

PM sent regarding wheel discussion.

Nagrom_

Thanks. I'm happy with the impulse buy on the red hubs, haha.

I'll get to that PM soon.

bianchi10

The red hubs were a good choice. Looks good mang!!

dking

Welcome bug

Nagrom_

I agree, thanks. They came out a lot better than I expected.

Stiff as hell too.

FPSDavid

Gotta at least have some respect for the bike and get black zip ties instead of clear/white though, come on bro!

Nagrom_

Haha, yeah I know. I've actually bought a bag of black ties, just haven't got to it.

longbeachgary

Anyone see the aluminum shootout in Road Bike Action magazine? The 10 lost to the Allez.....

Nagrom_

That's surprising.

decycle

I used to ride a 100mm stem but I always felt I was squeezed and had to push my pelvis back to the rear of the saddle to stretch some more, so I decided to do a test with a 120mm stem.
What do you think? Am I too stretched out with the 120mm?

I haven't ridden the bike with the longer stem yet but it feels longer than I'd prefer. Maybe I need a few days to adjust. Should I try a 110mm stem?





Any help would be appreciated.

Nagrom_

Why the long face?

Kidding aside, it looks like you have plenty of elbow bend. If that's comfortable, ride it.

bianchi10

dont be afraid to throw on a shirt next time lol...

I would say that looks like a good fit. but if you feel like you are after a couple rides, try a 110mm.

decycle

HAHAHA

Do you think that plenty of elbow bend is uncomfortable for long rides?

Nagrom_

Exact opposite actually. Locked elbows suck.

gnawthrough

I know this isn't the greatest picture, and since it's been taken i've changed the bar position and raised the saddle quite a bit to get a better leg extention, I still thought I would post it. My first real road bike, a 1999 Caad 4 with full campy chorus and record shifters.

jdms mvp

this.

ur arm angle looks fine guy who posted himself with horse head.

Beaker

Well played

and yes, +1 to bent elbows being a good thing. You want your arms to feel relaxed when riding. Locked elbows and death grip is a common cause of shoulder and neck discomfort.

Nagrom_

And terrible handling.

decycle

Locked elbows means too long or too short stem?

FPSDavid

Just demo rode this bike, anyone have $4000 they want to lend me?



Compared to my CAAD10 3, it felt so much better! Lighter, stiffer, better acceleration. It was sweet, although I don't think I like SRAM Red shifting compared to my Ultegra.