Mercier Kilo tt pro...

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12-20-13, 05:49 PM

#26

Philasteve

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Scrodzilla

You know it literally takes years to break in a Brooks saddle, right?

If I do get one for this spring I think i'm going to go with the pre-aged b17. Supposed to be pre broken in or something?

12-20-13, 06:05 PM

#27

rms13

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Quote:

Originally Posted by SpeedofLight

I have a Brooks B17 narrow on one of my vintage bikes, I like it for that bike alone, only problem I have is that the leather is super slick to sit on and you slide all over the place on it really easy.

That was the other problem I had with it.

12-20-13, 06:09 PM

#28

TejanoTrackie

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Just wear suede pants. Problem solved.

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Originally Posted by Dcv

I'd like to think i have as much money as brains.

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12-21-13, 05:53 AM

#29

Lycosa

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Scrodzilla

You know it literally takes years to break in a Brooks saddle, right?

I for one, did not. Everyone talks about how it's broken in after 100-150 miles. I figured I'd have it broken in after a week. People make it sound like it becomes a comfortable catcher's mitt for their ass.

Quote:

You did not mention Trek. They have the Earl with an MSRP of $530. I own two Treks. I like them.

First I've heard of that bike. I did check it out online though. It looks like pretty standard fare. In fact, looking over the details, it seems it might have less going for it than a "State Bicycle". State Bicycle Co. has CroMo frame and forks whereas the Trek Earl has Hi Ten Steel forks. Everything about those 2 bikes seems rather similar: Headset, Generic Wheelset, 3 Piece Alloy Crankset, etc. It costs more than the State bike and weighs in at a hefty 27.5 pounds. I'm guessing Trek wants to cash in on the 'fixie' craze.. but I think all you're really getting is the pedigree for the money. Maybe someone has more experience with them and can vouch that it's a better bike... the specifications don't really stand out though. And honestly... a beer bottle opener welded on the frame? Really? That's a selling point?

12-21-13, 06:08 AM

#30

SpeedofLight

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I personally am not willing to pay 500 bucks for a bike doesn't at least have a sealed hub wheelset, only the high end State bicycles come with those.

12-21-13, 10:28 AM

#31

Scrodzilla

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Quote:

Originally Posted by SpeedofLight

I personally am not willing to pay 500 bucks for a bike doesn't at least have a sealed hub wheelset, only the high end State bicycles come with those.

And the Kilo TT Pro (which is what this thread is about).

Also, the Dawes SST-AL and SE Premium Brew. I'm sure there are others. "High end" State bicycle is an oxymoron.

12-21-13, 02:26 PM

#32

Philasteve

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Quote:

Originally Posted by SpeedofLight

I personally am not willing to pay 500 bucks for a bike doesn't at least have a sealed hub wheelset, only the high end State bicycles come with those.

If you properly maintain and adjust unsealed bearings can't they out perform sealed ones or is it just to much work?

12-21-13, 02:50 PM

#33

SpeedofLight

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Scrodzilla

And the Kilo TT Pro (which is what this thread is about).

Also, the Dawes SST-AL and SE Premium Brew. I'm sure there are others. "High end" State bicycle is an oxymoron.

By high end I meant the nicest model they have available, someone had mentioned something about that brand a few posts back.
As far as hub bearing type, if i'm gonna spend the money, the sealed precision bearing hubs are a better quality buy, usually by the time those are wore out you will have gone through a couple sets of hoops.

Last edited by SpeedofLight; 12-21-13 at 02:54 PM.

12-23-13, 07:01 PM

#34

Lycosa

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Thanks guys for all the help. I decided to go with the Kilo WT and really think that's the best buy for my money all around.

Just a bit more advice if you could spare the time....

Anyone know which Park tools I'll need to pull the bottom bracket? Any special tools I might need for complete disassembly? I have a couple tools from Park I've already bought, but it doesn't look like those tools will fit the BB on the Mercier. I'm kind of a perfectionist (read: overly anal) when it comes to maintaining my bikes.

12-23-13, 07:31 PM

#35

TejanoTrackie

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Lycosa

Anyone know which Park tools I'll need to pull the bottom bracket? Any special tools I might need for complete disassembly? I have a couple tools from Park I've already bought, but it doesn't look like those tools will fit the BB on the Mercier. I'm kind of a perfectionist (read: overly anal) when it comes to maintaining my bikes.

You do not need to remove the bottom bracket unless you have to replace it. It is a sealed cartridge design that does not require any adjustment or maintenance. The only thing you might have to do is tighten the crank arm bolts.

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Dcv

I'd like to think i have as much money as brains.

I see the light at the end of the tunnel, but the tunnel keeps getting longer - me

12-23-13, 07:44 PM

#36

Lycosa

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Quote:

Originally Posted by TejanoTrackie

Yeah, I realize that. I'm just thinking ahead. If I decided to upgrade the BB with something else, I'd like to know that I already have the proper tool in the shed for it. Last time I needed to get a BB tool, I had to take the bike up to my LBS to have them verify which tool was the correct tool for the bike I had. Unfortunately, I live quite a distance from a bike store so being able to know any bike specific tool I'd need ahead of time would save me a bit of trouble later down the road. Besides, I love wrenching on a bike.

12-23-13, 07:49 PM

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TejanoTrackie

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Park Tool BBT-2 will work.

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What, Me Worry? - Alfred E. Neuman

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dcv

I'd like to think i have as much money as brains.

I see the light at the end of the tunnel, but the tunnel keeps getting longer - me

12-23-13, 08:14 PM

#38

Lycosa

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Quote:

Originally Posted by TejanoTrackie

Park Tool BBT-2 will work.

Thanks a lot. You've been a lot of help on this thread and I really do appreciate it.

02-28-19, 01:40 PM

#39

danco

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Riding a Mercier Kilo TT Pro on the Withlacoochie

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lycosa

I'll likely be riding between 10-20 miles on less than ideal roads.. mainly back roads that aren't fixed or repaved that often. I'm not much for trail-riding so I don't need to be equipped for that. Occasionally, I do centuries down to south Florida from central Florida. Hills are pretty scarce here and on that century, 50 miles is down the Withlacoochie bike trail which is about as nice as it gets. I mainly want the bike for city cruising, running with a back pack to local stores, that kind of thing. I'm not into racing, more like casual touring. I just want to try it on a fg/ss bike. Sounds like fun and people sure remark about how much fun they're having... figured it would be worth the money to give it a shot.

I have a 2013 model and it will do all you ask.
I am in Ocala, FL and it is great on the paved trails around here (Withlacoochie and Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Trail /Santos)
It is lighter and quicker than I expected as a first time "Fixie" rider, and it climbs the gentle hills around here with unexpected ease.
I am a more senior rider and just had a twenty-three mile ride with friends within the OTOW (On Top of the World) community.
Highly recommended.
-Dan