SRAM, generic CF frames, PBK, LBS... some thoughts on my backup bike
02-19-08, 12:10 PM
#76
Peloton Shelter Dog
I was hoping you would be toeing the starting line in the Prospect Park vets race on a fixed gear.
Oh well.
Oh well.
02-19-08, 06:58 PM
#77
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i was planning on 105, but couldn't find a cheap groupset, and rival was cheaper than ultegra.
Last edited by botto; 02-19-08 at 09:22 PM.
02-19-08, 07:01 PM
#78
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Yeah, he wasn't being clear was he (?!? 
).
Average looking bike, functional back-up bike/tool... most impressive is that you did it for ~1k sans wheels. Least impressive would be that it doesn't fit well, if that ends up being the case as you alluded (though I suspect this is a matter of finding the right stem/bar positioning vs. the SRAM).
).Average looking bike, functional back-up bike/tool... most impressive is that you did it for ~1k sans wheels. Least impressive would be that it doesn't fit well, if that ends up being the case as you alluded (though I suspect this is a matter of finding the right stem/bar positioning vs. the SRAM).
WTF do you expect from a 2.5 hour ride: "corners like it's on rails, stiff yet compliant, climbs like a mountain goat, yada, yada, yada"?
Last edited by botto; 02-19-08 at 07:24 PM.
02-19-08, 07:12 PM
#79
Used to be a climber..
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I didn't really like the feel of the SRAM shifting at first either, but I grew accustomed to it. It feels "cheaper" than Shimano, but in the year I've been using it, it works pretty well, and for the price it was hard to beat. It shifts well, brakes well, and I haven't had any issues with it, other than the crank coming loose (Force crankset)....but I'm not sure if that was installer error or not.
02-19-08, 09:43 PM
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02-19-08, 10:11 PM
#88
Trying to keep up
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In my case, it's actually sleep deprivation + flu from taking care of sick kids and a spouse who were kind enough to pass the illness to me.
02-19-08, 11:32 PM
#89
Used to be a climber..
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Is everyone getting this flu thing? Man, I better keep working from home so I don't get it....
02-19-08, 11:36 PM
#90
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An understated, relatively economical tool that gets the job done. What's not to like? No need to critique aesthetics or color choices given the stated purpose of the bike.
02-20-08, 08:37 AM
#91
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How about: he bought a bike that might not fit well? Wrong head tube height & couple other comments...underscores a fundamental in buying a bike (first get the fit right).
02-20-08, 09:08 AM
#93
Sua Ku
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Dear Mr botto
I'm afraid that you were unsuccessful in your application to join our writing staff. Your ride was at least 2 hours too long and your review was at least half a page too short. More cliches may help.
Best regards
The Editor
Bicycling
02-20-08, 11:56 AM
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Dude, lighten up 
- you mentioned ill fit a bunch of times (HT height, feeling cramped vs. a size too big, ...), not sure who is obsessed here. Also unsure where you got on the riding qualities thing, but I wouldn't think riding qualities matter much if the bike doesn't fit.
- you mentioned ill fit a bunch of times (HT height, feeling cramped vs. a size too big, ...), not sure who is obsessed here. Also unsure where you got on the riding qualities thing, but I wouldn't think riding qualities matter much if the bike doesn't fit.
02-20-08, 12:06 PM
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I like it - always liked plain black bikes and no decals. Rival is the best budget group out there - I think it performs better than 105. Certainly a lot lighter.
02-20-08, 12:29 PM
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I've used both Rival and 105 (in fact I've got two bikes, one with each rear derailer at the moment). Rival's much quicker shifting - especially under load IMO. Really by feel I can't tell a huge difference between Rival and Force. And hey, if its lighter and cheaper than the Shimano and Campy equivalents there's nothing wrong with that. 