8-Speed Ergopowered 2002 Davidson 853
 

This Reynolds 853 frame and fork was custom-built for me at the old Elliott Bay Bicycles location back in 2002. Originally built with Super Record, in late 2011 it was converted to 8-speed Ergo with some special touches. That swap is chronicled here: Blasphemy?

For a number of years this served as my zero-bike in Phoenix. After my last visit I brought it back home because I fell in love with riding it after riding it every day for a month! If I'm honest, it's the lower gearing that really makes this bike my go-to choice for most of my recent rides since I've been back home. It also just does everything with no fuss whatsoever. Next experiment: a gravel ride!

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Edit: 1st "purpose-built" thread of the new forum!

DD

Look after those hoods...

Oh, and you might want to reconsider your choice of RD pulleys - resin is so much quieter.

Yes, the hoods are losing their pebbled surface but so far haven't begun tearing anyplace. I'm sure keeping crashes to a minimum has helped with that :)

And long, long ago I put aside a fresh, NOS pair just in case. Nice to have a spare bit here and there, and for this bike most of those spares are brifter-related.

The drivetrain is an interesting mix of titanium cogs (unknown manufacture), Vuelta 53t and Campy 39AS chainrings, a slotted KMC 8-speed chain - and, as you've noted - a pair of alloy Bullseye derailleur pulleys. The whole shebang makes hardly a sound. But the freehub? Unbelievably loud and just barely this side of tolerable!

DD

But, also slower. Speed or silence - you can't have both.

Um, I think you'll find that the sound energy has to come from somewhere, ie the kinetic energy of your chain. As a general rule, quieter is faster.

Resin BB pulleys might not actually be quite as efficient as ally ones, but I doubt it. The main thing (aside from ditching bushings) is their size - you can usually squeeze bigger pulleys into a standard cage.

@Drillium Dude - Jeff, I like the tasteful drillium! Beautiful bike!

Love those stays.

Typical DD attention to detail, and simple elegance👍 This and the Sparrow are two beautiful bikes.

Bill