Caliwild

Hey guys,

I found a few threads on this bike and the reviews seem to be mostly positive. I have a chance to buy almost this same exact bike:

https://www.theproscloset.com/produc...ike-2017-large

I honestly just want it for the Dura Ace 9000 groupset but the frame and wheels (Mavic Ksyrium SLS) look pretty nice too. How much would be reasonable for the whole bike? $1,500 too rich? Thanks in advance...

LAJ

It's sold, and I wish I would have seen it.

big john

He said it was almost the exact bike so maybe the one he's looking at is still available.

Caliwild

Sorry for not being clear. My local bike shop has a bike exactly like the one on Pro’s Closet for $1500.

LAJ

Reading comprehension fail. Thank you, sir.

Excel had that frame on the wall when I bought my Alize, and I kick myself for not buying them both. I would pay 1500 all day long.

Caliwild

Thanks for the response!

cyclebycle13

Had one. Loved it. Only issue - they're prone to cracking. Mine did and they warrantied it - cracked on the chainstay not too far beyond the bottom bracket. The warranty replacement was a later model and I had no issues with it, until I got tree branched and the frame was totaled.

I'd stay away from that model year.

I should add I purchased it from fairwheelbikes and I was told they stopped carrying them because there were so many that had the same issue. I also saw some on the proscloset that had repairs to the same area.

Caliwild

Thanks... ok, that gives me some apprehension. Thanks for the heads up...

Caliwild

OK, they're willing to throw in some Garmin power meter pedals and reduce the price to $1200. At that price, I think it's a no-brainer. If I dislike the frame, I could always sell that and keep the Dura Ace 9000 groupset and Mavic wheels...

Caliwild

Ok, picked up the bike! Looks to be in great shape, other than the dirt/grime. It should clean up nicely. I checked very carefully for any cracks or damage but she’s in tip top shape. I think I got a pretty good deal…. The seller threw in the Garmin pedals, a Garmin 520, and front/rear lights. My grand total was $1K! It’s full Dura Ace 9000. Surprised to even find a deal during these crazy times…. Does anyone know which pedals these are? I need to change the batteries. It’s going to my bike shop soon so that they can throw on a shorter stem, new chain, new bar tape and to do a complete tune up. Can’t wait to take it out for a spin….

Caliwild

I didn't realize Neil Pryde went on to form Chapter 2 bikes... Apparently, their Neil Pryde bikes were Chapter 1 of their story... Pretty cool

https://www.chapter2bikes.com/about-us/?wcmlc=USD

LAJ

Enjoy your new bike!

Yep. I've been keeping tabs on Chapter 2. Nice looking bikes.

Caliwild

OK, I just got the bike back from the shop... Threw on a zero offset Zipp seatpost (carbon) and a shorter Zipp stem (aluminum). The shop literally stripped everything off the bike, polished everything, re-greased everything and re-assembled. Got some new Vittoria Corsa tires and Lizard Skins bar tape too. Honestly, it looks like a brand new bike now... Now I need to order the batteries and cleats (didn't realize Garmin uses Look cleats, not Shimano) for the Garmin pedals. Here's a pic...

Caliwild

Got a chance to weigh the bike and I was shocked... Including the pedals and cages, the bike weighs 15.3 lbs!

Caliwild

Quick update after several rides... I'm actually quite shocked to say that this is probably one of the best riding road bikes I've ever ridden (I've had a Bianchi, De Rosa, Mondonico, and several other well-regarded frames in carbon and steel). It accelerates VERY quickly, holds speed, corners smoothly on descents and climbs wonderfully. And somehow, it still feels very comfortable (probably the thin seat stays). And I forgot how amazing Dura Ace 9000 is. The shifts are not even noticeable. Anyway, it sounds like I'm gushing but I kind of am. Maybe I shouldn't be so surprised that it rides so well but I didn't expect much from a brand I hadn't really heard of before...

robbyville

What a great story and find, congrats! I loved the DA 9000 mechanical, front shifting was so amazing that I (almost) didn’t go with DI2. I’m sure you found this out already but you should be able to get the batteries for your Garmin Vector pedals from a normal grocery store or battery center. Depending on the model, you may also want to get from garmin the kit that came with new prong seals and end caps which if I remember from mine right were updated in the first year of the Vector 2’s becoming available.

enjoy the ride and be safe on that beauty!

Caliwild

Thank you! Yeah, I purchased some CR1/3N lithium batteries from Amazon and the pedals work perfectly. It's pretty funny to see how little power I am producing! Thanks for the info on the seals/caps for the pedals. I'll look into that too. It's crazy that I was only interested in this bike for the groupset, but have now realized that the frameset is just as special...

SoSmellyAir

Very light! The Mavic Ksyrium SLS wheels are some of the lightest wheels of the pre-carbon fiber rim era.

Caliwild

Yes, I was pretty shocked to discover that these aluminum wheels weigh so little. Makes me question why full carbon wheel is even necessary...

robbyville

lol they’re not other than looks and aerodynamics which outweigh weight in many circumstances

SoSmellyAir

For wider and deeper wheels.

Outrider1

I could sense your excitement from your initial post. It's great to here it worked out even better than you thought. Good on you and enjoy!

Caliwild

Yeah, that's true...

Caliwild

Quick update... Unfortunately, I hit a nasty pothole and bent the rear Mavic rim that the bike came with. Sooo, I used the opportunity to get a new wheelset. Had my shop order the DT Swiss PR 1400 Dicut Oxic 21 wheelset (wanted a lightweight aluminum wheelset that could also be run tubeless). After the maiden voyage this morning on the new wheels, I will say I'm impressed. The total weight is 1,475 grams, so it's pretty darn light (my total bike weight dropped to 14.9 lbs). But what really impressed me is how much better the braking is. Subjectively, it feels like it's at least 50% better than the Mavics. Also, the wheels are stiff, which suits this bike since it accelerates very well. I threw on some Black Edition Continental 4 Seasons, as this is my early morning training bike. The tires feel slightly slower than the GP5000s, but are supposed to be more durable. They match the wheels too, since they're all-black. Anyway, here are some photos...

thin_concrete

Bummer to hear the Mavic got bent after hitting the pothole, but the new wheels look great!

I sold my BIL my Ksyrium SLSs a while ago. I kind of regret it given they are a great wheel, but I moved on to Boyd and Flo.