What did you just buy for your gravel bike?
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10-15-21, 08:55 AM
#902
Junior Member
Yes, they're both bolt on. The top tube bag has the standard two bolt arrangement that's appearing on more bikes lately, and the frame bag has 2 bolts on the underside of the top tube along with one on the downtube. There's a stiffener than runs the full length of the top of the bag that allows the 2 bolts to provide sufficient support. The single downtube bolt also has a stiffener that goes between the bolt/washer and bag.
10-20-21, 10:07 AM
#903
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I just grabbed some new pedals and shoes, Xpedo CXR and Mavic Crossmax Elite!
I’ve been wanting to do the SPD conversion on my Favero Assioma powermeter pedals, but balked at spending $290 for the well-touted XpedoM-Force 8 pedals with the ultimately useless Ti spindles. I mean, the SRAM Force crank spider PM is only $300, so if I’m spending that kind of money, I’d obviously just get that and not fuss with pedals. When I discovered the less expensive and just 30g heavier CXR models worked as well and cost only $90, that was a no-brainer.
I’d been wanting some SPD shoes to match my club kit either way, so I tried out these Crossmax Elite in orange. The seem comfy; the insole is particularly plush, and the tongue wraps from one side of the footbed to the other side with a soft, neoprene-like material, so that gives some extra plushness around the foot, too. However, they’re also not the stiffest soles; I’ve been using old Bont A3s with the fiberglass tub, and those things are brutally stiff. The Mavic I can flex a bit just with my hands; sure, I’m a ripped pec-deck (
), but that’s a fairly non-stiff sole. It’s not crazy bendy, so I’m sure they’ll be fine. I do like the dial strap adjuster, because unlike Boa which needs the knob pulled out to loosen, this one just turns counter clockwise a click and the line is free. It’s easier.
Oh, and don’t worry, I have absolutely no intention of ever wearing these hideous, peach colored Supacaz socks with the shoes!
Favero Assioma SPD conversion using Xpedo CXR
Assioma SPD conversion using Xpedo CXR
Mavic Crossmax Elite MTB shoe in orange
I’ve been wanting to do the SPD conversion on my Favero Assioma powermeter pedals, but balked at spending $290 for the well-touted XpedoM-Force 8 pedals with the ultimately useless Ti spindles. I mean, the SRAM Force crank spider PM is only $300, so if I’m spending that kind of money, I’d obviously just get that and not fuss with pedals. When I discovered the less expensive and just 30g heavier CXR models worked as well and cost only $90, that was a no-brainer.
I’d been wanting some SPD shoes to match my club kit either way, so I tried out these Crossmax Elite in orange. The seem comfy; the insole is particularly plush, and the tongue wraps from one side of the footbed to the other side with a soft, neoprene-like material, so that gives some extra plushness around the foot, too. However, they’re also not the stiffest soles; I’ve been using old Bont A3s with the fiberglass tub, and those things are brutally stiff. The Mavic I can flex a bit just with my hands; sure, I’m a ripped pec-deck (
), but that’s a fairly non-stiff sole. It’s not crazy bendy, so I’m sure they’ll be fine. I do like the dial strap adjuster, because unlike Boa which needs the knob pulled out to loosen, this one just turns counter clockwise a click and the line is free. It’s easier.Oh, and don’t worry, I have absolutely no intention of ever wearing these hideous, peach colored Supacaz socks with the shoes!
Favero Assioma SPD conversion using Xpedo CXR
Assioma SPD conversion using Xpedo CXR
Mavic Crossmax Elite MTB shoe in orange
10-20-21, 10:30 AM
#905
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11-04-21, 05:16 AM
#906
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For no good reason other than my own ostentation, I replaced a perfectly comfy Fizik Argo Tempo in Les Classiques finish with a San Marco ShortFit Racing in iridescent purple. Sure, it was probably the least expensive way for me to shave 60g off the bike, but the honest truth is that I bought it for the bling.
Selle San Marco ShortFit Racing in iridescent purple
Selle San Marco ShortFit Racing in iridescent purple
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12-01-21, 06:04 AM
#908
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400x27.2 Whisky no7 offset carbon seatpost since the current 350mm Easton seatpost is basically right at the min insert line and there is a slight clicking every now and then from somewhere in the saddle/seatpost area. This will give more surface area inside the seat tube and maybe itll feel different from the aluminum seatpost its replacing.
12-01-21, 08:46 AM
#909
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Not sure if I had posted this but I got the Redshift Sports suspension stem and seat post for my Stigmata. These are the best mods yet...transforms the ride. The only thing I can think of (if I come into some money) is a light carbon wheelset so I can drop a couple of hundred grams.
12-01-21, 09:12 AM
#910
Sunshine
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The design they use to set saddle angle is interesting- the front bolt is a hand tightening washer of sorts and you then tighten the rear bolt with a hex wrench. It is simpler than the two different Ritchey 2-bolt seatposts I have and about the same ease as the Easton seatbolt process. To me, that is a big separator for seatposts- how much struggle is there to just attach a saddle. It seems like some are designed with overly difficult and fiddly bolt setups.
Unfortunately, swapping seatposts didnt stop the noise that I thought was being made due to too little seatpost in the frame/too much leverage. New seatpost and same clicking at the seatpost collar. Next up- a different seatpost collar.
12-01-21, 09:33 AM
#911
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I do like it- there is noticeably more flex compared to my older Easton aluminum seatpost. The flex isnt really better or worse, its just something I know is different.
The design they use to set saddle angle is interesting- the front bolt is a hand tightening washer of sorts and you then tighten the rear bolt with a hex wrench. It is simpler than the two different Ritchey 2-bolt seatposts I have and about the same ease as the Easton seatbolt process. To me, that is a big separator for seatposts- how much struggle is there to just attach a saddle. It seems like some are designed with overly difficult and fiddly bolt setups.
Unfortunately, swapping seatposts didnt stop the noise that I thought was being made due to too little seatpost in the frame/too much leverage. New seatpost and same clicking at the seatpost collar. Next up- a different seatpost collar.
The design they use to set saddle angle is interesting- the front bolt is a hand tightening washer of sorts and you then tighten the rear bolt with a hex wrench. It is simpler than the two different Ritchey 2-bolt seatposts I have and about the same ease as the Easton seatbolt process. To me, that is a big separator for seatposts- how much struggle is there to just attach a saddle. It seems like some are designed with overly difficult and fiddly bolt setups.
Unfortunately, swapping seatposts didnt stop the noise that I thought was being made due to too little seatpost in the frame/too much leverage. New seatpost and same clicking at the seatpost collar. Next up- a different seatpost collar.
12-01-21, 11:15 AM
#912
Sunshine
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The old C17 is on a different bike and doesnt click.
This is like my own sad mini version of Poe's Tell Tale Heart story.
12-01-21, 11:25 AM
#913
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Thanks for the suggestion- I actually thought it was the saddle when it first happened and took the saddle apart to clean the rails and lube. I actually figured I addressed the issue with a change in saddle earlier. I had an older Brooks C17 on it and swapped it out with a new C17.
The old C17 is on a different bike and doesnt click.
This is like my own sad mini version of Poe's Tell Tale Heart story.
The old C17 is on a different bike and doesnt click.
This is like my own sad mini version of Poe's Tell Tale Heart story.
still there after replaced wheel hub bearings, new chain ring, new bottom bracket, new chain, new cassette, new pedals. Pretty convinced the original issue was the hub bearings and the new bottom bracket introduced a new creak.
12-01-21, 11:31 AM
#914
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I just ordered a Poseidon X frameset, since they're back in-stock. Can't really go wrong with an alloy frame and carbon fork for $299. Shipping is currently free for the holidays as well. I'm planning to build out a GRX Poseidon X. 
https://www.poseidonbike.com/collect...13275983872023
https://www.poseidonbike.com/collect...13275983872023
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12-05-21, 08:11 AM
#915
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I bought replacement bleed port caps for my GRX brifters. My front one stripped even using a new good quality hex wrench.
12-07-21, 01:48 PM
#916
I’m a little Surly
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It only took 5 ½ months to get here…
My new Cross Check and brakes were restocked last Saturday.
Now I’ll have a Cross Check commuter, a Cross Check “gravel bike” and a Karate Monkey “gravel +” bike
12-09-21, 08:59 PM
#917
Senior Member
Recently picked up a Kenda Sabre Pro TR 27.5x2.4 for the front. 513gm and 57mm.
Added to my supple tyre collection.
May grab a 29x2.0 sometime.
Added to my supple tyre collection.
May grab a 29x2.0 sometime.
12-11-21, 04:54 PM
#918
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I just put a State Bicycle Co. oil slick colored seatpost on my gravel cruiser, reversing on an earlier decision to avoid it, fearing it would be over-the-top. It still may be, but when I switched from the blue Supacaz saddle with the oil slick rails to an all black SQ Lab 611 Active, the black seatpost just made the top end feel too dull, ergo the SBC.
It does match up with the ColorFlow fenders really well, and i’ve got the matching SBC oil slick handlebar, so the whole thing is “of a piece,” as they say.
It does match up with the ColorFlow fenders really well, and i’ve got the matching SBC oil slick handlebar, so the whole thing is “of a piece,” as they say.
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12-11-21, 05:39 PM
#919
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I just put a State Bicycle Co. oil slick colored seatpost on my gravel cruiser, reversing on an earlier decision to avoid it, fearing it would be over-the-top. It still may be, but when I switched from the blue Supacaz saddle with the oil slick rails to an all black SQ Lab 611 Active, the black seatpost just made the top end feel too dull, ergo the SBC.
It does match up with the ColorFlow fenders really well, and i’ve got the matching SBC oil slick handlebar, so the whole thing is “of a piece,” as they say.
It does match up with the ColorFlow fenders really well, and i’ve got the matching SBC oil slick handlebar, so the whole thing is “of a piece,” as they say.
how do you like the saddle? I tried an Ergon recently and thought it was super comfortable...for an hour. Then my right leg under the thigh started hurting and I thought it may have to do with the square profile interfering with my down stroke. I may still try this saddle one day though
12-11-21, 09:20 PM
#920
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Very nice looking!
how do you like the saddle? I tried an Ergon recently and thought it was super comfortable...for an hour. Then my right leg under the thigh started hurting and I thought it may have to do with the square profile interfering with my down stroke. I may still try this saddle one day though
how do you like the saddle? I tried an Ergon recently and thought it was super comfortable...for an hour. Then my right leg under the thigh started hurting and I thought it may have to do with the square profile interfering with my down stroke. I may still try this saddle one day though
The SQ Lab saddle has done me well on 20ish mile rides. I had a similar experience initially, in that it felt great immediately, but then got a little awkward. However, I adapted quickly, and find it perfectly comfortable for a couple of hours. Not that it becomes uncomfortable, rather I’ve just not ridden it longer.
I will say, though, that this would not be my go-to saddle for a race bike, as it seems to suit me better when I’m in one position, at moderate effort. I’ve not tried to do hard rides off it, but I can imagine the shape is not great for moving all over, hammering, with an aggressive forward-tilt pelvis.
12-13-21, 05:36 AM
#922
Let's Ride!
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Ortlieb fork pack
I ordered and received fork packs. I just have to figure out how to mount with my fenders mounted. Or do I take fender off?
I love my fenders
I love my fenders
12-13-21, 08:04 AM
#923
Sunshine
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Didnt realize Ortlieb markets a gravel specific pannier now. It looks like their Sport Roller model with a slightly different connection system. Interesting.
12-30-21, 01:33 AM
#925
Obsessed with Eddington
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Pirelli Cintauro M tires in 650bx50 for my DT Swiss GRC 1400 wheelset. I mention the wheelset because mounted the tires meaure 54mm. They are definitely not “fast,” but they work great on rough surfaces, mud, and single-tracks.
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