You are reading a single comment by @JamesNQ and its replies.
Click here to read the full conversation.
London Fixed Gear and Single-Speed is a community of predominantly fixed gear and single-speed cyclists in and around London, UK.
This site is supported almost exclusively by donations. Please consider donating a small amount regularly.
@JamesNQ
I've ridden hundreds and hundreds of different bikes in different sizes. I've never had a bike fit but I believe I've pretty much got there just by trying so many different bikes and components. I always thought I was a 57cm st and a 55cm tt until I tried something that was 55cm st and 53cm tt.
It's amazing how having the right size frame, good quality tyres at correct pressures and the bike being set up correctly makes a bigger difference than quality of the parts themselves (obviously aerodynamics and weight reduction make a difference but just for training you go by 'feel')
If you're looking for the best of everything why not get a frame made? Custom sizing, classic style lugs possibly with 1 1/8th steerer so you can run modern forks (or steel, your choice) and a nice cockpit with no convertors. Also compact bars with brifters are always a win.
Not sure that I'm just thinking what I would do in your situation but personally I'd have something like this...
Also you mention you're not wanting to go with and modern group with brifters. Have you tried any others apart from Shimano 105? I personally hate shimano shifters and the fact the brake lever is a shifter, those 105 shifters are also absolutely huge and just feel horrible (all my opinion, of course). Try modern(ish) Chrous or modern Sram before you make your decision.