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@Ecobeard
I used the Roberts for the first time last night on LVV at a club SQT session.
In short it wasn't what I was expecting at all.
I was expecting to faff about all night with the set up and maybe get it somewhere near right, instead I set it up (I did go a bit mental with the tape measure at home to be fair) took it up there and it was near perfect from the off!
It's easily the stiffest steel frame I've ever ridden and when you stand up and put the power through it the response is instant, without a hint flex. I'm sure there is some there but the way the frame is built, in the old school sprint weight-over-the-rear-wheel really allows you to get the power down without feeling like any of it is going sideways. In short I was very impressed. The combination of Columbus tubing has been thought through, designed and made to the high standards you'd expect and it feels like it on the boards. The seat tube and seat stays are audibly (finger ping test :) ) a lot thicker than the other tubes (the down tube is slightly heavier too, but not as heavy as the seat tube) and although this really stiffens up the bottom of the frame, there's no obvious weight penalty. (I'll weigh it at some point)
I thought I might have to get an in-line seat post due to the seat tube angle, but it's all stacked up in my favour in terms of the geo.
The steering took a bit of getting used to as it requires no input at all to flick about, in the first session when we were let of the lead for 5 laps, I lost concentration exiting the first turn and I was on the Cote D'azure before I knew it! Once I had it dialed in though, it was just lovely.
All in all its a seroiously tasty bike to ride, I'm very happy with it so far (a whole 22 miles....) and I can't wait to get it on the boards again in 2 weeks, then get it safely back on my peg at HHV for the season.
To do:
Swap headset out for the Campag pista one, just because itsba Campag pista one.
Swap the seat post out for something that's not a 350mm scaffolding pole
Swap the bars out for something a little less flexible. I've been offered a shot of some 123's so I'll give them a bash. I had them on the piña but in 31.8 so couldn't swap :(
Take it to Roberts to try and find out some info about the frames history, who it was made for etc.
Dream about some inappropriate wheels...
Here's a few more photos and I'll update here on any changes.
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