Current Projects chat and miscellany

Thanks, thats right, I should've check miche website first!

Just to add to what tester said.... I've got a 6800 (gs) mech and have been running it with a 32t cassette (but paired with a compact) for touring.

I had to set the B limit screw to the extreme to get it to work and as tester points out the gear change wasn't as nice as usual. However, even with my poor last minute set up it functioned fine.

Tl;dr - it will work, but might need some fiddling.

I was looking for headsets too, Tange Passage is 30.2mm stack height.

@Dakin as far as I know English and Italian headsets have the same threads.

Managed to pick up this for my better half. I haven't seen it in the flesh yet, but I'm quite pleased as she needs a bike and although her last one was a practical hybrid it wasn't very pretty.

My only concern is whether I'm it's going to be to small. But I'm hoping a longer, higher stem and extended seatpost will fill in any gaps.

Immediate TDL:

• quick clean up and service including new brake pads
  
• replace bars and stem with temporary risers and adjustable stem
  
• see if I still have some bar end shifters that I can get to work with thumbie mounts
  
• check if it's a keeper
  
  

If it is a keeper then....

Long term TDL:

• full recable and proper service (depending what needs doing - chain, BB, freewheel/cassette, etc.)
  
• Nice risers and stem combo
  
• ODI grips
  
• ? speed trigger shifters (unless she prefers thumbies)
  
• V or mini-V brakes (depending on lever / shifter combo)
  
• mini rack to hold basket (type to be confirmed)
  
• nicer looking new seatpost
  
• new saddle (no ideas what type yet)
  
• new tyres
  
• service wheels (possibly new ones in the future)
  
• depending how much she likes it, and how it functions a future 8 or 9 speed upgrade and new wheels (I don't think this will happen)
  

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you outbid me then

RD-6800-GS has a longer cage than the RD-5800-GS, enough to make it possible to use the 6800 with the Ultegra-grade non-series FC-R603 triple chainset.

Good to know.

I think the placement / limit of my B-screw probably hindered the set up and perfect functioning of mine. Which obviously is a limit of the frame, which you can't do much about.

I guess so.

If it turns out to be too small I'll drop you a PM.

Nothing more than cog, pedals and chain.

The latest changes to NJSbeater are a duplicate SLR flow and a EDR Ti post courtesy of the classifieds section.

A little further along with the Kaffenback -

Bars are not wrapped yet as they're a bit narrow. For some reason I thought FSA bars measured c-c but apparently not the case & I'll have to find another set.

Haven't put on mudguards yet because hey it's summer - of course it pissed it down on the way home yesterday x_x;

Rack to mount sometime once everything else is nicely adjusted and settled in.

One thing I need to find is a reasonably priced set of 32c tyres, riding 80% on tarmac and 20% tracks/paths/gravel. Anyone have some recommendations?

Clement stradas? or maybe panaracer gravel kings. I've been riding the former for the last few weeks. I'm finding them terribly comfortable.

Panaracer Pasela sound like they would fit the bill - I've got them on my light tourer that is used for similar road/bridlepath mix. No punctures yet either...

Looks very nice. I just installed bar end shifters on my bike yesterday. I ran the cable housing all the way to the tops of the bars. Why did you do it like this? For smoother shifting?

TBH it hadn't even crossed my mind to run it any further - I'm not sure i've ever seen that done.

How is the shifting with the cables going to the tops? I may do it in the future, it's certainly a cleaner solution.

I've already a 28c pair and they are lovely. I'll have a look at those root suggests as well as the Pasela again.

At comparable pressures I've found the Clements to be a lot nicer ride compared to the Paselas.

The shifting is still okay.
In this thread I found some examples: http://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vintage/676778-bar-end-shifter-cable-routing.html

That was my go-to thread too for bar end cable routing. Curiously I have found time and again that shifter cables aren't long enough for my (1980's Gazelle) CX frame? Do you use tandem cables?

How are you finding the Kaffenback? What's it like to ride etc.?

I'm always surprised they're not more popular, when you consider how many people seem to go for more expensive Surly equivalents.

Re bar ends under the tape all the way; personally I could never find a comfortable routing at the hooks and past the levers. Horses for courses obviously.

so if I have to buy a new RD that might be a good option, as opposed to the 5800 version if I want better shifting?

I used the inner cables that came along with the Microshift shifters. One of them was just long enough.

I did take a look at a few of the Surly offerings as I was working out just which frame to buy but I couldn't really figure out what it was they had going at the price point that the Kaffenback didn't. That and an inability on my part to fathom out their sizing eventually lead me to rule them out.

The frame is fairly well finished and built up easily, I don't think it's particularly heavy at all coming from other steel bikes (well, the fork is porky). The final build is in line with what I expected, I'm not disappointed there.

In terms of ride I can't really compare against other bikes of this type as it's my first but I am liking it so far. I've only taken it out for a few short trips at this point so I'm not going to know all there is to know until this weekend but from what I've experienced so far it's very comfy, handles well at low speeds in the city, handling is not particularly fast when you're at pace but it does track well. So far no surprises, just nice easy riding.

It's a very different thing to my other road bikes but so far seems pretty spot on what I was looking for so I can't say I'm disappointed or regret not buying one of the more expensive models.