cfkb's garage: mostly steel (ft. surly, paul donohue, rourke)

out of interest what did you do with the 10s mavic helium wheelset? and would they take 11sp?

They are in the garage not doing anything now. I have listed them on the classified. It's a 10 speed hub, but you can put a shimano 11-34T 11s cassette on (CS-HG700-11) as it has cross 10/11 speed compatibility.

you might want to double check irl but I believe mavic 10 speed hubs are 11 speed compatiable as they made the 10 speed cassette too long by accident and stuck with it

https://www.slowtwitch.com/Tech/Cassette_Spacers_2013_3978.html

just had a go at it - sadly the 11s sprocket couldn't bite onto the groove.

Nonetheless I agree that the mavic hub has a weird length. Even for a 10s cassette, I need a 1mm spacer to rid of any play.

TLDR: New bike day (rourke), new thread title

Long version: after a winter on the paul donohue, I went on a first summer ride on the venge. Be it the geometry is more aggressive on the venge, or "steel is real", the venge just didn't spark joy. Granted it's faster on the flats, lighter on the climbs, but it no longer inspires me to ride. I attributed it to 2 things: (1) the fear of getting robbed while riding a bike that screams "SWORKS", and (2) the self induced shame of being unfit on a bike that screams "SWORKS". But it has that sweet di2 that is so hard to ignore ever since I tried it (not to mention it's a dura ace group). So here's a thought: wouldn't it be great if there is a steel bike that takes a rim brake di2?

A few google/ ebay searches later, I have come to realise the rarity of the requirement. The only option readily available at a relatively reasonable cost is from Ribble: Endurance 725. None of the rim offerings from big names i.e. genesis, ritchey, condor do di2. I have found a few smaller names (Standert, Isen), but their prices are of a different league.

And on this very day the Rourke appeared on the forum classified. I fumbled with my thumbs for a weekend and bit the bullet. I can't recall the last time I have had so little self control over a purchase. I showed up at @aloadofpants doorsteps an hour after I got his address (great guy, someone please buy his allez). I blame the impeccable timing, as well as the excellent price and top notch finishing kit.

I have had the chance to ride it this morning on a club ride. Never had I have a bike with 73 deg head tube angle (non existence in small bikes), as such I am delightedly surprised by the twitchiness. Di2 is on point as expected, though not surprisingly (and frustratingly) no noticeable difference between the ultegra and DA group. Other minor observations: Pro PLT bar has a lovely compact shape, Lizard skin is amazing, and 23mm tyres are not for Blackheath.

So project coming up: venge will be stripped, both the DA group and the carbon hoops would go on rourke. Venge will sadly go on classified shortly afterwards - it's just too fast a bike for me. Plus it would be nice to have an all steel staple again.

P.S. eyeing for a brother stroma for my next winter project. I know I did say rim brake and everything...

I was eyeing up that Rourke too!
Its possible that your S-Works (my ex) has the largest and most obvious S works logo on any bike every built due to the smallest frame, highest contrast matt black white colour scheme and widest down tube.

I kinda want it back...

Trade you for a Ritchey breakaway steel!

Well it’s happening… you want? Still has your name under the top tube which I have never bothered with it

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Just came across this thread today...Lovely bikes! Can't wait to see the Rourke built up as intended.

It still has my name on it?! hmmm you'd better PM me.

Life got in the way, so this has taken a while

And out of some pure obsession I felt I had to make the venge a functional bike