You are reading a single comment by @MechaMorgan 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.
@MechaMorgan
Right then chaps - help me with making some changes to my road bike. I've had it for a few years, but I've not really put the miles on it that it deserves. It fits nicely geometry wise, and I had a bike-fitting after a crash a year ago, but I'm looking to make some gradual changes to it to improve the performance/aesthetics. It's a bit of a mongrel now, the poor thing.
The thing that distresses me most at the moment is the 'cockpit'. I was thinking a 26mm ahead for spotter bars as I barely touch the drops at the moment, too deep. Also, smaller hoods with inline gear and brake cables, I hate them coming out of the side like that. Any recommendations for a good (black if possible) 8-speed brifter? Could I swap the 8 speed cassette out for a more modern 9 or 10 speed one on my R540's?
Also, 1" to 1 1/8th stem shims are fine right? I have a personal vendetta against shims but it's not going to irreparably damage anything, is it?
Whilst I'd love to build the frame up to catalogue spec, I don't think I'll be able to buy a decent complete road bike any time soon, without cycle-to-work, so I'm trying to improve this one. I'm hoping to buy some Colnago straight carbon forks, or maybe some Alpina ones if they come in 1"
Also, if anyone knows the year of the groupset (mostly Ultegra, 105 brakes) or anything interesting about the frame - please let me know. I don't know anything about it!
Any other recommendations, please let me know!