Fondriest Steel Track

I doubt the puncture protection on the Challenge tyres would be as good as the Paselas. Unless you're doing pure track or racing a bit of tread is fine too. Those cobbled streets get pretty slippery when it's wet.

Tempelhof will be around 19.00 but we'll be going to Grunewald on Thursday evening too if you can make that.

Gah, that's pretty terrible timing unfortunately. Will be getting tattooed Wednesday, so I'm not supposed to do sport/anything that makes me sweat too much for a month after, which is a bit of a pain in the arse.

If you guys are going to Tempelhof sometime though, let me know. It's just around the corner from me, so not too much trouble dropping by to say hello. And it's usually fairly windy, so might be able to ride around for a bit without sweating too much.

Tried out a silver chainring instead of the black one:

Don't really think it's a definite improvement, so will probably be sending it back. Interestingly the new chainring is 50g lighter at 70g compared to the original at 120g, so a pretty large difference if anyone is looking to save some weight on their Omniums.

Also, after riding it for a couple of hours, I just can't get comfortable on the bars. So I've ordered some Bontrager SSR VR-C, which I should hopefully receive today.

Hmm.. I'll get the Pasela's then, order them now.. I think indeed the black ring looks better, nice theme with the saddle and the barwrap.

Tattooing went well? Get in touch when you're up for Tempelhof, it's around my corner too. And I need another riding buddy as Tom will be leaving on tues.. Tempelhof only in evenings though, internship commitments during the day..

Oh, and good shout on the Bont's.. They're nice bars them, but we know that geschichte..

Good luck with the Paselas! Worst case you could try to wash the white residue off and kind of trim off those extra rubber bits :)

Tattooing went well thanks, my right forearm is now basically one big wound! Tempelhof sounds good, I'm thinking of going Sunday? Looks like the weather should be ok.

Put on the front brake today. Still need a different chain as I stupidly decided I would spend a bit more on a chain than the Wipperman 1Z1 tommmmm posted and went for the 1R8, which seems to be something more intended for a tank than a bicycle.

Also, think I need different brake pads, because right now they don't really seem to do anything at all. Or do they improve a bit with use? Saw you had one on your Gazelle.

What it looks like now, I realise the bar angle is weird, but it's the most comfortable I can get it until I get different bars.

Comfort is the most important thing with bars really, that and being able to brake from them. But the Bonts have a flatter top so will probably be more comfortable anyway.

Worrying about how big your chain looks is a real first-world problem...as long as it's not bright pink or worn, it's fine!

I realise we sound like lovers finishing each others' sentences, but Ruud changed the pads on his clamp-on for eye-wateringly expensive Kool-Stop ones from Keirin Cafe, but swears it was worth at as the stock ones are so shit. Maybe head to Stadler and get some cheaper Kool-Stop ones.

That bar tape is inspired. Great build.

Thanks! Have to give a shout-out to hugo7 for suggesting the bartape, finishes everything off so nicely.

I've ordered some Swissstop pads for the brake and a different chain. Also received the Bontrager bars and they are a lot more comfortable.

One last piece of the puzzle would be a different seatpost (need this one for another bike and I don't think it fits that well anyways), any ideas? Was thinking that a Campagnolo Aero would look great, but ideally something less expensive?

One last piece of the puzzle would be a different seatpost (need this one for another bike and I don't think it fits that well anyways), any ideas? Was thinking that a Campagnolo Aero would look great, but ideally something less expensive?

I was going to suggest a Shimano aero post, either Dura Ace or 600 AX. So something like this?:
http://www.lfgss.com/thread92498.html#post3105166

Yes, that would be a nice fit, need 27.2 mm though. Seems like something Aero would be the way to go. Will probably see if I can find something here in Berlin, if nothing shows up in classifieds.

Meanwhile, installed and wrapped new handlebars.

Looks brilliant.

Well done.

Not sure you need to switch the tyres unless you really start to get major puncture probs. I quite like the black chainring.

Thanks. Yeah, the tyres are staying, they already look a lot less cross-like as well, so not too worried about them.

Dropped by the very nice guys at Velosaloon who gave me a seatpost for free! It's nothing special, but better than the current one, so should be okay for a while until I find the perfect one.

Bike looks brilliant and like it would be a joy to put some serious miles on.

What chain is that KMC k710? If you want a slimmer looking one i've allways stood by the KMC 510HX

this build thread is awsome! great progress, love the parts and the mishaps, those shallow bars looks tits, this whole thing makes me want to go track down my fondriest pista frameset and buy it back... im certain i bought it from the same fellow you got yours from. good job! any new pics, or pics out and about??

Loving the Bartape!

Don't know if it's in your list of gumwall tires but you can get the Schwalbe lugano in a gumwall version, with a puncture protection. http://www.schwalbe.co.uk/road-race/lugano/

Schwalbe lugano in a gumwall version, with a puncture protection.

I once skidded though a pair in an afternoon, save your money.

Hey, I was wondering how confortable was this bartape ? :)

Really really really nice bike, btw. I'll probably afford the same kind of Bar/stem/levers combo for my next build.

Thanks guys.

B0N0R: Yes it's a K710. Worryingly it actually almost broke (as detailed here). It's been replaced with a Miche Pista chain (for that skinny look), which doesn't really look stronger, but haven't had any problems so far.

efligh: Bought mine from geoff9939 on ebay, very nice guy. Did you get yours from him as well?

Been gone for a while and a few things have been updated in the meantime:

New seatpost and new skinnier looking chain. Also fitted some Swissstop brake pads, so my front brake now actually works. Also, in a moment of worrying pedantry I decided to pick off all the rubber bits sticking out of the tyres. Together with a bit of use, they actually look pretty good now. I did feel a bit ashamed afterwards though.

I'll grab a photo tomorrow when the light is better.

Levautrotski: The bartape is very comfortable, nice and thick. However, it isn't very grippy and tends to get a bit slippery when wet or when my palms are a bit sweaty. If you ride with gloves, it shouldn't be a problem, but otherwise I'd say that it's a slight minus.

Just had a feel of the Lizardskins bartape in a shop, and it's very grippy by comparison. I'd definitely consider it if I were to build another bike.

Great bike, and you're making me nostalgic for Berlin.

Thanks guys.

Levautrotski: The bartape is very comfortable, nice and thick. However, it isn't very grippy and tends to get a bit slippery when wet or when my palms are a bit sweaty. If you ride with gloves, it shouldn't be a problem, but otherwise I'd say that it's a slight minus.

Just had a feel of the Lizardskins bartape in a shop, and it's very grippy by comparison. I'd definitely consider it if I were to build another bike.

Thanks :). Do you ride with gloves ? If not, does it sometimes hurt your hands or it's thick enough in order not to ?

I usually ride without gloves. I'd definitely say that it's thick enough that it's comfortable. It's mainly the grip that could be better.

So, pictures as promised:

My favourite part of the bike:

Is it a 1a stem?

That last shot is lurvely.