Spa Steel Audax

So apparently the frame needs 57mm drop brakes. Not a problem.

I was thinking of these because I've used them before and found them pretty good and easy to fine-tune. Then I read that they're not compatible with my ST-3400 shifters. Come on!

I used to use one on the front with a little dia-compe two finger jobbie on on old bike.

Is this Shimano being funny or will there be a serious issue here?

Oh in the Q&A it says this:

Are these compatible with ST-2300 brake levers?

I can confirm that these will be compatible with your brake levers. I hope this helps.

So that's a relief. I'm guessing it applies across the board.

What is all this about leverage ratios?

Why didn't you buy tektro?

I've not bought anything yet...just wondering.

Tektro R737? That's what comes with the built up version of this frame. Seems like a sensible choice.

I've never in my life considered lever/brake compatibility outside the regular disc/caliper/V/canti issue before now.

Whoever said they're not compatible is an inept piles of shit.

^ I think that would be Shimano :D

They're indeed an inept piles of shit.

'an inept piles of shit' toptube stickers.

List;

1. miro_o
   02.
   

That's how you pronounced Shimano.

Well, more like sinpet piles of shito.

So while I wait for answers from Planet X and Hubjub on bars and brakes, I'm looking at guards.

Again it's gonna be silver. If I don't get chromoplastics I'll get these:

http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/dia-compe-ene-mudguard-set-700c-40mm-prod32086/

Look pretty nice.

Pedals. £16.49.

So Ed, is Claris a reliable audax or touring groupset or just cheap..

Can't comment on its reliability as it's a new product, but it definitely felt better to shift and brakes than the old 3400.

Sti for touring is an oxymoron, they cannot be fixed unless you're a sentinel machine.

As some one with plans to place downtube shifters on the " soon to be built " tourer I agree with you.

However, Aris does suggest an intresting niche. I rather wish I d now put a set on my Kaffenback instead of the mixed but unhappy collection of 9 speed Deore and Stronglight...

Regarding fenders Planet X stock Berthouds in 40mm.
http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/FSGBSSFS/gilles-berthoud-stainless-fender-set

The Berthouds is really tough, make SKS look fragile in comparison, and weight a little less than it.

Nice find. That's a good price. Are stainless ones like the Gilles Berthoud's considerably heavier than an alu (or plastic) equivalent? Are there any disadvantages to any material?

I've only used plastic before now

May as well stump up the extra cash for the long version , which you can get on SJS. Far better coverage.

Sorry, my previous post looks confusing now because I didn't see Ed's before I posted - or the order of posts got mixed up.

So the long Berthouds eh...

I would, they are a bit pricier than than shorts though because PX sell the shorts for so little... Better in the long run though.

As I understood it the long version are only longer on the top part of the front wheel, to suit bikes with massive front bag / high rack type gubbins.

i.e. What ed calls 'the french method' ooher.

Well before I pull the trigger, I could do with some opinions on bar tape colours. SJS is the only place I can find super garish splash tape so if I'm paying a fiver for postage on the guards may as well get the tape.

Black frame, silver groupset, black leather saddle...SOMETHING JAZZY UP FRONT.

Please don't say Brooks bartape. I need some fun in my life.

Nice find. That's a good price. Are stainless ones like the Gilles Berthoud's considerably heavier than an alu (or plastic) equivalent? Are there any disadvantages to any material?

I've only used plastic before now

Heavier than alu, but lighter than plastic due to using alu stay instead of steel like the plastic SKS.

As I understood it the long version are only longer on the top part of the front wheel, to suit bikes with massive front bag / high rack type gubbins.

It's long and not drilled, meaning you can positioned it anyway you like.

Also the long front mean on club ride, the person in front won't get a wet bum from your front wheel spray.

Incidentally my "long" Berthoud isn't long enough in the front and back, Velo Orange and Honjo however are very long;

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