sunvalleylaw
Yep.
Instead of polluting @Mark Wein 's "bicycling" thread, which should be more about the actual riding, with my gearhead talk, I wanted to start a gear thread.
Particularly, because I have a new bike on order, and am interested in some gearhead type mods. Thought others might like a place to talk about mods, new bikes, tires, etc.
As a reminder, I am buying a 2015 (new old stock) Kona Process 111. http://2015.konaworld.com/process_111.cfm link with specs. Looks like this:
There are three changes I am considering for my new bike.
1). That is, starting out at 120mm on the Pike front fork (stock) and considering 130. I figure I will ride a while first to decide. Any further input welcome.
2). putting either a 28 or a 30 tooth ring up front to replace the 32. On my test ride, I felt that I definitely wanted one more gear down low. Not too worried about losing a little top end. Any advice there? Also considering an ovalized front ring. Just because they seem to be coming back. But more probably I will stick with round.
3.) Swapping out the stock WTB ST i23 wheels for something wider and lighter. Would love some options and advice here. Was thinking about either the WTB Asym in 29 mm width, or a Stan's Flow EX in similar width. But also now have been thinking about getting a set of chinese carbon rims, assymetrical, 35 mm outer width, 29 mm inner width. I would run tubeless as I already do. Would look at a Hope hub, or DT 350 or DT 240. Would probably try to find a local bike shop to build them up (estimated build cost 30-35) vs trying to do it on my own. Would probably use DT Swiss spokes or Sapim. http://www.carbonbicycle.cc/proshow.php?cid=77&tid=8&id=207#.Vt5h2JMrJE5 Light Bicycle also sells similar rims and builds up wheels. Thoughts?? This is the one I know little about. I have never had custom wheels built, much less built them myself.
Any gear stuff you guys are thinking about?
Particularly, because I have a new bike on order, and am interested in some gearhead type mods. Thought others might like a place to talk about mods, new bikes, tires, etc.
As a reminder, I am buying a 2015 (new old stock) Kona Process 111. http://2015.konaworld.com/process_111.cfm link with specs. Looks like this:
There are three changes I am considering for my new bike.
1). That is, starting out at 120mm on the Pike front fork (stock) and considering 130. I figure I will ride a while first to decide. Any further input welcome.
2). putting either a 28 or a 30 tooth ring up front to replace the 32. On my test ride, I felt that I definitely wanted one more gear down low. Not too worried about losing a little top end. Any advice there? Also considering an ovalized front ring. Just because they seem to be coming back. But more probably I will stick with round.
3.) Swapping out the stock WTB ST i23 wheels for something wider and lighter. Would love some options and advice here. Was thinking about either the WTB Asym in 29 mm width, or a Stan's Flow EX in similar width. But also now have been thinking about getting a set of chinese carbon rims, assymetrical, 35 mm outer width, 29 mm inner width. I would run tubeless as I already do. Would look at a Hope hub, or DT 350 or DT 240. Would probably try to find a local bike shop to build them up (estimated build cost 30-35) vs trying to do it on my own. Would probably use DT Swiss spokes or Sapim. http://www.carbonbicycle.cc/proshow.php?cid=77&tid=8&id=207#.Vt5h2JMrJE5 Light Bicycle also sells similar rims and builds up wheels. Thoughts?? This is the one I know little about. I have never had custom wheels built, much less built them myself.
Any gear stuff you guys are thinking about?
). Make sure you have a set of tire levers and if you want it to be even easier a bead jack is an awesome tool. I only wish they were made smaller so I could fit one in my saddle bag. Sometimes it can be hard to get the tire back on the rim (especially when you are 20 miles from home on the side of the road 
). A bead jack makes it a piece of cake.
If you want, the shop will probably run you through changing the tube on your flat while you are there, though you will pay them for that. But then you will have had a lesson in it, and they can set you up with some tire levers, a tube, and a patch kit. Oh, and you will want a pump. Just good security to have when you are out, and cheaper than a cab ride back home.
