Show Posts

This section allows you to view all posts made by this member. Note that you can only see posts made in areas you currently have access to.


Topics - kbike

Pages: [1]
1
Component Deals & Selection / LTWOO RX hydro sets
« on: December 06, 2022, 11:20:54 PM »
Decided to make a thread for the ltwoo rx groupsets. I expect a lot of ? will be asked about what parts can be mixed and matched.

The new rx has reach adjustment that adjusts with a 2mm hex screw on the front of the brake.  There is a rubber tab on the inside of the brake levers. It stops the shift lever from clattering but the lever does hang up on the rubber every so often.  This leaves the lever about 2-3mm unflush with the brake lever this has not impact on performance. I'm use to some texture on the shifter levers.  The levers are very smooth other than the screen printed logo under the clear coat. Reminds me of campy.

The thumb shifter does take a firm push. I think it will be usable from the drops. The rubber hoods feel nice and thick. Can see the mold seam which won't be felt I'm just surprised to see it with how nice the shifters look.

Brakes have to use their adapters. there are 4 to choose from 140/160 and 160/180.  Tons of bolts. Compression bolt,olive and barb given.

My general feeling to the groupset is there are some very nicely done parts but I notice when there are corners cuts.

The front derailleur has cable guides. The front has a built in cable adjuster. Front cage is stamped steel. Rear looks nice has a nicely done carbon front cage and metal rear. There are two type of pulleys with the lower one having a more wave design. Both derailleur still use cheaper materials and manufacturing.   The spring is small on the rear derailleur compared to shimano 105 5800 and sensah SRX. It's not as hard to move as the 105 or SRX but the tension seems fine.

Haven't played with anything on a bike yet. I hope it does what I have planned.

Weights
Shifters 582g
Brakes with hoses and adapters 372g
Rear derailleur  218g
Front derailleur 108g

2
Cyclocross Frames, Wheels & Components / Elite Drive Gravel G45
« on: May 15, 2022, 01:11:44 AM »
Seen a few days ago elite wants to add a gravel version to their drive line. I can't tell if it's the lighting or they made the hubs black. Im not to sure about 45mm from a stiffness in gravel.  Though depending of conditions and your pace 45mm maybe what your looking for.  I'm curious what weight they could get these at in 30mm or 35mm. Wonder what width they will be? Will they be same as their road wheels or wider for gravel. Will they offer hookless option?

3
Component Deals & Selection / RideNow TPU
« on: April 30, 2022, 05:25:48 PM »
Just got the RideNow TPU inner tubes and a patch kit. They are light and very thin.  They have 65mm plastic stem.  Most debate has been over tpu use on rim brake wheels.  RideNow user manual refers to minimum tire size,thermal warnings, and safe use for rim brakes. 
The manual suggests to lower tire pressure as air and tarmac temps get high from morning to afternoon. They also ask that you lower pressure 20psi before long descents. They also ask you to take breaks on decents.

I bought them for my disc brake wheels so not really concerned. I also will be using as a spare on my road rides even for my rim wheels. There is so much saving you could be extra cautious and take 2 ridenow spares and still be half the storage needed as a latex or butyl tube.

My latex 156g + butyl spare 100=256g
RideNow  3x34g = 102g
Saving 154g

I'm watching for issues that have scared me away from TPUs in the past.  Hard to find leaks. Hard to patch or patch later failing.  Leaking around valve.  I'm being extra careful attaching the pump to the valve. I don't want the plastic stem to stretch and oval out.

4
Road Bike Frames, Wheels & Components / Vbr 168 and 086 builds
« on: April 30, 2022, 12:40:17 PM »
I've gotten both bikes very close in weight.  The 168 cost much more to build up.  The 168 also took a lot more part picking to accomplish.  I originally build up both with no intention to get my 168 so light.

  The 086 I built because my other bike/rims was getting older. My older rim bike was direct mount braked so this is why I picked it. My only disc bike is an older cyclocross bike which is my gravel at 19lbs and has room for 45mm.  So I built the 168 just to be lighter that my gravel.

I'll post pics of build sheets and scaled weights.

The 086 was a build and go. The 168 has seen a long slow process.  I ordered both frames together from velobuild. Neither frame came with the forks. So that was another 4-6 weeks.  I built the 086 first then 168. As I built the 168 I found out there was no seat post clamp.  That took10 weeks to recieve. By that point it was full freezing winter.

The 086 is a weird combination for me at least. Direct mount and bb386.  I love shimano and used their groupset.  So I had to use a non branded bottom bracket that was 386 to 24mm.

Pages: [1]