Morning all just a quick update on my LCR018-D.
Been riding it now for 1000km without a single problem of any kind - the bike is so smooth and reliable.
I bought it as my everyday, all weather bike and it couldn't have lived up to its billing any better - absolutely brilliant.
I have just got my hands on a Cervelo S3 frameset which I am building up as my "best" summer bike, so that has meant some changes for the LCR018-D.
All the premium parts I had (Ultegra 8170 di2 galfer rotors) have been taken off to do the new build.
Ive now re-built the LCR018-D with 105 di2 and if you blindfolded me, not a chance I could tell the difference. This groupset is superb.
I guess there's a slight weight penalty, but its irrelevant for this bike and its still not heavy by any means, the bike still feels lovely to ride.
The HBR17 handlebars just didn't suit me at all, so I took this opportunity to replace with a set of Toseek bars.
A more traditional aero shaped integrated bar - and for me it's a massive difference. They are much more comfortable for me.
Fitting was easy as the included spacers are I think identical to the LightCarbon ones so that made life very simple.
The carbon effect finish on the bars also matches in very well with the bare carbon finish on the frame.
I got the Garmin mount off Aliexpress too, but due to the angle of the bars, its facing downwards (seems to be a trend with the racers these days), but its not for me, so ill replace with something that gives a nice horizontal finish.
Final additions are a set of purple VXM rotors (160/140) from Aliexpress and NT-BP036 Semi Metallic pads from Noah & Theo on eBay.
Both of these brake recommendations came from Luke (Trace Velo) on YouTube and I can confirm they are excellent choices.
Not only do the rotors look superb, but the combination gives great stopping power and modulation and appears to be silent so far (wet weather testing today to see how they perform).
I like them so much that when the Galfers wear out on the S3 build, I will replace with these as well. For the price they are crazy good.
That should be all the changes in the meantime, just loads of hopefully happy miles to come.
I will be selling my HBR17 handlebars (80mm length, 400mm width), so if anyone is interested, just let me know.

