Thanks for the feedback, you two. Yeah, I thought about a double wrap, but don’t want to look like my bars need to be put on a diet. Then again, these are older Deda Newtons in a quill stem so a narrow diameter to begin with. Probably would just look like modern bars if I double up. Could use the current worn out Microtex and put the white logo tape over it. Might be the ticket…

You could double wrap parts or all of the bars instead of using gel.  Never tried it myself but it’s a thought.

Don’t want to go the gel route, don’t think the new rubberized tape is quite right for this bike. Thus, leaning towards the soft touch. Can’t seem to sort out if the soft touch comes in white or just black.

Also, anyone tried the fizik logo tape? Think it might add just the bit of flash the bike could use and after seeing Der Kaiser with logo tape…thinking about giving it a go.

Having also just experienced the rush of a few online auction purchases, I’ve been thinking about the support your LBS rule (which I take very seriously). When your LBS doesn’t deal in used parts, is it kosher to go hunting for less expensive alternatives? Presumably there’s an unspoken assumption that you’re going to mount them yourself, but even in so doing, are you sullying the relationship? Saddle, obviously, not an issue, but I’m thinking about components…

Also comes with one of the Fizik blink lights installed on it already, haven’t really been sold on the saddle on the new bike since getting aboard.

@Steampunk

Gahhhh fuck it Merckx damn your eye(s) I got one of those before I moved to Australia. I didn’t fit it first, I took it with me to clean my bikes down before I boxed them up and packed it with my bikes, and the moving company picked them up. That was 5 weeks ago and we still don’t have a delivery date. At this point I think it’s bobbing around on a boat in the middle of the Tasman ocean, after which we’re at the mercy of customs. You’re evoking memories and feelings and shit.

[dmalbum path=”/velominati.com/content/Photo Galleries/brettok@velominati.com/kt bike/”/]

@xyxax
Pics really don’t do it justice; it really is stunning and very light. I’ll make a point of going extremely slowly uphill in Vermont so’s everyone can admire my seatpost…

[dmalbum: path=”/velominati.com/wp-content/uploads/readers/Steampunk/2012.03.23.21.42.15/”/]

@Vin’cenza

@Calmante

@Vin’cenza

Adding 10mm to overall seat post height would convince me to move the shoe cleats forward 5mm “” based on the previous CLEAT discussion. Also switching out a 110mm to 130mm 3T ARX at 17 degrees down. Planning to test an adjusted position within a training crit this Tuesday.

Don’t you mean 5 mm back? Very good thesis on the subject.

My cleats are secured all the way back. Any adjustment that pulls my rotation away from the bottom of the pedal stroke (assumed) would require the cleat to come forward (shifting the shoe back) “” to pivot and reach. Concerned that I could stand to move the cleat forward first of all. Been watching my own stroke stopped at the bottom (inline with seat tube) and the heel seems level “” not lifted. Will verify my adjustments with a specialist at the bike shop “” to verify.

Good idea.

I’ll read the good thesis now.

@Calmante

@Vin’cenza

Adding 10mm to overall seat post height would convince me to move the shoe cleats forward 5mm “” based on the previous CLEAT discussion. Also switching out a 110mm to 130mm 3T ARX at 17 degrees down. Planning to test an adjusted position within a training crit this Tuesday.

Don’t you mean 5 mm back? Very good thesis on the subject.

My cleats are secured all the way back. Any adjustment that pulls my rotation away from the bottom of the pedal stroke (assumed) would require the cleat to come forward (shifting the shoe back) “” to pivot and reach. Concerned that I could stand to move the cleat forward first of all. Been watching my own stroke stopped at the bottom (inline with seat tube) and the heel seems level “” not lifted. Will verify my adjustments with a specialist at the bike shop “” to verify.

Good idea.

@Vin’cenza

Adding 10mm to overall seat post height would convince me to move the shoe cleats forward 5mm “” based on the previous CLEAT discussion. Also switching out a 110mm to 130mm 3T ARX at 17 degrees down. Planning to test an adjusted position within a training crit this Tuesday.

Don’t you mean 5 mm back? Very good thesis on the subject.

My cleats are secured all the way back. Any adjustment that pulls my rotation away from the bottom of the pedal stroke (assumed) would require the cleat to come forward (shifting the shoe back) — to pivot and reach. Concerned that I could stand to move the cleat forward first of all. Been watching my own stroke stopped at the bottom (inline with seat tube) and the heel seems level — not lifted. Will verify my adjustments with a specialist at the bike shop — to verify.

@Marcus

@frank

Those photos make me sad. Velominati has changed me. These days,whenever I see a cyclist’s photo, I don’t look at the subject, context and imagery of the shot.

My first instinct is to search for rule violations.

What have I become?

There is a way back for you. You can start by trying to find rule compliance in every photo instead… And then you start waving at everyone, including YJA users, as an ambassador for the sport. Happiness is contagious!

Merckxdamnit, I hate agreeing with this guy, but yeah. Its all about Rule 2 and Rule 3 in this case. Redemption is found through guiding others to the the path to enlightenment. Lead those less fortunate, and you will be free.

@frank

Those photos make me sad. Velominati has changed me. These days,whenever I see a cyclist’s photo, I don’t look at the subject, context and imagery of the shot.

My first instinct is to search for rule violations.

What have I become?

There is a way back for you. You can start by trying to find rule compliance in every photo instead… And then you start waving at everyone, including YJA users, as an ambassador for the sport. Happiness is contagious!

Adding 10mm to overall seat post height would convince me to move the shoe cleats forward 5mm “” based on the previous CLEAT discussion. Also switching out a 110mm to 130mm 3T ARX at 17 degrees down. Planning to test an adjusted position within a training crit this Tuesday.

Don’t you mean 5 mm back? Very good thesis on the subject.

Those photos make me sad. Velominati has changed me. These days,whenever I see a cyclist’s photo, I don’t look at the subject, context and imagery of the shot.

My first instinct is to search for rule violations.

What have I become?

Hold the fucking phone – BRETT. ARE YOU WEARING WHITE SOCKS? Surely the apocalypse is near.

@brett

The Aristocrats got well and truly broken in on yesterday’s Welli Strada Bianche. A crash (not even on the gravé) gave them a scuff up on the outer and buckle. My whole Keepers Tour flashed before my eyes as I headed to the tarmac, but only a bruised knee to show for it. I’m sure the Arenberg won’t be so kind.

And it was going so well before then…

1 / 4

Slideshow:

Fullscreen:

Download:

Powered by DM Albumsâ„¢

Fuck my tits, that looks like a perfect day. Is that @Brett rockin’ the full black V-Kit and Rigid in the full White? (Can’t call them Zwarte/Witte when they’re mixed like that, but my Merckx, that looks magnificent.)

Can’t wait to meet you assholes.

But, I’m not sold on Rapha. They seem like the Gap of the cycling word or something. A bit too slick for their own good

Yesterday was the first ride outdoors with the R1 – Black Knights – and also my first ride of the season over 100k. After 173k and just over 6hrs in the saddle my feet were happy as could be. No hotspots, soreness, cramps, nothin. If I had pics I’d post but they were covered up all day with Belgian booties as the ride started cold and I didn’t want to soil them in dirty/dusty/salty spring conditions.

Wow, you hadn’t gone over 100k and then you put in 173? Nice work!!

@frank
Pics when I retape this week (Nate had me feeling self-conscious about my moderately worn tape this weekend)

Ha, that’s what you get for riding with a Velominatus! Actually, I already know that before I attend a Cogal I’ll probably be up all night making sure I’m in Rule compliance.

Pre-Cogal Velominatus Rule Compliance Anxiety.

That Peugeot looks nice! And another Witte/Black kit combo photo? With Sgt. & Nate and that one…seems as if it is going to be really uncool to post any V-ride photos unless you have the yin-yang jersey harmony going on.

The Aristocrats got well and truly broken in on yesterday’s Welli Strada Bianche. A crash (not even on the gravé) gave them a scuff up on the outer and buckle. My whole Keepers Tour flashed before my eyes as I headed to the tarmac, but only a bruised knee to show for it. I’m sure the Arenberg won’t be so kind.

And it was going so well before then…

[dmalbum: path=”/velominati.com/wp-content/uploads/readers/Richard/2012.03.19.05.29.38/”/]

@Vin’cenza
I’d rather buy two pair of R3’s for the price of the Rapha shoes. Those are hideous.

@Steampunk
I love my fizik seatpost on #2. I prefer it to the 3T on the #1, as it’s much less fumbling about tightening bolts and making smaller adjustments. Would put it on the #1, but the OCD in me wants the post, stem, and bars to match.

@tessar
If you’ve new shorts, make sure to wash them prior to wearing on the white saddle. I just turned my Carbon Cx braided yellow due to this oversight.

@Gianni

Yeah, those shoes are gorgeous.

Also, gratuitous calf-shot, anyone?

So I got a loaner from the local Cervelo dealer – they have plenty of take-offs – and a five-minute session on the trainer confirmed that this is, indeed, the perfect saddle for my skinny arse. It has a very peculiar feel, as if floating in the air without a saddle at all.

So, this morning I went back there, and after failing to score the used take-off, I instead got a very good price on this very white specimen:

Installing it, with the Y-Wrench between my teeth as the tape-measure made sure the position was as my fitter prescribed, felt like an almost sacred process.

Also, when the bike gets the new gruppo, the white shoes and saddle will probably require matching white bartape. Microtex has been ordered!

The Aristocrats got well and truly broken in on yesterday’s Welli Strada Bianche. A crash (not even on the gravé) gave them a scuff up on the outer and buckle. My whole Keepers Tour flashed before my eyes as I headed to the tarmac, but only a bruised knee to show for it. I’m sure the Arenberg won’t be so kind.

We now expect a finish with a knee picture worthy of the Lion. No pressure. Please skip this look though:

I love my R1’s too (Dark Knights), woe them all winter under some Gore Thermo covers. All day comfy.

Gonna grab a pair of the White Ladies but them Rapha ones do seem sweet too in a nice understated way. Got the black GT gloves and after about 20 hours of riding they fit like a … um … er … they fit like a glove.

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/merckx-inducted-into-giro-ditalia-hall-of-fame

@brett
Hey mate what cleats are you rocking in pic 4? They look like the i-clic shape but don’t have any of the red sections.

Yep, they are iClic 2s. I broke my left hand iClic pedal, and thanks to Mark and Paul at DeGrandi, they sent new pedals and cleats. They are beefed up cleats, and the pedals are too, with alloy plates on the contact areas on the platform.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNULGZViKcA

@Vin’cenza

I don’t like the over-abundance of all those pin holes.

These “holes” will take in dirt/grit and allow more stretching than is preferred ?? I thought they were golf shoes at first.

I don’t like the over-abundance of all those pin holes.

@mcsqueak
Yeah, they are just weird enough for me to love them. It will be fun to ride these for a while and see how they break in. But the all white R1, oh momma those are some sexy beasts.

Those shoes look sweet! From pictures I had seen before they sort of looked like golf shoes, but seeing the action shots, they look quite nice.

@sthilzy

Looking good!! Can’t wait to see the finished prototypes.

@Flying Crowbar

@mouse

@Gianni
Note correct sock length and colour.

Also note someone isn’t Sur La Plaque in that gratuitous calf shot.

I was giving him the benefit of the doubt and assuming that he was going up a minimum 7% grade at the time.

@Gianni
At the risk of sounding like a coed girl getting ready for spring break, oh my gawd, look at that tan! My northern guns are still as white as your new shoes.

Yea, you just have to move to a place where you can ride year round without tights, it’s the best! Unfortunately the guns will be mummified in layers of wool and lycra in Belgium so no one will appreciate my tan lines.

@roger
Damn you man. Those are bad ass shoes.

I thought about that, too. I did notice there is only grass in the photos, so, conceivably, he could be riding above the tree line, which is its own form of Rule V.

@mouse

@Gianni
Note correct sock length and colour.

Also note someone isn’t Sur La Plaque in that gratuitous calf shot.

I was giving him the benefit of the doubt and assuming that he was going up a minimum 7% grade at the time.

@Gianni
At the risk of sounding like a coed girl getting ready for spring break, oh my gawd, look at that tan! My northern guns are still as white as your new shoes.

Simple black & white – does it get any sharper?

The all white is hard to beat…Have a feeling they will be a MF’er to keep this white.

PS you’re disgusting! Bob Saget rules.

All this white tape and white footwear going on, the mere mortals are going to have a fine windbreak across Northern France and Belgium – assuming that the Keepers are man enough to lead from the front.

I can picture the look on the lad’s face in the LBS when I drop them off ” You will pump them up every day and rotate them twice a day, wont you? But no riding on them. And you won’t leave them near the clinchers or MTB wheels will you?”

@sthilzy

@mcsqueak Do you have access to a 3D printer, by chance?
Building as we speak!

Awesome!

Getting closer!

Simple black & white – does it get any sharper?

@Vin’cenza
I don’t think they do but these are pretty wide already. I have normal to EE wide feet and there is plenty of width. See if you can find a dealer to try them on.

@Marcus
Yes, that’s why I’m keeping my full size frame pump on the bike, it’s my black carbone fiber cane.

@Flying Crowbar
Nah, I was crushing the wee 34 with one hand on the bars and one on the camera. Wait for the Belgian action shots, plenty then.

@Gianni
Note correct sock length and colour.

Well, I’m sure they were once the correct color, anyway. Next to the blinding white of new White Ladies, I’m not so sure, though.

@Gianni
Note correct sock length and colour.

Also note someone isn’t sur la plaque in that gratuitous calf shot.

@scaler911 Yeah, I haven’t looked at your youtube clip but I did see the movie, as I’m sure Marko did too. Funny funny stuff. @Calmante

@GianniYeah, those shoes are gorgeous.Also, gratuitous calf-shot, anyone?

Oh hell yes!

Not that it amounts to a hill of beans but that is what gave me respect for Bob Saget. I’ll never forget it.

@Gianni

Yeah, those shoes are gorgeous.

Also, gratuitous calf-shot, anyone?

Oh hell yes!

I too am feeling the fi’zi:k love. A pair of R3s arrived here yesterday and I had to take ’em out for a spin today. After hours of torment about sizing, these feel pretty great and so damn good looking. Marko has declared this model “Aristocrats”
They shall be defiled on the stones of Belgium, where they will earn their scuff and stains.

1 / 5

Slideshow:

Fullscreen:

Download:

Powered by DM Albumsâ„¢

Those are sexy BTW.

I too am feeling the fi’zi:k love. A pair of R3s arrived here yesterday and I had to take ’em out for a spin today. After hours of torment about sizing, these feel pretty great and so damn good looking. Marko has declared this model “Aristocrats”
They shall be defiled on the stones of Belgium, where they will earn their scuff and stains.

1 / 5

Slideshow:

Fullscreen:

Download:

Powered by DM Albumsâ„¢

The Aristocrats huh? I’ll get banned for posting this fer sure. (rated R+ NSFW!!):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CS1T4qYtOj0

Yeah, those shoes are gorgeous.

Also, gratuitous calf-shot, anyone?

[dmalbum: path=”/velominati.com/wp-content/uploads/readers/john/2012.03.14.02.04.49/”/]