I am facing a major problem; one not easily solved. One of our principal Keepers – Brett – had made mention of the most important element of cycling: the Rules. While the Rules are ambiguous, they are also very clear. Not so much “clear” in the sense that any of us really know what they are or what they really mean; more “clear” in the sense that it’s pretty fucking obvious when a rule has been broken.
I have it on the excellent authority of a man down the shop that Nokon cable housing makes a noticeable difference in shifting performance. (I haven’t explicitly asked the question, but I assume this “difference in shifting performance” is a positive one.) In fact, it appears this opinion is held almost universally. Even Brett rides a set of them. I had them on my XLEV2 back when it was my primary racing machine, but I was unhappy with the crooked path the cables took from the shifters to the downtube. Being a man of obsessive/compulsive qualities, this proved to be too much for my already feeble mind to deal with while riding – especially given Shimano’s STI cable setup at the time. The Nokon cables went.
But, in the six or so years since, Nokon has come to the forefront and people seem to like them. Not only do they not compress – leading to improved shifting – but they are apparently lighter due to a lack of rubber or plastic or whatever cables are coated in. This is an easy sell. Every rational cyclist craves performance enhancement – even the legal kind – not to mention the added bonus that, given the weight savings, I should be able to add an extra noodle to my weekly pasta ration. (Cyclists only “eat” about once a week, on account of our strength-to-weight ratio. The rest of the time we fantasize about “food porn” while preparing our daily EPO/HGH cocktail.)
On to my problem. It appears Nokon now comes in a variety of colors, several of which would look absolutely dashing on my R3. The obvious relevant color choices are Red, Black, or White – with the possibility of running a silver set. Black is understated and simple. It would not call attention to itself and simply serve the purpose of shifting improvement and extra noodle rations. However, red and white would provide an additional stylish twist, accenting the detail colors of the frame. There is more red on the frame than white, but the handlebars and the frame’s text are white. Red would provide a certain “grounding” effect, while the white would continue the “accent” theme already present in the frame.
If I choose the white cables, do I then need to switch to black bar tape, allowing the white cable housing the freedom to rock it? Or would I stick with the white tape? Are red cables too…well, red? Silver is an option, but I would need justification. Something like, “I really wanted to match my cables to the titanium bolts.” But I feel funny just writing that explanation – even after the several glasses of wine I’ve already consumed tonight. I struggle to believe I’ll feel good defending my choice while I’m sober and on the bike.
This is going to take at least another couple weeks to decide. Any input is welcomed. See below for current configuration.
I envy you your simple lives.
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View Comments
@Dan O
A few things. The adjustment is very fickle, especially on the front brakes. The spring arm is not very long and a micro adjust a bit too much causes the spring to pop off. This results in not being able to get the pads close enough to the rim for the responsiveness I like. Also, the pads in wet weather are exremely messy and noisy. They also seem to need to be heeled/canted/toed in a bit to keep from shuddering the front wheel. That's not a huge deal but seems to effect braking power some.
Of course, this could all just be me justifying some new carbon TRP's. But I really haven't been happy with them. If you're friend wants mine let me know. I'll let them go for a fair price. They were new in May and have about 500 miles on them.
@Dan O
I'm about 6'4 and have a pretty big wingspan. So, I'm not that tall, but have a long inseam. Imagine an ostrich with wing extensions riding a bike in a Dutch Champion's jersey and you'll be pretty close to envisioning what I look like.
@josh
I agree that flexibility is very important in this. I'm not a very flexible person in general (neither mentally nor physically), but my hips and hamstrings seem to be pretty flexible. I used to be on a 6 degree stem and felt the bars were too high. Every time I got on the bike, I had to get myself used to the position. After much deliberation, I went for the 17 degree stem, "just to try it", but assuming it would be too low.
Imprecise testing seems to indicate I'm riding a few km's per hour faster both on flats and climbing.
I wish more manufacturers made stems at different angles. It seems everyone is on the 6 degree or 17 degree program; I'd love to see two or three choices in between those two. You know, "just to try it."
@brett
I humbly submit myself to public scrutiny. Michelle was kind (and patient) enough to take some shots of me on the bike before we set out on our evening ride today. Here they are.
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Yup, that frame is definately too small for you. You should just get a new bike and give that one to me.
@Marko
Mm-hmm. Sure.
Yeah, I think (as does Josh) that your bike is too small. Your arms are pointing straight down when you're in the drops, there should be a bit of horizontal in your forearms at least. Have you had your position looked at by anyone? A longer stem probably won't help, it seems long as it is. Maybe time to go custom.
@brett
Thanks to both of you for taking the time to look at this and offer your advice. Positioning is something I obsess over and spend lots of time thinking about and analyzing when I see people out on their bikes. It's one of my favorite topics in cycling.
It's interesting to me that you're concerned about the reach; riding the bike, I feel comfortably stretched, and I think the position on the hoods shows a healthy amount of extension. My feeling was that there might be concern over the drop to the bars. This is a position I've slowly worked towards over about a 15 year period and I feel it works for me.
Help me understand what mechanical problem are we trying to fix. What is the disadvantage of my position, and what would the advantage be of being on a bigger frame?
That said, the fatness of my stomach is a mechanical disadvantage that I understand and which we don't need to discuss here. On a related note, I just identified my new favorite beer, Stone IPA.
You know, this thread gives me an idea. That being anyone one of us having the opportunity to post pics of ourselves and have other assess our riding positions. Being that I live in a cycling vacuum, it'd be helpful for me.
@Marko
Great idea! I'll have to think about how to get readers to safely upload images into the comments section, but in the meantime, shoot me some shots of you riding and I'll post them for you.