FORM 29'er: Expeditions West

[Christophe Noel]

Maybe take a look at the WTB saddles. I've thought about swapping out my uber sleek Italian racing saddle for a cushier WTB saddle for touring and 24H solo races. Other than that, saddles are all about fit. Most people stick with a certain brand once they find a fit they like. I've put 20+ years on various Selle Italia seats and for me, that's the optimal fit.

The other night I forgot to mention another consideration for chosing your bar, stem and post - tourng bags. The nylon straps on nearly all soft touring bags is tough on carbon. Nothing that will hurt it, but those nylon seat and bar straps scuff up carbon something fierce. For that reason, and a host of others, I use Thompson. It holds up great. It's also nice to support local US bike brands like Thompson (and Chris King) for that matter.

I've had some bikepacking days drag on for 14-16 hours and this would have been nice:
http://www.wtb.com/products/saddles/racing/vigo

Considering this is what I normally ride:
http://www.probikekit.com/display.php?code=S5005

 

[1speed]

I've been running X-9 shifters and an older X-0 derailleur for a few years with very good luck. I also really like SRAM cassettes and chains. I agree on the Thomson seatpost, but I don't like the X4 stem, I've had a few crack. If you're going to go with a 31.8 handlebar, which I would, you may want to look elsewhere for the stem. Everybody's rear end is different, I like Fizik saddles and I also like the Brooks on my fixie.

BTW, be looking for a :box: on Friday! :sombrero:

 

[Scott Brady]

I just posted a little editorial on the home page about Form cycles. I thought other people would want to know more about Daryl and his business. Daryl and Melanie are classy people and make some seriously classy bikes.

FORM Cycles: Company Profile and an Interview with Daryl Roberts​

 

[dieselcruiserhead]

Can you explain the thoughts behind Hammerschmidt?

Was this recommended by someone?

 

[Scott Brady]

Just like to try new stuff - something different. Will report if it was a really bad idea

 

[sinuhexavier]

This is one of the more entertaining threads on the portal these days...

 

[dieselcruiserhead]

Just like to try new stuff - something different. Will report if it was a really bad idea

Sounds good...

Weight is 1250 on these versus XT or Stylo OCT which are mid/low 800s, MSRP is also about $250 more and doesn't including a BB. Look forward to seeing how it works out..

 

[Christophe Noel]

I just posted a little editorial on the home page about Form cycles. I thought other people would want to know more about Daryl and his business. Daryl and Melanie are classy people and make some seriously classy bikes.

That Triad cyclocross bike is bar none, the coolest cyclocross bike I have ever seen. Think what Adri Vanderpol could have done to the World Cup circuit if he had a rig like that.

I've been told that Santa is bringing me a ti Form this year. Can't wait.

 

[Christophe Noel]

Sounds good...

Weight is 1250 on these versus XT or Stylo OCT which are mid/low 800s, MSRP is also about $250 more and doesn't including a BB. Look forward to seeing how it works out..

When I was at Interbike in '07 and saw the prototype Hammers, I asked a rep, "Can I pick it up?" He said, "sure, lift with your legs, not your back." I thought that was pretty funny. It's a full pound heavier than even mid level cranks, but I guess it comes with the perk of being able to shift at a stand still. That might be handy when you roll up on that steep hill you didn't see coming. I suppose once you factor in the slight reduction in chain length it's not a full pound.

The biggest challenge is the ISOG frame tabs required to make it work. That alone will relagate this to a small niche. Those tabs have to either be fabricated into the frame, or you have to use an adapter that is pretty unproven from what I've heard. The only other concern I had (SRAM sent me a set that I later returned - chickened out) was the early reports of buzzing and drag in the "overdrive" gear. I've only got so many watts in my gams. Can't waste any pushing around planetary gears.

I can certainly see the touring applications. I'll be anxious to hear Scott's full report.

 

[dieselcruiserhead]

Me too, that is certainly a benefit of a custom frame. But seeing your info here makes me rethink my doubts on it for at least testing. Nice work Scott...

 

[Christophe Noel]

Me too, that is certainly a benefit of a custom frame. But seeing your info here makes me rethink my doubts on it for at least testing. Nice work Scott...

I should probably clarify, SRAM strictly states you should not use the ISCG adapter option. Some have had okay luck with the adapter, but for a touring rig, I'd rather not experiment with something just to have a conversation piece. So, that means this has to be used in conjunction with a custom frame because only a looney would tour on a full blown DH pony with factory ISOG tabs.

Here's what those tabs look like.



Me being a simpleton, I just cog-up a monster gear and go singlespeed. Doesn't get any more reliable than that. <thinks to self - when is my MRI appointment for my knees?.>

 

[tacollie]

I broke a lot more parts on my ss than my geared ride. I couldn't keep a chain on it for more than a week or two. That tab won't add that much weight. I am not a fan of the Hammerschmidt or Rohloffs simply because the shift timing is different. I think it is a neat idea and would Like to see it done on a touring bike.

On my Rohloff I put Mobile1 AT fluid in after the break in and it solved my drag issues. Maybe that would work on the Hammerschmidt.

 

[dieselcruiserhead]

I should probably clarify, SRAM strictly states you should not use the ISCG adapter option. Some have had okay luck with the adapter, but for a touring rig, I'd rather not experiment with something just to have a conversation piece. So, that means this has to be used in conjunction with a custom frame because only a looney would tour on a full blown DH pony with factory ISOG tabs.

Here's what those tabs look like.
View attachment 43158


Me being a simpleton, I just cog-up a monster gear and go singlespeed. Doesn't get any more reliable than that. <thinks to self - when is my MRI appointment for my knees?.>

That to me puts it over the top as a pretty clear deal breaker IMO...

Thanks for this info Christophe...

 

[Christophe Noel]

That to me puts it over the top as a pretty clear deal breaker IMO...

Thanks for this info Christophe...

The bikepacking crowd is very familiar with getting their hopes up only to have them dashed. Another example is the SRAM iMotion 9 hub. Like many, I waited around for several years hoping they'd bring it to market, then when they did, quickly realized it was lame and not bikepacking kit. Aside from being too fragile, the thought of a 2000 gram hub makes my quads hurt. It's like they invested hundreds of thousands of dollars to make a hub Sturmey-Archer would have scrapped in the 70's. The carbon-shelled iM9 looked promising but vanished as soon as it hit the rumor mill. The NuVinci infinite gear system was another one that got immediately scrapped by the bikepacking crowd as it's heavier than most frames.

It appears only the Rolhoff system remains as viable touring kit and having owned two of those hubs, I still don't see the advantage over a simple derailleur at a tenth the cost and a fraction of the weight.

At any rate, the bicycle I ride now has far more in common with the bikes of 100 years ago than the bike I rode just five years ago. Maybe I'm devolving.

 

[1speed]

At any rate, the bicycle I ride now has far more in common with the bikes of 100 years ago than the bike I rode just five years ago. Maybe I'm devolving.

I'm with you on that. 90% of my riding lately is on; steel frame, steel fork, no brakes, Brooks leather saddle, fixed gear. I even have a set of moustache bars for it with Brooks leather bar wrap!