Monday, July 20, 2009

It's been awhile...

Well...I figured it was about time to check in on my blog and jot a few things down. Life has been pretty hectic but I've managed to keep myself going as far as bikes are concerned. Where to start? I suppose an update on my "Weight Weenie" is in order.

I finally made my way into a wonderful shop kinda local to me (They're closed on my normal days off). I convinced my buddy we should go so we drove out there to get some odds and ends. I was after some bearings for my Nylfor headset. I also picked up a new rear light for my GF's bike. At the cash register I asked if they had any old parts gathering dust and the owner said "Sure! We have 'em around for restos and what not but we don't generally let people rummage around in the boxes...". At this point I asked if a specific request would warrant some digging. He asked me what I wanted and feeling lucky I asked for a Campagnolo Ergal freewheel...He said "Sure!" and walked a couple feet down the counter and grabbed one from a drawer. My eyes lit up and he knew he had me hooked. He asked for my offer and I immediately blurted out $100. He said sold and told me to go get cash as it wasn't in the inventory. How sweet is that? Made my day I tell ya! I was told rather plainly that I owe him...Which I most certainly do. After I rattled off the parts list for my build he also gave me the proper puller for the freewheel and was happy it was going to someone who clearly appreciates it.

Anyways, enough of that! I sat down recently and busted out a spreadsheet to try and get an idea of where I'm at in my build. I was really curious if I was gonna make my target weight of 16.5 pounds. Several people have expressed shock at my goal when considering the thing is gonna have zero carbon fibre. Just plastic, aluminum and a wee bit of steel. Well...I'm positive I'm gonna make it...With room to spare:)

The list: (weight in grams)
Nylfor headset..........28.2
Headset bearings x50....14.2
White Industries BB.....151.9
Huret Jubilee FD........78.8
Huret Jubilee RD........149.6
Italmanubri Ti Stem.....178.6
Topline DS crankarm.....221.1
Topline NDS crankarm....169.9
Kronos crank bolts......11
Modolo shifters........32.5
Aerolite Ti pedals......123.7
CLB Spaceline rear......100.9
CLB Spaceline front.....102.8
Campagnolo freewheel....138.3
Shimano 53t chainring...94.1
Shimano 38t chainring...32.7
Chainring bolts.........8
Chain...................255
Frame & Fork............2131.2
Wheelset................1450
Seat & post.............473

Total...................5945.5

Yup! Just a hair over 13 pounds. As I'm sure you have noticed that's without bars. I'm shooting for a 300 (preferably 290) gram bar. Also the wheelset weight is a rough guestimate and quite honestly my biggest goal. I don't remember what modern carbon wonder wizbang wheelset it was that I decided to try to match for weight but I do know it weighed 1450 grams without skewers, tires, or a cassete. It cost $4300 too! Anyways, my front wheel (Hi-E 36 hole hub laced to a Hi-E rim with double butted 14 gauge spokes 1 cross) without a tire but with a Hi-E quick release weighs 460 grams. I weighed a rather lightweight rear wheel I have sitting around (Hi-E, Fiamme yellow label, heavy tire and skewer)and it sat right at 1000 grams. So I figure with a Hi-e rim laced to a HiE hub I should hit 1450 grams with skewers for the wheelset. I might even be able to hit the target weight with the freewheel and tires but thats just crazy talk and wishful thinking. We'll see soon enough.
Please keep in mind the components will likely loose a few grams as the chain is uncut and I won't need 50 bearings in my headset. The seat post is extra long too which will be fixed by my trusty hacksaw and file...
So the hunt continues...I need sub 300 gram bars, sub 200 gram tires and probably some other stuff I'm forgetting about...Oh like cables! I have some CLB brake cables and housings that weigh 85 grams uncut. I've also got some misc. alloy and Ti fasteners just for backup if I need to shave some weight before the final weight is officially taken.
Very exciting! For me anyways...Everyone I know thinks I'm crazy and that this bike will be the death of me.

I think I'll post an unrelated pic just because...
My GF's Motobecane. This bike was built with junk and spares gathered in an emergency from far and wide. It was actually my first build from a bare frame. Surprisingly it hasn't fallen apart. It has served her very well for a number of years now and has gone through a couple of different bar and rack setups. One of these days I might paint it. I like the patina but I think it deserves a new coat...

Da Moto...
Mia's Moto

Cheers!
Kelly D