Oct 06, 2021 at 01:23 PM
Top cap bolt hotness!!!
Bicycle Tech/Gear Discussion Thread
Oct 06, 2021 at 02:59 PM
Likewise, it's an important tell that he spends much of his time telling us how stupid other people are and very little on his methodology and proving it's better.Jules said:I don't think so. People refute everything and everybody they can; the fact that the most people can complain about is his personality is an important tell.eloy said:nobody has come back with evidence refuting himBecause it is not worth anyone's time. This guy is an active jerk. He is part of what's wrong with the world, he is a troll, the best way to deal with trolls is to ignore them.
I have spent very little time on his personality. So I guess that's in my favor.
From where I sit, he is as opaque as companies he's criticizing. Basically, manufacturers are saying "we have this wind tunnel data." He's saying 'don't listen to manufacturers. their data sucks. you should trust my totally opaque data because I am able to account for 'real world conditions' which I can't prove but you should trust me because I'm an aerospace engineer.'
Seems about the same.
What I find intriguing is that even though he's in the business of selling bearings, he has very little and very anodyne information on both bearings and grease. This guy is going out of his way to trash everyone and tell you how much they suck, yet somehow, he doesn't take a position on bearing grease, doesn't provide detailed recommendations in terms of how to grease bearings, install bearings, and even his bearing data is basically shite.
Truly. he has a chart where he shows bearing friction losses from a total of one hub each from several manufacturers. Not only is this chart worthless (a sample size of one is anecdotal information), but it reverses something that has been proven repeatedly over the years, that cup and cone bearing wheels can have less friction than cartridge bearing hubs.
He also shit on Flo Cycling for claiming they had good bearings. But he doesn't prove in any way, shape, or form, that his are better. He trashes them for not mentioning axial load, but I see nothing on his site about the axial load on the bearings he's selling.
Truly. he has a chart where he shows bearing friction losses from a total of one hub each from several manufacturers. Not only is this chart worthless (a sample size of one is anecdotal information), but it reverses something that has been proven repeatedly over the years, that cup and cone bearing wheels can have less friction than cartridge bearing hubs.
He also shit on Flo Cycling for claiming they had good bearings. But he doesn't prove in any way, shape, or form, that his are better. He trashes them for not mentioning axial load, but I see nothing on his site about the axial load on the bearings he's selling.
Oct 06, 2021 at 03:13 PM
Can't say that I love it. Well see, time conquers everythingDavid Yang said:Top cap bolt hotness!!!
Oct 06, 2021 at 07:39 PM
I have a question about set up , is there a reason why you have a long stem , with the saddle pushed really far forward ?
Oct 07, 2021 at 03:58 AM
My cross bike position is maybe a bit aggressive, but comfortable for me.
The saddle pushed forward is difficult to explain..., for a few races I actually used and really liked the specialized saddle that came stock with the bike. It did not look pushed forward all that much.
But because I use flite saddles on my other bikes, I figured I should change it here it too. Once I did, to sit comfortably and to position myself correctly over the pedals, I had to move the flite saddle quite a bit forward.
My guess is that modern saddles are cut a bit differently, are often a bit shorter (the specialized stock saddle definitely is) and sit the rider a bit forward, the older flite design sits the rider a bit further back, so to end in more or less a similar place has to move forward.
Sidenote, the specialized saddle also sat higher than the flite.
For bike fit, often, you find the right position over the pedals and saddle height, and then find where the hands should go. That's what I did and landed me with a 120 stem, which frankly after looking at the bikes from Roubaix does not seem long at all, pros are riding 130s and 140s, even 160s like it is nothing!
The saddle pushed forward is difficult to explain..., for a few races I actually used and really liked the specialized saddle that came stock with the bike. It did not look pushed forward all that much.
But because I use flite saddles on my other bikes, I figured I should change it here it too. Once I did, to sit comfortably and to position myself correctly over the pedals, I had to move the flite saddle quite a bit forward.
My guess is that modern saddles are cut a bit differently, are often a bit shorter (the specialized stock saddle definitely is) and sit the rider a bit forward, the older flite design sits the rider a bit further back, so to end in more or less a similar place has to move forward.
Sidenote, the specialized saddle also sat higher than the flite.
For bike fit, often, you find the right position over the pedals and saddle height, and then find where the hands should go. That's what I did and landed me with a 120 stem, which frankly after looking at the bikes from Roubaix does not seem long at all, pros are riding 130s and 140s, even 160s like it is nothing!
Oct 07, 2021 at 02:34 PM
To me, the 120 stem slammed, or nearly slammed, is hotness.eloy said:My cross bike position is maybe a bit aggressive, but comfortable for me.
The saddle pushed forward is difficult to explain..., for a few races I actually used and really liked the specialized saddle that came stock with the bike. It did not look pushed forward all that much.
But because I use flite saddles on my other bikes, I figured I should change it here it too. Once I did, to sit comfortably and to position myself correctly over the pedals, I had to move the flite saddle quite a bit forward.
My guess is that modern saddles are cut a bit differently, are often a bit shorter (the specialized stock saddle definitely is) and sit the rider a bit forward, the older flite design sits the rider a bit further back, so to end in more or less a similar place has to move forward.
Sidenote, the specialized saddle also sat higher than the flite.
For bike fit, often, you find the right position over the pedals and saddle height, and then find where the hands should go. That's what I did and landed me with a 120 stem, which frankly after looking at the bikes from Roubaix does not seem long at all, pros are riding 130s and 140s, even 160s like it is nothing!
Yes, Specialized in particular seems to have fairly short-nosed saddles. I think Fizik's Arione is among the longest-nosed, while many of the Toupe's are almost flirting with the nose-less look of the Adamo's.
The Flite's position on the saddle clamp could also have to do with the seatpost setback. Get a zero-setback post and people probably wouldn't notice. As Gerard Vroomen likes to point out, zero-setback posts are lighter. But probably in the range of 5-10g.
I'm curious as to how you found the saddle position on this bike. Do you use a plum-line from the nose to the bottom bracket, measure from the top cap to the nose of the saddle? Something else?
I wouldn't call the position aggressive, though the term means different things to different people. Yes, it looks like you've got a relatively forward position when looking at the saddle on the clamp, but if you're in the same position here as on your other bikes, the clamping point is more a reflection of the seat angle, post setback, and femur length.
Oct 07, 2021 at 04:05 PM
Oct 07, 2021 at 04:25 PM
These look like the hotness. It matches the direction of Cannondale too, where the cyclocross bikes are a bit more versatile, and just a bit closer to their gravel offering.Mark Taylor said:
Oct 07, 2021 at 06:17 PM
Yes, I have considered a no setback seatpost, didn't wanna deal with readjusting it all, but didn't quite realize it would be lightermugwump said:eloy said:My cross bike position is definitely a bit aggressive, but comfortable for me.
The saddle pushed forward is difficult to explain..., for a few races I actually used and really liked the specialized saddle that came stock with the bike. It did not look pushed forward all that much.
But because I use flite saddles on my other bikes, I figured I should change it here it too. Once I did, to sit comfortably and to position myself correctly over the pedals, I had to move the flite saddle quite a bit forward.
My guess is that modern saddles are cut a bit differently, are often a bit shorter (the specialized stock saddle definitely is) and sit the rider a bit forward, the older flite design sits the rider a bit further back, so to end in more or less a similar place has to move forward.
Sidenote, the specialized saddle also sat higher than the flite.
For bike fit, often, you find the right position over the pedals and saddle height, and then find where the hands should go. That's what I did and landed me with a 120 stem, which frankly after looking at the bikes from Roubaix does not seem long at all, pros are riding 130s and 140s, even 160s like it is nothing!
The Flite's position on the saddle clamp could also have to do with the seatpost setback. Get a zero-setback post and people probably wouldn't notice. As Gerard Vroomen likes to point out, zero-setback posts are lighter. But probably in the range of 5-10g.
I'm curious as to how you found the saddle position on this bike. Do you use a plum-line from the nose to the bottom bracket, measure from the top cap to the nose of the saddle? Something else?
Don't remember 100%, but I think I took some measurements from my road bike to start and then adjusted over a couple days, usually by simply riding in a field with a couple of allen keys, and feeling it out.
Oct 07, 2021 at 07:22 PM
Funny I hadn’t really noticed how angled the actual seat post was until you pointed it out
Oct 07, 2021 at 10:40 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5GK3Ne6Id0 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYIqPumPT8Y
Oct 08, 2021 at 10:23 AM
Dan Chabanov has been riding one of those around (I assume for a review article). The multicolored paint jobs looks sweet. My gut reaction is to be bummed that it’s less cyclo-crossy but 1. I wonder if a more stable bike would benefit us amateurs (def hasn’t hurt Dan) and 2. It doesn’t matter because I’ll never be able to afford this bicycle.
Oct 08, 2021 at 01:17 PM
Cody Kaiser chats about the bike...
https://youtu.be/FUaxCA2h6XI
also Rob, the bikes go all the way to Rival (w/ a slightly heavier version of the frame) -- i.e there is the same level/price of the Cruxes we own today.
Dan's post:
And his review:
Ultimately this direction makes sense, everyone -- including everyone on this club -- that has a cyclocross bike uses them for longer gravel rides.
https://youtu.be/FUaxCA2h6XIalso Rob, the bikes go all the way to Rival (w/ a slightly heavier version of the frame) -- i.e there is the same level/price of the Cruxes we own today.
Dan's post:
And his review:
“It’s the best drop-bar bike I’ve ever ridden, period.” and I mean that sincerely.
https://www.bicycling.com/bikes-gear/a37894585/specialized-crux-gravel-review/Ultimately this direction makes sense, everyone -- including everyone on this club -- that has a cyclocross bike uses them for longer gravel rides.
Oct 08, 2021 at 01:30 PM
The new crux with the exact same spec is literally $1000 more expensive
Oct 08, 2021 at 01:44 PM
Maghalie Rochette on the bike:
Dan Chabanov also says "pricing is offensive:"
Dan Chabanov also says "pricing is offensive:"
Oct 08, 2021 at 02:26 PM
I generally agree on the price -- I guess they can argue that the new frame is lighter (even the heavier one)
Oct 08, 2021 at 02:38 PM
I think the new Crux just continues the current trend of Specialized just raising the price of bikes generally (maybe accounting for more R&D or increased supply chain costs?). The MSRP on my Crux (2021 model year) was about $500 more than the previous model year (what I think Rob, Eloy and Rich picked up), but other than the paint scheme is the exact same bike
Oct 08, 2021 at 03:11 PM
Specialized is raising the prices because they can; everyone wants bikes and there aren't enough of them.
Oct 08, 2021 at 03:23 PM
i won’t be changing yet… but also, new crux has a BSA bottom bracket, y’all
Oct 08, 2021 at 03:50 PM
Price is offensive, but yet bike is great and we've got the sponsorship.
I've been on the fence for a CX or Gravel bike too long. This solves the issue and does it beautifully. Come Feb, if (IF) bonus is nice enough this will be for sure my gift from me to me (you know, save some spend some),
I've been on the fence for a CX or Gravel bike too long. This solves the issue and does it beautifully. Come Feb, if (IF) bonus is nice enough this will be for sure my gift from me to me (you know, save some spend some),
Oct 08, 2021 at 07:38 PM
DO NOT WAIT.
These bikes will not be available in February. If you think you are going to buy one, buy it TODAY.
These bikes will not be available in February. If you think you are going to buy one, buy it TODAY.
Oct 08, 2021 at 07:39 PM
also, specialized did not mess with this launch, it is literally everywhere:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIBBbESSOoc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIBBbESSOoc
Oct 10, 2021 at 02:12 AM
Latest update on tubolito "flat proof" tubes.
I've flatted both front and rear. I tried patching the front (flatted at Cunningham) but the patch unglued itself so that's cool (not cool).
Rear flatted today on the gravel ride on a rocky section around a lake. Front button tube held up fine.
I know it's all about chances and circumstances, but tubolitos are not turning out to be the hotness that I hoped they would be. Womp womp.
I've flatted both front and rear. I tried patching the front (flatted at Cunningham) but the patch unglued itself so that's cool (not cool).
Rear flatted today on the gravel ride on a rocky section around a lake. Front button tube held up fine.
I know it's all about chances and circumstances, but tubolitos are not turning out to be the hotness that I hoped they would be. Womp womp.
Oct 10, 2021 at 02:13 PM
*butyl* not button, Google "AI" keyboard autocorrect. God, what have they been teaching you, I mean besides unintentional racial bias?
Oct 10, 2021 at 02:37 PM
Google is taking bribes from Big Tubeless™️
Oct 10, 2021 at 08:30 PM
I flatted on my first ride with tubolito also ( although not the puncture proof) switched back to latex , but I keep the other tubolito as a spare in my seat bag because it rolls up really small
Oct 11, 2021 at 01:38 AM
I find these tubes to be great, I never had a pinch flat in all the gravel rides I participated in.
Oct 11, 2021 at 01:56 PM
I'm starting to think there is only one kind of bottom bracket story - the Saga
https://jalopnik.com/the-case-of-the-bottom-bracket-that-broke-itself-1847813161
https://jalopnik.com/the-case-of-the-bottom-bracket-that-broke-itself-1847813161
Oct 11, 2021 at 03:54 PM
PSA to anyone who owns a Tarmac SL7. Give Redbeard (or wherever you bought the bike from) a call ASAP to get it sorted,
https://cyclingtips.com/2021/10/specialized-tarmac-sl7-recall/
https://cyclingtips.com/2021/10/specialized-tarmac-sl7-recall/
Oct 15, 2021 at 06:46 PM
A couple of quick notes on recent threads here...
After noticing that my crux headset was loosening up, seems the specialized expander hack I made was also slipping, no longer allowing the level of pre-load I need, so went back to the FSA expander. Ilya says it should be fine forever.
RE: saddle position, noticed this photo of Raylyn Nuss, where you can clearly see her saddle is almost all the way forward too, on her 2019/2020 Crux
After noticing that my crux headset was loosening up, seems the specialized expander hack I made was also slipping, no longer allowing the level of pre-load I need, so went back to the FSA expander. Ilya says it should be fine forever.
RE: saddle position, noticed this photo of Raylyn Nuss, where you can clearly see her saddle is almost all the way forward too, on her 2019/2020 Crux