Clean's 2018 Builds

[Clean39T]

The Paceline Top-10 thread got me thinking I should do a retrospective of the bikes I've built and ridden in 2018. So here it is...

Rolling in to 2018 I had this Emonda SLR built up with eTap, tipping the scales around 13lbs...

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171230/ddff95b9de813342606ee201d4d96149.jpg

And this Zanconato followed not too long after - a beautiful scandium build that is now living with Mr. Maddox down South...

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180421/611214ea250711654d406c2f09e35b59.jpg

Sometime not too much later this DeRosa Protos landed on my doorstep - it founds it's way out to Virginia before boomeranging back to Portland where it's just recently been built up by another Paceline'r...

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180328/207a4ca6b22a3b07437f931ba0e03e35.jpg

In the midst of those two there was this Hampsten La Dolce Vita that came up to me from Mike Hinson - one heckuva great riding bike that is now up in Vancouver BC with another Paceline'r...seeing a trend here?

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180428/5d1c935c61541161562c626a9c205fcf.jpg

Maybe not next, but right in there or thereabouts was this Look 585 Ultra that I picked up off PinkBike in near NOS condition and kitted out as per my usual - this was one of my favorite bikes of the year and saw me through a solo century ride in comfort despite the massive drop - it's now in the hands of a Look-connoisseur'ing Paceline'r.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180429/ef8b957c0ec3b4f78290e6fd6cb1369b.jpg

From a bit too small we go to a bit too big - first, a Colnago Master Molteni from Jeff N. and second, a Della Santa from EJ - both were a lot of fun to build, admire, and ride (I did a cool century on the DS) - and I know the Master is down in SLO awaiting a future build.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180523/cf9c8470c519a5d853720effe973d392.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180604/c6012e2599a765bfdde44add62832672.jpg

Ah yes, the Marcelo - she came back around in 2018 - and I'll be honest, I wouldn't mind seeing her again in 2019 - if I get a chance to hold her again I swear I'll never let her go...

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180507/f81c8ed45d8b151259ee39ae160bb169.jpg

From Dario to Sacha, by way of SoCalSteve, a too-big Speedvagen that landed just as I was losing interest in carbon forks - too bad, or I might have kept her - but the Kirk and Ellis were showing up right here too - I do take some pleasure in having had this around for pdonk to enjoy when he was out getting fit for his SV - and hey, at least I got to try one.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180623/d638682546cb1561db05cee818334a04.jpg

And now we're getting into the really good stuff...the Ellis Road OS. I put more miles on this one than any of the others this year - and what a fine ride she was - saw me through 125mi on a sweltering summer day - and on another 105mi in 40-deg rain - I could have held onto this one and died a happy man - but my Kirk MRB was coming and I wanted to share the love - so off she went back to WI - a homecoming of sorts - and I'd gladly welcome her back any day - really.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180721/b25161b88b87d6799879ce547f45bcb9.jpg

cont'd

[Clean39T]

From one to another - an embarrassment of cheese-loving riches. JR59 was nice enough to send this one my way - and though I wanted to give her a longer stay, the TT was a bit short for me when combined with the taller front end, and so off she went to the east coast for a short stay before moving on again - even with the odd fit for me, the ride was sublime - still waiting to see some new build pics and maybe a new paint job..

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180825/fc625ad81ebfab5804ce7564fadf9491.jpg

Wait, we're a bit out of order - there was a Moots RSL in the middle of these Ellis' - and one of the few "mistakes" I made - not because it wasn't a great bike or worth refinishing (it was), but just because I should have put more miles on it before sinking the money into the refinish - sigh - a 60cm Moots isn't right for me - you'd think I'd know that after have two of them - no worries though, it was a fun project for BlackMagic and found a good home here..

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180630/0c83bae24922efe871ee4210e9e5eb34.jpg

And now I'm really out of order - the Kirk Disc Cross - I'll keep it short - I look forward to welcoming her back home at some point in 2019 - right Greg? :bike: :banana:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181002/6b1ea323ca02079e50d560093e410538.jpg

Mid-summer was also a Parlee Z4 from Mr. Hinson - tried and quickly sold forward with too many bikes in the garage - still think of it fondly as one of the best carbon bikes I've ridden.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180729/15601266f63c9ff7869cf29f14603a91.jpg

It's all running together now - late Summer was the Richard Sachs experiment - great fun, but not just what I was after - thankfully it found a loving home in SoCal with Andeww - I'm glad I got to try one, and would still like to give a newer Pegorichie version a go at some point..

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180920/219d71a3f8cd9fc58b63726d7d47b350.jpg

From one skinny-tubed setup to another, I picked the Boulder back up from BT and finally got it out on the road - this is an exceptional bike and I love the way it rode - it's just a tweener for me, and a bit overlapping with what I was going after with my Kirk MRB - and so the Boulder RS is now living with a new owner who hopefully will be posting pics soon?

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181005/907742e8998dcdee374561ace092a95b.jpg

cont'd

[Clean39T]

And then there is the Spectrum, picked up from BT along with the Boulder, and not given enough of a chance - the build quality was amazing and I should have held on to it for winter rando duty here - I don't need a S&S setup though - and Weisan-pal is enjoying the heck out of it - so life is good..

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181004/f20c23f128e0e9a04b69449ab7421615.jpg

Stay with me here, we're almost done.

Tried my hand at a gravel rig - and loved it - the Felt Breed 30 was really an excellent bike - discs, fenders, 650b or 700c - so of course I sold it - because that's how I do - seriously though, happy it went to a good home to free up room for the one a couple further below.

https://images.craigslist.org/00O0O_dRTdQv8ypIT_1200x900.jpg

Up next is the last of the former friends...

This Alliance is incredibly special - Spirit OS tubes that are multi-shaped and expertly crafted by Erik Rolf - the ride is incredible - if it fits - and it doesn't and I knew it wouldn't, but I still wanted to try it - it's headed to a new home later this week and I think will really be enjoyed by its next owner - this one was really fun to get a chance to see and ride.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181022/a5ff00aaac9c301ebfe2aa27a622465f.jpg

Which brings us up to what's currently in my garage :hello:

My Kirk 29er - which still is not fully built - I'm stuck at the hydro disc brakes - and will probably drop it at a shop this week to get done - it's silly - but so it goes.

[/pic]

And my Kirk MRB - the peece dee resistance - my forever bike - the best - el numero uno..

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181118/9da795b2cc73b39823c76d1663384c6a.jpg

Plus a Tournesol Bi-Lam rando kid that'll be built soon..

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4532/24571593218_fb4c6de244_b.jpg

And a my-tee-fine Serotta CSI arriving tomorrow..

https://ep1.pinkbike.org/p5pb16621370/p5pb16621370.jpg

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What will 2019 hold? Will I bring home any previous friends? Will I get another custom? I do need a 650b gravel monster...

We shall see. I doubt it'll be boring... But I also doubt it'll be anywhere near as cray as 2018 and 2017 were. I'm getting too old, and too tired. And have too many riding goals to get to.

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There will be haters. It's only natural, so AZrider - bring it :cool: ha ha..

https://memegenerator.net/img/instances/55875187.jpg

Finished.

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PS - there were a couple more, a pair of Boone CX rigs, a Stumpjumper S-Works, a Moots/Hampsten, and a Paul Taylor - maybe one or two others that were CnR without being ridden - just mentioning for the sticklers..

[alancw3]

fabulous collection of bikes! thanks for sharing the time capsule. you are very fortunate to have the time, energy and where with all to have experienced such. hope your 2019 is as interesting!!

[cribbit]

That 2nd bike, the red scandium - don't impale yourself on the steer tube!

(also isn't scandium now just part of all high end alu bikes anyways?)

[Matthew]

The bikes are nice but what I really envy is your income.

[Matthew]

Lose the billboard decals on the Reynolds wheels and that Moots is perfection. Love it.

[R3awak3n]

I say if you can afford to do what you do then keep doing it. You get to try new bikes and provode paceline some entertainment. Also your builds are always really good, very good taste in bikes ans how to set them up (some here should take somee cues from you)

Also what about the Davidson? That was 2017?

[pdonk]

You've been through all these and I'm still waiting for mine. If only shipping to canada was not so annoying and expensive I would have jumped on at least 2.

Thanks for letting me borrow the sv and for being a great tour guide.

[Hilltopperny]

A man after my own heart Clean! I think you have me beat out for bikes recycled this year! Great taste and always fun to see what is going on over there in the PNW!

I have been through quite a few this year and have recently been stockpiling 54 and 55cm bikes. My keepers include two Kirks and two No22s. I also have a CSI to try out in a different shade of green, picked up a CRT to try out again and have a few others to build up.

Thanks for making my crazy bike buying habits look normal and have a happy new year!

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

[uber]

Thanks for a wonderful post. I hope you can enjoy even more in 2019.

[daker13]

2018 was a very good year... to be Clean39T.

[TBLS]

Great post. Jealous of all the projects and look forward to the 2019 list

[weisan]

This once-a-year update along with Chief's annual "I hit 10 million miles this year!" update is what I look forward to every year. Seriously.

And the Clean39T Year-In-Review Show is only getting better and better...this year we have gone high fidelity and got attaching pictures compared to last year's (2017) (https://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=209717) which comes as a list.



New ’12 Trek Madone 6.9 SSL (60) – bought NOS, rode 1,500mi, didn’t like the lack of front end stiffness/tracking at time, but wish I’d kept this one New ’14 Kestrel Legend SL (59) – bought online, sent back, didn’t think I liked the look and was going to keep the Madone Used ’14 Cannondale SS EVO HM (58) – frame only, too small due to cut fork New ’14 Cannondale SS EVO HM (58) – complete, bought online, returned, didn’t like the look New ’15 Cannondale CAAD10 Black Inc (60) – bought on super-sale, didn’t like ride, found the Tarmac New ’15 Niner Air 9 RDO (L) – returned, too small Used ’15 Specialized Tarmac Pro (61) – liked it, kinda felt too big, wanted steel Used ’07 Yamaguchi Team USA (59) – loved it, raced it, rode it, felt too big, wanted to rebuild w Campy, stripped it, rebuilt twice trying to get it to fit, admitted it doesn’t, passed on Used ’12 Lynskey R460 (58) – complete, came as a bit of a basket-case, but a good price, tried it, had other projects in mind Used ’04 Merckx MX Leader 25th Anniv (59) – complete, tried it, didn’t like clearance or bar/stem options Used ‘90s Fat Chance (19) – frame only, looked too small, had other projects Used ‘90s Serotta Colorado III (63) – semi-complete, built it, liked the ride, a bit big, didn’t like bar/stem options Used Felt F1 (61) – frame only, wasn’t in described condition, went back to seller Used ‘10s Zanconato Sportif (58.5) – frame only, liked ride, but not bar/stem options, and should have tried with a straight post given 72.5* STA, felt like I was way out the back and only realized that was due to a 25+mm setback after I sold it Used ‘90s Holland Steel (64) – complete, way too big, not sure why I bought it Used ’07 Holland Ti (59) – stripped to rebuild and got confused on measurements, should never have sold, biggest one I regret.. :L Used ’05 Merlin XLM (22) – complete off PinkBike, parts were bunk, PayPal complaint process left a bad taste, sold the frame, donated the parts Used '00s Serotta Legend/?? (57) – complete, bought for the wheels and fork, passed the frame on to a new owner Used ’05 Merlin Extralight (62) – complete, rode great, too big Used ‘00s Serotta Legend Ti (62) – complete, rode amazing, too big Used ’08 Holland Ti (63) – complete, rode amazing, too big New(ish) ’14 Kestrel Legend SL (59) – complete, great price from Amazon Whse, liked it a lot, liked the fit and geometry, wasn’t sure about frame clearance/style or carbon in general, wanted Ti/Steel in same proportions Used ’11 Moots Rigormootis (20) – complete, package deal, got chance to get 29’er instead, sold frameset Used ’11 Moots Vamoots CR (60) [current] – complete, stripped older DA, rebuilt w DA9100, rides great, fits great Used ’03 Litespeed Ultimate (58) – complete, bought locally, guy needed to sell it and I passed on the deal to the forum folks knowing it was too small for me (most likely – could have made it work) Used ’15 Moots Vamoots (52) – frameset, wife thought it was “too nice”, passed it on to forum member who wanted it initially Used ’93 Keith Anderson (58) [current] – complete, responded to PSA on eBay listing, probably shouldn’t have, donating most of the parts, unsure I’ll keep it even though it has good clearance, but may hold onto it as a rain bike until the custom rando gets built Used ’14 Moots MootoX RSL (20) [current] – frameset, discussed over a month or two with seller, decided to try it, unsure I need it vs. a ‘cross bike, going to build and ride while its up for sale Used ’06 Merlin Works 6/4Ti (59) [current] – complete, bought locally, likely keeping as training bike until next race season Used ’15 Pegoretti Marcelo (58) [inbound] – frame only, responded to PSA on eBay listing, hoping for a good fit and good ride characteristics, may push the Moots CR or the Merlin out the door depending on garage space New Custom [maybe] - Thinking about a custom neo-rando road bike…like for the Race Across Oregon…bad roads, but still roads, all day/night riding…deposit in the Fall, delivery in the Winter.


Clean's build is always perfect, well-thought out, on point and ALL wallpaper-worthy. Unlike mine, I go for quick and dirty and cheap and get-it-on-the-road-next-day kinda approach. Different strokes but similar passion for trying new things.

He's generous and desire to share the good stuff with others. I, on the other hand, is a hoarder and dislike the process of selling a bike, takes up too much energy, would rather give it away to a worthy beneficiary.

Thanks for sharing all of your joy and pride, Clean pal. I look forward to seeing what 2019 has in store for us. Maybe we will see each other finally in flesh and on our bikes, I hope.

Someone asked about the Davidson - that bike was a 2017 build. And still is, to this day, one of my favorite builds and wallpaper.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171118/6c6a9fe8f42526525ab02adba249a0fd.jpg

[tuscanyswe]

Thats a lot of bikes
A lot of really nice bikes :banana:
The kirk made for you is my favorite

[paredown]

Wow!

Great year of sampling the best.

[jghall]

Happy New Year Dan. Thanks for taking us down memory lane. Some really sweet rides in there. A bit disappointed though, pretty sure I called "dibs" on the Alliance. ;)

[AngryScientist]

what an impressive year with some really nice bikes thrown in there.

i myself was on an acquisition spree for a while, although like weisan - i never am smart enough to sell anything, so my basement is FULL. good for you for continuing to turn them around and get the ones you know arent keepers back into the wild. i've got too much stuff collecting dust.

happy new year, keep up the good work! :beer:

[hollowgram5]

Wonderful write-up my friend! Glad to see you've enjoyed the year so much...

That Tournesol - is that the one you were lamenting not taking a chance on a few weeks back? If so, glad it's made it back into your stable!!

[herb5998]

Gorgeous group of bikes you’ve been able to experience.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Bwana]

The green on that Alliance is outstanding.:eek:

[8aaron8]

Quite the collection, I think in one year you acquired more bikes than I have owned in my life. I always enjoy living vicariously through your posts and generosity when you purge parts. Happy 2019!

[PaMtbRider]

You got to experience more bikes than most enthusiasts will in a life time.

Keeping in mind what you currently have, what one bike would be the first you would like to see come back?

Wasn't there an S-Works Stumpjumper this past year as well? Still have it, or did it move on?

[enr1co]

Nice photo skillz too!

I'm just glad to not ride the same size frame or my paypal account would be in constant red ;)

Was able to participate in Clean's 2018 "share the love program" with a nice set of wheels from him- thank you!

[KarlC]

Clean, I hope you dont slow down to much with your buying, selling and reviewing of bikes.

I have enjoyed it and learned a lot from you.

THx

.

[jay023]

That's a year that looks like a great lifetime achievement award! Thanks for sharing

[NHAero]

Love reading about your experiments. Glad I am much smaller than you! Looking forward to whatever 2019 brings.

[Clean39T]

The bikes are nice but what I really envy is your income.It's not so much the income as having laid up a bike fund that gets recycled with each new project - and of course that had to come from somewhere, but it's not all just throwing around cash..

Here's the key to what I've been doing, vs. how some others who keep everything do it:

- Know the market and what your VAR (value at risk) is for each transaction, or what you stand to "lose" on any purchase, including transaction costs. Weigh thar against the fun you'll get from seeing, trying, experiencing, and rehoming. Then decide if the purchase is worth it to you. This has usually worked out fine for me from a win some, lose some perspective.

- Hold on to build kits that work for you and a reasonable amount of fit adjusters (stems primarily). And resist the temptation to perfect every build before you've tried the frameset. This is one place I've gotten upside down - finding matching stems/posts. But if you look at all the builds, you'll see a lot of reused parts.

- Don't snip things you don't have to. Keep your cables a little longer than needed and your steerer tubes too, until you know it's a keeper.

- Enjoy the process. If you don't like working on bikes, hunting parts, and connecting obscure stuff to new owners, probably best not to go down this road.

- Know when to be done. Seriously, it's been fun, but it's reached a point of diminishing returns for me. I've learned what I wanted to learn (I like steel) and experienced what I wanted to experience (seeing a lot of different build styles and materials and geometries). I'm still interested in trying some other custom builders, but really, the fit would have to be just right for me to take in anything else going forward off the used market - and my pockets aren't deep enough to send of deposits like crazy on new customs, so that will be a slow process over the coming years. My current acquisitions do represent this shift in thinking or approach already. The Tournesol was very purposeful for getting something for wet ramble rides and running errands that involve a lot of climbing to get to the store/cafe/baker. And the CSI is likely getting kept in California if I can get the fit close enough to work for occasional rides. That will leave me with my Kirk 29er for trails, my Kirk MRB for roads, my Tournesol for wet, slow, and loaded stuff, and an open hook for a 650b gravel custom (which would obviate the need for the Tournesol most likely).

[Kirk007]

Oye I'm not sure if it's good fortune or misfortune to ride about the same size bike as Dan. I'm good at the catch part but not so much on the release.

I caught these 2 - utterly unnecessary and duplicative of made for me bikes yet I can't bring myself to let them go, they're just too cool.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190101/1281788eccdd1fcc2bc816c12c3c1b0c.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190101/36a2de1f7ddc4d326a23290bd6d80b35.jpg

Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk

[madsciencenow]

Clean, I hope you dont slow down to much with your buying, selling and reviewing of bikes.



I have enjoyed it and learned a lot from you.



THx



.



+1 and not only have I learned but I’ve also been the recipient of a number of parts that were too small for your long legs (I’d need a ladder to get onto one of your bikes).

Happy 2019!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Clean39T]

That 2nd bike, the red scandium - don't impale yourself on the steer tube!

(also isn't scandium now just part of all high end alu bikes anyways?)

Ha ha, exactly. I wanted to try the frame but didn't have a good hacksaw and guide at the time - up periscope!

Mike has snipped it, applied the decals, and ripped it out on the roads - as it should be.

This was built with a very special tubeset by Mike Z. - the build quality was amazing - and it was incredibly light for the size - plus, threaded BB :beer:

[Clean39T]

Lose the billboard decals on the Reynolds wheels and that Moots is perfection. Love it.

They were stripped - I can't remember if I took a photo with them that way though - I didn't like the handling with wheels that deep and my COG on the bike.

[Clean39T]

I say if you can afford to do what you do then keep doing it. You get to try new bikes and provode paceline some entertainment. Also your builds are always really good, very good taste in bikes ans how to set them up (some here should take somee cues from you)

Also what about the Davidson? That was 2017?

Davidson was right at the end of 2017. If that one was just a bit longer, I'd have it at the top of my "get back" list..

Also, thank you.

[joosttx]

You should start a YouTube channel.

[Clean39T]

A man after my own heart Clean! I think you have me beat out for bikes recycled this year! Great taste and always fun to see what is going on over there in the PNW!

I have been through quite a few this year and have recently been stockpiling 54 and 55cm bikes. My keepers include two Kirks and two No22s. I also have a CSI to try out in a different shade of green, picked up a CRT to try out again and have a few others to build up.

Thanks for making my crazy bike buying habits look normal and have a happy new year!

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

You're my inspiration hero when it comes to nabbing high-end customs that fit just right and look amazing.. You have one of the best collections out there -- at least for the type of bikes I love.

[Hilltopperny]

You're my inspiration hero when it comes to nabbing high-end customs that fit just right and look amazing.. You have one of the best collections out there -- at least for the type of bikes I love.Thanks Dan! Always look forward to seeing what you have going on!

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

[Clean39T]

You should start a YouTube channel.

Coulda, shoulda. We'll see what the future brings. It'd be a fun side project to actually have a "business" of sorts, a non-profit of course, where I find, buy, review, and sell/donate neo-retro and custom road bike bits and bobs. I have some other priorities this year though.

[Clean39T]

You've been through all these and I'm still waiting for mine. If only shipping to canada was not so annoying and expensive I would have jumped on at least 2.

Thanks for letting me borrow the sv and for being a great tour guide.

The waiting will be worth it - besides, aren't you under a couple meters of snow right now?

A good customs hurdle would have kept me from trying at least half of these - maybe not a bad thing.

[Clean39T]

Clean's build is always perfect, well-thought out, on point and ALL wallpaper-worthy. Unlike mine, I go for quick and dirty and cheap and get-it-on-the-road-next-day kinda approach. Different strokes but similar passion for trying new things.

He's generous and desire to share the good stuff with others. I, on the other hand, is a hoarder and dislike the process of selling a bike, takes up too much energy, would rather give it away to a worthy beneficiary.

Thanks for sharing all of your joy and pride, Clean pal. I look forward to seeing what 2019 has in store for us. Maybe we will see each other finally in flesh and on our bikes, I hope.



Thanks Wei-San, getting to know you and others here better has been a highlight above and beyond the bikes I've tried this year. I do hope to get to see more of the Paceline family in person in 2019...

[Clean39T]

A bit disappointed though, pretty sure I called "dibs" on the Alliance. ;)

Doh! Forgot about that.. Well, it's going to a good home, and I'll pass your info along just in case.

Happy New Year!

[Clean39T]

what an impressive year with some really nice bikes thrown in there.

i myself was on an acquisition spree for a while, although like weisan - i never am smart enough to sell anything, so my basement is FULL. good for you for continuing to turn them around and get the ones you know arent keepers back into the wild. i've got too much stuff collecting dust.

happy new year, keep up the good work! :beer:

I'm not one for the dust collecting - I'd rather this stuff be out there getting used - now that we've rolled over to a new year, I'll be offloading anything I don't have an immediate need for - here, then eBay...

We need pics of your basement.

[Matthew]

I appreciate your responses clean and hope you didn't take my envy of your spending in any type of negative way. Like the others, I always look forward to what you post here. Always worth a look or read. Your bikes are incredible. Many of which I'd love to try myself, like an Ellis. So classy. And being a lover of all things Moots, that RSL was to die for. Here's to a great 2019 to you and yours and everyone else here on the best cycling forum of all time. Matthew

[Clean39T]

Wonderful write-up my friend! Glad to see you've enjoyed the year so much...

That Tournesol - is that the one you were lamenting not taking a chance on a few weeks back? If so, glad it's made it back into your stable!!

Indeed. And we need to talk - I think I'll be in Del Mar in late Feb - hopefully things line up and we can get in a ride...

And yep, I missed it the first time around, then BiciSonora let me make up for that. I hope it all comes together well. Just waiting on a few parts at this point, then the build commences.

[Clean39T]

I appreciate your responses clean and hope you didn't take my envy of your spending in any type of negative way. Like the others, I always look forward to what you post here. Always worth a look or read. Your bikes are incredible. Many of which I'd love to try myself, like an Ellis. So classy. And being a lover of all things Moots, that RSL was to die for. Here's to a great 2019 to you and yours and everyone else here on the best cycling forum of all time. Matthew

Thanks Matthew, no offense taken - just sometimes I think folks miss that I'm not buying at retail and keeping all of these - it's a churn of recycling, buy-low, sell-low - so I tried to explain a bit more - I've undoubtedly "lost" a decent amount - but I've also "gained" a ton of experiences and fond memories.. All while blowing less cash than most spend in a year on golf and boozing...

[mhespenheide]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YoQbKWTNLo

:)

I admit to being slightly perplexed, from the outside, thinking that some of what you've picked up wouldn't fit you (based on previous bikes), but I'm sure you know better than I do...

But hey, it's been fun to watch. Always nice to see pretty bikes in the appropriate size.

[Clean39T]

Wasn't there an S-Works Stumpjumper this past year as well? Still have it, or did it move on?

Moved on locally to a nice guy a half-mile from me who had the exact same frameset and broke it in a rock garden the weekend before I posted mine for sale on Craigslist. Serendipity.


Keeping in mind what you currently have, what one bike would be the first you would like to see come back?


1. Kirk Disc Cross
2. Ellis OS
3. Boulder Road Sport
4. Peg Marcelo

That's really it. The others were lovely, but between fit or materials preferences, those four are the ones I'd still have if there was room - and I hadn't passed them forward to the good peeps who have them now...

[Clean39T]

Oye I'm not sure if it's good fortune or misfortune to ride about the same size bike as Dan. I'm good at the catch part but not so much on the release.


From here on out we can just be on an inter-library loan program. No need to exchange funds. We just each keep our pink-slips and try not to have anything get too far overdue...

[Clean39T]

Nice photo skillz too!

I'm just glad to not ride the same size frame or my paypal account would be in constant red ;)

Was able to participate in Clean's 2018 "share the love program" with a nice set of wheels from him- thank you!

All were done on an iphone SE or my Pixel -- I was thinking I needed to get a proper camera at some point...

But thank you. And hope you are enjoying those 202s!

[Clean39T]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YoQbKWTNLo

:)

I admit to being slightly perplexed, from the outside, thinking that some of what you've picked up wouldn't fit you (based on previous bikes), but I'm sure you know better than I do...

But hey, it's been fun to watch. Always nice to see pretty bikes in the appropriate size.

I was more thinking this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLliCfrqwkk

As for fit, here's what I've figured out:

1. It's all about saddle tip to bars as far as reach goes. If I have less drop, I need a longer TT, more drop, and I can do a shorter TT. Even then though, I have to be careful not to get in a habit of rounding my lower back to reduce reach.

2. Wheelbase matters a lot. While I can "fit" on a shorter TT with more drop, it means the bike will handle like roller-skates on ice, or something not too far off - and I'll have a lot of toe-overlap. And since I'm not racing crits, I like stability. So it's all about longer front-center and longer chainstays for me. I'm not Terpstra.

My Kirk MRB feels like the perfect blend for me - longer TT, moderate drop, perfect COG between the wheels.

I'm hoping I can achieve similar on the CSI that's inbound, and on the Tournesol. Most likely though, I'm not going to get there without another custom.. If the CSI is close enough, that'll be fine for its intended purpose.

[charliedid]

Nice wheels for sure.

Forget the new PSA category, you need your own.

:p

[jpritchet74]

Fantastic post. What a great way to start 2019!

[Stj]

Amazing post, really enjoyed reading the reviews of the different bikes and your photography is superb.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[FlashUNC]

Coulda, shoulda. We'll see what the future brings. It'd be a fun side project to actually have a "business" of sorts, a non-profit of course, where I find, buy, review, and sell/donate neo-retro and custom road bike bits and bobs. I have some other priorities this year though.

In the the watch world -- specifically the vintage Seiko world -- Spencer Klein has a YouTube channel with intermittent "Yesterday's Reviews Today" of classic watches, both in context and how they function today. Not to mention GCN's Retro Reviews, but those seem to be geared towards hyping just the latest thing.

There'd be an audience for that across a broader and more diverse spectrum.

[503m979]

2018 was a very good year... to be Clean39T.

...or any of his beneficiaries.

[CSKeller]

Sweet Christmas!!!

The first step in fighting addiction is admitting you have a problem... :banana::banana:

I think we all have a healthy addiction here...some of us just don't have the resources...(or the A.D.D.) when it comes to our stable.

Clean...very impressive!! I'm still surprised at the absolutely stunning bikes you have let go even though they seemed to be perfect in nearly every way....
You have only gone through 23 bikes in 2018...30 in 2017. Damn!!

Here's to finding your Grail bike...and all of us reading about your adventures!!
Cheers and Happy New Year!! :beer::beer::beer:

[Clean39T]

In the the watch world -- specifically the vintage Seiko world -- Spencer Klein has a YouTube channel with intermittent "Yesterday's Reviews Today" of classic watches, both in context and how they function today. Not to mention GCN's Retro Reviews, but those seem to be geared towards hyping just the latest thing.

There'd be an audience for that across a broader and more diverse spectrum.

A friend of mine sent me this link a while ago: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdrVA-mXweY&t=7s

My friend is the guy who sold the Ibis to the guy doing the video.

I could see myself doing that sort of thing. But it's a lot of work. Not sure I have it in me...not in 2019 anyway...

[54ny77]

I recently saw that Sachs. It's a stunner. :cool:

[shinomaster]

Good lord. :confused:

[chiasticon]

I was actually reflecting last night that 2018 was the first year I haven't bought or sold a frame in quite a while. or really any major bike purchases, other than swapping some wheels for a Chorus mini group. it's nice to be pretty content with what you've got, and just spend your free time riding it or doing other stuff. rather than photographing, listing, packaging, dropping off, receiving, un-packaging, building, analyzing, etc... no offense, obviously. I've definitely gone through phases of doing a lot of that before, and enjoyed it a good bit. it just got old for me.

for now. we'll see what this year brings. :cool:

[azrider]

There will be haters. It's only natural, so AZrider - bring it :cool: ha ha..

https://memegenerator.net/img/instances/55875187.jpg

Finished..

Ha....just remember, that whatever level of "hate" you think you may be experiencing comes from a place of pure unadulterated jealousy :p:p

I'd ride the snot out of every single one of those. Still bummed I missed out on those Reynolds.

Can't wait to see what ya build next.

How 'bout a new Madone?? I totally dig that SLR you built up 'cept for that STUPID damned H2 geo. My local Trek 'guy' has been selling me on their new geometry so we'll see.

Regardless......Hap New year Dude :cool:

[old_fat_and_slow]

With such rapid turnover, how do you develop a bond with a particular bike?

What criteria determines whether it's a keeper or not?

FWIW, I still possess every bike I've owned as an adult (which is less than you went through in one year).

I should try to sell a few.

You have impeccable taste.

[OtayBW]

Good lord. :confused:

With such rapid turnover, how do you develop a bond with a particular bike?

What criteria determines whether it's a keeper or not?

FWIW, I still possess every bike I've owned as an adult (which is less than you went through in one year).

I should try to sell a few.

You have impeccable taste.
This level of turnover is indeed beyond my comprehension, but that's OK - you only have to please yourself. But it is hard to understand how it's possible to fully mine the experience of a new rig so quickly. Kinda seems akin to chugging a bottle of fine wine. :rolleyes:

[Clean39T]

With such rapid turnover, how do you develop a bond with a particular bike?

What criteria determines whether it's a keeper or not?

[...]

You have impeccable taste.

This level of turnover is indeed beyond my comprehension, but that's OK - you only have to please yourself. But it is hard to understand how it's possible to fully mine the experience of a new rig so quickly. Kinda seems akin to chugging a bottle of fine wine. :rolleyes:

https://i.makeagif.com/media/5-30-2016/ZC2hNK.gif

At times it does feel like that - but it's not really...

A couple examples:

- Emonda SLR: It was fun to ride up a hill, and generally felt good, but once the fascination with having a ridiculously light bike wore off (which took all of a few days), I was left looking at a rig that was fancier than I needed or wanted, and more temperamental. I could have held onto it, I just didn't have a reason to - and I was able to get out of it for roughly what I paid for it, so no big deal.

- Speedvagen: The ISP confounded things from the beginning. I couldn't get the saddle up quite high enough with the stock options, and was looking at having to spend a few hundred or more on a custom topper or new ISP insert. I would have been fine doing that, but I didn't love the paint once seeing it in person, so I'd have been looking at extra expense there. So, I decided to just get my money back out of it and move on. Its new owner liked the paint and didn't need the saddle up so high. Win/win.

Really the only agonizing decisions I had to make this year were around selling the Ellis OS and selling the Kirk Disc Cross. Either or both I'd be happy to still have - but I'm also happy others are getting to experience them.

Is a bottle of fine wine best enjoyed solo, or with friends? When you find a bottle you really like, do you go buy up all the remaining stock and hoard them away? Or buy a few bottles and send them to people you think would enjoy them?

.
.
.

I am being more discerning now on what I take in - and it's going to be a very high bar for me going forward when it comes to what I'm willing to try for the sake of trying (if anything).

For example, I'd love to have Russell's Moots Vamoots in 61.5cm with the welded-on seatpost binder -- but I don't need it.. I also recently passed on a K. Bedford cross bike that would have been fun and reasonably affordable. And then there are the Colnago C60s that keep popping up on eBay and tempting me. Not to mention the Rawland Xsogn at WallyMart and the very-affordable BMC Road Plus. And a couple Orbeas in my size - disc, and Di2.

So yeah, at this point, unless it's a custom 650b gravel rando setup or loaded touring rig that would fit me perfectly, all steel - I'm a gonna pass..

[texbike]

Hey Clean,

Great post and I love the contributions that you've made to Paceline over the last couple of years. Thanks for that!

What I'm most jealous of is the apparent amount of spare time (or efficient use of your time) that you must have to pursue the number of bike projects that have passed through your ownership in the past couple of years. For me, it takes a ton of time and mental bandwidth to find, work out the logistics, build, ride, evaluate, tear down, and resell a project. I currently have 5 projects in the queue - one of which is only a year old. The others are two or more years old. Between two kids, family activities, work, and another competing hobby, I can't seem to find the time (or focus) to get my projects knocked out.

Let me know if you decide to post any of your extra time or efficiency for sale. I'd be a buyer. ;)

Texbike

[Clean39T]

Hey Clean,

Great post and I love the contributions that you've made to Paceline over the last couple of years. Thanks for that!

What I'm most jealous of is the apparent amount of spare time (or efficient use of your time) that you must have to pursue the number of bike projects that have passed through your ownership in the past couple of years. For me, it takes a ton of time and mental bandwidth to find, work out the logistics, build, ride, evaluate, tear down, and resell a project. I currently have 5 projects in the queue - one of which is only a year old. The others are two or more years old. Between two kids, family activities, work, and another competing hobby, I can't seem to find the time (or focus) to get my projects knocked out.

Let me know if you decide to post any of your extra time or efficiency for sale. I'd be a buyer. ;)

Texbike

Well, I don't have kids, and I don't have a commute - except when travelling once or twice a month to meetings - so that definitely frees up calls on my time, even though I'm far from efficient with it. But it's a fair point, and another reason I'm doing things differently going forward.. I got in 5,500mi in 2018. I'm aiming for 7,500mi in 2019 (or thereabouts - time vs. mileage, and considering elevation, may influence). I also have some things to devote time to on the homefront other than bikes.

Always enjoy your contributions as well :beer:

[pdonk]

The waiting will be worth it - besides, aren't you under a couple meters of snow right now?

A good customs hurdle would have kept me from trying at least half of these - maybe not a bad thing.

I actually rode last week and almost rode yesterday.

It's really the shipping and exchange that kills cross border bikes.

The primary reason for the wait is the paint. O have been good and not seen a complete surprise me.

[StanleySteamer]

I hope you are reunited with your Ellis OS. Is there still an incoming Rock Lobster for 2019?

[shinomaster]

This level of turnover is indeed beyond my comprehension, but that's OK - you only have to please yourself. But it is hard to understand how it's possible to fully mine the experience of a new rig so quickly. Kinda seems akin to chugging a bottle of fine wine. :rolleyes:

I agree, some have my bikes have taken years to fully figure out and fall in love with. This has something to do with the law of diminishing returns.

[weisan]

Some of us live vicariously through Clean with his dream builds, just like we do with velotel pal in the French Alps.

2018 has come and gone. We are now in 2019.

Get busy Clean, do what you do best, don't let anything hold you back!

[marciero]

With such rapid turnover, how do you develop a bond with a particular bike?


Wilt Chamberlain once addressed this same question in a different context.

[Black Dog]

Wilt Chamberlain once addressed this same question in a different context.

:)

[Black Dog]

You have tried a lot of bowls of porridge looking for the on that is just right. That’s all right because porridge is awesome. Have you thought about hiring a chef to make you a bowl just for you. Dave Kirk, Dave Wages, Kelly Bedford, and a few others can make you a fine bowl, just for you, just the way you like it. Pardon me if you have all ready done this.

[b33]

Wilt Chamberlain once addressed this same question in a different context.

Thank you . . . I literally laughed out loud. My day as it relates to the internet has now peaked.

[Jad]

I've had a good time watching the Clean39T channel--some great projects and pictures that are fun to follow. Part of your bike research:) culminated in that beautiful Kirk thesis. Looking forward to seeing what else you're working on...

[NHAero]

In 2004-2006 I did something akin to what Clean has been doing, only with recumbents. The variations between designs is huge compared to traditional bikes, and you can read all you want about it, but trying is the only way to really know. I bought used, and kept the packaging, and it cost me mostly time rather than $$$.
The last one, before I figured out that my issue was riding a frame way too long for me (my Bob Jackson, built for me in '72, has a 57.2 cm TT) is below. Fastest bike I've ever ridden by far, even in hilly VT and NH.

[weisan]

Have you thought about hiring a chef to make you a bowl just for you. Dave Kirk.

Black pal, your suggestion is spot on and he did.

https://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=225658

[mt2u77]

Cheers Clean! Here's to a year of many miles. Your builds are an inspiration.

I'm trying to take good care of that Ellis OS. You weren't lying, it's great! Can't wait for spring and some serious miles to really figure it out.

[Clean39T]

I hope you are reunited with your Ellis OS. Is there still an incoming Rock Lobster for 2019?

Well, the Ellis' new owner is enjoying it ^^^^ ---- so I'm okay not being reunited.. If the time comes though, I'd for sure try to take it back in.

As for the Rock Lobster - hard to say. I took in a deposit transfer last spring, so I'm technically in the queue, but I just don't know what I want to have built at this point. My heart says to do a Team Tig SL in the style and color of the one I had in 2003 that was really special to me at the time. My curiosity says to do a MAX version of that. And my head says...you don't need another road bike, but if you do need anything, it's a loaded tourer or 650b gravel monster. Paul could do either of those two for me - I'm really thinking about getting that from AR Cycles though instead. I like what Aaron is doing and would like to have something experimental from him that fits the gravel bill in a unique way. So, long story short, I don't know just yet, but if I had to guess, I'd say in 2019 I'll go ahead and get that nostalgia build going. I need to dig up a pic of my old one to post.

[Clean39T]

Some of us live vicariously through Clean with his dream builds, just like we do with velotel pal in the French Alps.

2018 has come and gone. We are now in 2019.

Get busy Clean, do what you do best, don't let anything hold you back!

Would that I could trade one for the other...

Not sure my wife is ready for me to be taking off for the Alps solo though.

[Clean39T]

I've had a good time watching the Clean39T channel--some great projects and pictures that are fun to follow. Part of your bike research:) culminated in that beautiful Kirk thesis. Looking forward to seeing what else you're working on...

With Dave's help of course.. He guided me into a more perfect version of what I thought I wanted, and it's been aces so far.

Nothing too much else that I'm working on. We'll see how this Serotta CSI comes together and what I do with it.

And the Tournesol - a slow build for me.

Plus where I land the Kirk 29er...

[Clean39T]

In 2004-2006 I did something akin to what Clean has been doing, only with recumbents. The variations between designs is huge compared to traditional bikes, and you can read all you want about it, but trying is the only way to really know. I bought used, and kept the packaging, and it cost me mostly time rather than $$$.
The last one, before I figured out that my issue was riding a frame way too long for me (my Bob Jackson, built for me in '72, has a 57.2 cm TT) is below. Fastest bike I've ever ridden by far, even in hilly VT and NH.

I'm fascinated by recumbents and will have to own one at some point - but to be honest, the lack of visibility scares me...do you feel like you can be seen adequately?

[NHAero]

Two disadvantages:
- Visibility of the low racer types like the one I posted
- Hard to ride with people on traditional bikes - slower uphill, and faster on the flat, and way faster downhill.

In a fundraising ride years ago, on a nice long gentle downhill stretch, I coasted past a working paceline of roadies.

I'm fascinated by recumbents and will have to own one at some point - but to be honest, the lack of visibility scares me...do you feel like you can be seen adequately?

[Waldo]

The next time my wife complains about my bikes this is the thread I'll show her...

[mistermo]

Bumping this, hoping there's a 2020 edition.

[flying]

Bumping this, hoping there's a 2020 edition.

https://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=263227