Litespeed Appalachian

[warren128]

Originally Posted by robt57

I've run the Hutch overrides in 35s similar result sentiment.

But do you find the PSI issue road VS loose. I literally find the override are quite compromised in each of the tasks with the other use PSI, so to speak. Pumped up you ride the center on pavement, but unless I dump 20-30 PSi to the gravel sweet spot I hate it on loose gravel Lowered PSi the edge get some opinion..

So do you repump etc for use?

No, I do not repump because the dirt/gravel that I ride on is pretty easy stuff, and the little knobbies on the GK SS seem to really make a difference over the slicks when it comes to a feeling of security on the slightly looser stuff. You wouldn't think so, and I wouldn't have believed it, until I did a back to back comparison.

[reuben]

Originally Posted by warren128

me = also roadie at heart

I am running 32mm Gravel King slicks (tubed) on my 2000 Appalachian, and I'm very happy with them. I ride about 80/20 road/dirt. The GK slicks are super smooth and fast on pavement, yet provide a reasonably secure ride on the type of dirt that I ride around here, mostly hard-packed fire roads. When my slicks wear out, I'll be replacing them with 32mm GK SS (semi-slick), which I've tried, and I found them even more secure on dirt yet still handle superbly on pavement.

Well, I'll let y'all in on a little secret. I plan to retire this year, and hopefully resume more backpacking if the pandemic eases and travelling to different continents and countries stabilizes in some sort of relatively safe and easy manner as it was in pre-covid times.

(Don't tell the rest of Paceline. This is our little secret, OK? )

In any case, I've been thinking about a Scarab Paramo to combine backpacking and cycling. You know, bikepacking, with significantly wider tires.

It's just a thought, and will stay that way for at least a year, but it's possible.

[robt57]

Originally Posted by warren128

No, I do not repump because the dirt/gravel that I ride on is pretty easy stuff, and the little knobbies on the GK SS seem to really make a difference over the slicks when it comes to a feeling of security on the slightly looser stuff. You wouldn't think so, and I wouldn't have believed it, until I did a back to back comparison.

I do believe it. I just see weight when I see the rectangular blocks. I am running G-Zero Speed with the little dots. It is quite unreal how well they hook up, and with out pressure adjustments. I have 30mm Tubulars and just got some 40mm clinchers, inflated to a width of 37mm on 18-622 rims FWIW.

I have blasted short dirt and gravel sections at speed with the 30mm tubs @ 80 PSI. no drift at all. Done small gravel and dirt/wood circuits @ 75 PSi with good results as well. #HoneyMoonPeriod on 40s, but have been running the 30mm for a few months.

[mass_biker]

Doing the same with a canti cross bike - also in MD.
Right now geared the same as the road bike (36/52 w 11/28) but that may change.
Thanks for the inspiration.

m_b

[charliedid]

Solid, well put together bike.

[afaller]

Awesome bike! Did you end up finding a steel fork? Soma has a 1" threadless canti CX fork in stock, straight blade. Would look great on this bike I think.

Originally Posted by reuben

This has the original aluminum fork. Steel canti forks with 1 inch steerer tubes are basically nonexistent on the used market, and in these pandemic times and associated supply shortages I doubt that I could get a builder to fabricate one for me. I'd get one if I could, but it doesn't seem viable right now.

First world problem for sure.

[reuben]

Originally Posted by afaller

Awesome bike! Did you end up finding a steel fork? Soma has a 1" threadless canti CX fork in stock, straight blade. Would look great on this bike I think.

I honestly haven't been looking. Thanks for the tip!

[robt57]

https://www.somafabshop.com/shop/pro...74&search=Fork

[reuben]

I replaced the original Kinesis 6061 aluminum fork with a Soma steel fork. The Soma is a bit narrower, about 60mm v 70mm at the brake pads, but it's fine for what I'm doing with it.

6061 presumably refers to T6061, which is a grade of aluminum known for stiffness and durability.

Coming from 20mm tires in the '80s, those 28mm tires look enormous. I haven't ridden a bike with tires that big since I got my drivers license. And if I want to remove a wheel I have to deflate the tire to get it past the brake pads. Thought I was going crazy the first time it happened, and I kept loosening the QR axle more and more until I realized what what happening.

I'm usually pretty oblivious to a lot of things that other people sense, but the ride did feel a bit more plush this morning. Or maybe I'm just imagining it, I dunno.

[reuben]

I replaced the curved Kinesis 6061 aluminum fork with a straight steel Tange version from Soma Fab Shop. If I remember correctly it's what they call their "Soma Fork CX Straight Blade CrMo 1'' Canti Black" with 44mm rake and room for 42mm tires (60mm opening). Stainless steel screw in the fork boss. Might change that to plastic just in case.

Since this is now my official bad weather bike, I swapped tires to 30mm Vittoria Rubino Pro for rain and whatnot.

I may eventually up the gearing, since it has a 48/31 on the front, and that's low even for where I live. Or I might be lazy and cheap, and just run mostly in the big ring. Probably the latter.

[br0qn]

hell ya ! straight blade looks excellent. I have a similar thing going with the Ti voodoo cross bike but I managed to find a nice straight canti 1" Colnago fork which is perfect as I was really wanting a fork with some color and a fade. Mine is serving road duties with 33mm slicks (ultra dynamico cava) but I do a good amount of dirt on my loop and I usually eat it once a ride over cooking the loose corners. I'm really looking forward to fitting some 40-42mm treaded tires.

also, your bianchi resurrection looks killer.