AR Cycles Sydney 'Rain Bike'

[madsciencenow]

Originally Posted by Nick12

Very nice! Agree with the comment on the black stem, and black brakes will look quite nice.

No concerns with rim brakes in the rain with carbon hoops?

Same comment on black bits plus question on CF braking performance in the wet.

Those sidewalks look great now but after a couple good rain rides ….


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[8aaron8]

Rich, this looks fantastic! I hope you get a lot of use out of the bike, which based on the weather sounds like you might. I really love how you have built this up, I agree that a black headset will likely look better against the stem you have, I could go either way with the color of the brakes. Thanks for posting.

[AngryScientist]

Looks good!

[RichTheRoadie]

Originally Posted by Nick12

No concerns with rim brakes in the rain with carbon hoops?

I’m looking to change the wheelset - at worst it’ll be for something with a textured carbon rim; but the ideal solution would be a set of the DT Swiss OXiC coated aluminium wheels. They probably brake even better than a standard aluminium rim, and it helps that they’re lower profile so will suit the bike better as well.

[RichTheRoadie]

More miles today - as you can see, rain isn’t an issue currently!:



I’ve complimented Aaron directly on this bike. It’s so well-mannered and really enjoyable to ride.

Today was its first long climbs and long descents, and it handled both with aplomb. If anything I could carve turns a little more forcefully than normal knowing that the longer wheelbase would keep me in check.

I think I’m going to pull the trigger on the carbon fenders…

[RichTheRoadie]

Quick shakedown ride to check the new black bits are all installed as intended:



Loving the bike like this - I think it looks just right now.

Of course it also helps that it rides really nicely and the fit is spot on too! The more I ride the more I like.

Whilst I was replacing the brakes I took the opportunity to reposition the front fender to a 'Sheldon Nut' on the back of the fork - this prevents the fender mount getting too close to the headset; and also moves the fender to a better position both aesthetically and in terms of coverage (a Daruma bolt would be the ideal front fender mount solution, but it'll take some manipulation to get one to work on the underside of this fork as the sloping crown shoulders make the gap quite narrow where the Daruma should go).

Oh, and...

Originally Posted by RichTheRoadie

I think I’m going to pull the trigger on the carbon fenders…

...at circa AU$400, this probably ain't gonna happen after all!

[RichTheRoadie]

Now wearing 25mm wheels instead of 33mm (although still carbon tubs!):



And whilst the carbon fenders weren’t happening, I did change the fender stays to more simple, tidier, sturdier ones:





Here a few more detail shots too:

[AngryScientist]

Looking good.

I just took delivery of a set of black grand cru brakes myself and set them up. Do you find the spring action a little less firm than other brakes? That's the way they seem on mine. I think I prefer the TRP 957's for mid reach brakes but I'm going to give these a run since I have them now.

[Mike V]

I really think it looks better with the silver parts.

[reuben]

What fenders are those?

[8aaron8]

I'm digging the sticker on the back of the seat tube!

[RichTheRoadie]

Originally Posted by AngryScientist

I just took delivery of a set of black grand cru brakes myself and set them up. Do you find the spring action a little less firm than other brakes? That's the way they seem on mine. I think I prefer the TRP 957's for mid reach brakes but I'm going to give these a run since I have them now.

Hmmm, not at all, to be honest. I’ve been so impressed with the power and performance of the Grand Crus that I can’t even contemplate other mid-reach brakes - especially when they look so much better to boot.

All I can think is that the spring could be being affected by an excess of cable outer - could that be it?

[RichTheRoadie]

Originally Posted by Mike V

I really think it looks better with the silver parts.

I can understand that sentiment, but i’m not into the classic look right now so I couldn’t bring myself to do it.

Originally Posted by reuben

What fenders are those?

They’re PDW Full Metal Fenders (37mm version) with Vélo Orange stays.

[donevwil]

Originally Posted by AngryScientist

Looking good.

I just took delivery of a set of black grand cru brakes myself and set them up. Do you find the spring action a little less firm than other brakes? That's the way they seem on mine. I think I prefer the TRP 957's for mid reach brakes but I'm going to give these a run since I have them now.

There was a thread a while ago about just this. If I recall it came down to the pivot bolt/nut being too tight from VO creating excessive resistance.

Great bike RTR, I've got an AR as well. Love it! Changing cables on it now in an effort to avoid today's 105°.

[AngryScientist]

Thanks for the ideas donevwil, I'll check that out tomorrow. It's definitely not cable related on mine, they feel sluggish on spring return with no cables attached.

Back on topic!

Are you planning on keeping the carbon hoops into the rainy season? In my experience I see no reason why not, as long as there is not a lot of grit or massive downhill grades, carbon wheels brake fine when wet.

post script: what pads are you using ?