Almost Ready to Order: Can you Help w/ Spec?

[xkred27]

All,

I'm close to a decision on ordering a Sofrider V2. I've decided on 3 possible configurations. I created a little spreadsheet, viewable at http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=pxPoqiS1EL_xwNM7U8BeLEQ, which I provided to my dealer. He suggested I post it here for feedback. Basically, I thought to myself, well, I know I want a triple. And I may want to run 700's, but I'm not sure. So the 3 setups you'll see in the spreadsheet are for:

1. A stock Sofrider V2 modified only to add a triple crankset
2. A Sofrider modified V2 w/ 700c wheels, plus the triple
3. A Sofrider V2 modified to accept either a 700c or 26" wheelset, plus the triple

The blank cells in each column mean I'm keeping the standard component that ships w/ the bike.

The problem is that since I'm not a savvy mechanic, I don't understand all the dependencies that go along with my proposed configurations. For example, I know that for 700's to work, I need a long-adjustment v-brake--and levers to go with it. But I'm not sure what qualifies as such (aside from Paul MotoBMX, which I'm rejecting due to price and some scathing reviews I've read). And I suspect, but am not certain, that if I want to be able to swap wheelsets I probably should use a disc brake: otherwise I'll need to adjust the position of the (v-) brake to hit the different sized rim correctly. And I've read that if I use a road caliper, that will restrict me to 700x28, so that's why I mention v-brakes over road calipers.

I guess my idea of a perfect reply to this ramble would be a list of the non-stock parts (brands and models) I would need to create each of the 3 setups. The 700 wheels are Mavic Ksyrium Equipe simply b/c they're 50% off at Nashbar right now. The triple is a Sugino XD2 (aka XD600) 46-36-24 b/c that's the range I want, and the set is available, ramped and pinned, in the desired 165mm crank length. I have a 42-43 x-seam, so believe I'm OK w/ the triple. The wheelset is $200 U.S. and the crankset ~$100 U.S. I'd like to spend maybe another $150-$200 U.S., tops, excluding tires, which I already have.

Thanks in advance for your help. My gut tells me that config #2 (700's only plus triple) is my top choice, IF I can run up to 700x38 or so. Otherwise, #1 will work, since I have every imaginable choice of widths and treads w/ 26". And #3 is sweet, though maybe not affordable.

 

[Rick Harker]

Hi Peter,

If you want some advice for configuration, a question for you that may be asked first.
What is your intended use of the bike?

Regards,

Rick.

 

[xkred27]

Rick,

Uses:

1. 3-4 times a week, I do a one-hour "workout" run at lunchtime, on good roads, over varied terrain. In general, the topography here is varied. There are flats and multi-mile hills that gain a thousand or two feet of elevation.
2. A couple of times a month, I'd like to get in longer rides of ~50 miles. Comfort issues have kept me from doing this in the past. I live in Northern California, and the entire county I live in is filled with rural backroads great for this sort of thing--although these roads are often of poor quality.
3. I would do little if any off-roading, but as this would be my take-to-Yosemite bike, I would want it to be able to handle the occasional unpaved (though hardpacked) surface.
4. I would do occasional urban riding.
5. No touring. My max would be day trips.
6. I'd like to get together with folks for group rides, but thus far haven't done so.


Other maybe useful info: I'm 52, and though in pretty decent shape, have lumbar disc problems and an occasional touch of angina. The latter precludes going all-out on hills and is one of the reasons for granny-gearing. The former makes me a little leery of narrow, high-psi tires, as I need some cush. But from what I've read elsewhere on this board, you can run road tires and still be quite comfortable w/ the Sofrider.

I suspect that I could just go with the stock 26 and a triple and call it a day, alternating between wide and narrow tires, depending on the type of ride. Probably shouldn't let a blowout 700c wheel sale at Nashbar be the guiding force here, either. :roll:

Thanks!

 

[Mark B]

xkred27 wrote: I suspect that I could just go with the stock 26 and a triple and call it a day, alternating between wide and narrow tires, depending on the type of ride. Probably shouldn't let a blowout 700c wheel sale at Nashbar be the guiding force here, either. :roll:

That's what I would do. Those 26" wheels will roll real fine and give you a decent ride. Plus, they're strong enough to handle less that buttery smooth roads and should serve you well. I'm running Specialized Fat Boys on my conversion and have found them to be pretty decent and readily available everywhere. The only thing holding you back from group riding will be you!

Have fun!

Mark

 

[xkred27]

How about the triple crankset (Sugino XD2/XD600 46-36-24/165mm). Any dependencies/constraints to using that? It's not the latest model, so am assuming no problems using it w/ 8-speed. And as I mentioned my x-seam is 42-43, FWIW.

Thank you.

 

[Mark B]

xkred27 wrote: How about the triple crankset (Sugino XD2/XD600 46-36-24/165mm). Any dependencies/constraints to using that? It's not the latest model, so am assuming no problems using it w/ 8-speed. And as I mentioned my x-seam is 42-43, FWIW.

Thank you.

I think it will work just fine. That's similar to what I had on my conversion when I first set it up. It's a little low geared for my taste as I really like to ride a 42 middle ring most of the time. I had a 48 big ring and that was too big for the kind of spinning I prefer and too little for hammering. I'm just weird like that.

Mark

 

[Rick Harker]

Hi Peter,
For what you're describing a triple would be good and your selection appears to be on the low side but OK.

My X seam is 41-42 and I'm finding my knees are hitting the bars. As My experience is only 2 weeks, experimentation is still ongoing with seat and bracket position.
Comfort! I went on a 50 Km ride last week end just taking it easy and familiarizing myself with the bike. The only complaint was my leg muscles that have not been "bent" yet. The rest and especially my back were like I hadn't been on a bike all day.

The tyres are quite good but if I were to swap then Shwalbe marathons would be the choice for alround grip, comfort and low resistance. The 26 in wheels give way to a huge selection of rubber from 1 inch high pressure slicks to balloons for sand riding.
The Sofriders frame will also accept 700c wheels as well as, if you want a lower seat height, 20 inch wheels. A very adaptable machine.

More for your thoughts, Peter.

Regards,

Rick.