Postapocalypsia
Active Member
Hi Folks,
Having had a Q559 for a year I was looking at upgrading to either a Q45 or S40. In the end I went for the S40, knowing I can tinker with my Q if I want.
With budget limitations and freight (to Australia) I opted for the frame set, and bought the last one of the 2019 stock.
With all the covid business, it has taken a while to complete the build, but now it’s done I am tickled pink.
I had a good LBM to help out which made all the difference. He is an ex DF racer with a lot of experience (and curiosity) under his belt.
I liked the stock setup of the standard S40 but I wanted an extra granny gear for when the whips were cracking. The SRAM Eagle setup looked good if I could find a 42T chainring and 165mm cranks and compatible shifters. After much head scratching we got there, the only thing I had to do was buy a Wolftooth 42T ring to replace a 34T SRAM version and a Microshift 12sp. bar end shifter.
I knew I wanted good strong rims and big tyres so I bought Alexrims Evo 2.3 shod with Schwalbe G-one allrounders 700x38.
Brakes are TRP Spyre 160mm discs.
The only other small addition was an inline cable adjuster to help with the new gear cable settling in.
I also made a water bottle mount extender out of a pine stick to make retrieving the water bottle very easy.
Having ridden a Q for a while the transition was easy, although there are subtle handling and balance differences for sure. I tweaked the boom to suit my penchant for having good arm extension and in doing so I have a bit less than the recommended 2” knee clearance, but it works for me.
The bike goes like a rocket, and inspires me to pick up my fitness level a peg or two to do it justice. Once I am comfortable in traffic I might try my clipless pedals, but for now I am very happy with the bike.
Ironically I placed my order just days before the la-de-da brightly coloured 2020 S40’s came out. I was a bit sad until I realised I would not have had the big tyre option I wanted. It is all swings and roundabouts in the end!
Having had a Q559 for a year I was looking at upgrading to either a Q45 or S40. In the end I went for the S40, knowing I can tinker with my Q if I want.
With budget limitations and freight (to Australia) I opted for the frame set, and bought the last one of the 2019 stock.
With all the covid business, it has taken a while to complete the build, but now it’s done I am tickled pink.
I had a good LBM to help out which made all the difference. He is an ex DF racer with a lot of experience (and curiosity) under his belt.
I liked the stock setup of the standard S40 but I wanted an extra granny gear for when the whips were cracking. The SRAM Eagle setup looked good if I could find a 42T chainring and 165mm cranks and compatible shifters. After much head scratching we got there, the only thing I had to do was buy a Wolftooth 42T ring to replace a 34T SRAM version and a Microshift 12sp. bar end shifter.
I knew I wanted good strong rims and big tyres so I bought Alexrims Evo 2.3 shod with Schwalbe G-one allrounders 700x38.
Brakes are TRP Spyre 160mm discs.
The only other small addition was an inline cable adjuster to help with the new gear cable settling in.
I also made a water bottle mount extender out of a pine stick to make retrieving the water bottle very easy.
Having ridden a Q for a while the transition was easy, although there are subtle handling and balance differences for sure. I tweaked the boom to suit my penchant for having good arm extension and in doing so I have a bit less than the recommended 2” knee clearance, but it works for me.
The bike goes like a rocket, and inspires me to pick up my fitness level a peg or two to do it justice. Once I am comfortable in traffic I might try my clipless pedals, but for now I am very happy with the bike.
Ironically I placed my order just days before the la-de-da brightly coloured 2020 S40’s came out. I was a bit sad until I realised I would not have had the big tyre option I wanted. It is all swings and roundabouts in the end!
