New V20 Build Saga with Surprising Result

[TalleyHo]

For several years now I’ve anticipated upgrading from my beloved Silvio 2.0 to a V20. Despite the Silvio being a perfect fit for my 6 foot 3 frame, with its M5 seat mod, 100mm stay extension (21 inches overall), allowing the use of drop bars and bar end shifting (see avatar), I was attracted to the longer wheel base of the V20 and its additional speed. And, at age 71 it’s getting to be now or never and the new models were coming out; I went for it.


As the fit of the S was fabulous, it was my intension to replicate it with the V. However instead, I very unexpectedly ended up with something very different … and I couldn’t be happier.


The saga began trying to get info from CB about what chain stay size would deliver the geometry I was after. I was concerned that with my 46+” x seam the BB would get too low, the handlebars get too high and the ability to use bullhorns would be lost. Further inquiry yielded the advise that I try the standard 19 inch chain stay, which I skeptically honored, but did order with the frame kit a curved slider. In the end this proved to be perfect.


The fitting of these bikes is just so specific and have such an impact on the riding experience. So I was perplexed that CB didn’t know what x seam yields a particular BB height for a given chain stay option. It seems that a simple chart could be developed that would match x seam to BB ht. for each cs. option which also reveals the handlebar height and the need or not of curved slider. On the other hand, it’s probably a lot more complicated than meets the eye and that the better approach is the trial and error method, as the eventual need for a non-standard chain stay and curved slider is unlikely on average.


So how did I end up loving this very different arrangement having drop bars and a much lower BB? Well, I was correct in assuming that it would take the 21 inch chain stay to replicate that Silvio geometry and I was also correct that I would need the curved slider. But I discovered that the lower BB mitigated the low-recline balance issue I have had, allowing for a 23 degree seat mod rather than more like a 30 degree arrangement that the Silvio had. But initially I held on to the idea of keeping the bullhorns, but, despite the curved slider, the bullhorns couldn’t get as low as they needed to be optimal so I then surrendered to the drops. And while I do miss the elegance of bar end shifting, I have realized some of the benefits of drop bars, principally the multiple had/reach options it affords.


So the moral of the story is you CAN teach an old dog new tricks. I’m feeling completely dialed in with the bike, am experiencing a responsiveness I’ve not known with the Silvio and am well positioned to ward off the aging process.

 

[velocio]

TalleyHo, glad you found a V20 setup that's working so well for you. I've never even seen a V20 in person, so this observation is based solely on viewing photos, but your preferred BB height seems lower than typical for the V20. That's not a bad thing at all, just noting what I think I see based on other photos. Most V20's I've seen in pics appear to have the slider almost parallel with the ground.

So I was perplexed that CB didn’t know what x seam yields a particular BB height for a given chain stay option. It seems that a simple chart could be developed that would match x seam to BB ht. for each cs. option which also reveals the handlebar height and the need or not of curved slider.

I'm perplexed that the availability of 3 different chainstay lengths seems to be a CB corporate open secret! CB HQ, if you're listening, please make the various chainstays available on the CB retail website. Thanks!

A chart showing BB height vs x-seam for each chainstay length, for each model of CB, shouldn't be hard to generate from the CAD models that likely exist. If no CAD models, then sampled measurements on actual bikes could be done. I for one would find that extremely helpful. Those BB height charts depend only on X-seam, bar height also depends on steerer height and slider position, which is a lot of variables to try to represent in a comprehensible 2-D chart or graphic.

I remain envious of your "brain box". CB HQ, if you're listening, please consider replacing the less functional "Race Case" with a more functional "Brain Box" that fits perfectly on the stock CB seat. Thanks!

-Jack

 

[rx7mark]

Taalyho,
Love your build and color scheme of the new V20. Please contact me via PM, if you have any interest in selling your Silvio, I am looking for a Silvio or S30 frame.

Thanks
Mark

P.S. Never mind, I just found your add in the for sale section.

 

[TalleyHo]

TalleyHo, glad you found a V20 setup that's working so well for you. I've never even seen a V20 in person, so this observation is based solely on viewing photos, but your preferred BB height seems lower than typical for the V20. That's not a bad thing at all, just noting what I think I see based on other photos. Most V20's I've seen in pics appear to have the slider almost parallel with the ground.


I'm perplexed that the availability of 3 different chainstay lengths seems to be a CB corporate open secret! CB HQ, if you're listening, please make the various chainstays available on the CB retail website. Thanks!

A chart showing BB height vs x-seam for each chainstay length, for each model of CB, shouldn't be hard to generate from the CAD models that likely exist. If no CAD models, then sampled measurements on actual bikes could be done. I for one would find that extremely helpful. Those BB height charts depend only on X-seam, bar height also depends on steerer height and slider position, which is a lot of variables to try to represent in a comprehensible 2-D chart or graphic.

I remain envious of your "brain box". CB HQ, if you're listening, please consider replacing the less functional "Race Case" with a more functional "Brain Box" that fits perfectly on the stock CB seat. Thanks!

-Jack

As I wrote, Jack, such a low BB was what I wanted to avoid and figured correctly that I would need the 21 inch chain stay assembly to replicate the geometry I wanted. As it turned out, what I wanted was incorrect- a lower BB actually is better for me. For one thing, it somehow mitigated my balance issue with deep recline ridding that I have had with the S and both having the 23 degree seat and the lower BB, lowers the center of gravity of the rig. I'm really liking the ride. In addition, the matching angles of the boom and seat are visually appealing.

Regarding the "open secret", we are in agreement. Despite being well informed on CBs, I was unable to get info on the whole chain stay/BB fit issue, despite multiple emails. Upon ordering the frame kit, despite my efforts to learn what's what around this, I was so mis or under informed that I actually thought that I would get the 21 inch chain stay that I specified on the order form where you can add comments. I had assumed you could get the size you wanted, as per most products. And I'm OK with having to buy both the standard CS and the one you want. I understand that this is a cost effective way to go for this very small company. But the vagueness around it is odd to me.

BTW, I'm in Greensboro and I believe you are in the NC Triangle area? Let's ride sometime

Dave