I fitted a Specialized stem and the Salsa cowbell bars to mine.

I’ve seen lots of good feedback on the Kinesis wheels (see the Tripster ATR thread on here).

I’d say look no further unless you want to spend (lots) more.

I like the Alfine for what it is, allows me to ride more and clean less!

I’ve got an adventure which I’ll not be getting rid of any time soon; great bikes!

I really enjoyed Captain Phillips

Stans Iron Cross rims are light. Charlie the Bikemonger had some built wheels on special last week.

Bridgedale socks and Osprey/Berghaus Rucksacks for me.

Deore’s are highly rated too. I’ve just got some SLX and they are nice.

Great service from Merlin with all of my orders :-)

Tektro RL 520’s and MTN BB7 here too. :-)

Aging……

I used some 1.9″ Kenda Small Block 8’s which I thought were quite good for what you describe.

Cinelli Gel tape is good for me.

I’ve just seen the Open Pro’s with dark braking surface (which I didn’t know were available), Mavic recommend max tyre size as 28mm.

The Mavic Open Pros have machined braking surfaces, I’m using Discs.

Reba’s seem to be the popular choice.

What about using road tyres on these DT Swiss X470 rims?

I’m running tubes and would like to use tyres as small as 28mm inflated to at least 80psi, possibly more.

There’s a 60cms Salsa Vaya, or Surly have the Straggler and Disc Trucker available upto 64cms, all are designed for Drop bars though a longer than normal stem could make the fit acceptable.

I’m using the pads mine came with and I think they work great. I get no howling after a period of non use either.

If you don’t want to race and do a bit of everything a cross bike will suit you.

I’ve just built up a Croix de Fer from a frameset as I couldn’t find what I wanted.

Kinesis/On One/Planet X/Whyte also have various suitable offerings.

Cheers Phil, don’t seem to be many owners about (at least on a Tuesday evening)

I’ve got an Osprey Escapist 20L pack, its pretty roomy, got a nice back system and comes with an integral rain cover.

I’m just a serial bike builder/parts changer!

Despite my best efforts in the classifieds (and elsewhere on the internet) recently my family would be going hungry if this were my source of income.

Thankfully I would have pictures to show the bits I’m selling in various builds and guises, not that anyone has ever asked.

I’ve got BB7s on my Croix de Fer and they’re good on there with Tektro levers, but I much prefer the lever feel and bite of my XT’s fitted to my hardtail.

YGM

Some Osprey packs are offered in short/long lengths, the difference to me as a tall guy was a big difference in comfort.

I’d sell yours and get something else.

Drop bars are available in different widths, 44cms/46cms are quite wide enough for road work.

I was told the bars should be roughly the same width as your shoulders and this has worked for me.

Knipex are good gear/brake cable cutters, not for gear/brake outers though.

TBH Park quality is probably going to cost Park prices and is worth paying for IMO.

Agree with Ian, though there are some clips on U-tube just to be sure you’re doing it right which helped me with mine.

There’s also Smart Sam in 29 x1.75.

I’d seen the Thunder burts too, probably going to get some Small block 8’s had them before in 26″ and 700X32mm and they were ok and considerably cheaper too!

Cheers redfordrider, You’ve pretty much confirmed what I was expecting.

I’ve got some crossmarks; I was looking to drop weight.

Wildcat here: http://www.wildcatgear.co.uk/products/

Alpkit here: http://www.alpkit.com/bike-luggage

Revelate Designs here: http://www.backcountrybiking.co.uk/product-category/revelate-designs-gear/

Try force4 marine they’re an online chandlers.

I use some cane creek bar ends you describe on an Easton straight bar and use them a fair bit when cruising along.

SJSC have a good selection of bar ends including split clamp models for mounting inboard. I tried it but was never overly happy with the position.

I’m using some On One Mary bars on another bike at present and have taped the centre sections and that’s ok for a change of position.

I did much the same as you; I found a replacement on CRC.

I asked the same question, I was told the 15mm is the Maxle diameter and the 32 related to the stanchion size (and hence the width).

The replacement unit is far better quality than the original IMO and goes someway to justify the expensive price.

Cheers wysiwyg, that’s sorted it.

Goodness knows what I happened; I had a text and replied and the next time I went to the phone the contacts had disappeared!

Stripeminister,
That was the first thing I tried, no joy….

I’ve used em nothing bad too say, good prices and quick delivery, what’s not to like?

I’m 6’2″ and on a large, it suits me fine, equally I could have gone for a XL probably, I’d use the Salsa sizing guide but be aware of the amount of frame slope and the TT length.

I agree the frame is well finished, but so was my Singular Swift.

I’d say Salsa do spec a nice build with quality parts on their built bikes, of course buying a frame and building it up yourself is more fun, albeit more expensive. I like knowing there is not another built the same as mine.

In terms of anything as robust and versatile as a Fargo or Gryphon, designed for drop bars, probably not; not without going custom, in which case take a look at Shand.