So far so good. Nearing 1000km on the bike so far and loving it. Frame has felt responsive and not too harsh, but also feels just stiff enough. Comparing this frame to my Ti MTB where I actually like it to have a bit of give, this has just the right amount of stiffness. Goes to show that these ride qualities have a lot more to do with frame design than generalizations about frame materials would have you believe.
The Fizik Kurve (Snake)—I am not sold on it. It is tolerable, but not great. I think I prefer my Arione CX. Haven't really found the sweet spot with this saddle, or experienced the suspension like comfort I read about in reviews. I am 145 lbs (65kg), and I don't know if I am not heavy enough or what, but it hasn't really worked in, or given me any sensation of flexing under neath me, just feels hard. I will give it a bit more time, but I am going to keep an eye out for a different saddle in the mean time. Another small complaint, is that with the outer trim of the saddle being plastic, it doesn't have any grip for when you lean the bike up against a wall or whatever. Just one of those things to be aware of. There has been a bit of creaking too on my last couple of rides. I will try to do some investigating this week to identify whether it is the saddle, post, or seat post shim.
Groupset—amazing! Loving Record and the feel of the shifting. Front derailleur took a bit of tinkering to get it just right. In retrospect I would just get a Chorus f/d. Having carbon in this area saves a few grams, and doesn't really add anything more... There is a bit of delaminating or clouding in the clear coat on the carbon part of the fork. I've read that this is common. Not worried, but definitely think a Chorus f/d would make more sense on this build.
Wheels — King hubs are excellent. Very smooth, love the engagement, and the sound isn't too overpowering at all. After a few rides I had to tighten up the bearing preload to remove a tiny bit of play but they have been solid since. The Alpha 340 rims I would say are just OK so far. I've had the rear come ever so slightly out of true. Need to true it again. I will say I haven't been exactly gentle on the bike, it has probably seen about 60-100km of rough roads, and lots of dirt roads. I may try to rebuild the rear and use a thread locker. One thing I noticed tho, is that had the rear perfect in the stand, but as soon as I got the tire mounted and up to pressure without even riding it, it seemed like it was already slightly out of true. I guess this wouldn't be the first time I hear of a tire at pressure affecting the spoke tensions on these rims.
Tires—LOVE the Veloflex Corsas. Very smooth ride. Have been great on all surfaces I've ridden on, even dirt roads. Very comfortable and smooth. Obviously can't comment on long-term wear yet, but they are still in great shape.
Ergonova's have been very comfortable. I can finally ride in the drops for much more extended periods. Great for long open stretches with headwinds, its shallow enough that I can get a bit more aero and stay in that position.
Speedplay—This is my first time with a dedicated road pedal, and first time with Speedplays. Really really liking these so far. They feel very secure, no issues clipping out, and dirt and grime hasn't been an issue yet. I do however think I need to invest in some aftermarket insoles for my Ergo 3's.
Overall, love the bike. Been getting out 3-4 times a week and getting my @$$ back in shape. Need to make a few tweaks, mainly with the saddle, and I will be even happier.
Starting on the long spiral down
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). That said, there aren't any clearance issues. There is about 2mm at least at the closest part of the derailleur (right in the center of the upper jockey wheel), and it lines up right around with the spoke cross. I haven't had any issues yet. Makes me want to give it a go on a steep climb to see if it poses a problem.
