A Classic, but Not Just Because I Say So

[Nefarious86]

Is the Thompson 2 bolt stem as bad as people make out with the bars slipping? It's one of the few -10° options available out ther.

As above it looks fantastic even is the aesthetics are unique

[boysa]

I personally cringe a bit at two-bolt stems. I use the Thomson X4 and think the piece of mind is worth a couple of grams. YMMV.

[Nefarious86]

Yeah I mich perfer 4 bolt as well, even the single bolt 3T stems don't appeal to me at all. Problem is finding a nice -10° stem.

[KWalker]

Extralite is 4 bolt and -12. For me it just associating Thomson with mountain bikes and CX, not a classic ti frame.

[RyanH]

After the fork being MIA for almost two months, I now have it and had some time to put it on. Put the CK headset on as well. I'll post a ride report when I finally get outside (been working a zillion hours).

[Wingnut]

Fork and headset look a lot better...but to me something about the Thomson stem and the drops being level or lower than the tyre just don't look right somehow?

[RyanH]

I don't really like the thomson stem either. I blame dudemanppl for that. I'd like a black anodized stem (not hard ano, but shiny) so I'm open to suggestions, something with a more minimal profile in the clamping areas.

[KWalker]

Extralite and Tune are really the only options

[kantcantcamp]

kind of liked the old fork better, any practical reason for the change? it seemed pretty light

a nondescript kalloy stealth-ed out could look good...

[RyanH]

Here's a full side profile as it is ridden:



The new fork is a lot better. Out of the saddle riding with the other fork, there was just too much flex. Turning and sprinting out of the saddle were a no go with the old fork. This Columbus fork seems to be pretty similar to most modern forks. Nothing like my enve 1.5" tapered but good nonetheless.

[RyanH]

Finally have some time to use my new (to me) A7s. Here are some better shots:

[maverick_1]

@RyanH,
Excellent build as usual, congrats
Btw how do you like the ride on this classic compared to your previous rides?
How about the front end and rear triangle stiffness?

Cheers

[RyanH]

Thanks maverick.

I'll have to report back later on how it compares. The previous fork was slightly distracting. Any type of effort and your attention would be drawn to its influence on the handling. The new fork is a lot better.

What I do know is that the T3 is definitely a better overall bike. The Classic is marginally more comfortable, but the T3 has it beat in every other aspect. However, I expected that and built this to be not overlap too much with the T3: super low climbing gears, alloy 32/32 clinchers and mostly modest componentry to make it travel friendly.

Once I get some more ride time, I'll do a little write up on exactly how it differs.

[maverick_1]

Have to agree on the fork, aesthetically the Columbus looks so much better.
Looking forward to your review

Cheers

[godzuki26]

Perfection From top to bottom. I love the super low position too. Looks PRO.