My updated Litespeed Vortex and BMC SLC01(Update 31/01 p2)

[$mokeyJoe]

Hi,

After updating my two WW-bikes i've found that it's time to show them in this section. The Litespeed Vortex is a 2007 model and the BMC Pro Machine is from 2008. The Litespeed is for those long distances while the BMC is more the 'good-weather' bike.



Let's have a look at both of them from nearby:

The Litespeed Vortex as this is my first WW-roadbike:



Here're the specs:
Frame: Litespeed Vortex
Fork: AlphaQ GS30
Headset: Tune BuBu
Stem: Syntace F99
Handlebar: Schmolke SL
Crank Arms: Lightning 130BCD alu 172.5mm
Chain Rings: Tune
Pedals: Speedplay Zero Ti
Saddle: Tune Concorde
Seat Post Clamp: Extralite
Seatpost: Schmolke SL
Brake Levers: Shimano DA7800
Brakes: Zero Gravity
Shift/Brake Cables: Nokon Black
Rear Derailleur: Shimano DA tuned
Chain: Shimano DA
Front Derailleur: Simano DA 7800
Front Wheel: MIG45/XR300/DT Aero
Rear Wheel: MAG150/XR300/DT Aero
Cassette: Shimano DA
Skewers: RAR
Tires: Continental GP4000S
Rim strips: Veloplugs red
Handlebar Tape: Syntace cork Black
Bottle Cage: 2x King Ti

Weight down to 6.3kg

As said before this is my long distance bike as the bike is pretty flexy, ideal for those long cruisings(+120km). I'm still working a lil' bit on the reach of the front as i still need to do some fine-tuning for a better fitting at the front. This bike is'nt a sprint bike at all. The frame is too flexy for that. Shifting still need to be finetuned also as i'm not that happy about the Nokon shifting cables. But it's better than the BMC where the cables run under the bartape. Further i don't have much to say as the bike rides comfortable, holds speed quite good and feels also light.

So here's my next and latest WW-roadbike, the BMC Pro Machine:


Here're the specs for this one:
Frame: BMC SLC01
Fork: Easton EC90SLX
Headset: FSA Orbit
Stem: Syntace F119
Handlebar: Schmolke SL OS
Crank Arms: Storck PowerArms SL
Chain Rings: TA Specialites Hegoa 52/39
Pedals: Speedplay Zero Ti
Saddle: AX-Lightness Phoenix
Seat Post Clamp: Integrated in frame
Seatpost: AX-Lightness AX2100
Brake Levers: Shimano DA 7900
Brakes: Ciamillo Gravitas
Shift/Brake Cables: Nokon White/Vertebrae
Rear Derailleur: Shimano DA 7900 + carbon aero pulleys
Chain: Shimano KMC X10SL silver
Front Derailleur: Simano DA 7900
Front Wheel: MIG70/Edge 38C/DT Aero
Rear Wheel: MAG180/Edge 38C/Dt Aero
Cassette: Shimano DA 25-12
Skewers: Tune DC14
Tires: Continental SuperSonic 21mm
Rim strips: Veloplugs yellow
Handlebar Tape: Syntace cork White
Bottle Cage: 2x Tacx Tao Carbon

Weight: 5.9kg

So this is my recently rebuild bike as i had a car-crash in the summer. This bike really rocks! The feeling is so much faster and stiffer than the Litespeed! Just because of the CF Edge rims am using this bike only in the summer or dry weather. I'm still considering some upgrades on this bike like another group. The SL is a group that was just intended to use this summer when i bought the frame. So it'll be changed later. Probably the DA 7900. Also a new seatpost with setback is ordered as with the AX2100 i'm too far in front of the bike. Also i've ordered the Vertebrae shift cables in the hope that shifting is performing better, as i'm not happy at all with the Nokons under the bartape.

Well, that's just all what i can say at the moment, but please feel free to add your comment. I think these images belong on this site, so...

Edit: Updated spec. list.

[welcomdmat]

Your bikes are both beautiful and well spec'd. I am sorry to hear about your car accident -- I hope that recovery has gone well.

There looks to be a pretty big fit difference between the two so far as fit. I think that the BMC will look much more neutral and dialed in with the setback post. I am not sure if it is the saddle or what exactly, but I thought your seat was slammed way forward on first look. With the amount of rail showing behind the clamp though, that does not seem to be the case.

[$mokeyJoe]

I am not sure if it is the saddle or what exactly, but I thought your seat was slammed way forward on first look. With the amount of rail showing behind the clamp though, that does not seem to be the case.

Well, the bike had more suffered from the crash than i did, so...One positive point is that the bike has been changed quite a bit since then! Good insurance!

You're right about the fit. The BMC needs a setback of 2 cm so it would fit me perfect. The Phoenix saddle can't be set more after as the seatpost beam is moved max. to the front. That's the reason why i've bought the AX2200 seatpost. I'm just waiting till i receive the package. After the seatpost has been mounted everything should be fit ok. The difference you may see is that the Litespeed is a 55 frame and the BMC a 53. That's why the BMC has a longer stem. I should have a 54 but neither Litespeed has it nor BMC. So for a long distance bike i've chosen a larger frame(more stability) and a shorter frame for the BMC(more aggressive)

[Juanmoretime]

Just like over at FWB. Both are excellent. I do love your Vortex! I know we are all different but I find the more aggressive position more comfortable in the long run so I would be happier with the bike if it were in the smaller size. I also have back issues so being low and flat equals a happy back.

[Mads Kock]

Great looking bikes even though i liked your mtb better the custom paint ón the litespeed looks super cool.

seems like you have different seat height on your 2 bikes. Are they really that different?

Regards

[racerjrp]

That BMC wiith Sram Red is me dream bike. Gorgeous!

[12x23]

Nice bicis !!. I really like the Vortex, partial to 'em since I've owned one or more Litespeeds since 1993 - lol, and still have a 2005 Vortex freameset and 2006 Siena. I need to get a new fork and kit for the Vortex and get it back on the road.

[$mokeyJoe]

seems like you have different seat height on your 2 bikes. Are they really that different?

Regards

Don't be fooled by the picture. The saddle heights are the same on both bikes. It's maybe because the length of the seatposts are different. I just need to setback the saddle on the BMC. That's all.

About the Litespeed i might change the graphics this winter. I'm thinking of going to a black design. Maybe some ppl have any ideas of making a design for the Vortex?

[$mokeyJoe]

Hi fellas,

Some time has passed by again and i've been updating my BMC again...

WW is still a drug for me! hehe

So, here's how she looks at this moment.



What have i done?
*Shimano Ultegra SL => Shimano Dura Ace
*Shimano Ultegra SL pedals => Speedplay Zero Titanium
*Shimano Ultegra chain => KMC X10SL Silver
*Far and Near shifter hoods white
*Shimano SL crank => Powerarms SL with TA Specialites chainrings (52/39)
*Parlee CF front derailleur clamp
*PowerCordz
*Tune AC14 => Tune DC14

I'm still thinking of changing the brakes to some TRP 970SL. Deep in me i would love to try the AX brakes but i'm a bit worried about their braking power as this is my speed bike. Cassette will also be changed to a 11-23 as now i don't use the 25 anymore. I'm getting better!

The weight has dropped to 6.2kg. Still heavy for my thoughts but changes will be done later...again...

[aerozy]

That BMC is looking nicer and nicer! Some very nice WW parts on there! Congratulations on a gorgeous machine.

One question; please tell me you run clinchers based on personal preference only and that belgium roads are not the reason (roads being prone to flats or semething).

You see, Im moving to Belgium in 3 weeks time and taking my beauties (+tubbies) with me.

Speaking of that if you wanna go for some rides let me know! I should be living in Antwerp and commuting everyday to work to Brussels. If everything goes to plan I'll do the commute by bike... is that crazy?

[$mokeyJoe]

Hi aerozy,

Thanks for the nice words! Yes indeed, this bike is getting better and better but i arrive at a moment that i begin to hesitate what could be changed more as i want a quite stiff bike with this one. My Litespeed is the flexiest one.

About the clinchers the one and only reason i have is that i'm still not confident with tubes! I like to do rides 150km + and i don't want to carry 2 tubes with me each time i go for a ride. I could try some tubes for shorter rides. I still need some 50 or 60mm high wheels. Maybe those will be tubes. But everything at his time as i've 3 WW bikes here and none of them are really finished...hihi

I've already come out that choosing the correct type of clincher tyre is time saving. The tyres on the Edge rims are the Conti Force/Attack and they're great! On my Trek i've some Conti's GP4000 and they're quite easy pinched. Conti GP4000S are also quite good maybe due to the chili compound. I prefer the Conti's because they're the best tyres i can remove by hand without any tools...so i don't need to carry them neither.

About your commuting from Anvers to Brussels, i bet you could be faster by bike than by car! haha but it's still 55km by highway. Expect a little more by the normal roads. Bikeroads are a disaster here but that's why we ride many times on the road so no big problem...

It would be nice to have a ride with a WW-member so let me know and we could do a ride together. I'm around 50km from Anvers...not in Brussels no...opposite direction!

Have a nice day!

[range]

Beautiful BMC.

[micky]

Porn!!

[plasticol]

Nice bikes, especially the BMC.
I have the axact same bike, in the same colors.
Did you fix your shifting, I have Red and my shitfing is perfect.
Also, what is up with the white spokes on the rear wheel? Did you order them like that?

Oscar

[$mokeyJoe]

Here're my newly acquired components for the bikes...

My new cranks for the Litespeed:


Lightning 130BCD 172.5mm with Tune 53/39 rings.

Also need to re-set my cleats as after 1 ride you can see some rubbing against the crankarm. First impression is very nice. The cranks look really slick and thin. The front derailleur needs some minor trimming because i expect that the chainline is less than standard. Maybe i'll get also these cranks with a carbon spider and some carbon FL rings for the TT bike.

And here the new brakes for the BMC:


Ciamillo Gravitas. Still have to put them on.