Nice work! I'm going to copy your heatshrink idea and I'm working on a project that also involves opti-coat 2.0. Did you use it before you put on your decals or after?

Cheers!

I also prefer builds that require twice the thought as dollars to achieve something truly special. This will probably become a sticky
two observations:
1. I've been riding since 1987, built and tuned all my own bikes, and only dropped my chain inside once, because I got lazy, and didn't keep things clean and tidy. Why don't you loose the chain catcher? It's a waste of weight.
2. Brakes. It's interesting to hear that you're as confident with Assaults and lightweight brakes.
beuatiful build.

Is that carbon conical headset spacer made by Token?

Chris.

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MSC Koncept Carbon Di2 - 6955g
Leichtkraft Team Carbon - 6868g.

Fantastic work.

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Fuji SL/1
Send your data to Weight Weenie listings!

Thanks guys, I appreciate the comments.

@ JkAlentejano I still might go tubulars for "special days" that would be local, but I felt I might as well train on the same things I 'compete' on every-day. I am considering building up a set of 20mm tubulars for a sub-950g set. Not a priority right now, too many other things are on my plate with work and projects. I could do a little vinyl on the crank art, true. Since my career is design and I'm also finally getting back in touch with my artwork recently, I'm looking into developing full vinyl-wrap for frames and components. It may be an effective, but affordable, alternative to paint with minor weight penalties.... it also helps that it helps my artwork remain complex: a frame painter told me that a frame in my art style would run $2k minimum in painter's fees because it is too complex and detailed.

@ monkeyburger - hoods, working on them. It's one of a few projects, but I'm hoping to make them an actual product to be sold.

@ konky - Tubulars do ride great, it's true. But the difference between tubular and clincher over 200+ mi of various road conditions and surfaces becomes so small that it's not worth it. I could justify riding tubulars for centuries along with a can of sealant in the back pocket (and a spare tub, obviously), but the costs of each tire is expensive for me at this time.

@ fitty4 - before... and after just because I used so little of it. One standard syringe of Opti-Coat is enough for two full size cars. I still have some left! Just be sure to clean the component with IPA solution before you apply the Opti-Coat (IPA is 50% water, 50% rubbing alcohol).

@ jhamlin38 - The chain catcher has only been used once, that I'm aware of, on a recent ride where the road hooked sharp to the right at nearly a full 180° turn and a change in grade from 1% to 10% (immediate change, not gradual). I attacked a little too early during the shift and I heard the chain catcher save the chain. I'll keep it on there, it's no big deal.

@ krzysiekmz - Yes, I have the old box for the headset here and it came with a carbon dustcap - took off the logos to what you see here. Unfortunately it looks like the only Token headsets on eBay by the same model name have alloy headcaps now... but I'm sure you can find another cap to match.

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Exp001

How much weight did painting stoked! (at least twice!!), not to mention the s on the headtube, add?

Vinyl Decals. Added a few grams (6?) - I added it in with the frame weight.

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Exp001

Not sure if you'd be interested, but there are a few online shops selling home ano kits. The guy out of Buffalo, NY is pretty good. Never tried the anodizing kits yet but I've used some of their polishing kits before.

http://www.caswellplating.com/

Fabulous build - nice to finally see your bike!

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Fear is healthy, panic can be deadly

I would also support this machine as bike of the year. I like this builds with no logos. Most bikes out there are too filled up with logos... still this bike also scape to the too serious too boring full black look (mine included). The idea of anodizing all little parts together, with the same ano color, is something i always have dreamed about. I think, if you go clincher, you better go kimlin. I prefer something more warm looking in the tape, lizard skin looks too sticky, too plastic fantastic. I don't get the goal behind those hoods, i´m very curious about it... Awesome build. I love it that it has a great low weight with not too expensive components. The hole in the shifters seems a bit over the top, I prefer it without it. Congrats!!!

How could I have missed this one!
Very unique and well thought out build.
Enjoy it Alex.

I like it. The hoods are not for me but who could argue with 4g!.

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Hoods look great. Keep us posted on your commercialization plans.

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My sub-5.7kg / 12.53lb Addict R1

WTB: Challenge latex tubes, 700c x 60mm - NEW only

Wow that is so impressive.
Obviously the result of a lot of time and care and deliberation.
Apart from the labeling (which disagrees with me in word, colour and font sorry) that's a truly enviable bike.

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r o y g b i v

I'm curious about that Smud saddle.
You say you find it comfortable for long rides because it's flexible.
It appears to rise steeply at the back and have a sag in the middle. Do you find yourself locked into one spot or can you slide your ass around as you like?

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It really depends on the angle you set it at: it can either cradle you or you can slide around on it as necessary.
The way I have it, I get a bit of both. Although I don't intend to slide around very often, I can and it's fine.
I believe however the shape was designed to cradle and not have a person slide around too much. A bit like those SMP saddles in intention. Cradling is ideal, sliding around is possible.

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Exp001