Updates.
Frame was finished at the painters, and although it's hard to capture on photos it came out brilliantly. Calling it brown is a disservice, probably closer to copper or bronze with the logos in a subtle flip. I love it, because it managed to be fairly subtle, whilst being stunning up close or in the sun, just my level of 'bling'.
At this stage I managed to bang myself up fairly badly, but that's another story, and build was also halted waiting for parts.
Fast forward a few months and the groupset and 'old' 404s went on. The only change to the original plan for spec was Dura Ace pedals (the 1mm narrower stance is useful for my skinny hips), Fidlock bottle cage to try something different, and re-using the FSA 52-36 chainrings I had in my spares box.
Because of British winter being in full swing (see muddy pics below), he's only been out for a couple of rides. First impressions are it shares a lot of characteristics with the Supersix. Handling feels very similar, needing some weight on the front to get the best from it, though a slightly snappier feel out of the saddle. I also felt a lot of road buzz, but I think this was down to pumping up my tyres in a rush and overinflating. Makes a great sound when pounding along the flat.
Whilst that was all being built up, the new 454 NSWs arrived on my doorstep, to be paired with 25c GP5000 S TRs. Yep I know it's not recommended, but I'm willing to try it as my pressures are usually a good 15psi below the 72psi maximum. They also have me confident when I nearly had to break a tyre lever getting them on the rim, not much chance they'll slip off by themselves!
The wheels need a shimano freehub instead of the XDR on currently, which will add 20g, but under 1400g with tape and valves is a-ok with me.
Both tyres came in at 255g on the dot, and measured up nicely to 26.3mm on initial inflation.
I need the aforementioned freehub before I can fit them, but I think the stealth black will suit the bike more, and bring even better ride quality hopefully with these Zipps... Will be interesting to back to back these with the old gen 404s, even with different tyres. Seeing how the 25c width handles on such a wide internal rim is an experiment as well, if they don't feel right I may go wider.
Weight is estimated to come out around 7.67kg once the 454s are on, though a big unknown is the frame weight, as I failed to weigh it before build. More fun leaving a bit of unknown in the game anyway...
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... last pictures are damn great !!
