Cycling UK Forum

My Cannondale Super X cyclo cross bike has been set up as a fast commuter with full mudguards and 38mm Compass Barlow Pass tyres - size 52cm and all up weight with pedals and small saddlebag with spare tube and pump is 9.5kg

I've started using Compass Barlow Pass 38mm light weight tyres. The key to not getting flats is not to add too much air. I'm 65kg & running them at 40psi front 45 rear. Speed has definitely picked up & comfort too. Latest issue of Cycle has article about Richard Halett's 650B touring bikes running 42mm supple tyres.

New commuter, Cannondale Super X carbon fibre frame & forks, SRAM Rival hydraulic road disc brakes, 38mm Compass Barlow Pass tyres, Portland Design Works 45mm aluminium mudguards with lots of clearance and of course Busch & Meuller mirror - couldn't ride on our roads without it Rides fast and comfortable!

You'll have no problem using either of the rings

It's worth remembering that although the outer width of the chain gets narrower as the number of gears goes up but the internal width is the same on all 7,8,9,10 or 11 speed 'narrow' chains

Update : Specialized model is a VITA Comp and it's a small frame size, not medium

Hi my car and two best bikes were stolen from my garage yesterday morning, about 10am
Fortunately the police stopped the 4 suspects later in the day - they'd burgled 6 properties yesterday
Some contents were recovered incl my car keys
This morning my car was recovered but there were no bikes still inside





The Specialized Versa M now has a black Spec rack and did have a green Karrimor pannier attached
The Goff picture is out of date - I'll update it later but basically it's got drop bars and a brwon Giles Berthoud saddle now plus Michelin Pro 3 25mm tyres and new shiny TA chainrings

The bikes will have been unloaded in Rugby, Warwickshire so please keep an eye open - I'm offering cash rewards for both bikes

from personal use I'd recommend Campagnolo Record

wrong forum
try weightweenies

I've been using Shimano Ultegra 6600 ten speed rear deraileur with 8 speed cassette and chains with smooth shifting and no problems over thousands of miles

Like the OP I too got fed up of the Shimano external BBs getting noisy after 2-3,000 miles. So three years ago and about 15,000 miles in I'm still very happy with my Hope stanless steel external BB. And it still running smoothly and quietly.

Bear in mind that servicability is pretty much limited to removing the plastic seal that keeps the gunk out, removing the dirt and putting it back on. The cassette bearings are not serviceable and if they go and get rumbly you'll have to use the Hope bearing presses to remove.

Don't get a SRAM 10 spd chain as their 'missing link' is not meant to be opened once it's been snapped shut. I'm currently using Wipperman chains and they seem to be wearing better than the KMC ones I used to buy - cost a bit more though. Wipperman's missing link needs to be fitted the right way round to avoid shifting problems

although OP asked about Campy I just wanted to add that I've been using Shimano 10 speed deraileurs with 8 speed cassette and 8 speed chain with absolutely no problems. So 9 speed would work be fine too, I'm sure.

I did use 10 speed chainrings before they were replaced with 9 speed ones too with no shifting problems either but that wasn't the question was it?

+ 1 for Hope s/s BB

mine's got 20,000 commuting miles and is still as smooth as when it was new
Getting back to the OP Hollowtech cranksets and external BBs are lighter than square taper

That's an advantage

+1 for Schwalbe Marathons on an old steel mountain bike in the snow
as for ice - just hope you don't have to slow down or change direction if you hit any!

So after five years daily use and over 20,000 miles the original carbon/alloy/steel 1 inch fork has been replaced with a new all steel one found on ebay. Columbus SLX feels like an upgrade too and is in keeping with the frame. Peace of mind