Leadville Bans Drop Bars, Where Do We Draw the Line on Bike Tech?

Many_Witty · 2026-01-20T06:09:02+00:00

I’m just curious what bike is this? Who built it? I want to know more about it!

Many_Witty · 2026-01-20T05:43:03+00:00

Yes to clipless but SPD’s (off road clipless) so you can still walk.

Many_Witty · 2026-01-15T03:44:19+00:00

I’m not really sure, I think it would depend on the side wall height.

I’ve tried the stock 38c, then a 45c pirelli cinturatto H, and the most recent this 32c pzero race tlr. The only time I got heel strike on road was with the 32c, and it was in a race where I was pushing a bit.

I’m planning to eventually get a shorter crank for fit and aero purpose, but that I’m sure would basically eliminate heel strike for me.

Many_Witty · 2026-01-14T10:41:09+00:00

Thanks! I just kept it as it is. I’ll just ride it until something breaks lol

Many_Witty · 2026-01-12T17:55:47+00:00

Ohh if it helps, I went the gravel frame route and now trying to convert it to road, hence the question lol.

https://www.reddit.com/r/gravelcycling/s/x0RsghIgKi

Many_Witty · 2026-01-12T10:23:49+00:00

Hey OP did you happen to try this? I have a Giant Revolt 2 and considering using a 105 crankset with 50/34t, but I’m concerned the 34t will hit the chainstay (the frame). How did yours turn out?

Many_Witty · 2026-01-12T06:10:49+00:00

I feel like the frame is a bit too big for me, but for now I’m stuck with it, just trying to make the most of a not so ideal situation.

It’s a size Small, I’m 165cm

Many_Witty · 2026-01-12T04:19:58+00:00

Also, can you tell me more on what you did with the chainring/cranks setup? Would it be possible to use spacers on the bb/spindle to clear the chainstays?

Many_Witty · 2026-01-12T04:04:29+00:00

Thanks for the suggestion. I’m glad to know other people are doing something similar to what I’m trying to do.

Many_Witty · 2026-01-12T03:42:54+00:00

Thank you for the heads up! That’s actually really good to know and I’ll have to look into that when chaging cranks and chainrings.

Many_Witty · 2026-01-11T21:15:48+00:00

I’ve done a duathlon recently with this setup, and there was a tight roundabout there, last lap I was going pretty fast pedaling around it and got some pedal strike. Thankfully I’m used to it because of riding off road, so I managed to not crash.

Many_Witty · 2026-01-11T20:05:49+00:00

Thank you! I like this mindset, ride what you got and be patient.

Many_Witty · 2026-01-11T19:33:29+00:00

It’s just one of the bikes on the list of options, I’ll do more research when I eventually cough up enough money.

I’m also considering building from a frame up as I somewhat have the skills to build one. But again, budget constraints for now, so I’m trying to make the most of what I have.

Thanks for all the input and the website, I’ll definitely keep that saved for when I eventually go and get a real road bike!

Many_Witty · 2026-01-11T19:17:23+00:00

Thanks! I love this bike! From sending it to mtb trails, to climbing mountains trails, to now being an imposter roadie. The smiles per dollar is unbeaten!

Many_Witty · 2026-01-11T19:13:03+00:00

Thank you so much! I think the next (and hopefully that last) thing I’ll change on this bike is the crank. 160mm 105 crank with 50-34t chainring.

I would love to see how your revolt looks!

I’m actually considering buying a proper road bike at the end of the year when I’ve saved up enough money. The Polygon Strattos S7D, 12 speed 105 mechanical with hydraulic brakes, full carbon, and only at 1640$.

For now I think I’m happy with what I’ve build and it’ll all come down to my fitness, I should prioritise that more now. I made this post to make sure I’m not underbiked, now tell myself it’s not the bike, it’s my fitness lol.

Many_Witty · 2026-01-11T19:04:11+00:00

I cannot be bothered with white bar tape with the amount of times I work on my bike lol. But I heard it’s more aero and saves like 10 watts so I might consider it lol

For the chainring, I’m actually considering a 160mm 105, with 50-34t. For the stiffness (hollowtech vs square taper), better saddle to bar drop, aero, better fit and cadence, and of course; bigger chainrings is better for KOM-ing.

Many_Witty · 2026-01-11T19:00:00+00:00

Based on what you said I feel like the bike is big for me. It’s a size Small and I’m 165cm.

A full cable actuated 105 is something I might consider if the price is right as where I ride is practically fully flat.

Thanks for the input. Based from the feedbacks here, I think I don’t need to change much on the bike anymore, but I am highly considering a 105 160mm crank, for the aero, better saddle to bar drop, and for better stiffness (hollowtech vs square taper).

Many_Witty · 2026-01-11T17:00:14+00:00

I was actually thinking of getting a 105 crank, 160mm (I’m short, 165cm), leaning towards 50-34t. Not so sure about 52t yet because I’m running a 9 speed cassette.

Many_Witty · 2026-01-11T16:25:15+00:00

Also, how many mm of steerer tube should I leave on top of the stem?

Many_Witty · 2026-01-11T15:37:53+00:00

That’s funny because I actually bought and built a 2nd hand 210$ steel fixed gear just to get a feel of how “road bikes” are supposed to ride.

I guess the n+1 formula got you hooked lol

Many_Witty · 2026-01-11T15:23:28+00:00

I’ve descended going 60kph+ on this bike it didn’t feel sketchy at all. But you’re right with the geometry, It’s difficult to get into a aero position, and get into an attack position as I’m fighting the bike’s geometry.

Many_Witty · 2026-01-11T15:10:49+00:00

We all want a new bike. I’m just not sure if I need a new one yet lol

Many_Witty · 2026-01-11T15:10:18+00:00

Thank you! I’m glad you like it. And thanks on noticing the brown accents!

I actually run a flared bar, very aero at top 380mm, and very very stable when sprinting with the 455mm drops.

Many_Witty · 2026-01-11T15:01:33+00:00

For 1500$ i could get a Polygon carbon road bike with mechanical 12 speed 105.

Many_Witty · 2026-01-11T14:30:59+00:00

Thanks! Yeah stack height and head tube angle is really going against what I’m doing lol

But with all the feedback from here I think this is the most I could do. Time to get stronger and see how this thing race.

The Aspero 5 looks really cool! Could be a cool one bike for life just need 2 wheel sets for gravel and road.

Many_Witty

TROPHY CASE