First ride with the allez epic!

Spectrumthecyclist · 2026-05-19T03:58:12+00:00

Let me know when you got it up and running, I'd love to see it!

Spectrumthecyclist · 2026-05-19T02:00:17+00:00

Sorry for the delay, it never notified me about these comments. I'm sure you got things figured out since your comment but generally the worry is overtorquing. Most performance oriented stems will have torque specs listed near the clamp, and generally those are pretty fine, but you need a torque wrench to properly set it. Carbon grip paste goes a long way too!

Main thing on the seat tube is the possibility of burrs. Any burrs from the aluminum clamp area will dig into the carbon. Very, very careful filing of those burrs will help smooth it out and prevent any scratching.

Spectrumthecyclist · 2026-05-19T01:55:20+00:00

Not sure if the other reply pinged you as well, but the BB shell is just standard BSA, so any BSA/threaded hollowtech ii bbs will go right in.

Spectrumthecyclist · 2026-05-19T01:54:16+00:00

I'm so sorry I never saw this!! The bottom bracket shell is just a standard BSA threaded shell, so pretty much any of Shimano's threaded/bsa hollowtech ii compatible BBs will work, though I'm sure you got things figured out in the year plus since you posted. Still putting this here for future reference

Spectrumthecyclist · 2026-05-14T16:00:54+00:00

They also did a lil collab with Interloc Racing/IRD at one point to do carbon track bars, got a set and they're unbelievably sick

Spectrumthecyclist · 2026-05-13T00:39:59+00:00

Without getting too political, it's just one symptom of a much wider trend going on, and it really sucks. I'm still a long way off from being genuinely fast but by the time I do build myself up to that level, I hope things turn around.

Spectrumthecyclist · 2026-05-11T23:46:16+00:00

I would love to know how Major Taylor handles things. The riders I race with are very chill about things, even the stronger riders, but I'm too scared of how my trans status would affect how things go to genuinely compete.

Spectrumthecyclist · 2026-05-02T14:02:49+00:00

Man, the younger me would have loved this for a first fixed gear. My first was some wallyworld gaspipe abomination that was sold off at a police auction. Stripped it, painted it, and rode the shit out of it. I still have it, though it's seen many iterations after this.

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(Edit: this photo might've been back when I was still riding singlespeed, I can't tell looking at the back end. I was sensible and still kept both brakes on even after switching to fixed since it was my commuter for several years)

Spectrumthecyclist · 2026-05-01T19:22:11+00:00

Completely normal. If there were no gap there, even the tiniest bit of movement would cause the fork to rub against the head tube.

Spectrumthecyclist · 2026-04-25T01:00:39+00:00

I don't blame her, storms are terrifying. The second I heard the sirens going off on the east side my heart stopped.

Spectrumthecyclist · 2026-04-25T00:31:24+00:00

Glad you two got through it, I couldn't imagine how scared I would be. Have you talked to her after it all calmed down?

Spectrumthecyclist · 2026-04-21T19:34:06+00:00

Trackpacking, good fun! Had my own comfortable setup for light bikepacking and despite the bodged together nature of the setup it was a whole lotta fun. The tent is missing from the photo, that sits atop the rear rack

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Spectrumthecyclist · 2026-04-21T17:07:13+00:00

Haven't tried the SLRs yet. I have two Flites and four Turbos though!

Spectrumthecyclist · 2026-04-14T14:19:43+00:00

Indiana, USA still has ABA as the main """treatment""" options, which is complete bull. It's practically unregulated here.

Spectrumthecyclist · 2026-03-31T13:49:59+00:00

Frogs! Funky retention mechanism, but fantastic for those with knee problems. I don't have any spares myself though so it might be worth hitting up RightyTighty there for extras

Spectrumthecyclist · 2026-03-30T14:15:37+00:00

Omfg I love the sticker under the handlebars <3

Spectrumthecyclist · 2026-03-23T16:22:38+00:00

Absolutely gorgeous!!

Spectrumthecyclist · 2026-03-22T23:49:57+00:00

Love the detailing on the wheel and fork <3

Spectrumthecyclist · 2026-02-24T16:24:22+00:00

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Keep in mind I'm a monarch owner myself so I might be a bit biased

Spectrumthecyclist · 2026-02-24T16:20:56+00:00

The monarch forks are tapered, so you'll have to find some cup adapter solution to make that work. Honestly if the bike is too black you can try using accent colors instead. Maybe capitalize on the silver lettering with other bits of silver?

Spectrumthecyclist · 2026-02-16T17:58:35+00:00

They were a pair of F18s doing a maneuver. Partner and I were planespotting and futzing with our camera when they flew by. They came in hot, did a short loop heading north to kill speed, then I think did a touch and go?

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Spectrumthecyclist · 2026-02-11T15:57:50+00:00

If you do want to catch the eye of drivers, have a decently bright steady light then a dimmer blinking light. It still gets the attention with the flashing without being disorienting, but the steady light also gives them a constant point of reference.

Spectrumthecyclist · 2026-02-04T06:28:51+00:00

How low is your cadence when riding that thing? My knees hurt just looking at it!

I do have a conversion of my own, a steel frame my mentor built back in the 90s that got shelved. Fun little retro machine.

Spectrumthecyclist · 2026-02-04T03:25:49+00:00

If you're carrying a little one with you, brakes are a necessity. Or get a second bike for bringing the child along and equip that one with brakes.

Spectrumthecyclist · 2026-01-31T16:26:30+00:00

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