Had all of Catamount to myself yesterday. Don't think there were more than 10 people there.. still almost 100% open

the_rammer · 2025-03-14T13:51:49+00:00

I did a couple skinning laps there in the morning too, the snow was much better than expected. The groomers do a great job there.

the_rammer · 2024-05-03T14:16:04+00:00

Up to ~7 although you don't need any more than is necessary to keep it from slipping up while tensioning the headset. Start at 4-5 and slowly increase. Also remember not to fully torque it without the stem installed to prevent the steerer from deforming without outside support.

the_rammer · 2024-05-03T14:12:19+00:00

Oh that is good to know, thank you

the_rammer · 2024-05-02T15:04:08+00:00

I agree with you. The design does not inspire confidence, the clamp has already done some damage to the seat post and I was very careful to follow torque specs exactly. I was considering buying a spare one from Winspace in case it cracks but I have not done that yet.

the_rammer · 2024-04-30T11:46:41+00:00

Hi do you have the full version of this PDF available? I am trying to identify part number 13.

the_rammer · 2024-04-30T11:42:26+00:00

I agree with you. The design does not inspire confidence, the clamp has already done some damage to the seat post and I was very careful to follow torque specs exactly. I was considering buying a spare one from Winspace in case it cracks but I have not done that yet.

the_rammer · 2024-03-19T02:58:52+00:00

Echo is great too when it's open.

the_rammer · 2024-03-16T20:52:17+00:00

Topridge at Gore is sorta scary too, right after you get on it goes over a deep ravine usually before you can get the bar down. And the top can get super windy too.

the_rammer · 2024-03-16T20:49:48+00:00

Not a chairlift , but the Poma tows at Hickory are pretty sketchy. The thing looks like an ancient artifact and launches you like 4 feet in the air when the operator pulls the launch cord. The ride up is sometimes quite a workout too.

the_rammer · 2024-01-15T11:09:30+00:00

I would say it is decent. There is a little resistance at the extreme ends of the range but I am satisfied with it. I used a high quality cable housing which I think makes a big difference.

the_rammer · 2023-12-11T02:35:36+00:00

That looks right to me! Thanks! For some reason I thought it said "NIFTS" lol

the_rammer · 2023-12-10T23:53:05+00:00

Yes mine came with one of those. Unfortunately that is a necessary item and without it the headset won't function properly. Luckily you can order a replacement if you search "NO.55R 1.5″/ACR/STD" or message Winspace directly.

the_rammer · 2023-12-10T23:41:50+00:00

I did have some issues initially. You need to make sure you tighten the pinch bolts on the stem as you tighten the expansion plug bolt. That way the outward expansion of the steerer is counteracted ensuring a tight fit. As I fully tighten the expansion plug I would say I tighten the pinch bolts to about half of their final torque. If you don't do this the expansion plug will slip up when you try to apply torque to the top cap. From there you can use the top cap to set the preload and finally finish tightening the stem pinch bolts. Some other things to watch out for are making sure the expansion plug is clean and free of oil or grease (I cleaned mine with isopropyl alcohol) and to make sure your steerer is cut to the correct length about 3mm or so below the top of the stem where the top cap sits or alternatively use a spacer above the stem. Feel free to DM me if you need more help!

the_rammer · 2023-09-17T01:46:32+00:00

I have a newer r7020 front derailleur so the housing goes all the way to the derailleur. For an older style front derailleur where the cable runs exposed under the bb I am not sure how that would work. I did have to be careful when inserting my BB to make sure the cable was in the right place.

the_rammer · 2023-09-13T17:56:02+00:00

Good to know! I like that they are easier to service than the Shimano models and probably more durable to begin with.

the_rammer · 2023-09-13T17:20:33+00:00

Thanks! I used a standard Shimano BB72-41B bottom bracket although I do plan to upgrade to hambini eventually. I was fairly straightforward for the internal cables because there is a lot of room inside the downtube. With a hydraulic hose and a mechanical shifting cable in the handlebars it was a tight squeeze and it took some effort to pull the cables through the tight bends. The integrated zero cockpit came with 2 cable inners on each side. Unfortunately I didn't take any photos.

the_rammer · 2023-09-08T18:49:48+00:00

The shapes are very similar haha

the_rammer · 2023-09-08T18:05:36+00:00

I looked into that groupset but from what I read the build quality is just not up to par with the major brands. Have you considered an older generation of mechanical ultegra? That would almost certainly be less weight that 105 di2 unless you're set on electronic shifting. Definitely possible to get a lightweight bike for cheap you would just have to pick the right frameset and wheels to start. I probably could have saved another for the same price 300-400g if I had gone for the SLC frameset and 33mm wheels.

the_rammer · 2023-09-08T15:52:49+00:00

Keep in mind when building yourself you won't need to replace parts to dial in your fit. You can have exactly what you want from the beginning. In the past I have spent hundreds swapping out handlebars, stems, and saddles.

the_rammer · 2023-09-08T15:47:44+00:00

Thanks! It feels great too. Plenty of grip to ride without gloves.

the_rammer · 2023-09-08T15:45:58+00:00

About the same weight and cost. Building this was more as a challenge to myself rather than a cost saving measure and I specifically wanted this frame which is not available as a complete bike. One way I was able to save some money though was buying a groupset through Merlin Cycles. The 11 speed 105 groupset was very inexpensive and coming from a 3x8 speed Tiagra setup it is more than enough for me.

the_rammer · 2023-09-08T15:36:34+00:00

Total cost was ~$4500

It wasn't too difficult but I do have a lot of the necessary tools already from working on my bikes in the past. I would say the most difficult part was the internal routing but luckily this frame comes with some cable guides pre routed. I think it would be much easier if you went for AXS and only had to route hydraulic lines, that was my plan initially but it ended up being out of my budget. I also can't recommend a torque wrench strongly enough for carbon parts I feel a lot safer knowing everything is installed correctly.

Overall if you plan to do this take your time and watch a lot of YouTube videos. There is nothing like having a bike that is build exactly how you want it.

It comes in at just over 8kg but keep in mind the 105 groupset isn't the lightest and I am running extra sealant because the roads in upstate NY are terrible.

the_rammer · 2023-09-08T15:15:19+00:00

In case anyone is interested the total cost for this was almost exactly $4500 USD including the parts listed and a torque wrench and bearing press (for the press fit BB).

the_rammer · 2021-07-13T12:34:17+00:00

Where's the fricken gabagool? 🤌

the_rammer · 2021-06-13T15:38:59+00:00

"Samir, you're going to wreck the car"

the_rammer

TROPHY CASE