Quickbeam Updates

When I got my recent Rivendell Quickbeam, I had a thought that I would keep it as received for a few months before I started futzing with it.

That lasted about two rides before I could no longer fight the urge to tinker.

Which brings us to today's build:

The fenders were the last touch, installed today for a drizzly ride, after I looked around the garage and realized I didn't have a single fendered bike. I also added my VO front rack as a simple way to mount the front fender. What's not simple is the rear fender: with the rear facing track ends on the QB, I can't install or remove the rear wheel without also unbolting the rear fender stays. Longer stays or plastic QR clips would be a better solution, but this is what I had on hand. So I just hope I don't get a rear flat, and I won't be flip flopping over to the freewheel side with any regularity.

The forward facing dropouts on my Surly and BMC were a lot easier to live with, even if they didn't have the ultimate adjustment range of the QB.



Up front, my track record with moustache bars continues: I don't like them. My Salsa Cowchipper is a lot more comfortable, and was already taped up from my Monstercross:

Since I didn't want to disturb what's possibly my best bar wrapping job ever, I had to switch to V brakes to match the long pull levers.

That's no problem, I can live with the stronger power and lack of squeal, after coming from the Shimano cantis.

I also removed the horrible Michelin tractor tires and put on my blue collar Vittoria Voyager Hypers, stolen from Henry's carbon bike. The bike feels much zipper as a result.

Selle AnAtomica saddles are another part I don't get along with, so I popped off the whole seat post assembly and added a Nitto post with a plastic Bontrager saddle. Comfortable and durable, two words I can't associate with SA saddles.

While I was at it, I changed out the crank to my usual Ritchey double with 34/40t, a 16t fixed cog, and my WI Dos 16/19 freewheel, which will largely go unused.

I'm also experimenting with flat pedals and fixed gears. Previously, I've always used clipless pedals, but so far these are secure enough for me. It helps that I ran front and rear brakes, so I don't have to spin madly down hills. And, living in central Ohio, we don't have much in the way of hills, anyway.

The Quickbeam is a nice bike, but it's not a clear winner over my old Crosscheck or Monstercross. I'll write up a detailed comparison at some point. But for now, this is how I'm rolling.