Saturday, August 31, 2013

What I Ride When I'm Serious

2012 Cannondale Synapse 2 Hi-mod SRAM Red



  • High-modulus carbon fiber frame, fork, and seatpost
  • SRAM Red 20-speed gruppo; 50/35 compact crankset
  • Mavic Ksyrium SLS wheelset; Continental Grand Prix 4000 tires (700x23 @ 112 PSI)
  • Specialized carbon-fiber saddle with carbon rails
  • FSA carbon-fiber compact handlebars
  • FSA stem
  • Look Keo carbon body pedal system


When riding, I bring a water bottle, a mini-pump, a spare tube, and a mini-tool. I usually wear Sidi road shoes.

What I Ride on Paths, Trails, and through Urban Decay

2006 Specialized Roubaix Comp Shimano Ultegra




  • Specialized carbon fiber frame, fork, and seapost with "Zertz" elastomer inserts
  • Shimano Ultegra 20-speed gruppo
  • Mavic Ksyrium Elite wheelset (700x25 @100 PSI)
  • FSA carbon fiber crankset
  • REI Novara saddle
  • Look Keo carbon body pedal system

While riding, I bring along a waterbottle and a toolkit. I also have a Specialized wireless bicycle computer attached to this rig.

What I Ride When Commuting or Errand-running

2007 Specialized Sequoia touring bicycle, mod'ed




  • Specialized aluminum main frame with carbon-fiber seat stays, fork, and seatpost with "Zertz" elastomer inserts
  • Shimano Dura-Ace rear derailleur with 9-speed cassette; FSA aluminum crankset (one ring only); Shimano Deore shifters
  • FSA carbon fiber flat handlebar with PDW grips
  • Mavic Ksyrium Equipes with Continental Grand Prix tires (700x25 @ 95 PSI)
  • Specialized saddle
  • platform pedals


    NOTES:  When I replaced the Sequoia's original drop bars with the flat bar, the wrench at my LBS remarked, "Your handlebars are now the most expensive part of this bike."

    That front derailleur, which is Shimano Ultegra for a triple, is not cabled and merely acts as chain guide since I removed the big and small chainrings.