current state of the cross check - jan 2011

recent and semi recent changes/adds:

avid digit 7 vbrakes

cane creek vdrop levers (black)

xtr brake cables

alfine/dyad front generator wheel

home brew dyno led light

busch and muller toplight line plus (rear dyno light)

panaracer pasela 27mm tires (feel almost as smooth as the 38mm contacts i use to ride, but much much faster)

on one gary bars (dirt drops, totally love them)

sram super light tape (still on the fence about it, but it is very gripy, but also rubbery)

thomson seatpost (came with another bike i bought used)

swing grip (want to lose this, but it works great)

 

what i want to try/will need next (some things i won't need for a while):

new rear wheel to match front wheel with xt hub and dyad rim

revised dyno light that incorporates all circuit into housing and mount using fork crown

koolstop salmon pads

new chain, cassette

new crankset (maybe slx, not sure about that one yet)

homebrew bags (framebag, "gas tank")

revelate seatbag (or i might try to make one)

gps (leaning toward the garmin vista hcx)

aerobars for long ass rides

strip all paint from frame and go with clear coat

different fenders

might try some big 29er tires like panaracer firecross

 

i am really enjoying this bike. it's taken a while, but i have everything set up just right, and it's a great balance of speed and comfort. the drivetrain is getting old, but it's still going strong. the dyno system and vbrakes were huge upgrades to me. something about the generator hub just makes it feel like a much more real transportation machine. and the new brakes stop me so much better and feel so smooth. i also really enjoy the peripheral projects and minor upgrades. it gives me something to do besides watch tv when i am at home with the kiddo

 

Done