Much Belated Update

Wow, did I ever screw up that post about choosing a new bicycle. There was supposed to be all manner of links in there, not to mention that the post got out without being complete. Way to go, Wayne.

Normally, about this time, I would probably start blaming the software. But I have a little more insight on these things: computers only do precisely what I tell them to do. That goes the same for you, too.

I was eyeing a Brodie Romulus (despite the fact that it is aluminum), because it has a 135mm rear OLD. I could not find one to buy, much less test ride. It would seem that Brodie dealers have a hard time getting hold of the company. The wet dream bike is the Seven Vacanza, but I did not have $8000 for my dream bike. The final bike on my list of considerations was the 2008 Kona Sutra.

Why a 135mm OLD? This is important because in talking with a local wheelbuilder and in reading some reviews of 130mm OLD disc-brake bicycles, there can be issues in finding good hubs with 130mm OLD. I have heard that there are also issues in lining up the brakes and getting the dish just right. Whether these are rumors or not, I actually don't care. Let's assume it was vicious rumor: the fact that someone went through the trouble of making up a rumor about this is enough to put me off of 130mm OLD. And if it is merely anecdotal evidence, then one master wheelbuilder's anecdotal evidence is definitely reason enough to stick with a 135mm OLD disc-brake frame.

I went with the Kona Sutra, not just because it was available, but because Kona really knocked it out of the ballpark on this one. I had read that the previous generations' adjustable rear dropouts were fidgety. And those models cost more, without full racks, and had STI shifters. Tune in next time (and it will be sooner, I promise) for the exciting conclusion of bringing the new baby home. And its ongoing adventures.