"Stage 13: Alexandre Vinokourov is back
So, Alexandre Vinokourov is back in the Tour de France but exactly who will win in Paris is still unclear as we enter the final week. Depending on who you speak to, it will either be Michael Rasmussen, Cadel Evans, Alberto Contador , Andreas Kloden OR Alexandre Vinokourov! It looks unlikely to be Levi Leipheimer now but he has kept his hopes alive by moving up into fifth place."
Sunday I rode the 100k in the Giro Di Peninsula. First I'll tall about how my bike did, then I'll talk about how I did.
My Tirreno Razza 900 did pretty well. After about 50 miles the pedals started making some unpleasant noises. The scratching sound from my rear axle didn't get any worse. I noticed a chip in my carbon fork, and it's clear that the Isis platinum bottom bracket won't last too long. I'll need to get the MegaQuad bottom bracket.
I guess it is just dirty. I'll need to clean and lube the pedals, I'm a little worried about the chip in the fork since I have heard that damaged carbon forks are suspect, but maybe that was only the old forks.
As far as me. I am stronger than I thought I was, but not as strong as I'd like to be.
Frame: 7005 Aluminum w/ Carbon seatstays
Handlebar: PZ Racing Components 3.3 Aluminum 31.8 clamp
Stem: PZ Racing Components 5.3 Aluminum 31.8 clamp
Fork: SRC Carbon Blade/ Alloy steertube
Seatpost: PZ Racing Components 2.2 Carbon/ Alloy 27.2 x 300
Tape: Cork w/ Gel
Crankset: FSA Gossamer ISIS Compact, 50/34T
Bottom Bracket: ISIS (Platinum?)
Headset: FSA Orbit 1 1/8 integrated
Tires: Hutchinson Quartz 700x23
Chain: KMC DX10S
Saddle: Selle Italia XO Trans Am
Front Derailleur: Shimano 105 FD-5600 double 31.8 clamp
Rear Derailleur: Shimano 105 FD 5600 SS 10 speed
Shift/ Brake Levers: Shimano 105 STI 10 speed
Cassette: Shimano 105 11/23T 10speed
Brakes: Tektro R-570
Wheelset: Easton Vista
Pedals: Wellgo W-40B Look Style
Well, let me start by saying that I am 5'10" and about 240 lbs. I was definately worried about the off brand frame with carbon stays, and the Easton Velomax rims. The Velomax rims have enough spokes to support my weight, although they do produce a whispering noise while riding.
I am now about 350 miles in on the bike. I average about 22o miles per week. My biggest surprise was in the Hutchinson Quartz tires. They provide incredible grip, and have fairly low rolling resistance. I have yet to get a flat (knock on wood) and have rode over some nasty stuff with my heavy frame.
I have shorter legs and a pretty tall torso so the 54" frame seemed like a good choice. So far the cornering is great, the FSA Orbit headset is decent. I didn't like the Selle Italia Trans AM seat until I was able to adjust the seat into a more aggressive position, although I am putting a lot of weight on the fork now. From what I understand this is the way I should be set up on the bike, but it definitely makes my arms more tired.
The FSA Gossamer ISIS crank is good so far. It is really good looking in silver, it doesn't make any noise so far, although I think I'll have to replace the bottom bracket before long. It is hard to determine which ISIS bottom bracket they used and if they have the QuadMax bearings, I think it uses the ISIS Platinum which does not have the additional ring of heavy duty bearings. But so far it hasn't given me any problems.
Of course what can I say about the Shimano 105 group shifters and the Tektro R-570 brakes. They all work the way they are supposed to, there are no surprises there. Once the brakes were broken in, they worked well, but the first couple of rides I had some scary stops.
This is my first compact crank, and I notice that I do miss the 53t or 52t large ring, but all-in-all it is versatile enough for me. I am now finding myself doing decent cadences. I noticed immediately that I have much better climbing habits, and people who used to leave me behind are having a much harder time shaking me now.
While the PZ Race Components probably won't set off any bells in any one's mind, in fact it is hard to find a website for this company, their components are strong and light. The only carbon component on the bike is the seat post. All of the PZ stuff looks good and works good. So far I am really happy with this bike. It retailed for $1499, but I got it on clearance for $899. Right now Bike Nashbar has the bike in most sizes. Except for the ISIS crank everything else is on the up-and-up. The only problem with the ISIS is that everything has gone to external cranks, so getting the FSA ISIS bottom brackets has become a fairly expensive proposition. At my rate of riding, I'll probably have to replace the BB every 6 months, but for most riders it should be fine.
Anyway, it is a great bike, at a great price. If you have the bread and need a bike I'd definitely recommend it.
