The following is a critique of my Woodrup as equipped for my recent Shoreline MUP (Michigan's Upper Peninsula) Tour. I left the tour early as my "new job" paperwork arrived home and the missus and I realized it could take significant time to address everything correctly. I rode 57 miles day 1, 67 day 2, and kept up with the eating and recreating on day 3, taking a leading position for my team (Team Laterne Rouge) in the ice cream general category. This was a sagged tent/bag tour, with potential for rain. I need lighter raingear that doesn't take up so much space on the bike. I'm thinking something light and lively like a Roadeo with maybe more rake would be right up my alley. At the same time, I really see the value of putting the mass of stuff in a big saddle bag like a Carradice (ordered from Wiggle, but they are still backordered; grrr), with a lighter front bag that will manage a big map window, maybe a Campagne or Acorn rather than a big Ostrich or senior Berthoud.
I'd love some feedback from users of, say, a Roadeo equipped with the Riv standard front Barsack and its little rack. I'd say my Woodrup, equipped with Campy racing triple and matching front mech, Duopar rear mech, Sachs 7 freewheel, 1st gen DuraAce brakes, Nitto cockpit, Selle Anatomica, Pasela TG 700x32s on shimano hubs with 36s 3x-laced CR18s, Zefal fenders, B&M + bottle lighting, and a cute little old Reich ding-bell, acquitted itself pretty well. Wheels, frame, pedals (Lyotard Berthets with light and long ALE toeclips!!), saddle, and fenders caused no irritation. A 40 or 42 cm Noodle bar, probably a 9-speed 12-32 rear end rather than the 13/32 7-speed, and possibly downtube or barend index levers. When fatigued I was irritated by the friction shifting, even with the excellent Duopar/Sachs ARIS combination, one of the best friction pairings I've used. In geometry I'd like to TRY a lower BB and more rake. It was real stable in a straight line, but tended to saw left and right when pedaling hard and climbing slowly. Better than my Trek 610, but still more oscillating than I want. It might be resolved with a still-better bag placement, perhaps with a smaller front bag on the rack/decaleur - small Acorn or Campagne? I also want a front fender/flap with better chain spray protection. Another frame issue is seat tube angle. The Woodrup, even as a 52 cm, has a 74 degree seat tube angle. To get the Sella Anatomica where my sit bones want it, I have it slammed on a setback seatpost. Another 2 cm of setback would be welcome, since it would alone get the saddle rails supported in the center rather than the front. All these changes seem to point to a new frame, since the Woodrup really can't be adapted to meet the needs above. But, we had some fast descending, and she carved the roads like a razor, in my not so humble opinion! I think Grant is right about wanting longer chainstays for good sport-tour bikes. I've also learned that brevet riding will require some training to be able to maintain 12.5 mph average WITH STOPS, at least if I stop like we did. This longer open-road stuff can be hard! -- Ken Freeman Ann Arbor, MI USA -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en.
