Relayer's RST Thread Rebuild

[Relayer]

It seems I broke the last thread messing around with the pics, ... trying again.

Just a wee update on my RST since I fitted the E3 tail light today.  Changes since 2009 as follows:-

wider (58mm) handlebars, longer (170mm) cranks, Tubus Cargo rack (also have Tubus Duo Lowrider front rack to fit when required),  dual purpose pedals, Marathon Supreme 1.6 tyres, Supernova E3 front and back ...








The bike is running very sweetly now: particularly changes to handlebars, cranks, and tyres have made it even better.  I have done some day runs with local CTC of 60 - 70 miles, good comfort and no problems with speed or distance.  (As posted elsewhere, slight compromise of comfort with switch from 1.75 Pasela TGs)

I think that it is now the way I want it to be, no more modifications/upgrades come to mind ... for now.   

[Cedric]

Hi,

Looking very sporty with straight bar and bar ends.

Is it 511 or 536?

Thanks,

Cedric

[Relayer]

Hi Cedric

It's actually a 486L, with 120mm stem to stretch it up a bit to fit me.

[neil_p]

Nice bike... what kind of compuer is that? A garmin perchance?

[Relayer]

Hi Neil, thanks, yes it's a Garmin Edge 800 - very nice piece of kit.

[Relayer]

Had a nice ride in the Kingdom of Fife yesterday on somewhat hazy day, pics on the Fife coast not so brilliant because of the light, but long overdue ...






The Forth Bridge in the background and the road bridge behind that in the distance, my route home   



I am currently back on the Pasela TG's, they are proving quite versatile since I did some off-road up the Fife Coastal Path to Burntisland, nearly as comfy as my MTB!!

[jags]

Magic stunning bike and the background ain't to bad either
for such a small frame those cranks look very long  what length are they  if you dont mind me asking.

great photos tho.

[Relayer]

Hiya Jags, they're 170mm cranks, I think it must be the angle makes them look long?

[Pavel]

Extremely beautiful bike there!  I've always liked the graceful look that I think that color green gives to a bicycle.  May I ask, how tall a person is that size for? 

I'm thinking of ordering the same bar ends ... how do you like them? 

[Relayer]

Hi Pavel

If memory serves me correctly I think the 486L is stated as for people from about 4' 11" to 5' 5".  However I am 5' 7 1/2" although I got a 120mm stem to fit, and Robin Thorn told me that at 5' 9" he can ride this size without problems.

I like these bar ends, they are very comfortable and being rubber they don't get cold like alloy ones do.

[davefife]

Hi Relayer - next time your through Aberdour, let me know and call in at the shed, see my RST and chat Rohloff talk!
all contact details on the web site www.davesbikeshed.co.uk would be good to meet with bikes next time you are out this way.

Have your tyres gone from Pasella to Schwalbe to Pasella?
cheers
Dave

[jags]

relayer can i ask you your  saddlebag have you something inside to stiffen both the back and sides.
when i use mine it droops over the rack and i use it exactly like ou do mystery

[Relayer]

Dave, yes I've been switching back and forth between the Schwalbe Supremes and the Panaracer Paselas, trying to figure out which I like best.  Comfort is becoming more important to me, with the straight bars I get some discomfort in my wrists sometimes so I am continually tweaking things.

I'll take you up on that invitation sometime, it would be great to see the shed and another RST to compare sizing/setup.

Jags, I have a folding sit mat across the bottom of the saddle bag which cushions a pump in there when not in use.  I didn't set out to deliberately stiffen things up and wouldn't have a problem if the bag did droop a bit. 

[Relayer]

Having had some problems with numbness and/or pins & needles in my forearms riding the RST I was adjusting my Ergon GP1 grips ever downwards to try to reduce pressure on the ulnar nerve - to no avail.  (I have mitts with padding on the heel of the hand which supposedly reduce pressure on this nerve.)  I then thought perhaps the raised bit at the back of the SJSC bar ends might be causing a problem with the heel of my hands so I bought a pair of Cane Creek Ergo Grip II bar ends.

While fitting the new bar ends I revisited the Ergon GP1 installation instructions and noticed the default position is horizontal.  Further, adjustment can be 15 deg down, or 25 deg up ... thinks - they go further UP than down!!   By adjusting the grips progressively downward trying to reduce pressure on the heel of my hand ... was I causing excess strain on my wrists?

Dan will be displeased at my non-scientific approach but given this eureka moment I fitted the new bar ends and adjusted the grips to horizontal at the same time ... result is a great success!!!   



Happy days, I can ride with straight bars after all!  I don't know if it's the new bar ends or new grips position, I suspect a bit of both.  I might even yet try adjusting the grips upward of horizontal.

Cane Creek Ergo Grip II bar ends are very very comfortable, highly recommended.

P.S.  I've also switched back to 1.6" Supremes, tyres weren't the issue with my hands/wrists either.

[jags]

What a stunning bike everything about it seems spot on  class.
glad you got everything sorted just the way you want it.
enjoy every pedal stroke ,