#283: CX gear up, part 1
As I had been planning to do all summer, I went ahead and got the needed parts to convert my Dura Ace 9 equipped Ridley CrossBow with SRAM Force. A pair of shift levers, derailleurs and a chain. Earlier in the week, I tore down the bike to the frame, cleaned, and waxed it. It is looking a little more banged up the last time it was down to bare frame (when I got it), but it will serve me well waiting for me in the pits.
Since I setup my X-Fire last January with a mix of SRAM components, the first order of business was to replace the rear derailleur which was Rival with my new Force RD. Unfortunately, it involved a cable change (and the threading of the cable through the gear mech.). After a false start, the cable threaded right through and I put everything back together again (rewrapped the bar tape, etc). Here it is ready for tomorrow’s Trinity ride where I plan to ride it to check the shifting, etc. I don’t plan to ride far with the group which is fortunate since I have only a 46 tooth big ring. Once out on the open road, that probably won’t cut it.
Also on the equipment front, I purchased a lightly used set of tubular rims from an old teammate of mine. I haven’t ridden them, but they are pretty trick for a set of aluminum tubies. He had some Tufo tires already taped on, so I will probably start out with those and see how that goes. I do plan to glue on the tires in the future (which likely will not be Tufos).
With that, it is time to focus on the road and finish out the road season with (potentially) three in a row starting with Meridian/Cuba this weekend. It is possible that might do the LAMBRA championships in mid-September, if I decide that I am close enough to try to get the LAMBRA Cat 3 jersey. I am a fairly close 2nd despite missing a stage race in July and a DNF down at Shreveport (no points).
