now can I swap a sora triple crankset for a double?

[conrad]

> conrad wrote:
>
> > Shimano says my Sora triple shifters have to be used with a triple
crankset,
> > not a double, but...
> >
> > Can I just take off the existing crankset and put on a new 105 triple?
Same
> > BB?
>
> As Sheldon has pointed out regarding other road triple
> shifters, they do doubles equally well.
>
> Shimano's current Sora crank is a normal square spindle.
> The current 105 is a spline pattern, so, no you cannot .
>
> Why would you make that change? The two cranks are not
> markedly different in use. If you're seeking status while
> keeping that gearing, the Veloce triple with matching BB is
> cheaper than the 105 crank alone.
> --
> Andrew Muzi
> www.yellowjersey.org
> Open every day since 1 April, 1971
>
Thanks to all for taking time to reply. This newsgroup was quite helpful,
and I got a lot fewer smart-aleck replies than I expected!

The full story on this:

As you can guess, my bike was not expensive, but I am slow (riding a lot of
hours, not a lot of kilometers), and am definitely not seeking status, just
something that works safely and won't devastate me if it's stolen.

The bike has Sora triple shifters on the handlebars and Tiagra derailleurs.
However, it doesn't really have a Sora triple crankset, but rather a no-name
that is so warped that the chain tends to hop off. I bought the bike new,
and took it back to the shop several
times, but the owner kept telling me "tough".

There are no hills where I live, and I'd just prefer a 38x52 or 39x53 double
instead of the triple, as that was what I was used to for a long time.

As for asking about the 105, I'm finding that new Sora cranksets are hard to
find; I guess they're just an OEM thing that isn't intended to be in the
aftermarket. But I can find 105s.

So now my real question is, assuming I can find a (non-warped) Sora double,
can I put it on my existing BB, set the limit screws on the front derailleur
to prevent accidentally throwing the chain off, stick with my existing Sora
triple shifters, and ride away? Sounds like you're telling me "Yes".

thanks

conrad

[Rick Onanian]

On Sat, 22 May 2004 09:14:14 -0500, "conrad" >
wrote:
>However, it doesn't really have a Sora triple crankset, but rather a no-name
>that is so warped that the chain tends to hop off. I bought the bike new,
>and took it back to the shop several
> times, but the owner kept telling me "tough".

Please tell us what store that was. You'll be doing a service to the
readers of this newsgroup, and others searching groups.google.com.

>So now my real question is, assuming I can find a (non-warped) Sora double,
>can I put it on my existing BB, set the limit screws on the front derailleur
>to prevent accidentally throwing the chain off, stick with my existing Sora
>triple shifters, and ride away? Sounds like you're telling me "Yes".

Yup.
--
Rick Onanian

[Rick Onanian]

On Sat, 22 May 2004 09:14:14 -0500, "conrad" >
wrote:
>However, it doesn't really have a Sora triple crankset, but rather a no-name
>that is so warped that the chain tends to hop off. I bought the bike new,
>and took it back to the shop several
> times, but the owner kept telling me "tough".

Please tell us what store that was. You'll be doing a service to the
readers of this newsgroup, and others searching groups.google.com.

>So now my real question is, assuming I can find a (non-warped) Sora double,
>can I put it on my existing BB, set the limit screws on the front derailleur
>to prevent accidentally throwing the chain off, stick with my existing Sora
>triple shifters, and ride away? Sounds like you're telling me "Yes".

Yup.
--
Rick Onanian

[Jeff Starr]

"conrad" > wrote in message >...
> > conrad wrote:

> Th
>
> So now my real question is, assuming I can find a (non-warped) Sora double,
> can I put it on my existing BB, set the limit screws on the front derailleur
> to prevent accidentally throwing the chain off, stick with my existing Sora
> triple shifters, and ride away? Sounds like you're telling me "Yes".
>
> thanks
>
> conrad

Hi Conrad, a Sora double crankset is easy to find, check out Nashbar,
it's even on sale.
http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=81&subcategory=1034&brand=&sku=2949&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=

Life is Good!
Jeff

[Jeff Starr]

"conrad" > wrote in message >...
> > conrad wrote:

> Th
>
> So now my real question is, assuming I can find a (non-warped) Sora double,
> can I put it on my existing BB, set the limit screws on the front derailleur
> to prevent accidentally throwing the chain off, stick with my existing Sora
> triple shifters, and ride away? Sounds like you're telling me "Yes".
>
> thanks
>
> conrad

Hi Conrad, a Sora double crankset is easy to find, check out Nashbar,
it's even on sale.
http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=81&subcategory=1034&brand=&sku=2949&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=

Life is Good!
Jeff

[ZeeExSixAre]

> Hi Conrad, a Sora double crankset is easy to find, check out Nashbar,
> it's even on sale.

Everything is on sale. Mark prices up 20% from what you were planning on
selling it for, and then say it's on sale... easy tactic to lure buyers.

--
Phil, Squid-in-Training

[ZeeExSixAre]

> Hi Conrad, a Sora double crankset is easy to find, check out Nashbar,
> it's even on sale.

Everything is on sale. Mark prices up 20% from what you were planning on
selling it for, and then say it's on sale... easy tactic to lure buyers.

--
Phil, Squid-in-Training

[Jeff Starr]

"ZeeExSixAre" > wrote in message >...
> > Hi Conrad, a Sora double crankset is easy to find, check out Nashbar,
> > it's even on sale.
>
> Everything is on sale. Mark prices up 20% from what you were planning on
> selling it for, and then say it's on sale... easy tactic to lure buyers.

Hi, whether or not that is the case, and I think it is an exageration,
the only price listed that matters, is the one you have to pay. If the
OP is doing his own install, then buying online will probably save him
a few bucks. Before I was willing to do my own labor, I had a Sora
Double crankset installed on my old road bike. As I recall, I also got
a new headset and aero brake levers, at that time. The LBS charged me
$65 for the Sora crank. So $47.95, plus $6.20 in shipping, is a
worthwhile savings. Actually a new bottom bracket should be included
in that purchase.
Before buying from Nashbar, the purchaser should do a search for the
current discount code, which is, I believe woth 10%. Look at that
$47.95 - 4.79 = $43.16, even better.

Now, with the sale and discount, it would be a good time to buy that
starter tool kit -
http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=99&subcategory=1232&brand=&sku=3521&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=

I have one and it is quite useful. For anyone just getting started,
doing their own bike repair and maintenance, it is hard to beat. Get a
decent cable/housing cutter and you have the basics, pretty much
covered.

Life is Good!
Jeff

[Jeff Starr]

"ZeeExSixAre" > wrote in message >...
> > Hi Conrad, a Sora double crankset is easy to find, check out Nashbar,
> > it's even on sale.
>
> Everything is on sale. Mark prices up 20% from what you were planning on
> selling it for, and then say it's on sale... easy tactic to lure buyers.

Hi, whether or not that is the case, and I think it is an exageration,
the only price listed that matters, is the one you have to pay. If the
OP is doing his own install, then buying online will probably save him
a few bucks. Before I was willing to do my own labor, I had a Sora
Double crankset installed on my old road bike. As I recall, I also got
a new headset and aero brake levers, at that time. The LBS charged me
$65 for the Sora crank. So $47.95, plus $6.20 in shipping, is a
worthwhile savings. Actually a new bottom bracket should be included
in that purchase.
Before buying from Nashbar, the purchaser should do a search for the
current discount code, which is, I believe woth 10%. Look at that
$47.95 - 4.79 = $43.16, even better.

Now, with the sale and discount, it would be a good time to buy that
starter tool kit -
http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=99&subcategory=1232&brand=&sku=3521&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=

I have one and it is quite useful. For anyone just getting started,
doing their own bike repair and maintenance, it is hard to beat. Get a
decent cable/housing cutter and you have the basics, pretty much
covered.

Life is Good!
Jeff

[tooly]

"Jeff Starr" > wrote in message
om...
> "ZeeExSixAre" > wrote in message
>...
> > > Hi Conrad, a Sora double crankset is easy to find, check out Nashbar,
> > > it's even on sale.
> >
> > Everything is on sale. Mark prices up 20% from what you were planning
on
> > selling it for, and then say it's on sale... easy tactic to lure
buyers.
>
> Hi, whether or not that is the case, and I think it is an exageration,
> the only price listed that matters, is the one you have to pay. If the
> OP is doing his own install, then buying online will probably save him
> a few bucks. Before I was willing to do my own labor, I had a Sora
> Double crankset installed on my old road bike. As I recall, I also got
> a new headset and aero brake levers, at that time. The LBS charged me
> $65 for the Sora crank. So $47.95, plus $6.20 in shipping, is a
> worthwhile savings. Actually a new bottom bracket should be included
> in that purchase.
> Before buying from Nashbar, the purchaser should do a search for the
> current discount code, which is, I believe woth 10%. Look at that
> $47.95 - 4.79 = $43.16, even better.
>
> Now, with the sale and discount, it would be a good time to buy that
> starter tool kit -
>
http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=99&subcategory=1232&brand=&sku=3521&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=
>
> I have one and it is quite useful. For anyone just getting started,
> doing their own bike repair and maintenance, it is hard to beat. Get a
> decent cable/housing cutter and you have the basics, pretty much
> covered.
>
> Life is Good!
> Jeff

Hey Jeff, you seem helpful here.
I've been riding for many years but never made much connection with
others that I might recieve good information on bike maint and repair.
What always seem formidable to me was matching proper sizes and
threadings in the proper ways to specific parts for a specific bike.
I don't have a lot of resources for error.

Anyway, you speak about starter kits and such; might you give any
advice to someone like myself who wants to be more self reliant
in doing own repairs and able to piecemeal that 'perfect' bike
together over time (from frame up). You know, books and
resources that bike shop tekkies and insiders might use? Or is
it just something that experience can teach? thnx

[tooly]

"Jeff Starr" > wrote in message
om...
> "ZeeExSixAre" > wrote in message
>...
> > > Hi Conrad, a Sora double crankset is easy to find, check out Nashbar,
> > > it's even on sale.
> >
> > Everything is on sale. Mark prices up 20% from what you were planning
on
> > selling it for, and then say it's on sale... easy tactic to lure
buyers.
>
> Hi, whether or not that is the case, and I think it is an exageration,
> the only price listed that matters, is the one you have to pay. If the
> OP is doing his own install, then buying online will probably save him
> a few bucks. Before I was willing to do my own labor, I had a Sora
> Double crankset installed on my old road bike. As I recall, I also got
> a new headset and aero brake levers, at that time. The LBS charged me
> $65 for the Sora crank. So $47.95, plus $6.20 in shipping, is a
> worthwhile savings. Actually a new bottom bracket should be included
> in that purchase.
> Before buying from Nashbar, the purchaser should do a search for the
> current discount code, which is, I believe woth 10%. Look at that
> $47.95 - 4.79 = $43.16, even better.
>
> Now, with the sale and discount, it would be a good time to buy that
> starter tool kit -
>
http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=99&subcategory=1232&brand=&sku=3521&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=
>
> I have one and it is quite useful. For anyone just getting started,
> doing their own bike repair and maintenance, it is hard to beat. Get a
> decent cable/housing cutter and you have the basics, pretty much
> covered.
>
> Life is Good!
> Jeff

Hey Jeff, you seem helpful here.
I've been riding for many years but never made much connection with
others that I might recieve good information on bike maint and repair.
What always seem formidable to me was matching proper sizes and
threadings in the proper ways to specific parts for a specific bike.
I don't have a lot of resources for error.

Anyway, you speak about starter kits and such; might you give any
advice to someone like myself who wants to be more self reliant
in doing own repairs and able to piecemeal that 'perfect' bike
together over time (from frame up). You know, books and
resources that bike shop tekkies and insiders might use? Or is
it just something that experience can teach? thnx

[Benjamin Weiner]

conrad > wrote:
> As for asking about the 105, I'm finding that new Sora cranksets are hard to
> find; I guess they're just an OEM thing that isn't intended to be in the
> aftermarket. But I can find 105s.

> So now my real question is, assuming I can find a (non-warped) Sora double,
> can I put it on my existing BB, set the limit screws on the front derailleur
> to prevent accidentally throwing the chain off, stick with my existing Sora
> triple shifters, and ride away? Sounds like you're telling me "Yes".

The bottom bracket spindle length has to be correct for the
crankset. Your existing BB may or may not be the right length
for the Sora. You can measure it or look at the BB size table
at www.sheldonbrown.com. BBs are rather cheaper than cranks
so it is worth finding the crankset that meets your needs
and then spending the $20-30 on the matching BB. If your bike
came with cheapo OEM cranks it may have a off-brand BB as well,
so no sense going through contortions to keep it.

[Benjamin Weiner]

conrad > wrote:
> As for asking about the 105, I'm finding that new Sora cranksets are hard to
> find; I guess they're just an OEM thing that isn't intended to be in the
> aftermarket. But I can find 105s.

> So now my real question is, assuming I can find a (non-warped) Sora double,
> can I put it on my existing BB, set the limit screws on the front derailleur
> to prevent accidentally throwing the chain off, stick with my existing Sora
> triple shifters, and ride away? Sounds like you're telling me "Yes".

The bottom bracket spindle length has to be correct for the
crankset. Your existing BB may or may not be the right length
for the Sora. You can measure it or look at the BB size table
at www.sheldonbrown.com. BBs are rather cheaper than cranks
so it is worth finding the crankset that meets your needs
and then spending the $20-30 on the matching BB. If your bike
came with cheapo OEM cranks it may have a off-brand BB as well,
so no sense going through contortions to keep it.

[Jeff Starr]

"tooly" > wrote in message >...


>
> Hey Jeff, you seem helpful here.
> I've been riding for many years but never made much connection with
> others that I might recieve good information on bike maint and repair.
> What always seem formidable to me was matching proper sizes and
> threadings in the proper ways to specific parts for a specific bike.
> I don't have a lot of resources for error.
>
> Anyway, you speak about starter kits and such; might you give any
> advice to someone like myself who wants to be more self reliant
> in doing own repairs and able to piecemeal that 'perfect' bike
> together over time (from frame up). You know, books and
> resources that bike shop tekkies and insiders might use? Or is
> it just something that experience can teach? thnx

Hi, thank you for the kind words, but you give me way to much credit.
When I first got back into biking, I had the LBS do everything. A
combination of necessity and curiousity has helped me learn, what
little I know. Bicycles in general are not all that complicated, road
bikes in particular are quite simple.

How I learned, is by pouring over all the catalogs from Performance,
Nashbar, and the others, to learn about parts. I have read and often
reread much of the information that Sheldon Brown has on his websites.
Take a look:
http://sheldonbrown.com/articles.html
I also use the info on Parl tools website:
http://www.parktool.com/repair_help/FAQindex.shtml
I regularly search the archives on the rec.bicycle.tech website. Their
FAQ section is helpful.
I got friendly with some of the mechanics and salesman at my LBS. I
often ask them questions.

Once you really take a look at it, you will see that there aren't that
many sizes to worry about. In most cases, you just use the same size
that you had or the size that is recommended for that model of part.
What sizes and threads are you not clear on?

And then, you just have to start somewhere. I started doing little
things like swapping saddles and stems. This winter I replaced
everything but the headset, fork, brake calipers, and wheels on my
LeMond. The brake calipers, I could do, just didn't need to. I'm not
ready to do my own headset or wheelbuilding. In fact later this week,
I should be receiving a set of wheels that I had built by Peter of
Vecchio's. I wanted a reliable, professionally built set of wheels.

Maybe someday, I'll try to build a set, but not at this time. I like
doing my own work, but it is a means to an end. That end is riding. It
does help, that by learning what is available , what is a good deal,
and then not paying for labor. I have been able to put together my
own, personalized, optimally equiped, LeMond Tourmalet. The average
person won't even notice the improvements, but it doesn't matter,
because I did for me, I didn't do it to impress anyone. I have a bike
that I am proud of and love to ride. To me, this bike just screams
"ride me".
Life is Good!
Jeff

[Jeff Starr]

"tooly" > wrote in message >...


>
> Hey Jeff, you seem helpful here.
> I've been riding for many years but never made much connection with
> others that I might recieve good information on bike maint and repair.
> What always seem formidable to me was matching proper sizes and
> threadings in the proper ways to specific parts for a specific bike.
> I don't have a lot of resources for error.
>
> Anyway, you speak about starter kits and such; might you give any
> advice to someone like myself who wants to be more self reliant
> in doing own repairs and able to piecemeal that 'perfect' bike
> together over time (from frame up). You know, books and
> resources that bike shop tekkies and insiders might use? Or is
> it just something that experience can teach? thnx

Hi, thank you for the kind words, but you give me way to much credit.
When I first got back into biking, I had the LBS do everything. A
combination of necessity and curiousity has helped me learn, what
little I know. Bicycles in general are not all that complicated, road
bikes in particular are quite simple.

How I learned, is by pouring over all the catalogs from Performance,
Nashbar, and the others, to learn about parts. I have read and often
reread much of the information that Sheldon Brown has on his websites.
Take a look:
http://sheldonbrown.com/articles.html
I also use the info on Parl tools website:
http://www.parktool.com/repair_help/FAQindex.shtml
I regularly search the archives on the rec.bicycle.tech website. Their
FAQ section is helpful.
I got friendly with some of the mechanics and salesman at my LBS. I
often ask them questions.

Once you really take a look at it, you will see that there aren't that
many sizes to worry about. In most cases, you just use the same size
that you had or the size that is recommended for that model of part.
What sizes and threads are you not clear on?

And then, you just have to start somewhere. I started doing little
things like swapping saddles and stems. This winter I replaced
everything but the headset, fork, brake calipers, and wheels on my
LeMond. The brake calipers, I could do, just didn't need to. I'm not
ready to do my own headset or wheelbuilding. In fact later this week,
I should be receiving a set of wheels that I had built by Peter of
Vecchio's. I wanted a reliable, professionally built set of wheels.

Maybe someday, I'll try to build a set, but not at this time. I like
doing my own work, but it is a means to an end. That end is riding. It
does help, that by learning what is available , what is a good deal,
and then not paying for labor. I have been able to put together my
own, personalized, optimally equiped, LeMond Tourmalet. The average
person won't even notice the improvements, but it doesn't matter,
because I did for me, I didn't do it to impress anyone. I have a bike
that I am proud of and love to ride. To me, this bike just screams
"ride me".
Life is Good!
Jeff

[tooly]

"Jeff Starr" > wrote in message
om...
> "tooly" > wrote in message
>...
>
>
> >
> > Hey Jeff, you seem helpful here.
> > I've been riding for many years but never made much connection with
> > others that I might recieve good information on bike maint and repair.
> > What always seem formidable to me was matching proper sizes and
> > threadings in the proper ways to specific parts for a specific bike.
> > I don't have a lot of resources for error.
> >
> > Anyway, you speak about starter kits and such; might you give any
> > advice to someone like myself who wants to be more self reliant
> > in doing own repairs and able to piecemeal that 'perfect' bike
> > together over time (from frame up). You know, books and
> > resources that bike shop tekkies and insiders might use? Or is
> > it just something that experience can teach? thnx
>
> Hi, thank you for the kind words, but you give me way to much credit.
> When I first got back into biking, I had the LBS do everything. A
> combination of necessity and curiousity has helped me learn, what
> little I know. Bicycles in general are not all that complicated, road
> bikes in particular are quite simple.
>
> How I learned, is by pouring over all the catalogs from Performance,
> Nashbar, and the others, to learn about parts. I have read and often
> reread much of the information that Sheldon Brown has on his websites.
> Take a look:
> http://sheldonbrown.com/articles.html
> I also use the info on Parl tools website:
> http://www.parktool.com/repair_help/FAQindex.shtml
> I regularly search the archives on the rec.bicycle.tech website. Their
> FAQ section is helpful.
> I got friendly with some of the mechanics and salesman at my LBS. I
> often ask them questions.
>
> Once you really take a look at it, you will see that there aren't that
> many sizes to worry about. In most cases, you just use the same size
> that you had or the size that is recommended for that model of part.
> What sizes and threads are you not clear on?
>
> And then, you just have to start somewhere. I started doing little
> things like swapping saddles and stems. This winter I replaced
> everything but the headset, fork, brake calipers, and wheels on my
> LeMond. The brake calipers, I could do, just didn't need to. I'm not
> ready to do my own headset or wheelbuilding. In fact later this week,
> I should be receiving a set of wheels that I had built by Peter of
> Vecchio's. I wanted a reliable, professionally built set of wheels.
>
> Maybe someday, I'll try to build a set, but not at this time. I like
> doing my own work, but it is a means to an end. That end is riding. It
> does help, that by learning what is available , what is a good deal,
> and then not paying for labor. I have been able to put together my
> own, personalized, optimally equiped, LeMond Tourmalet. The average
> person won't even notice the improvements, but it doesn't matter,
> because I did for me, I didn't do it to impress anyone. I have a bike
> that I am proud of and love to ride. To me, this bike just screams
> "ride me".
> Life is Good!
> Jeff

When I'm on ebay, I see all sorts of brand parts I'm not familiar with.
Just as an example how I get 'gunshy' :), just a week or so ago I pulled
two tubes off my shop's shelf for my bontrager 700x19cc wheels. But
I learned I needed tubes that would fit the deep-v design and normal
tubes wouldn't work. It's that kind of thing that keeps me sort of
hesitant in ordering seperate parts, and I too sort of rely upon my bike
shop to do most of my major work (as you early on).

You sort of fit my mold BTW, only advanced of course. I'd love to
build my own from ground up...a labor of love so to speak, ha. And
I know exactly what you mean that it's the 'ride' that's important [why
I have no problem letting the far more capable tekkies at the shop
do my work now(also,I like supporting the shop)]. You've pointed me
in some directions here, and that's what I was looking for and I
appreciate it. Good luck on Vecchio wheels...and life is indeed
good, especially with a 10mph tailwind :).

[tooly]

"Jeff Starr" > wrote in message
om...
> "tooly" > wrote in message
>...
>
>
> >
> > Hey Jeff, you seem helpful here.
> > I've been riding for many years but never made much connection with
> > others that I might recieve good information on bike maint and repair.
> > What always seem formidable to me was matching proper sizes and
> > threadings in the proper ways to specific parts for a specific bike.
> > I don't have a lot of resources for error.
> >
> > Anyway, you speak about starter kits and such; might you give any
> > advice to someone like myself who wants to be more self reliant
> > in doing own repairs and able to piecemeal that 'perfect' bike
> > together over time (from frame up). You know, books and
> > resources that bike shop tekkies and insiders might use? Or is
> > it just something that experience can teach? thnx
>
> Hi, thank you for the kind words, but you give me way to much credit.
> When I first got back into biking, I had the LBS do everything. A
> combination of necessity and curiousity has helped me learn, what
> little I know. Bicycles in general are not all that complicated, road
> bikes in particular are quite simple.
>
> How I learned, is by pouring over all the catalogs from Performance,
> Nashbar, and the others, to learn about parts. I have read and often
> reread much of the information that Sheldon Brown has on his websites.
> Take a look:
> http://sheldonbrown.com/articles.html
> I also use the info on Parl tools website:
> http://www.parktool.com/repair_help/FAQindex.shtml
> I regularly search the archives on the rec.bicycle.tech website. Their
> FAQ section is helpful.
> I got friendly with some of the mechanics and salesman at my LBS. I
> often ask them questions.
>
> Once you really take a look at it, you will see that there aren't that
> many sizes to worry about. In most cases, you just use the same size
> that you had or the size that is recommended for that model of part.
> What sizes and threads are you not clear on?
>
> And then, you just have to start somewhere. I started doing little
> things like swapping saddles and stems. This winter I replaced
> everything but the headset, fork, brake calipers, and wheels on my
> LeMond. The brake calipers, I could do, just didn't need to. I'm not
> ready to do my own headset or wheelbuilding. In fact later this week,
> I should be receiving a set of wheels that I had built by Peter of
> Vecchio's. I wanted a reliable, professionally built set of wheels.
>
> Maybe someday, I'll try to build a set, but not at this time. I like
> doing my own work, but it is a means to an end. That end is riding. It
> does help, that by learning what is available , what is a good deal,
> and then not paying for labor. I have been able to put together my
> own, personalized, optimally equiped, LeMond Tourmalet. The average
> person won't even notice the improvements, but it doesn't matter,
> because I did for me, I didn't do it to impress anyone. I have a bike
> that I am proud of and love to ride. To me, this bike just screams
> "ride me".
> Life is Good!
> Jeff

When I'm on ebay, I see all sorts of brand parts I'm not familiar with.
Just as an example how I get 'gunshy' :), just a week or so ago I pulled
two tubes off my shop's shelf for my bontrager 700x19cc wheels. But
I learned I needed tubes that would fit the deep-v design and normal
tubes wouldn't work. It's that kind of thing that keeps me sort of
hesitant in ordering seperate parts, and I too sort of rely upon my bike
shop to do most of my major work (as you early on).

You sort of fit my mold BTW, only advanced of course. I'd love to
build my own from ground up...a labor of love so to speak, ha. And
I know exactly what you mean that it's the 'ride' that's important [why
I have no problem letting the far more capable tekkies at the shop
do my work now(also,I like supporting the shop)]. You've pointed me
in some directions here, and that's what I was looking for and I
appreciate it. Good luck on Vecchio wheels...and life is indeed
good, especially with a 10mph tailwind :).

[conrad]

--
c
"Rick Onanian" > wrote in message
...
> On Sat, 22 May 2004 09:14:14 -0500, "conrad" >
> wrote:
> >However, it doesn't really have a Sora triple crankset, but rather a
no-name
> >that is so warped that the chain tends to hop off. I bought the bike
new,
> >and took it back to the shop several
> > times, but the owner kept telling me "tough".
>
> Please tell us what store that was. You'll be doing a service to the
> readers of this newsgroup, and others searching groups.google.com.

I'm rather reluctant to do that, partially because I have since forgotten
the jerk's name. But more because the guys that worked there really went
the extra mile to help me out; unfortunately, the owner made the final call.
He really knows how to hire help; he just doesn't know enough to stay out of
the shop himself.

And if I gave up that store's name, where would I stop? Would I also have
to report the shop where they told me to wear my helmet with the straps
dangling loose? Those folks aren't just ripping off the customers, they
could be killing them.

Or how about the well-stocked store where, when I walked in and said "I'm
looking for a road bike" I got the reply "We don't have anything for you
here." Must have been a branch of Neiman-Marcus, I guess.

So let's just say what I learned was to be very wary buying the store's
"house" brand that comes with wildly mis-matched components.

conrad

[conrad]

--
c
"Rick Onanian" > wrote in message
...
> On Sat, 22 May 2004 09:14:14 -0500, "conrad" >
> wrote:
> >However, it doesn't really have a Sora triple crankset, but rather a
no-name
> >that is so warped that the chain tends to hop off. I bought the bike
new,
> >and took it back to the shop several
> > times, but the owner kept telling me "tough".
>
> Please tell us what store that was. You'll be doing a service to the
> readers of this newsgroup, and others searching groups.google.com.

I'm rather reluctant to do that, partially because I have since forgotten
the jerk's name. But more because the guys that worked there really went
the extra mile to help me out; unfortunately, the owner made the final call.
He really knows how to hire help; he just doesn't know enough to stay out of
the shop himself.

And if I gave up that store's name, where would I stop? Would I also have
to report the shop where they told me to wear my helmet with the straps
dangling loose? Those folks aren't just ripping off the customers, they
could be killing them.

Or how about the well-stocked store where, when I walked in and said "I'm
looking for a road bike" I got the reply "We don't have anything for you
here." Must have been a branch of Neiman-Marcus, I guess.

So let's just say what I learned was to be very wary buying the store's
"house" brand that comes with wildly mis-matched components.

conrad

[Rick Onanian]

On Mon, 24 May 2004 19:44:47 -0500, "conrad" >
wrote:
>"Rick Onanian" > wrote in message
>> On Sat, 22 May 2004 09:14:14 -0500, "conrad" >
>> >that is so warped that the chain tends to hop off. I bought the bike
>> >new and took it back to the shop several
>> > times, but the owner kept telling me "tough".

>> Please tell us what store that was. You'll be doing a service to the
>> readers of this newsgroup, and others searching groups.google.com.
>
>I'm rather reluctant to do that, partially because I have since forgotten
>the jerk's name. But more because the guys that worked there really went
>the extra mile to help me out; unfortunately, the owner made the final call.
>He really knows how to hire help; he just doesn't know enough to stay out of
>the shop himself.

Well, that's worth mentioning when you report the name. Sounds like
a worthwhile shop if you avoid the owner...but not a shop to buy a
bike at. Really, you have a malfunctioning brand new bike, and the
owner tells you "tough", and you feel bad for the nice employees, so
much so that you'd not tell other consumers how badly you were
treated? If the story really is as you say it is, then nobody should
buy a bike there.

>And if I gave up that store's name, where would I stop? Would I also have
>to report the shop where they told me to wear my helmet with the straps
>dangling loose? Those folks aren't just ripping off the customers, they
>could be killing them.

You should. Sounds like a fine place to buy stuff, and a terrible
place to get advice. I hate to potentially start a h*lm*t war, but
what could possibly be the point of wearing one without the straps
buckled? Protect you from stuff falling out of the sky?

>Or how about the well-stocked store where, when I walked in and said "I'm
>looking for a road bike" I got the reply "We don't have anything for you
>here." Must have been a branch of Neiman-Marcus, I guess.

Absolutely. That's absurd and awful. It's not necessary to alienate
a potential customer with rudeness just because they're not
currently looking for something you sell.

>So let's just say what I learned was to be very wary buying the store's
>"house" brand that comes with wildly mis-matched components.

It's a _good_ thing to tell others about your experience at stores.
You're not helping anybody by allowing blatant misbehavior such as
you've listed above.

Want me to take the lead? I can start by telling you about shops in
Rhode Island.

East Providence Cycle / Epicycle: Narrowly focused on sales, didn't
fit me properly. I wasn't smart enough to know, at the time. Fine
place to do business if you know what you're doing, or if you're not
buying a traditional road bike (where fit, it seems, is most
important). Too big and corporate-stiff.

Casters: Terribly slow service. Good selection. Probably
knowledgable. I've never bought a bike there, but I suspect they
will work to fit you properly and service it after. I get the
feeling of East Providence Cycle, but slightly better.

Some small bike shop near my house, name forgotten: The guy doesn't
know anything. Maybe that's why he's having a going-out-of-business
sale.

Narragansett Bikes: Great service. Knowledgable. Product selection
is small.

Providence Bicycle: Good selection, much attention to fitting.
Expensive. Seems big and impersonal.

There's probably 10 or 15 more, but those are the ones I've enough
experience to say something about (that I can remember).
--
Rick Onanian