I debated for a long while, if I wanted to purchase a completed bike or build a bike from specific components that I would get to chose.  In the end it came down to a sale at www.backcountryoutlet.com for a frame that was in my size and in the wheel size I wanted.  I wanted the 650c wheel size because that what my other previous two bikes were and I was familiar with them.  Since I’m a shorter person, this only made sense.  After the frame purchase, I went to my friend at Zipp to help me with chosing the right components for me and he helped with staying within my budget.  Zipp Speed Wepontry is a company that I really believe in and I feel that they really do put out a superior product.  My view is somewhat biased though because rode one of their bikes for many years.  What a great ride it was.

It feels so good when you start to pedal a bike and you know in an instant that it’s going to work out perfect.  Putting this bike together had some challenges and compromises.  My evening with Gary Allen was phenomenal.   Having been in the industry for many years and building his own bikes (which are so nice), this project still held some challenges.  As Gary entertained me for the evening with stories of races past (most of them I remember!) and building this bike, not once did I feel like there wasn’t something that we couldn’t overcome.  However, the end result could not have turn out better.  I’ve already ridden the bike on the trainer a couple of times and the power transfer is solid, in comparison to my older Zipp2001 from 1993.  This machine is strong but surprisingly light.  When we weighed it at the end of our build with older heavier wheels, it was approximately 15.5-lbs.  With the newer and lighter wheels, it should have saved at least 0.5-lbs.  I’m curious what it’s actual weight is.

SPECS:

• Frameset – 2008 Quintana Roo Lucero Lite
• Frameset Specs:  Size – XS 650c wheel size
• Headset – FSA/Cane Creek (mixed)
• Handlebars – Zipp Vuka Bull
• Aerobars – Zipp Vuka Clips and Zipp Vuka Chicane Extensions
• Brake Levers – Zipp Vuka
• Brake Calipers – Cane Creek
• Shifters – SRAM TT 900
• Front Derailleur – SRAM Force 10-Speed Braze-On
• Rear Derailleur – SRAM Force 10-Speed
• Bottom Bracket – FSA Ceramic
• Crankset – FSA
• Chain – SRAM 1090 10-Speed
• Pedals – Speedplay Zero
• Front Wheel (Race) – Zipp 909
• Rear Wheel (Race) – Zipp 909 Disc (Dimpled)
• Rear Cassette – SRAM 1070 10-Speed 23-11
• Seat – Selle Italia Flight Titanium

Next:

• Bar Tape – Forte Carbon Handlebar Tap
• Derailleur Adjustment (Front and Rear)
• Training Wheels (clincher preferred)
• XLab Carbon Wing
• Zipp SL145 Stem (100-mm)

Stats:

• Approx. Weight (Race Setup) – 15.0-lbs

Special Thanks:

• Gary Allen for spending hours building this bike and entertaining me with great stories from great times.
• My contact at Zipp for helping me choose the right parts for this project.

The Little Monster