Looneytuna
new member
Reged: 04/13/05
Posts: 21
Loc: Brooklyn, NY, USA
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I'm about to order a new Elium SG with Dura-Ace, but could use some opinions of some components.. I don't race, but do some fast group rides here in NYC and down in FL.
Any opinions on the following? Zero Gravity brakes - Carbon wheelsets for 200 pounder - Alpha Q fork vs. Seven Cycle fork -
Thanks in advance for your opinions.
-------------------- Every Day is a Good Day!!!
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PsyDoc
friend
Reged: 01/14/04
Posts: 37
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...concerned with reliability of the components than with weight. As such, unless you have money really burning a hole in your pocket, I would spec DA brakes over the ZG's. I bought a set of the ZG's (chromoly version) and they would have required a 5-7mm spacer for the rear brake in order to clear the seat stays of my Axiom ti. I called Ted at ZG and he said that the center bolt was too far from the brake-bridge and I would see a decrease in the effectiveness of the brakes (not safe). He offered to rework the rear brake so it would fit properly, but I did not want a rear brake specific to that bike so I passed and returned them. I never even tried to mount the front, so I do not know whether there might have been problems of fit there with my Ouzo Pro fork. As for wheels, you can get an outstanding deal from Mike Garcia at Oddsandendos.com. For roughly $450 (shipping included), you can get a set of DT Swiss RR 1.1 rims, DT 240 hubs, and wheelsmith spokes.
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Looneytuna
new member
Reged: 04/13/05
Posts: 21
Loc: Brooklyn, NY, USA
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I will speak with Seven and Zero Gravity about the spacing and see what's up. My LBS mentioned the DT Swiss wheels also.. Thanks for the input.
-------------------- Every Day is a Good Day!!!
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Looneytuna
new member
Reged: 04/13/05
Posts: 21
Loc: Brooklyn, NY, USA
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I placed the order for the Elium today. 
For now set up with Seven 5E Carbon fork Seven Carbon Bar Seven Carbon Seat post Campy Record Zero Gravity brakes Thinking of Topolino wheels
-------------------- Every Day is a Good Day!!!
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PsyDoc
friend
Reged: 01/14/04
Posts: 37
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...you about the Topolino wheelset. Keep in mind that most LBS's will not be able to quickly replace a spoke should one break and that means that you will be without your wheelset for a week or more. If this is going to be your primary wheelset, I would recommend going with a more traditional build, which most, if not all, LBS's would be able to quickly repair/replace should the need arise. I am curious...what did Seven say about the ZG's? How long is the wait for your frame? Post pics when it's built up.
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Looneytuna
new member
Reged: 04/13/05
Posts: 21
Loc: Brooklyn, NY, USA
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I have heard about the wait to replace spokes on the Topolino's, thanks for lettting me know.
My LBS has lent me wheels when I had problems with my Kysrium SSL's, so I am okay there. I have the Seven phone interview after the weekend and will let you know the deal with the Zero Gravity and frame delivery. Last time I got Alaris frame shipped with in 10 days. I am not in too much of a rush since I have a bike to ride now.
Seven 5E fork???
Anyone have it and how is it climbing? It seems a little heavy for a fork today.. How about the Alpha Q sub 3 or the new Eastern EC90-SLX?
Edited by Looneytuna (05/14/05 03:27 AM)
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Insightdriver
captain
 
Reged: 03/07/04
Posts: 472
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I have the Easton EC90 SLX on my Calfee Custom Tetra Pro and my LBS guy amused me by showing that the cardboard box it came in was heavier than the fork that was in it. I have about 325 miles on my bike now and I can say that it is a nice stiff fork. I'm a road rider and though I haven't hit anything hard, yet, the heaviest bumps I hit barely make the fork flex.
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Lon
sage
   
Reged: 12/20/03
Posts: 595
Loc: Pittsburgh, PA
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Craig Calfee carefully tests and uses forks before he recommends them. He suggested that fork to me and I've been very happy with it. He said it was the only fork during the year we spoke that never failed the spec tests they give them on arrival. Others he had to return.
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Jack_brunk
friend
Reged: 12/24/03
Posts: 41
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I use the Seven 5E fork on my Elium. It is a stiff fork and climbs great even when out of the saddle. The sub 3 fork has got to be the worst fork that I have come across. It had so much flex that it would loosen my headset every 20 miles. I ordered the sub 3 fork on my Moots compact SL and have switched to an ouzo pro and the bike is very happy.
You will really like your Elium and you should have no problems with the Seven fork.
I have Zero gravity brakes on all of my bikes and they are outstanding. Good modulation, light weight and they luck great. I use mine on the Reynolds Cirro SV tubular wheelset and they work just as well as the Campy record brake set.
Jack
Edited by Jack_brunk (05/16/05 04:25 PM)
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Looneytuna
new member
Reged: 04/13/05
Posts: 21
Loc: Brooklyn, NY, USA
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Thanks for the input on the Easton fork
-------------------- Every Day is a Good Day!!!
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Looneytuna
new member
Reged: 04/13/05
Posts: 21
Loc: Brooklyn, NY, USA
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Thanks for the warning on the Alpha Q and the positives on the Zero Gravity's
-------------------- Every Day is a Good Day!!!
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vaxn8r
contributor
Reged: 12/19/03
Posts: 222
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Jack, there was something wrong with your AlphaQ or it was incorrectly installed.
I'm 185, I've raced mine. 7,000 miles so far. It's solid.
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Mike
contributor
Reged: 12/25/03
Posts: 101
Loc: Oregon
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I have to agree with the Vaxn8tr on this one.
My wife and I both have sub3's, neither one of us has had any problems. I got the Sub 3 on my Elium because I thought that it was stiffer than the ouzo pro I have on a bike identical to hers. We also have an Alpha Q tandem fork, which we have had no issues with in 3K miles on the tandem.
I suspect your fork or headset was not installed properly
Mike
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1centaur
journeyman
   
Reged: 12/24/03
Posts: 126
Loc: Massachusetts
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I'll add to the Sub 3 chorus: have one on my Tetra - thousands of miles with no problems. Went with Ouzo Lite on the Crumpton because it had the right rake to match the Colnago geometry, which was my goal on that bike. I assumed a fork was a fork. Now I don't think so - the Sub 3 gives me a more precise ride, the Ouzo seems a little numb. I specced Sub 3 on my Moots - happiness again - and on my incoming Parlee. All CK headsets.
-------------------- "You never make a gift of Ventoux"
Eddie Merckx to Lance Armstrong
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Jack_brunk
friend
Reged: 12/24/03
Posts: 41
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Vax,
I don't really know but My LBS tried everything to make the Sub work right. Maybe it was just one of the very few that was made out of spec. I just won't chance it happening again. When my LBS called the factory, they gave them the typical it can't be our fault excuse. I have had good results with Reynolds and Easton and will continue to build my bikes with their forks.
Jack
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Lon
sage
   
Reged: 12/20/03
Posts: 595
Loc: Pittsburgh, PA
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Speaking with a small manufacturer/owner he had been a huge Sub 3 fan. Late last fall he said they started to get some out of spec. (They check everyone before using it.) His new never been out of spec at that time was Easton. He never used Easton prior and likes the product and everyone had been right on spec. I bought one and liked it. Then I bought another. I've been over 50 on descents without a quiver.
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Looneytuna
new member
Reged: 04/13/05
Posts: 21
Loc: Brooklyn, NY, USA
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Picked up my elium yesterday! way cool piece of art!! 
Final set up - Elium SG frame Seven 5E fork Campy Record 10 with carbon crank & full ti rear cassette. Zero gravity brakes Easton EC90 seat post, bar and stem Fizik Alliante seat Topolino Clincher wheelset Veloflex pave tires Keo pedals
Weight should be around 15 1/2.. will know midweek when the Zero Gravity brakes are put on.. Vendor shipped them late..
-------------------- Every Day is a Good Day!!!
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Looneytuna
new member
Reged: 04/13/05
Posts: 21
Loc: Brooklyn, NY, USA
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Final weight with pedals, cages, and computer.. 16 lbs on the nose... 
Finally out riding it the last 3 days... definitely a smooth ride.. and way fast up the hills.. on the sprint a little loose, but I am not used to the light weight just yet..
-------------------- Every Day is a Good Day!!!
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mogulpal
new member
Reged: 07/24/05
Posts: 3
Loc: Bay Area, California
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Would you like to share pictures of your Elium? What is its weight and dimension?
Here is mine: www.mogulpal.com/eliumsg.htm
Thanks.
Mogulpal
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