Kestrel CSX build

MuchAlohaNui · Feb 10, 2023

Elfman said:
Local machine shop helped me swap the aluminum steerer.

Did you have any trouble sourcing the steerer? I have the same crown and am curious as to what the measurements are with your steerer. I already have an aluminum one in there, but am trying to find one in titanium.

Those forks are looking fresh. I am curious to see how it all looks once assembled.

Elfman · Feb 11, 2023

MuchAlohaNui said:
Did you have any trouble sourcing the steerer? I have the same crown and am curious as to what the measurements are with your steerer. I already have an aluminum one in there, but am trying to find one in titanium.

Those forks are looking fresh. I am curious to see how it all looks once assembled.

Well, I had an aluminum steerer in the stock crown, but I've found that sourcing aluminum replacement steerers is very difficult, and even more so for titanium.

I've found it easier to have steerers fabricated at machine shops.

MuchAlohaNui · Feb 11, 2023

Elfman said:
I've found it easier to have steerers fabricated at machine shops.

Seems expensive. Or not? Or one of tbose things you need to just get done and move on?

What length, wall thickness and aluminum type did you choose?

Elfman · Apr 17, 2023

This winter has been one of the worst in recent memory, and I work in flood control so I've not had any time to work on the Kestrel until today. I initially rebuilt the FSX and one of the stanchions was sticking a bit, so had to disassemble and reassemble several times. Fingers crossed that it stays stiction free, but it is all assembled with new Finish Line 2.5wt oil, pumped up to 42 psi. Had to cut the steerer a tad, but it is now freshly installed in the CK headset.

Those with an eye for subtle details will notice the black anodized alloy knurled screws that I replaced the standard air valve screws with, atop each fork leg. Looking pretty good and hope it rides well!

Elfman · Apr 17, 2023

Partly because of cost and partly because I don't mind deviating from time to time from "period correct", I've chosen a newer carbon stem and Race Face carbon handlebar. The red accents of each match the color scheme of the frame and other parts, and I've settled on these because, mainly, I've been unable to find a more period correct carbon stem (with the goal of keeping with the "all carbon" theme of the build). So these use a 31.8 handlebar, and the stem came with alloy (or Ti, not sure) bolts, a nice touch for a very inexpensive carbon stem. Added a nice NOS Control Tech carbon stem cap from my parts bin, lucky find for this build!

Elfman · Apr 17, 2023

Added a few more gold ano Ti bolts on the frame water bottle braze-ons, and a newer carbon Wiel water bottle cage with some red logos to tie in with the color theme.

Elfman · Apr 17, 2023

And now starting to apply pieces of the drivetrain. Going for mostly period correct Shimano m735 parts, here a NOS RD-M735 with NOS red anodized Carmichael pulleys. Looking forward moving these about with some (spoiler alert!) NOS thumbies!

Elfman · Apr 17, 2023

MuchAlohaNui said:
Seems expensive. Or not? Or one of tbose things you need to just get done and move on?

What length, wall thickness and aluminum type did you choose?

Ooh, forgot to reply to your questions, @MuchAlohaNui

Not too expensive, but not dirt cheap either. Can't quite recall, but I think it was about $50. I can ask the machine shop what type and wall thickness, but can't recall off hand. Fortunately the machinist is a mountain biker, so he's got a good sense for what to use without asking nor telling me, and I trust him. He's definitely risk averse, and errs on the side of stability rather than weight weenie.

Elfman · Apr 24, 2023

Making more progress last weekend and this weekend. Time to install brakes. These KCNC v-brakes were too good to pass up, despite the fact that they are not period correct. These are the more rare VB-1's with Ti parts. The black and gold will go well with my color scheme, too!