This frame was bought from eBay. In was up for auction, it was my size and nobody was bidding so I put in a cheeky Hammersnipe bid and it was mine for less than the price of a tank of petrol!
I had some Shimano R550 wheels and a 6600 Ultegra groupset that I thought would be just the job. I was looking forward to a simple bolt on build with no messing about with seized stems/posts/screws etc.
So while waiting for handlebar tape to finish off the Mercian and the Holdsworth I thought I would start on the Audax, and the first thing that stopped me in my tracks was the need for long drop calipers. Front set now sourced and waiting for rears. Nice thing is that bodes well for tyre and mudguard clearances.
So as usual couldn't wait to do a mock up to see how it fits me and here it is with seat bars and pedals fitted to my size, it feels very comfy apart from the slammed stem...unfortunately cut steerer with no spacers! Hmmm things are never that easy, looks like a search for some suitable forks later!
But wait it's not quite the end of today's story. Below is a photo of my garden. If you look towards the top of the photo that is where I parked the bike to take the shot, against the fence on the right. The lawn is at a higher level than the house and there is a leaf covered ramp you can see leading up to the lawn. So, photo taken, I jump on the Audax and freewheel down the ramp, wheeeeeeeeee! Completely forgetting I haven't fitted the brakes yet! And the open door of my bike shed was rapidly approaching as I put my foot down to slow my all too rapid progress towards doom.
In the photo you can see the forty foot skid mark which occurred while I was finding out first hand the complete lack of friction between smooth patio tiles and wet leaves!!!!
Fortunately for me there was bale out channel to the left of my bike shed which came in very handy. So Audax and I are still happily unscathed!
Now the fun is over it's leaf clearing time!
I had some Shimano R550 wheels and a 6600 Ultegra groupset that I thought would be just the job. I was looking forward to a simple bolt on build with no messing about with seized stems/posts/screws etc.
So while waiting for handlebar tape to finish off the Mercian and the Holdsworth I thought I would start on the Audax, and the first thing that stopped me in my tracks was the need for long drop calipers. Front set now sourced and waiting for rears. Nice thing is that bodes well for tyre and mudguard clearances.
So as usual couldn't wait to do a mock up to see how it fits me and here it is with seat bars and pedals fitted to my size, it feels very comfy apart from the slammed stem...unfortunately cut steerer with no spacers! Hmmm things are never that easy, looks like a search for some suitable forks later!
But wait it's not quite the end of today's story. Below is a photo of my garden. If you look towards the top of the photo that is where I parked the bike to take the shot, against the fence on the right. The lawn is at a higher level than the house and there is a leaf covered ramp you can see leading up to the lawn. So, photo taken, I jump on the Audax and freewheel down the ramp, wheeeeeeeeee! Completely forgetting I haven't fitted the brakes yet! And the open door of my bike shed was rapidly approaching as I put my foot down to slow my all too rapid progress towards doom.
In the photo you can see the forty foot skid mark which occurred while I was finding out first hand the complete lack of friction between smooth patio tiles and wet leaves!!!!
Fortunately for me there was bale out channel to the left of my bike shed which came in very handy. So Audax and I are still happily unscathed!
Now the fun is over it's leaf clearing time!
I have other saddles more fiiting to my age and weight!
