So after constant nagging about posting pictures of this bike on the original thread, they close it down minutes after I send them in. Hmmmmmm.

Anyway, for the those in need of visual gratification, here's some shots of the new bike.

Thanks for the photos fitko. Found a nearby shop that only does repairs and will put together custom bikes for customers. Going to go sometime this week to drop off my wheel which has a popped spoke. Hopefully they'll be the shop I go to to get the SL Force built. Double checking my sizing tonight to make sure the 52cm is a good size for me.

Quick question, are the decals under a clear coat? I'm all about stealth and would love to remove all of them, I'd get rid of the glossiness too if I could, love matte frames.

Yes, the decals are under the clear coat. I think it looks spartan, even with the gloss. Good luck with yours.

I ordered mine today, can't wait to get it.

Nice bike!



Fred.

flip it.

you'll be glad you did.

That's a beautiful bike. Ride report, please.

Do you actually ride with your bars tilted up at that angle?

Mine should be arriving on Monday!

Negative. Since these pix, I've made adjustments to both the saddle and bars which are now lower than you see here.

I also swapped out the pedals and bottle cage and installed a computer. New saddle is next and I'm considering upgrading the cassette to DuraAce to bring the whole group up to speed.

One thing I may not go back to is a saddle pack. I really like not having anything hanging back there, even the small wedge I have on the other bike.

Do you know of any REALLY SMALL pack that might work without feeling bulky?

Mine should be arriving on Monday!
Tuesday for mine, can't wait.

Negative. Since these pix, I've made adjustments to both the saddle and bars which are now lower than you see here.

I also swapped out the pedals and bottle cage and installed a computer. New saddle is next and I'm considering upgrading the cassette to DuraAce to bring the whole group up to speed.

One thing I may not go back to is a saddle pack. I really like not having anything hanging back there, even the small wedge I have on the other bike.

Do you know of any REALLY SMALL pack that might work without feeling bulky?



There was one on Performance in the clearance section 3-4 days ago for $4.37 I was going to get it but realized my money was better spent on road tubes. That might work. I would just look online and see if there are any pack. less that 200g.

Also Your post reminded me of something that I saw today (about bike packs). Check out this Youtube link. All I have to say is... The Madone crys every time that woman rides it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFHv781qoEE

Without a saddle bag, where do you guys keep your belongings? I always ride with my cell phone, keys, Metrocard and maybe $20.

Definitely swapping out the seat huh? I'm placing orders now for road shoes, pedals, computer, lights and anything else I think I might need for the new bike. Guess I should add a saddle to the list, but I think I would need to try them out for fitting like I do with helmets and shoes (which I've already done).

The shop that I chose to help me build it doesn't open on Mondays =[. No matter, supposed to rain Monday and Tuesday.

Metrocard almost sounds like you're New York, don't tell me mine won't be the only Force in the city?! :D

The saddle is not for me. I don't like the material on it. But it's certainly light enough. Let me know how you like your Force when you after you've ridden it.

Don't worry, I plan on switching out the frame later this year for a carbon fiber frame =T. Where do you ride usually? I haven't been too serious about riding so far this season (only 5 days, very lame). Still suffering from snowboarding withdrawal. Hoping the new bike will kick me back into it.

I MTB at weekends, I've bought the roadbike so I can get some exercise during the week after work. So it will be the usual road laps of the park.

Negative. Since these pix, I've made adjustments to both the saddle and bars which are now lower than you see here.

I also swapped out the pedals and bottle cage and installed a computer. New saddle is next and I'm considering upgrading the cassette to DuraAce to bring the whole group up to speed.

One thing I may not go back to is a saddle pack. I really like not having anything hanging back there, even the small wedge I have on the other bike.

Do you know of any REALLY SMALL pack that might work without feeling bulky?


Yes, Right now there is a sale at Performance.

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/item_list.cfm?estore_ID=1175&category_ID=&orderby=2&filterby=&searchSize=

This Link is for the small rear seat packs. Most of teh packs are under $10 I would recommend the micro wedge 45 its big and small. and only $8.

Got my bike, it's a very pretty looking machine. Once I've finished the build I'll post pics.

The bike comes very well packaged. With the front brake, front derailleur cable, front wheel, saddle + post and the stem and handlebars requiring attachment. It has an FSA Compressor top cap with the Cane Creek IS-2i headset, no star fangled nut in this carbon steerer! The only part I had to add were Ultegra 6620 pedals. Required tools were a 12mm open spanner, 4,5,6mm hex and my torque wrench. Grease for the threaded areas, anti-sieze for the seatpost and some carbon prep for the steerer. My only problem is I need a new magnet for my computer, my current one won't fit the bladed spokes!

Here it is:
http://www.6thelement.net/bike/moto/IMG_0156s.jpg
http://www.6thelement.net/bike/moto/IMG_0157s.jpg
http://www.6thelement.net/bike/moto/IMG_0158s.jpg
http://www.6thelement.net/bike/moto/IMG_0159s.jpg
http://www.6thelement.net/bike/moto/IMG_0161s.jpg
http://www.6thelement.net/bike/moto/IMG_0162s.jpg
http://www.6thelement.net/bike/moto/IMG_0163s.jpg
http://www.6thelement.net/bike/moto/IMG_0164s.jpg
http://www.6thelement.net/bike/moto/IMG_0165s.jpg
http://www.6thelement.net/bike/moto/IMG_0166s.jpg

The bike comes very well packaged.


Ohhhhh.......such memories

Hey...what size frame is that?

Hey...what size frame is that?

Yea, that looks cool!

61cm :)

It's a beautiful thing...makes me long for another!

I went and upgraded my cassette to DuraAce (for no other reason than vanity) and put on a carbon bottle cage. I have to admit that the bike looks menacing with all that black/red and carbon.

Let me know how you like the ride.

I went for a couple of Specialized Rib Cage Pro Carbon:

http://www.specialized.cz/new/showimage.php?filename=./images/komponenty07/cage_ribcagemtbcarbon.jpg&width=300&height=300

Don't swap out a perfectly good cassette... ride it. Wear it out. If you want to flush $50 in the toilet, please send me the money and I'll flush it for you!

Seriously. Anyway, I run an Ultegra cassette on an otherwise-full-Dura Ace drive train. They last longer (not as soft) and are much more bang for the buck.