Captain Stupido
Senior Retro Guru
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I went for a ride on my C16R today. It's a bit of a hodgepodge build but I absolutely love it. It's a toy!
Given the rough and ready nature of the build I had some plans for tweaks - hoping to work towards some kind of "ideal" spec - and I've been buying bits including a pair of Pace RC36 Evo forks to replace the Rockshox Indy SLs currently fitted, as well as some more "period correct" wheels and drivetrain parts. But after riding it again today I sort of decided that I don't want to fiddle with it any more. It just works so well as it is!
But I would like a second bike to fiddle with. Basically I'd like something that gives me the same confident, fast, light and direct feeling as the C16R... and maybe throw a few small upgrades / tweaks / weight savings into the mix. As much as anything it's fun to experiment with the looks of it a bit. I like changing stuff around, but I don't want to mess up a bike that's currently great to ride!
I've also got a 92 Clockwork which I really like (especially looks wise), but perhaps don't enjoy riding as much as the 97 C16R. I mainly put that down to the rigid forks and bar/stem setup. It's just not as forgiving in my clumsy hands! The bike is almost completely original and my plan was to keep it that way, but maybe I'd ride it more with suspension forks and a better riding position.
So the question is, what next? Do I keep both of the above and build something else or do I modernise/upgrade the 92 bike to get it to ride more like the C16R? Maybe I could get a 1" steerer for the Pace forks? They would be a bit modern though, and if I do that will I crave a fully rigid bike again?
The ideal would be to get something I like a little bit more than the C16R, so that when it's due a new chain etc., I can start fiddling with it again and make a few tweaks.
If it's a new build then what. Another C16R? Or what about a P7? What's the difference in riding terms? A Prestige? A later P7/Clockwork with disc brakes? Or something else all together?
It's fun to dream. :mrgreen:
Given the rough and ready nature of the build I had some plans for tweaks - hoping to work towards some kind of "ideal" spec - and I've been buying bits including a pair of Pace RC36 Evo forks to replace the Rockshox Indy SLs currently fitted, as well as some more "period correct" wheels and drivetrain parts. But after riding it again today I sort of decided that I don't want to fiddle with it any more. It just works so well as it is!
But I would like a second bike to fiddle with. Basically I'd like something that gives me the same confident, fast, light and direct feeling as the C16R... and maybe throw a few small upgrades / tweaks / weight savings into the mix. As much as anything it's fun to experiment with the looks of it a bit. I like changing stuff around, but I don't want to mess up a bike that's currently great to ride!
I've also got a 92 Clockwork which I really like (especially looks wise), but perhaps don't enjoy riding as much as the 97 C16R. I mainly put that down to the rigid forks and bar/stem setup. It's just not as forgiving in my clumsy hands! The bike is almost completely original and my plan was to keep it that way, but maybe I'd ride it more with suspension forks and a better riding position.
So the question is, what next? Do I keep both of the above and build something else or do I modernise/upgrade the 92 bike to get it to ride more like the C16R? Maybe I could get a 1" steerer for the Pace forks? They would be a bit modern though, and if I do that will I crave a fully rigid bike again?
The ideal would be to get something I like a little bit more than the C16R, so that when it's due a new chain etc., I can start fiddling with it again and make a few tweaks.
If it's a new build then what. Another C16R? Or what about a P7? What's the difference in riding terms? A Prestige? A later P7/Clockwork with disc brakes? Or something else all together?
It's fun to dream. :mrgreen:
