On Apr 27, 12:08*pm, SMS wrote:
On 4/27/2012 9:48 AM, Arthur Shapiro wrote:

In , *wrote:

I told him to go with a Habanero titanium with Shimano 105.

Habanero is the obvious choice, and one can still purchase them without the
arguably-silly threadless headsets.

That's true, but since the threaded forks and headsets have become
almost a boutique item, it now costs more for threaded. A threaded
headset and fork are preferable of course, but I don't think he'd pay
two hundred dollars more for it. You can correct the biggest problem
with threadless headsets with some after-market devices, i.e. see
http://www.octagoncycles.com/ and
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6oQYbZeQW0M.

For his riding, the Surly Pacer would be ideal, and still about $600
less than the Habanero even once he had the crankset changed to a triple.

Hmmm, "arguably silly threadless headsets..." Ooooookay. No need to
dispute but there's a reaction that can just be left alone except that
I feel better now g.

Oh hell: I really like having a "faceplate" stem, only common amongst
"threadless" so far as I know, both for the admittedly rare need to
remove the bars (at least at my house), but more for the secure and
creak-free cycling I've experienced since 86'ing the quill stems on 3
of 4 bikes in my "fleet".

What's not to like about a stronger steerer tube (no threads to bulge
while the too-tight stem still can be twisted off-center), easy
adjustment with a single cheap, small tool?

If you want to talk about looks--? Well, I agree but "I got over
that", because to me the functioning is so much better.

OK, lay it on me!

========================

I'm not a "market expert" by any means but two points I'd like to
raise:
1) Ti makes a fine, no-maintenance bike frame in "matte" finish, which
was a selling point that was well explained the last time I read the
Habanero site, and is borne out in my experience of owning a matte-
finish Ti bike-- "you just wash it every once in a while" and it looks
the same, after;
2) Custom sizing was a feature at Habanero, IMS. This, if you'll
excuse me, would be a great time to get some kind of measurements
taken and see *if* a custom-sized frame might be in order. If you're
going to spend money on a new bike, and you can well use custom
sizing, that's a great thing to spend the money on and even save up a
little longer if that's what it takes (opinion and stated as such).
Said as a "long top-tube guy" whose ex was another "needs a custom
fit" rider; she said "First time I've been comfortable on a bike" and
for the non-believers, "I bet you can ride stock" g.
3) Back to "market", and this will be three, three points I'd like to
raise, but Habanero frames are good stuff according to testimony
around here, and it would seem to me that a Hab with 105 on it would
be a difficult "price point" to beat, especially considering the "no
paint, no rust" feature that will be important sooner or later as the
bike is used.
--D-y