I had started with a stock complete Clem (65cm 'H' style.) I've since swapped out saddle/bars/stem/grips/tires and added/removed/added different racks.
Saddle is now a vintage B-72(scavenged from a Raleigh Sports) with Breezer double rail adapter on the stock seat-post. - I've also since picked up a seatpost shim so I could eventually use any 27.2 post (likely a 2-bolt post since I much prefer the ease of angle adjustability and less chance of slipping vs. single post post (i've had saddles slip on micro-adjust single bolts, admittedly rare and not enough to be a huge concern, bit it's happened and annoying.) Bars/stem = Riv Bullmoose with some Ergon style grips I picked up from a local shop 'take-off bin.' Tires = Continental MountainKing since I wanted something with more tread/grip in loose local gravel. At the time when they announced the pre-order for the huge 65cm size I opted for the complete since I'd still have needed a set of wheels/tires and a couple other bits to make a complete combined with spare parts I had on hand so the value was in the ready-to-ride complete aspect, not having to think much about this or that, or the ultimate expense of individual parts purchases that would likely either meet or exceed the cost of the complete. Obviously it wasn't long before I started tinkering with it but I'm still riding the stock wheels and drivetrain, despite swapping out much of the rest. Stock bosco bars and stem were traded away long ago but I still have the stock saddle and grips around for other bikes. The multicolored spokes are one of my favorite details, though this hasn't exactly influenced much in regard to decisions around the purchase or ugrades. My only real issue with the stock wheelset was the rear non-drive size rubber dust cover for the hub... it would squeak like crazy rubbing somewhere so I just removed it. This will certainly lead to earlier bearing wear I'm sure but I'd rather wear out the hub faster without the annoying squeaks and this'll just give me an excuse to ponder the same questions around what wheels/hubs to use next! I've debated converting to single speed for a bit with a Paul Melvin tensioner I have set aside once the drivetrain wears out a bit more and/or I finally get completely sick of the occasional ghost shifting with the stock Sunrace shifters. I've also debated moving to an index 12-36 9speed with shifter/cassette/derailer left over from a prior build that has since been put back in reserve but this might end up on one of my wife's bikes instead (waiting on final verdict on some bars to determine final shifting solution vs. current downtube shifters.) On my shortlist for replacement wheels is the new Velo Orange Voyager wheels. Mostly for the range of adaptability (rim/disc/tube/tubeless/38mm-2"+ tire sizes/QR/Thru-axle/etc.) Not sure of any weight savings but more thinking it'll be one wheelset I could adapt to just about anything (I could see myself ending up with) since I still occasionally like to try something different though I am trying to simplify things so this consideration may ultimately be an over indulgence if nothing else. Clem is absolutely my biggest bike, but not sure if the heaviest in it's current state vs. my current regular rider = an old Raleigh 700c conversion(long story how this thing evolved) with beefy 48spoke single speed wheels, rack/basket, removable rear child seat, etc. I honestly don't even think much about Clem's weight except for when lugging in/out the front door (no garage!) and even then it's size is the greater obstacle. In fact, it's size is what has regrettably moved it into storage for a while so it's not even getting the miles it deserves. Between limited storage space and a single detail that made it not work with the rear child seat we already have I've had to choose another bike as my primary. I have 2 complete single speeds stored in house, then my Clem and 2 other, old, spare frames plus parts in storage/reserve. None of this really offers any direct solutions or recommendations to your situation (and the Voyager wheels likely aren't what you are after) but thought I'd take the opportunity to share some of my own Clem-evolution. Best, Brian Cole Lawrence NJ On Thursday, September 2, 2021 at 11:15:17 PM UTC-4 Ray Varella wrote: > > Joyce, > I wouldn’t talk you out of wheels, I think nice hand built wheels with > carefully chosen parts are a very worthwhile investment that will last for > many miles. > I would suggest that while you are wading through a lot of information > about your “great” wheels, you try some lighter tires. > There are numerous really great tires out there these days. > I’m building up a Clem right now and used the majority of parts I already > owned. Mine feels reasonably unfettered. > I’ll get some miles on it this week and next. > I had some Schwalbe G-Ones, the fast, light ones they use for beach > racing, they are 60mm and it looks like I could fit 70s ( no fenders). > I also have some of the Rene Herse 55mm knobbies to try. > I spent my youth squandering my money on nice sew ups and some of today’s > really fat clinchers are a joy to ride. > Plus, you’ll have great tires for your new wheels should you choose to get > them. > > Another humble opinion > Ray > On Thursday, September 2, 2021 at 7:43:31 PM UTC-7 JAS wrote: > >> Thank you all for sharing your thoughtful comments, advice and >> experiences. From keeping Clem just the way she is and being happy with >> the ride to changing out wheels and hubs and/or tires for something better, >> there's lots to consider. I appreciate the wisdom of this group and >> respect your varied opinions. If anyone has more to add, please feel >> welcome to do so! >> >> Joyce >> >> On Thursday, September 2, 2021 at 12:12:30 PM UTC-7 Joe Bernard wrote: >> >>> Here's the link at Rivbike for my wheels, I should have included it in >>> my original post. Says out of stock but it's always good with Rich >>> (@rivbike . com) to email him and see what he has available to build and >>> what he thinks will match your needs/wants. The rear hub has a titanium >>> cassette body! I love that part. >>> >>> He can also do a set with a dyno front hub if you want. I didn't need it >>> and preferred the lesser weight, but a lot of folks swear by them and >>> they're very useful. >>> >>> >>> https://www.rivbike.com/products/velocity-atlas-white-industries-mi5-webspecial-wheelset-bto >>> On Wednesday, September 1, 2021 at 10:24:46 AM UTC-7 JAS wrote: >>> >>>> After reading Leah's comments about upgrading her Clem with lighter >>>> wheels and other parts, I'd like to do the same for my dark green Clem. >>>> I >>>> use it for rural road riding when I'm not on my Platy, gravel trails, and >>>> hauling groceries. It's got a rear rack and will have SKS fenders when I >>>> get around to installing them. I will also replace the original Bosco with >>>> the aluminum version. >>>> >>>> I changed the tires from those horrible original Kendas to Big Bens and >>>> removed the front rack and basket which did wonders for handling. Since I >>>> got it from Craigslist a few years ago I don't know much about the >>>> original >>>> wheels. They have multi-colored spoke nipples and no identifying labels. >>>> The original owner bought it from a bike shop in Madison, WI. >>>> >>>> Any advice is welcome on what wheels to get or other upgrades I could >>>> make. I don't want to go tubeless. Clem is 52cm with 650b wheels. >>>> Thanks! >>>> >>> -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/03fc2787-cb2e-4b99-bcd6-eea78bf4a8f0n%40googlegroups.com.
