Keywords: 29er,700c,bike industry,bike of the month,gravel bike,gravel ride

FEATHERLIGHT U.P.P.E.R. - PART 2

Andy Kessler - 04-May-2020

Normally we start our monthly BOTM series with a video. Things have changed a bit over the last two months. We actually had a video that we just made before the lockdown but we were missing audio that we could not do anymore because of boarders getting closed.

Anyway, after waiting for some time we had to give up on the audio but I think the video works well without also. It is a strange situation with Marc our photographer being locked in his house in Spain for the last 8 weeks not being able to get a foot out of the door not to speak about coming to Switzerland. Not sure when we can meet again to shoot videos together. But dont worry as always we have a plan B in place so you will see also some action for next month...

Enjoy the video of this very unique U.P.P.E.R. Next week then the detail specifications and the long awaited weight of the complete bike (ok, you can get that out of the Gran Fondo article, just for those that can not wait).

FEATHERLIGHT U.P.P.E.R. - PART 1

FEATHERLIGHT U.P.P.E.R. - PART 3

BOTM: BAD ASS IS BEAUTIFUL - PART 1

BOTM: MY OFFROAD ROAD BIKE - Part 2

Lack-of-Judgement Day

Why I changed my mind

After the show is before the show

Cape Epic part 1 - Hello Africa

Comments & Questions

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Perfect built - GF argued that a zero offset seatpost might improve handling. Your thoughts?

Post #1 of 12. Posted by AL on 04-May-2020 08:53:26 GMT in reply to blog [0<--22207]

Hi Al, magazines are always right. Seriously, yes thats correct. Our frames are designed around a 0-offset seatpost. A lot of the comfort seatpost are designed with an offset. Yes of course fast speed handling would be better with a straight seatpost but we not only tried to make a light but also the most comfortable bike in this test...

Post #2 of 12. Posted by Andy Kessler on 04-May-2020 09:01:14 GMT in reply to post #1 [22207<--22208]

Thanks - makes sense, and of course magazines always get it right. However, I like the GF test.

Post #4 of 12. Posted by AL on 06-May-2020 03:30:13 GMT in reply to post #2 [22208<--22210]

Hi AL, yes GF is a rally good magazine. They are really innovative with all what they do. I like them a lot. It is so refreshing to have a magazine where the pleasure of riding is in the focus..

Post #5 of 12. Posted by Andy Kessler on 06-May-2020 03:37:18 GMT in reply to post #4 [22210<--22211]

This is a crazy build and I love it.

Post #3 of 12. Posted by Eric on 04-May-2020 12:25:56 GMT in reply to blog [0<--22209]

Hi Andy, love your updates. I also have a technical question. My chain got stuck on the inside of my open up x2 Easton crankset and really made a mess of the blue paint. I had to get a mechanic to take the crankset off to fix the issue. Would you know the exact name or specification of the blue paint so I can do a paint match. It’s really a mess and I’m wondering what the best way to repair it is?

Post #6 of 12. Posted by Leon on 07-May-2020 21:55:31 GMT in reply to blog [0<--22212]

Hi Leon,
thanks a lot for your feedback. Really sorry to hear. What rear derailleur are you using ? The correct Pantone color code is "process cyan" or CMYK 100,0,0,0. Unfortunately we can not ship touch up paint to Australia as it is considered explosives.... A local car paint shop should be able to do the job

Post #7 of 12. Posted by Andy Kessler on 08-May-2020 04:22:19 GMT in reply to post #6 [22212<--22213]

Hi Andy, Can you please share color codes of other 3 colors, green/yellow, orange and brown? I have tiny paint chippings here and there and would like to touch up. I live in Japan and thus cannot purchase touch-up pens. Thank you for your help!

Post #11 of 12. Posted by Tash Fukunaga on 06-Jul-2020 04:34:43 GMT in reply to post #7 [22213<--22420]

Reply to comment: FEATHERLIGHT U.P.P.E.R. - PART 2

Your comment of 07-May-2020 20:55 UTC has been replied to by Andy Kessler:

Hi Leon, thanks a lot for your feedback. Really sorry to hear. What rear derailleur are you using ? The correct Pantone color code is "process cyan" or CMYK 100,0,0,0. Unfortunately we can not ship touch up paint to Australia as it is considered explosives.... A local car paint shop should be able to do the job

Click here to reply.

Thanks Andy, it’s a 11-34 shimano grx rear derailleur.

It’s grx 810 mechanical group-set with
Easton 2x11 front crankset.

Thanks again,

We can rebuild it now!

Best,

Leon

Post #8 of 12. Posted by Leon on 08-May-2020 08:28:18 GMT in reply to blog [0<--22214]

Can you use any other crankset with a Shimano GRX FD? I thought the spacing was unique to the Shimano crank?
I would like to find something in 165mm that takes 46/30, as a 48 chanring with a 40mm tyre 'gravel bike' is just stupid big! Sadly the Shimano GRX 46/30 is heavy and Ugly...!!!

Post #9 of 12. Posted by Craig on 09-May-2020 20:12:28 GMT in reply to post #8 [22214<--22216]

Hi Craig, that will be difficult as actually the chainline is moved out. Most cranks will not fit. I think FSA might have some but you would have to check with them which one exactly works... take care and happy trails

Post #10 of 12. Posted by Andy Kessler on 11-May-2020 03:08:28 GMT in reply to post #9 [22216<--22217]

Dear Tash, sorry I was in vacation and for the slow reply. I will send you a mail with the color references. Take care

Post #12 of 12. Posted by Andy Kessler on 14-Jul-2020 09:26:40 GMT in reply to blog [0<--22428]