I e-mailed Dana, Bent Up Cycles, in a final effort to find a tubular 406 rim–no luck. He does, however, sell the Hed. Jet 406 rim, and has them in stock–order placed.
He’ll build up the wheel, all black, with the following components:
I‘ll probably receive the wheel week after next. The spokes and hub have to be ordered and the wheel built.
I picked up my VK2 from the LBS this morning. I’m still looking for a front wheel solution. I called Sun and left a message. To this point, no e-mail reply or return call. My mechanic recommends a tubular front tire. I have not found a 406 tubular rim (other than Sun) or wheel.
Time for rear derailleur cable replacement & derailleur adjustment, given the new wheel. I took it over to Hawley’s Bicycle World yesterday and hope to get it back tomorrow. In the meantime, I’m still looking for a good front wheel solution. The HED Jet 60 is clincher only–no 20″ tubular and Tufo does not have a 20″ tubular clincher tire. I await a reply from Sun on their rims.
I rode this route April 6, 2007, on my Trek 5200 along with 2 other church members. Our average speed was 16.3 mph. Today, on the VK2, I averaged 19.3 mph. This ride was near dusk. I’m sure I can ride it faster. My rear derailleurs needs adjustment, which I get tomorrow. My initial impressions are very positive. The disk is much quieter than I expected. The ride seems very smooth. I’ll be happy to see a tubular tire on the front.
I thought I might want to remove the Zipp labels on the disk–No! I think they set off the bike. I’ll post photographs soon.
Interesting BROL discussion and yet another one.
Which do you prefer?
Yesterday, I ordered a disc wheel, inspired by Race Across America [RAAM], for my VK2. My LBS was to receive it today; but, for some reason it will not arrive until Monday. I’ll be riding it with a tubular tire. To this point, speed has been good, what will I achieve now? I mean 38.5 mph on the flats is not bad for a senior rider.
You may have noted in the BROL link in my VK2 Speed Improvements post below, there is discussion of adding a nose cone and tail box. Garrie Hill responded with a designed and was to make both. I received his 3-D drawings and was delighted at the speed possibilities. I responded to him, but heard no more. I do not know what happened. At this point, I’ll just use the Zipp disc wheel. Later, there may be a tailbox…
I‘ve made just a few minor adjustment to have the cleanest line of vision. I also built a custom neck rest. I’m debating on the chain tubes–at this point, I have no reason to remove them. I just want the bike to be as fast as possible. I’m very pleased with its speed.
Several months ago, I purchased a Zotefoam pad from Airxxxwolf [from BROL]. I trimmed the pad to better fit the Vk2 seat. I am pleased with the result. On Thursday’s ride, I noted my bottom could use more padding, so back to the Ventisit Pad for longer rides.
We will see…
Saturday, I rode just over 27 miles, still wit some glute discomfort. If only I could dial in the seating, this ride would be near 100% perfect. Over-time I expect to find a better solution.
Maybe back to my Texas seat designer–Roberti Customs???
