Monday, October 11, 2010

Park Tool PRS-5 Professional Race Stand

Sold: $138
Park Tool PRS-5 Professional Race Stand
Frame and Wheel is bringing a pre-1996 Park Tool Professional Race Stand (PRS-5) to market on eBay. The stand is portable and collapses into its original nylon carrying bag. It weighs about 18 lbs. It is a classic Park Tool repair stand and was a premium model when it was first introduced. This version of the model was discontinued in 1996.
Product specifications
The stand is the first generation version of the PRS-5 Professional Race Stand. It is different from the PRS-5 produced between 1996 and 2001. The model you are bidding on has a steel top tube with a lock block system that secures the clamp in place. This stand uses 100-3C clamp, which fits all generations of PRS-2, PRS-3 and PRS-4 stands. The clamp does not fit later versions.
Background on this stand
Frame and Wheel’s client obtained this stand around 1997 from a relation who worked for a bicycle parts distributor. The stand was used at a residence and at races. It is in very good condition and it works fine. However, the stand is thirteen years old and shows signs of use: there is blue paint on the clamp from when the client painted a front fork; some of the lettering on the top tube has peeled off; there is some corrosion around some of the screws; the lettering on one of the tubes is scratched; and, the edges of the rubber jaw covers are frayed. The stand is being sold “as is”.
Strengths and weaknesses
Strengths: The stand is stable, portable and durable; nylon bag designed especially for the stand; the clamp is strong and rotates to hold the bike at any angle; adjustable working height. Weaknesses: not as stable as tripod versions; slow adjustability of clamp; clamp does not fit around oversize frame tubing; less stability at high working height; some plastic parts; not very stable when removing cranks or bottom brackets.
More information about item:
More information about Frame and Wheel: 

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

2007 Kona Major Jake 54 cm Cyclocross


Sold: $813
2007 Kona Major Jake 54cm Cyclocross Bicycle
Frame and Wheel is bringing to market a 2007 Kona Major Jake cyclocross bicycle on eBay. The Major Jake is Kona’s top of the line cyclocross bike and widely ridden by professional cyclocross riders. This bicycle was raced in 2007 and 2008 in New England by Todd Wheeldon, a Category 1 Kona rider. In 2009, the bicycle was a pit bike and lightly used. The bicycle has been used occasionally as a commuter bicycle in 2010. It is immaculately clean and notwithstanding some fine tuning it is race ready. The bike weighs about twenty pounds. Todd is selling the bicycle because he is no longer racing as frequently as he did in the past. You can learn more about Todd at his blog: Wheels' Bike Blog.
Overview of condition
This bike is a very nice entry level cyclocross bicycle and perhaps even an upgrade for someone who has some experience with the discipline, but who seeks something lighter.  The bicycle is in very good condition. It does not have any significant scratches on the frame and it has no dents in the frame. The bicycle has been maintained very well and it is fair to say that it still has a few more seasons left in it. 
Fine tuning needed
The new owner will probably want to replace the shifter cables as they are frayed at the ends. The shifting is fine, but it could do with some fine tuning. The new owner will be able to squeeze some more hours out the existing drive train (perhaps another season of racing in dry conditions), but the chain is at the 1.0 mark on the chain wear indicator.  Also, the front brake pads need some adjustment too (or new pads) as braking hard on the front creates a big vibration in the front end. Please recognize that this bicycle is being sold “as is” which means that there some things you should know before you bid on this item!
Blemishes
There are some blemishes to be aware of: the rubber dust cap on the right shifter does not stick properly onto the shifter and peels back. It does not affect the shifting however. The bike has spent some time on its side and the only noticeable blemishes from this is a scrape on the right edge of the saddle and some frayed bar tape on the end of the right side of the handle bar (the left end side of the handle bar is frayed too). The seat tube around the front derailleur has some scratches on it from when a larger chain ring was being run. The chain guard has been doing its job and has some scuff marks on it. The cables rub against the head tube and have worn away the electrical tape that is there to protect the paint job: the new owner will want to put on some more tape soon. The front wheel has a very mild wobble to it; the rear wheel is true. There is some corrosion in the screw that hold the stem plate onto the handle bars.
Upgrades
There are some notable upgrades from the original stock model on this bike. 1) The wheels are Mavic Open Pro 32 hole with Dura Ace hubs and Wheelsmith double butted spokes. The braking surfaces are very lightly used and the tires have plenty of tread. 2) The shifters are Ultegra shifters that shift very smoothly and a convenience if you are accustomed to Shimano shifting. 3) There are Tektro top mount brake levers which gives you the option of riding through tough or fast sections with your hands on the tops of the bars. 3) The Salsa Moto Ace Bell Lap handle bars (44cm c-c) are aluminum which makes eminent sense on a cross bike. 4) The Thomson Elite seat post is light and has twin bolt adjustability and complements nicely the carbon Selle Italia carbon saddle. 5) The brakes are center pull aluminum Avid Shorty 6 rim brakes. 
Specifications:
Frame: 2007 Kona Major Jake 54 cm
Material: Scandium 7005 with carbon seat stays
Weight: 19.8 lbs
Seatpost: Thomson Elite
Front fork: Easton EC90x carbon
Crankset: FSA Gossamer 
Bottom brackett: FSA Mega Exp
Wheel set: Mavic Open Pro clincher 32 hole
Spokes: Wheelsmith double butted black
Hubs: Shimano Dura Ace
Skewers: SRAM
Tires: Panaracer Cinder X 700 x 35c front and back
Brakes: Avid Shorty 6 front and rear
Brake levers/Shifter: Shimano Ultegra
Brake levers: Tektro RX 2.0
Front derailleur: Shimano 105 10 speed
Rear derailleur: Shimano Ultegra
Pedals: not included
Chain ring: FSA 46/36 172.5mm
Freewheel: Shimano Ultegra 12/25
Chain: Shimano Ultegra 10 speed
Saddle: Selle Italia Carbon
Stem: Easton EA70 100mm
Headset: FSA Orbit 1-1/8 DL
Handlebars: Salsa Moto Ace aluminum 44cm c-c on hoods
Stock version of the bike
More information about Frame and Wheel: Frame and Wheel

Sunday, October 3, 2010

2003 Felt S22 48 cm aluminum TT 650 cc

Sold: $425
2003 Felt S22 48 cm aluminum TT Tri 650cc 9 speed
Frame and Wheel is bringing a 2003 Felt S22 48 cm aluminum time trial/triathlon 650 cc  nine speed bicycle to market on eBay. This bicycle was originally purchased from Peak Performance in Portland, Maine. It has had two previous female owners and is estimated to have 1,000 racing and training miles on it. The bicycle weighs about 18 lbs (8 kg). The bicycle was recently cleaned and tuned at Freeman's Bicycle Service. The bicycle is set up with 650 cc wheels which makes it suitable for smaller riders. It is not known if the bicycle has been crashed. The serial number on the bicycle is MT302 02634 (the zero two in the second set of numbers represents the year of the bicycle’s manufacture). Please note that there are no pedals included in this sale and the bicycle is being sold “as is”.
Frame and Wheel conclusion
Frame and Wheel’s view is that this is an excellent entry level time trial or triathlon bicycle for an individual who is just starting out in triathlons and who is approximately five feet tall. The bicycle would make an excellent entry level time trial bicycle for a junior road cyclist who wants to get experience riding and training in the aero position. Although the bicycle has pink handlebar tape, that does not mean that the bike is only for women.
Review of condition
The bicycle is in good condition for a bicycle that it is eight years old. There are no chips, dents or major scratches on the frame; the wheels are round and true and they spin smoothly; the tires are lightly used with plenty of tread and no damage to the sidewalls; the brake and shifting cables are fresh and the wear indicators on the brake pads show 2 to 3 mm; the headset is smooth and there is no play in the crankset; the brakes work, shifting is smooth and complete and the chain does not measure 0.75 or 1.0 on the chain wear tool. The bicycle is ready to ride. 
Frame and Wheel did find the following features: the left side of the rear skewer is scratched from being placed in a trainer; there is a scratch on the rear derailleur that suggests the bicycle went over onto its right side (however, there are no corresponding scratches on the right edge of the saddle or the right cow horn); the saddle sides show sign of wear and tear on the its sides; there are five scratches ranging from 5 mm to 20 mm long on the lower left side of the down tube; the cable housing has worn away some of the paint on the right side of the head tube; there is a small amount of play in the saddle; the pink bar tape on the right bar horn has grease marks on it; the left bar end shifter has a group of 2 to 3 mm scratches on it; and there is a very small amount of lateral play in the rear wheel. Frame and Wheel has looked this bicycle over very carefully, but cannot guarantee that it has spotted everything.
Upgrades and replacements
The saddle was replaced by one of the original owner with a Selle Italia Cervelo saddle.  One of the previous owners replaced the original 54/42 chain rings with Shimano Ultegra 6500 SG B53/39 chain rings. The freewheel is Shimano Dura Ace CS 7700 nine speed.
Specifications:
Frame: Felt S22 48 cm
Material: 7005 aluminum with replaceable derailleur hanger
Weight: 8 kg (18 lbs)
Seat post: aluminum 2m-2 double bolt
Front fork: Felt carbon fiber with alloy steerer and aero crown
Cranks: FSA ISIS 172.5 mm
Bottom bracket: FSA ISIS
Wheel set: Alex ALX 320 Tri aluminum (7005) clincher F (16) R (24) 650 cc
Spokes: aero
Nipples: external aluminum
Hubs: Alex ALX 320 “A class”
Skewers: Alex ALX 320
Tires: Michelin Lithion 650 x 23
Brakes: Shimano 105
Brake levers: Dia-Compe
Shifters: Shimano Dura Ace SL BS77 bar end
Front derailleur: Shimano Ultegra clamp on
Rear derailleur: Shimano Ultegra
Pedals: not included
Chain ring: Shimano Ultegra 6500 SG 53/39
Freewheel: Shimano Dura Ace CS 7700 12/25
Chain: Shimano CN HG93 Ultegra/XT 9 speed
Saddle: Selle Italia Cervelo
Stem: Felt 3.2 6061 aluminum 80mm / 0 degrees
Headset: FSA Orbit IS2 integrated headset
Handlebars: aluminum cowhorn bar 42 cm c-c
Aero bars: Syntace C2 Streamliner 235 mm (S)
More information about the stock 2003 Felt S22: BikePedia - 2003 Felt S22 Complete Bicycle
More information about Frame and Wheel: Frame and Wheel

Friday, October 1, 2010

"F" Model E-Motion Roller System



Sold: $523
Inside Ride “F” Model E-Motion Roller System
Frame and Wheel is bringing an Inside Ride “F” Model Roller System to market on eBay. The rollers were purchased new in late 2008 at Cycle Loft in Burlington, MA. The previous owner, who retired form cycling this year, used these rollers for off season training and for warming up at cyclocross and mountain bike races. The rollers weigh about 13 kg (28.4 lbs). They can be adjusted to to accommodate a wheelbase between 93 cm and 108 cm. Frame and Wheel cleaned the item and replaced the flywheel belt with a new belt provided by Inside Ride. The “F” Model is the first generation roller systems from Inside Ride. The serial number is 624F. Inside Ride, Inc. is a going concern and is located in North Plains, Oregon. This item is being sold “as is.”
Frame and Wheel conclusion
Frame and Wheel tried the rollers and found that they work very well: the ride is very much like being out on the road. Frame and Wheel is rusty at the art form, but convinced that with practice one can obtain an excellent workout and substantially sharpen your ability to hold your line. The guide wheels on the edges of the front drum and the bumper system on the rear drums represent a clear advancement in roller technology;  they inspire confidence and kept Frame and Wheel from going off the front drum a few times. These rollers are not particularly quiet, especially if you are running tires with any kind of tread and it is hard to notice the difference with the resistance settings. The unit might be hard to store or transport and Frame and Wheel suspects that a rug might be needed under the frame to keep it from slipping around. Nevertheless, the rollers are not much heavier than Frame and Wheel’s ancient CycleOps fluid trainer, they take up the same amount of space when set up and they probably make the same amount of noise .
Frame and Wheel’s view is that these rollers are perfect for the rider who is comfortable with rollers (aka roller monkey), desires the real road feel and who wants the flexibility to train and ride on a single bike (i.e. the bike that has the power meter on it). If you are like Frame and Wheel, and you like to read occasionally on the trainer or are in the habit of using subtitles when watching movies, these rollers may not be for you. Please find numerous useful reviews about the rollers at Road Bike Review Inside Ride eMotion Roller System Reviews and Mountain Bike Review Inside Ride eMotion Roller System Reviews. Please find numerous videos and additional information at Inside Ride, Inc.: Home of E-Motion Rollers - Home about how the F Model differs from the newer H Model.
Overview of condition
The item is made of high quality parts, it is clean and it is in very good condition. There are no grooves or dents on the drums and there are no chips or scratches on the frames; the “free motion” principle works very well; the elastic belts do not have any cuts or cracks; and, the bearings in the drums and the fly wheel are smooth. Frame and Wheel did find the following: there is some corrosion from sweat on the metal arms that attach to the front rear bumpers and on the forward half of the inner frame; the rear bumpers have blemishes and the drums have some blemishes on the edges “outside the pocket” and; the right guide wheel spins less smoothly than the left one; and, the fly wheel has a scratch that goes around the circumference of the wheel. Frame and Wheel looked over the item carefully, but cannot guarantee that every imperfection has been spotted.
Maintenance
The elastic belts are the parts that will wear out. Frame and Wheel obtained a new fly wheel belt from the company because the original one was cracked and ready to break. Customer service is excellent and friendly at this company: they sent very clear directions on how to make the change, the necessary tool and the belt all within a matter of days (the new owner will have these instructions and the tool). Frame and Wheel made the replacement in about 30 minutes and without any trouble, given the clear instructions, the high quality parts and simple design. Frame and Wheel believes that if you have the skill and the patience to change a clincher tire, you can handle replacing the belts on these rollers: it is not very complex, just a bit time consuming.
Specifications
Weight: 13 kg (28.6 lbs)
Outer frame: 60” (L) x 22” (W) x 7.5” (H)
Drums: aluminum, 3.25” x 16”
Resistance setting: Magnetic, three settings
More information on Frame and Wheel: Frame and Wheel