New Bike Day, BMC Streetfire SS02 (2)

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-Steering

a. Handlebar

I installed my old 3T handlebar on the new bike. At 44 cm (center to center), it's on the wider side; I usually prefer bars that are 42 cm or even 40 cm wide. I plan to swap it out in the future when I change my handlebar tape.

Update: With the new bar tape, I replaced the 3T with an older basic Deda RHM (Rapid Handlebar Movement) handlebar from my parts bin. Although it also measures 44 cm wide, the drops aren't as pronounced. I find the 'new' Deda bar more comfortable, but it's still too wide... My 40 cm aero bar is ready for a replacement.

b. Stem

Initially, I used a 120mm Deda MTB stem from my old bike. However, after some trials, I realized that my position was too stretched to comfortably reach my STI levers.

To achieve a more relaxed posture, I switched to a sleek 110mm Kalloy Uno stem, which the manufacturer describes as having a 'titanium black finish'. With the shorter stem, the angle between my upper arm and forearm approached a more aggressive 90-degree time-trial position, making the entire bike feel more responsive.

Update: I returned to my original 120mm Deda MTB stem because the shorter stem was causing neck and back pain during longer rides.

c. Fork

Fortunately, the full carbon fork 1/8' steerer from my previous bike remained at its original length. Instead of cutting it, I used spacers to adjust it to the 58 cm frame for my preferred riding position. The steering head tube of my 'new' alloy frame was so long that the original uncut 30 cm steerer could be transferred without any modification. The supplied headset fit my Deda 120mm stem perfectly, it requiring only a small spacer as a chimney on top of the stem. Basically, I transferred the entire fork, including the caliper brake, cable (with STI-Shifter), along with the front wheel, from the old bike to the new frame.

-Transmission

I utilized my entire Shimano 105 R7000 11-speed transmission and brake system, excluding the front derailleur and the rear cassette.

a. Shifter: Shimano R7000 105 Dual Control Levers

I used my true and reliable mechanical 11-Speed shifters w/mechanical rim brake. Originally, the lower range of the Shimano's road range, I think these control levers are not far behind. In a blind test, they would be indistinguishable from the higher Ultegra or Dura Ace Shifters.

b. Front Derailleur: Microshift Centos front derailleur 2*11-speed

The Shimano 105 front derailleur, model FD-R7000-F, on my other road bike featured a new link or 'toggle' construction and was difficult to set up. A cable failure on the road would be a nightmare. Therefore, I chose the simpler Taiwanese Microshift Centos 2*11 (FD-R58F-BK) front derailleur. Up close, it resembled a sturdier version of the Sora R3000 9-speed front derailleur. The Centos was as easy to set up as the Sora and performed reliably and accurately. Additionally, it was priced at two-thirds of the Shimano model while weighing nearly the same (96g vs. 95g).

c. Crankset: Shimano FC-RS500

Due to the same 68mm wide BSA bottom bracket of the old and new frame, I was able to swap my reliable Shimano FC-RS500 Crankset (in black) with its bottom bracket. Both were in great shape, so I saved on new parts. On the shiny black ex-50/34T black crankset I mounted slightly larger silver/greyish 52/36T chainrings from my silver crankset for faster road riding. This modified crankset looked a little more agricultural or gravel-bikish.

　Black Shimano FC-RS500 Crankset 52-36T w/Silver Chainwheels

d. Rear Derailleur: SHIMANO 105 Medium Cage Rear Derailleur

My true and reliable 11-32T cassette for 11-speed.

e. Rear Cassette:

I've used my 'old' SunRace CS-RX1 cassette with 11-32T, mounted on my 11-speed rear hub of the wheel.

SunRace Red Spider 11-32T Cassette

Braking

a. Lever: Shimano R7000 105 Dual Control Levers (see above)

b. Cantilever Brakes: SHIMANO 105 (R7000) Dual-Pivot Brake Caliper

Shimano BR-R7000 in 'silky black'

I am neither a racer nor a gravel biker. For my riding style, caliper brakes are working well enough. With the experience of riding 38.000 km in 5 years, I found them efficient and reliable. Especially after replacing the harsher original Shimano R55C3 with softer Duro 2 Kool-Stops Dual Compound (black-salmon) pad inserts, I feel my braking got more 'sensitive' with improved brake power. I feel not only safer downhill but especially on white road markings in very wet conditions.

Kool Stop Dura 2 Replacement Pad

Throughout my entire cycling experience, I've encountered shifting cable failures, but I've never (!) experienced a brake cable failure - a new cable and an Allen key would be all I require.

(to be continued)