After the final few parts came in to the shop I was able to put the done stamp on the bike. The Rapha bike was finished last night in the dark, so the pics do not do it justice, so maybe as soon as it is bright enough to get some good shots these will have to do.

Enjoy the finale!

Brand new Chorus cassette! Doubt it will be as shiny as this ever again!

Mmmmmm Fulcrum racing 1 clinchers. Thanks James for the great deal! These wheels are luscious and I am looking forward to the many fast miles ahead! Butter smooth bearings, light weight with out being fragile, and James sent along the white tires as a bonus. So kudos to me on that score!

Campy has anew all inclusive tool for their new 11 speed chains that removes, installs, and “peens” the rivet so that it does not slip out. This tool is between $250 and $300 for a chain tool. Now as much as I would love to own a set of Campy tools, this one seemed a bit excessive even for me. If I went with Park tools I would be looking at around $100 give or take for two separate tools. So being the Internet scrounger that I tend to be I found this little cherub for $20 shipped. I used the chain tool I had to break a link and then slipped this beauty in.

As you can see by the miracles of science it works and there is absolutely no rubbing or added friction to the cassette. Nice little solution to an expensive issue!

Lastly we have one of the more underrated parts on a cross bike. The Brakes! Now for those of you who remember using cantilever brakes when that was the only option, you know they work about as well as a chocolate firewall! I contemplated using a strong break such as a liner pull or “V-brake” as they would give me a much more powerful tool, but the draw backs right now just don’t warrant it. Adapting my riding style would be easier and probably a better choice. So instead I went with a great set of “cantis” as they tend to be the highest rated. So with a few minor pad adjustments needed, here are a almost new set of Paul cantilever brakes.

There you have it boys and girls. he IF/Rapha cross bike reborn. Better artistic shots to come, but as beautiful as this bike is, trust me it is not about how it looks.