A pedal away

My road towards a triathlon is now just a pedal away.  I've spent a couple of months building up a road bike.  The process took more than that considering the time it took to scout for parts & prices and to research about proper bike fit.

Finally, I've managed to complete a machine.  Completely bought (except for handle bars & calipers) from Cycle Art in Quiapo, Manila.  This shop has probably the best customer service around.  I've been to other bike shops in the area and none came close to the friendliness of the people at Cycle Art.

Specifications:

Frameset: Kinesis KT415 TT SPF
Wheelset: Shimano WH-R550
Shifters: Shimano Sora STI, 9 speed
Front Derailleur: Shimano Sora
Rear Derailleur: Shimano Sora
Crank: Shimano Sora 50/34
Cassette: Shimano Tiagra 12-23, 9speed
Handlebars: MOB
Stem: FSA
Headset: Kinesis (manufactured for Cane Creek)
Breakset: Shimano Sora

The bike weighs a total of 20lbs which I consider incredibly light compared to bikes I have previously ridden.

The Kinesis kt415 has a TT (time trial) geometry with a seat angle of 76 degrees.  It came with fork and seat post.  I am planning to buy clip-on aero bars and transform this bike into a tri bike.  For now it will remain a road bike with tri geometry.  All components are Shimano Sora except the Cassette and I'm also planning to upgrade these to 105.  But not now.  I was on a budget and the real investment I made was on the frameset.

I built this bike up and fine-tuned the shifting and the stack and reach and was finally able to ride it a week after I finished assembling it.  Last Sunday, February 8, 2009 was the day I took it on it's first 40km trip.  I also took it for hill training last night.

I would like to especially thank Desiree of Cycle Art for being so helpful and accomodating.

If you wish to contact Cycle Art:

Cycle Art Mktg. Quiapo, Manila
Mobile: +639177951122

I'm still not abandoning ol faithful.  The bike I started training on: