OK OK... I managed to keep this low profile long enough. I had the intention to upgrade my road bike since I completed the Powerman 2009. Although I really like my Merida Road Race 905-Com, I have to admit that it couldn't satisfy me. The bike was a really value-for-money buy, but I kind of struggle with it especially when it comes to climbing. No idea why, but it's certainly a poor climber that even my brandless steel mountain bike from my past is even much better. Besides, the crank was damaged during my fall at the recent Malakoff Interstate Fellowship Ride 2009/2010. It's possible to change just the crank, but since my intention of an upgrade is there, why not just change the whole thing?
And so the decision was made after Powerman 2009. I didn't inform anyone on this though. Back to the drawing board I went, doing my research from the Internet and scouting some models out from the local bike shop. I'm not really good at road bike technologies so I did my own studies and shortlisted a few bikes.
After close to 2 months of homework, I finally shortlisted 3 models which are the BH G5, Scott CR1 Pro and Cervelo P2C. The Cervelo P2C which is a tri-bike looks super cool but I later omitted it from my list due to my riding preferences. With 2 bikes left, I got really confused with the BH G5 and Scott CR1 Pro. I don't deny I'm leaning towards the BH G5, but the Scott CR1 Pro didn't fail to interest me too, especially when it comes to price.. However, I am a little suspicious with Scott's frame built and geometry. Therefore with this, I finally let the cat out of the bag and went for advice from Eugene, who has an in-thing for bikes. With about 3 weeks of advice from him and with me running to and from each shops to compared both bikes, I finally settled for the BH G5 as my suspicion for the Scott CR1 Pro is proven correct (no offense to Scott fans and riders). Besides, the geometry of the BH G5 suits me better for my needs according to Eugene.
The BH G5 Global Concept frame...
Bike building in progress...BH (Beistegui Hermanos) is a Spanish bike company and is currently sponsoring the Team AG2R LaMondiale. The frame designed in Spain and USA is built from Taiwan I guess, where most bikes comes from. The BH G5 Global Concept frame being the highest end from the BH family, weights in at about 810 grams. I built the BH G5 from scratch due to budget constraints. Therefore, I selected the components based on my needs and budget too. In the end, though scaled down, I was really happy on how it turned out as initial ride with the bike took my breath away as it sent me "flying". The specifications are as follows:
Frame: BH G5 Global Concept size S (54)
Fork: BH Global Concept by Edge Composites
Shift levers: Shimano Ultegra ST-6700
Brakes: Shimano Ultegra BR-6700
Front derailleur: Shimano Ultegra FD-6700
Rear derailleur: Shimano Ultegra RD-6700
Bottom bracket: Shimano Ultegra SM-BB6700
Crank: Shimano Ultegra FC-6700 Standard 53-39T
Cassete: Shimano Ultegra CS-6700 12-25
Chain: Shimano Ultegra CN-6700
Headset: FSA Orbit CE Plus Carbon
Stem: FSA OS 120
Dropbar: 3T Ergosum LTD
Saddle: ISM Adamo Road Race
Seatpost: BH Global Concept IST Carbon
Pedal: Look Keo Classic
Tires: Panaracer Closer
Wheelset: Mavic Aksium
Weight: 7.89KG
My new ride weights in at 7.89KG...With the new bike, I do hope to cycle more this year unlike last year. A wake up call from Keat Seong on new year's eve did remind me on how weak I am in road cycling. And hopefully with this wake up call and new machinery, I'm able to perform better at cycling events this year, and also the main one at Powerman 2010. Let's pedal!
The BH G5...
7 comments:
Hi Frank, just cusious, as a multi-finisher of marathons and ultra, do you think that biking is easier than running? Steven Yip once mentioned that before. Of course, you use different group of muscles for biking. Your reckon?
I personally think they both fall under the same league and is just as hard to train for results. However, I do believe that runners will have the advantage to pick cycling up easier rather than the other way around. Just my 2 cents.
Thank for your feedback. Am encouraged by a someone to take up MTB too... besides running.
You are welcome. MTB no doubt is fun. I miss my MTB days but had to give it up for it's a dangerous sport. But I guess all sports have their fair share of danger eh?
does it cost more than ur Civic :P
nice bike bro... can u help me with the SPIbelt, i google it, and found that somebody bought it from u..pls reply me at ontahsapo@gmail.com
tq.
Hi Frank. I am looking at the G5 too but probably pair the stem and handlebars with 3T Ergo Team and maybe Reynolds Attack wheels. How much damage did your setup cost?
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