rbent Forum - Print Page

rbent Forum
https://rbentonline.org/YaBB.pl
General Category >> Photos >> Another practical purchase - Xstream26!
https://rbentonline.org/YaBB.pl?num=1266369881

Message started by FlyingLaZBoy on Feb 16^th, 2010, 7:24pm

Title: Another practical purchase - Xstream26!
Post by FlyingLaZBoy on Feb 16^th, 2010, 7:24pm

Well, as has been rumored, thanks to the sale of my SXP to Thomas, I was finally able to scrape up enough bucks to take advantage of RANS's "team discount" for the Xstream prototype testing work (yeah, "work," right...) back in '2008... While the Xstream is pretty cool, it just didn't match the versatility of the SXP, and my jobless situation pretty much prevented me from having two bikes at once. So the SXP remained my bike of choice.

HOWEVER, they have since come out with the Xstream26 concept, allowing wider 559 tires with a slingmesh seat, creating a "commuter" option -- and I thought, well, heck, I've already GOT 559 wheels/tires, and they can still go fast if I need to... SO I talked with Randy and Kim, and we worked out a deal -- and such a deal... such that I could afford an Xstream26 (which IS a slightly different frame) that has a custom gold/silver paint job like the Team version (but "faded" together), with sparkle clearcoat, midlevel Xstream components, and BOTH a Slingmesh and a Hoagie seat, for that extra versatility from commuting to racing! NOW I could replace the SXP... And here it be, a bike to take me my NEXT 25,000 miles:

http://i977.photobucket.com/albums/ae256/pbrown8js/XStr005.jpg

http://i977.photobucket.com/albums/ae256/pbrown8js/XStr007.jpg

http://i977.photobucket.com/albums/ae256/pbrown8js/XStr001.jpg

http://i977.photobucket.com/albums/ae256/pbrown8js/XStr008.jpg

With Slingmesh and Aerotrunk, ready to commute:

http://i977.photobucket.com/albums/ae256/pbrown8js/XStr010.jpg

http://i977.photobucket.com/albums/ae256/pbrown8js/XStr017.jpg

This combination actually makes it MORE versatile than the SXP, and several pounds lighter as well... So, the StratusVariouses are no longer a "matching bike" couple...

[smiley=tekst-toppie.gif]

Title: Re: Another practical purchase
Post by FlyingLaZBoy on Feb 16^th, 2010, 7:28pm

An interesting note about switching back and forth between the Hoagie and the Slingmesh -- I actually have to move the seatclamp FORWARD an inch or so when I install the Slingmesh, to reach the pedals (although I may just be able to switch from rear to front bolts), and the handlebar just has to be pushed in 3" or so for the modified closer reach. Pretty slick...

Title: Re: Another practical purchase - Xstream26!
Post by Kwijybow on Feb 16^th, 2010, 9:44pm

More awesomeness! I'm very interested in seeing this one in action! On my shortlist for next bike....

Title: Re: Another practical purchase - Xstream26!
Post by jayg on Feb 16^th, 2010, 10:06pm

Great looking bike! I notice you ordered it with a Terracycle idler. The stock plastic idler on my X Stream is rapidly being chewed up by the chain, so I have been considering installing a Terracycle idler. I was wondering about its noise level. Is it much noisier than a new plastic idler?

Title: Re: Another practical purchase - Xstream26!
Post by aikigreg on Feb 16^th, 2010, 10:33pm

No, I think it's quieter in fact.

Title: Re: Another practical purchase - Xstream26!
Post by FlyingLaZBoy on Feb 16^th, 2010, 10:59pm

jayg wrote:

Go for the Terracycle -- it's just better built, overall. I still don't know why RANS went with that plastic idler...

PB

Title: Re: Another practical purchase - Xstream26!
Post by power_bent on Feb 17^th, 2010, 9:32am

Way to go Paul,, loooks very nice! [smiley=pepper.gif]

Title: Re: Another practical purchase - Xstream26!
Post by Bud_Bent on Feb 17^th, 2010, 11:33am

Very nice, Paul!

Title: Re: Another practical purchase - Xstream26!
Post by MrOverdressed on Feb 17^th, 2010, 2:43pm

Congratulations Paul !!!

Title: Re: Another practical purchase - Xstream26!
Post by Pedalin` Peggy on Feb 20^th, 2010, 7:39am

You have had a great couple of weeks, new job , new bike. See go things come to those how wait. [smiley=vrolijk_26.gif]. Looking forward to riding with you this spring. Pedalin Peggy

Title: Re: Another practical purchase - Xstream26!
Post by FlyingLaZBoy on Feb 20^th, 2010, 11:18pm

Went out for the "Maiden Voyage" this morning, doing the GDB 40-miler Airport out-and-back, with the Hoagie seat. I also switched out the handlebar for the "HR3Way", which gave me a bit more leg room and better ergonomics for the grips/brakes. As expected, the bike performed like a charm, especially into the wind, although my legs were telling me about the different recline since the last few months have been so light, mileage-wise. I took it relatively easy, winding up with a 16+ average... but the fun has begun!

[smiley=dbanana.gif]

Title: Re: Another practical purchase - Xstream26!
Post by FlyingLaZBoy on Feb 21^st, 2010, 7:40am

A couple pictures of the handlebar switch to the HR3Way... I cut a few inches off of the B-28 top insert so it would go in further, and also cut length off of the adjustable grip sections so they would slide in as far as possible to the curve. I also cut some length off the seat braces, so I could get max recline with the supports attached to the forward frame tab.

http://i977.photobucket.com/albums/ae256/pbrown8js/XS26/02-HR3WayBarsFront.jpg

http://i977.photobucket.com/albums/ae256/pbrown8js/XS26/01-HR3WayBarsRear.jpg

http://i977.photobucket.com/albums/ae256/pbrown8js/XS26/03-HR3HandlesCutShorter.jpg

http://i977.photobucket.com/albums/ae256/pbrown8js/XS26/04-CutDownB-28.jpg

http://i977.photobucket.com/albums/ae256/pbrown8js/XS26/08-ZBagOverFoam_ClearsTire.jpg

Title: Re: Another practical purchase - Xstream26!
Post by MrOverdressed on Feb 21^st, 2010, 8:03am

Paul do you still have the B-74 riser installed?

Title: Re: Another practical purchase - Xstream26!
Post by FlyingLaZBoy on Feb 21^st, 2010, 9:10pm

MrOverdressed wrote:

Paul do you still have the B-74 riser installed?

Yes... that's what the B-28 topload slides into.