I finally have this bike with most of the components that I want on it. It took forever to install the fenders (my fault, no doubt) and now I am feeling pretty good about the setup. I am a recreational/charity rider. I decided to treat myself to a new bike and the Hilsen looked like fun. I bought it to be a change of pace from my beloved Litespeed Classic. I thought that it would be good to have a bike that could handle less than ideal pavement conditions and that I could do credit card touring on. Interestingly, my average speeds on the Hilsen aren't all that different from the Litespeed. I am planning on using this bike for the 2007 5 Borough Bike Tour in NYC on 5/6/07. The big tires should be perfect. I am still dialing in the fit and may switch to a shorter stem, because I feel a little bit too extended. I am still thinking about a front rack and lighting. Hope you enjoy,

Specs:

Hilsen 61 cm
Nitto Noodle 46 cm bars
Nitto Technonomic Deluxe 10 cm stem
Nitto S-83 Seatpost
Campagnolo Centaur 9 Speed Shifter/Brake Levers
Sugino XD2 Crank with 175 mm cranks and 46/36/24 chainrings
MKS GR-9 Pedals and Alloy Leathered Toe Clips (jury still out on this)
Ultegra 12-27 Cassette
IRD Compact Front Derailleur
Deore XT Rear Deraulleur with JTEK Shiftmate (which is working very well)
Synergy 36 Spoke Wheels Panaracer Pasela 700 x 35 Tires
Cateye Micro Wireless Computer
Terry Fly Tri Gel Saddle
Berthoud (accursed, but nice) Fenders With Mud Flap
Nitto R14 Rack
Andrew's Saddlebag Holder
Nigel Smythe Country Saddlebag
Cateye Blinkie
King Bottle Cages

Cheers,

Joel

Solomander@aol.com