tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11210889.post7970346160885507164..comments2023-11-18T00:59:29.268-06:00Comments on TRVTH: Dawes SST-AL Pictorial ReviewDon Applemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02606159671601587951noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11210889.post-82772880030252929192016-03-25T00:11:00.164-05:002016-03-25T00:11:00.164-05:00I see the greatest contents on your blog and I ext...I see the greatest contents on your blog and I extremely love reading them.Karismahttp://mountainbikeez.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11210889.post-70271607771230533242013-03-25T07:27:45.391-05:002013-03-25T07:27:45.391-05:00Thanks for asking.
I do still ride mine. I've...Thanks for asking.<br /><br />I do still ride mine. I've probably got about a thousand miles on it. Everything I liked about it still applies. Nothing has broken. All parts are holding up fine<br /><br />The feel of riding a fixed gear is very different from a road bike with a freewheel. The bike is light and reliable; it's what I ride around town for errands and short trips.<br /><br />I've been riding my road bike a lot lately for longer rides, but when I switch it up, I always switch to the fixed gear.<br /><br />The 2013 appears to be mostly the same as mine, except that it comes with a carbon fork, and the price has gone up a bit. I got around to adding an after-market carbon fork to mine. I'd say it looks like it's still a good deal.<br /><br />Good luck!Don Applemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02606159671601587951noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11210889.post-50214303608027363772013-03-22T19:15:18.681-05:002013-03-22T19:15:18.681-05:00I am thinking about buying the 2013 model to get i...I am thinking about buying the 2013 model to get into road riding. I was wondering if you still ride yours and how is it holding up? Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11210889.post-860501015559431022012-10-22T08:45:04.244-05:002012-10-22T08:45:04.244-05:00I'm about 5'7", 29.5" inseam, 14...I'm about 5'7", 29.5" inseam, 140 pounds.Don Applemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02606159671601587951noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11210889.post-88533163777587364372012-10-21T23:59:16.679-05:002012-10-21T23:59:16.679-05:00Hey there,
Thanks for the review. I was wondering...Hey there,<br /><br />Thanks for the review. I was wondering how tall you were and how he 52cm fits you? I realize there is more to fit then height. I am just looking for an idea of fit for a Dawes bike.<br /><br />Thanks!Davidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17901275592317762441noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11210889.post-47309447773884891092012-10-21T23:58:45.824-05:002012-10-21T23:58:45.824-05:00Hey there,
Thanks for the review. I was wondering...Hey there,<br /><br />Thanks for the review. I was wondering how tall you were and how he 52cm fits you? I realize there is more to fit then height. I am just looking for an idea of fit for a Dawes bike.<br /><br />Thanks!Davidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17901275592317762441noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11210889.post-20023342141696685232012-09-15T21:58:17.924-05:002012-09-15T21:58:17.924-05:00Hi Don,
I'm looking for a light, yet not too e...Hi Don,<br />I'm looking for a light, yet not too expensive bike for riding on the local velodrome. Checking out the 2012 (2013?) version of the Dawes SST-AL, probably from the same seller. My 2 questions are: How much does your '09 52cm weigh? (I'd buy a 54cm & remove the brakes, but this will give me a 'ballpark' number.) Also, what is the distance from the ground to the center of the bottom bracket? There is no bb location info on the geometry chart. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11210889.post-89963219303743189942011-09-06T13:44:44.271-05:002011-09-06T13:44:44.271-05:00Hi! so im looking for a reasonably light weight bi...Hi! so im looking for a reasonably light weight bike im also a beginner cyclist. my only fear is that picking up the bike or transporting it will be a hassle. Id like to be able to pick it up with atleast one hand at ease, Is this a good bike for it?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11210889.post-57385441036357712892011-06-23T09:34:24.888-05:002011-06-23T09:34:24.888-05:00Ondrej, thanks for your comment. Perhaps the angle...Ondrej, thanks for your comment. Perhaps the angle of the photo misled you. I can assure you the quick release for the brakes is correct. I've had the wheels on and off, and can't remove the wheel without using the quick release on the brakes.<br /><br />My hands are small enough that I could use the smaller levers anyway.<br /><br />In any case, I've switched out the Nitto Noodles to cheap Nashbar bullhorns with 2cm drop, with the matching time trial brake levers. I kept everything set up so I could do a quick switch back and forth between the two sets of bars. As windy as it's been lately, I may be back to the Noodles sooner than expected.<br /><br />Anon, I'm about 5'7", 29.5" inseam, 145 pounds.Don Applemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02606159671601587951noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11210889.post-78726582338533751822011-06-23T04:40:45.878-05:002011-06-23T04:40:45.878-05:00Do you realize you are using the brake levers in a...Do you realize you are using the brake levers in an "open" position intended for wheel removal ?<br /><br />That is the reason you mention that "maybe you should have bought the model for smaller hands".<br /><br />The release mechanism is identical to Campagnolo. Look it up.<br /><br />Best regards,<br />OndrejOndrejhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17714807775074881399noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11210889.post-65836556434673716052011-02-22T08:47:13.008-06:002011-02-22T08:47:13.008-06:00Thanks for this review. I also purchase the SST A...Thanks for this review. I also purchase the SST AL but only the frameset. Its a great frame for the price. The fact is, there are not too many aluminum frame options with a horizontal dropout. <br /><br />My only mod was changing the fork to an aluminum one. Seems a shame to spoil all that shinny sliver frame with a black fork, either steel or carbon.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11210889.post-36155732850361807462011-01-18T18:34:25.689-06:002011-01-18T18:34:25.689-06:00I was wondering how tall you are. I am looking at...I was wondering how tall you are. I am looking at the same setup(52cm) and I am 5'8" with a 31" inseam. Let us know. ThanksAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11210889.post-62383780242336748312010-11-22T09:10:18.289-06:002010-11-22T09:10:18.289-06:00edspaghet, probably one of the best ways to drop w...edspaghet, probably one of the best ways to drop weight from this bike would be to replace the tubes and tires. Since you're going for a pretty dramatic weight reduction, you'll probably also want to replace the aero wheels with something lighter, like the box-section CXP22 rims available at various wheel builders on-line. I'm confident that replacing the wheels, tires, and tubes is your biggest opportunity to shave weight.<br /><br />The seat is also a bit heavy; a new seat is likely to be both lighter and more comfortable.<br /><br />On my bike, I had the stock steel fork of the 2009 models, which I swapped out for an after-market carbon fork. For me, this made a pretty big difference on weight. The 2010 and 2011 versions of this bike come with a carbon fork stock. <br /><br />Beyond that, you're really starting to pick at items that don't weigh very much to begin with, so it's hard to get dramatic additional savings. The handlebars aren't particularly heavy, but lighter are available. Likewise the crank, which isn't very heavy, but could be lighter.<br /><br />Carbon seatpost, stem, and handlebars are all possible, and at least the seatpost shouldn't be too expensive.<br /><br />Good luck!Don Applemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02606159671601587951noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11210889.post-69965351772140734352010-11-22T09:03:50.149-06:002010-11-22T09:03:50.149-06:00Eli, I swapped the stock handlebar for Nitto Noodl...Eli, I swapped the stock handlebar for Nitto Noodle bars, which have a very comfortable rearward sweep of a few degrees on the tops.Don Applemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02606159671601587951noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11210889.post-88997705701318294072010-11-22T09:03:01.867-06:002010-11-22T09:03:01.867-06:00Anon, I'm the same height and weight as you, s...Anon, I'm the same height and weight as you, so I'm confident that the 52 would also work for you. However, depending on how you like your bike to fit, you would also fit the 50 quite well. I wouldn't say that the fit of the 52 is too big, but I feel that I would be equally comfortable if I had gone down a size and left a little more seatpost showing.Don Applemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02606159671601587951noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11210889.post-5304745800017494552010-11-20T18:02:42.115-06:002010-11-20T18:02:42.115-06:00hey, i'd like to get the weight well under 17 ...hey, i'd like to get the weight well under 17 lbs if possible. I'll be removing the rear brake immediately, and probably sticking with the front at least until i get really comfortable with riding fixed.. (i live in nyc and have to contend with traffic). Which components would you swap out first to reduce the weight if you were in my shoes? Did you notice that the stem or anything were particularly heavy when you were putting it all together?<br /><br />Thanks,<br />EdEdward E Spaghettihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03370698412435977795noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11210889.post-24087819297442570452010-11-15T01:41:48.172-06:002010-11-15T01:41:48.172-06:00Did you change out your handlebar to an oldschool ...Did you change out your handlebar to an oldschool Nitto Olympiade?<br />Thanks for the review.Elinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11210889.post-7848935409218283712010-06-07T15:30:59.846-05:002010-06-07T15:30:59.846-05:00Thank you for your review, it helped me alot and b...Thank you for your review, it helped me alot and bought the same bike!<br />I had a question regarding the chain tension,<br />How tight does the chain tension have to be on this bike? <br />It seemed a bit lose with some slack on arrival, so I've tried to make it tight, but Don't know the best tension for the fixed gear.<br />Also in different parts of the pedaling, the chain tension seems to be different is this normal?<br />Thank you so much,jin123401https://www.blogger.com/profile/09560580725214529767noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11210889.post-51476787799502809672010-06-01T11:32:33.537-05:002010-06-01T11:32:33.537-05:00Hello,
I'm a 5'6 1/2 145 pounds.
Was wonde...Hello,<br />I'm a 5'6 1/2 145 pounds.<br />Was wondering how the 52 cm fits you?<br />I m debating to get 50 or 52 cm.<br />Thank you!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11210889.post-22423894533327034292010-05-27T09:00:05.180-05:002010-05-27T09:00:05.180-05:00Very cool. I'd like to see a pic of how that t...Very cool. I'd like to see a pic of how that turned out.Don Applemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02606159671601587951noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11210889.post-18149102846347081212010-05-26T21:40:11.981-05:002010-05-26T21:40:11.981-05:00i just bought one of these frames, grinded down th...i just bought one of these frames, grinded down the cable guides, and had it powder coated matte black for pretty cheap (wherein the clearcoat and decals were sandblasted off) and it looks great!SMELL DONNELLhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14751029919844341185noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11210889.post-69469968873433457212010-05-18T09:08:33.275-05:002010-05-18T09:08:33.275-05:00Anon -- Based on the images at bikesdirect.com it ...Anon -- Based on the images at bikesdirect.com it does appear that they've dropped the decals from the SST-AL.<br /><br />However, I'm awaiting confirmation on that from people who have recently bought this bike. There is a discussion on bikeforums at <a href="http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?threadid=644705" rel="nofollow">bikeforums.net</a> where the question has been raised but not yet definitively answered.<br /><br />I'll try to remember to post here after someone who has just bought the bike is able to confirm whether the decals are still there or not.Don Applemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02606159671601587951noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11210889.post-16987713864290977272010-05-17T23:50:52.428-05:002010-05-17T23:50:52.428-05:00im looking at the 2010 Dawes SST-AL on bikesdirect...im looking at the 2010 Dawes SST-AL on bikesdirect.com theres no large decals on the frame, is that actually true?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11210889.post-58771291591374582252010-05-10T22:31:11.130-05:002010-05-10T22:31:11.130-05:00Thanks for your interest.
My road bike that I'...Thanks for your interest.<br /><br />My road bike that I've had for years is a 52cm and fits me perfectly, so I was confident when I bought the bikesdirect bike in a 52cm as well. However, I've found that the bikesdirect bikes actually fit a little larger than their sizing would indicate. I'm confident that a 54 would be too big for me, and I recommend the 52 for you as well.<br /><br />As far as reach goes, my 52cm road bike has a 52cm top tube. The bikesdirect 52 has a 53cm top tube, while the 54 has a 55cm top tube, according to the sizing chart at http://windsorbicycles.com/aluminum.htm<br /><br />On my 52cm I've replaced the 110mm stock stem with a 90mm to reduce the reach. I'd be uncomfortable stretching out on the longer top tube of the 54.<br /><br />Regarding standover height, my jeans have a 30" inseam, and there's just enough clearance for my soft bits when I straddle the top tube with shoes on. I for sure don't need the top tube another half inch higher, as it would be on the 54.<br /><br />Though the SST-AL in 52cm is a little bigger than my 52cm road bike, it's not enough of a difference that I feel I should have bought the 50cm instead of the 52, but going up to the 54 would be too much for me.<br /> <br />Buying the 52cm may mean showing a little more seatpost, but it's better to have a frame that's a little smaller (and lighter) than to risk having one that's too big.Don Applemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02606159671601587951noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11210889.post-64155291859321149522010-05-10T20:30:26.336-05:002010-05-10T20:30:26.336-05:00Hi there, great review! I am considering purchasin...Hi there, great review! I am considering purchasing one of these bikes from Bikesdirect, but I am unsure as to whether I should go with the 52 or the 54. I'm 5'7.5" tall with a 30" inseam. What do you think? I know you're 5'7" as well, does the 52 fit you well, do you think the 54 would be too big?<br /><br />Thanks!Ryannoreply@blogger.com