You get what you pay for

garmin_33g
Garmin EDGE 130 Plus.

I’ve finally caved and bought a bicycle computer, not for Strava, more for a speedometer than anything else (I used to use the old Cateye bicycle computers back in the day).

I ended up going with a Garmin EDGE 130 Plus. It’s affordable, tiny, has a black and white screen and weighs in at 33g. It also has the option for measuring power and heart rate if I want to go there in future.

computer_mount_sl7_stem
Kocevlo vs. Specialized.

The SL7 stem plate has a hole in it which is designed for a Specialized stem accessory mount kit. In typical Specialized fashion it was going to be expensive at $71.95 AU shipped so on a whim I thought I’d buy a cheaper alternative from Kocevlobike on eBay (IE: Chinese alternative) for $27.20 AU shipped.

Turns out you get what you pay for (when will I ever learn?!). The main bolt that bolts through the mount to the back of the stem plate is too long (leaving it that way would literally have the end of the bolt damage the carbon bars) and the mount has a non-removable GoPro mount (all good if you use a GoPro but I don’t have one… yet?!).

Whilst I was installing a computer mount I thought I’d finally get the 4 black Ti bolts for the stem. CCACHE were out of black Ti bolts so I sourced some from GEAR Shop Brisbane’s online store (they’re the same weight as the OEM bolts so I assume the OEM bolts were titanium too).

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garmin_side
Quality is night and day. Putting the computer on is perfect on the Specialized (the China one doesn’t allow the computer to click into place at all).

garmin_allez
Oh noes… I’m becoming a roadie.

Adding weight back on the bike hurts more than it should, there’s still about 20g or so I can save from cutting the very long Hylix seatpost down, but honestly I can’t be bothered, more keen to just ride now!

PS: I also ordered a bunch of bibs, jerseys and socks off AliExpress as I’ve been avoiding buying brand name stuff (2 bibs, 2 pairs of socks and 2 jerseys for the price of one single MAAP jersey!), the company let me know that they were signed off on and delivered, but I never got them! Turns out there were mails in my spam folder from the local delivery agent, and they attached a proof of delivery photo, the doofus left the package outside on the street, and welp… the package was stolen.

Again, lesson learned. F AliExpress. I ended up putting in a $600+ order in with MAAP (one jersey, socks, gloves and bibs), ridiculously expensive but I hope the quality is great and hey I’m happier supporting local.

UPDATED SPECS: 2022 Specialized Allez Sprint Comp (size 49) in Tarmac Black/Brushed Foil

GROUPSET: SRAM RED AXS E1 rear derailleur, shifters and calipers, SRAM DUB BB, SRAM Red AXS E1 chain, SRAM RED AXS E1 cassette (10-36), SRAM RED AXS E1 crankset (160mm), SRAM X-SYNC chainring (50T).

WHEELS & TYRES: ENVE 65 Foundation wheelset, Continental AERO 111 front (29), Continental GP 5000 S TR rear (32), Galfer rotors (160mm front 140mm rear).

COMPONENTS: S-Works Tarmac SL7 stem (110mm -12 degree), Tarmac SL7 stem cable bat, stem cover kit and black Ti stem bolts, RaceWare 3D printed spacer, Specialized Roval Rapide handlebars (380mm), Burgh Lightning Bar Tape, Berk Lupina Short (132mm), Specialized carbon rail clamp, Hylix 0 offset seatpost, Xpedo Thrust SL titanium pedals, Specialized front derailleur mount cover, S-Works Carbon Rib Cage III, S-WORKS bottle cage bolts, Garmin EDGE 130 Plus, Specialized out front computer mount.

WEIGHT: 7.65kg (fully loaded with mount, computer, cage and pedals).

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