Slowtwitch Forums: Triathlon Forum: S&S Couplers?

Calendar Retailers Stack & Reach Custom Geometry Calculator Online Training Log
		MAIN INDEX	RULES & LEGEND	LOG IN

Search for (options)

Newsletter Signup

Slowtwitch Forums: Triathlon Forum:
S&S Couplers?

ictheostega

Dec 31, 04 5:37

Post #1 of 13 (245 views)

S&S Couplers?	Can't Post

I have recently been informed I may be going overseas for considerable periods at a time. I currently own a litespeed saber, a Merlin Agilis, an 853 KHS Flite 800 and a interloc tempest mountain bike. If I go overseas I will absolutely require a bike for my sanity. I am trying to get ahead of the game by possibly selling one of my bikes and getting a frame with S&S couplings. Has anyone used these? Any comments?

Also in general for riding in undeveloped parts is a MTB or cross bike the way to go or just a road bike with some fat tires?

Another option is just get a travel case/ bag and pay the airline fee, however I worry that in more remote parts it may be hard to fit a bike box in some situations - which bike would you select for the S&S coupling treatment - has anyone taken a bike box to the middle east and or more remote countries?

I may put all my bikes in storage and just bring a cheap travel bike or sell the lot and have one dream traveling machine.

Anyone have a 56-58cm frame with S&S couplings they want to swap for one of my frames?

trimike92

Dec 31, 04 6:27

Post #2 of 13 (226 views)

Re: S&S Couplers? [ictheostega] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I had a bike built w/ S & S couplings 4 years ago and love them. I'm surprised more people haven't caught on. I've been to Italy twice with the bike and the carrying case is fantastic and stays under the "oversized baggage extortion money racket" the airlines have set up. I would recommend getting the couplings installed with a new build as it is usually much cheaper and the frame doesn't have to be repainted.

The bike rides as normal (mine is a steel frame) and is perfect in every way. On my first trip to Italy we spent a week in the Dolomites riding every day up (and down) all the major climbs (Fedia, Giau, Valparola, Gardena, Pordoi, etc)and the bike performed flawlessly. After a few trips you should be able to get the build up/take down procedure done within 30-45 minutes.

Also consider getting a set of wheels that have as few spokes as possible to make the packing go quickly in that you have more room in the case. Hope this helps. Let me know if you have more questions. I'd be happy to help.

GregX

Dec 31, 04 8:34

Post #3 of 13 (202 views)

Re: S&S Couplers? [ictheostega] [In reply to]	Can't Post

If the 'overseas location' you are talking about is Iraq, a MTB is absolutely the way to go. The roads are obviously hellishly poor. If you use a road bike or cross bike, you will likely eventually break the frame and knock your tooth fillings out.

Otherwise, I find that many other overseas locations that I have been to (except Western Europe) have roads so bad that most of them would also call for a MTB for butt-saving comfort and practicality (places like former USSR and eastern block, Korea, most places in Malaysia, China, South America, etc.). Front or full suspension would also be a great option, except that the value of the bike goes up, which means more chance of theft or 'disappearance.'

If you are going only to places with excellent roads (Western Europe, Japan, Australia, a few other countries), then a simple road bike with drop bars would be fine. For the rest of the world (questionable roads) and for fitness and training (not racing) and a lot of travel and minimal cost, I would probably use a non-suspended MTB with S&S couplers and an appropriate box or case.

"Half of what we taught you is wrong. Unfortunately, we do not know which half."
-- Dean and cardiologist C. S. Burwell to a Harvard Med School graduating class.
Where would you want to swim ?

Herbert

Dec 31, 04 9:53

Post #4 of 13 (182 views)

Re: S&S Couplers? [ictheostega] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi there,
I guess it really depends where you go and how you are getting around in terms of what bike is ideal. Many road bikes just won't have enough clearance to allow for really fat tires, so most people who go that general route opt for cross/touring bikes instead. A mountain bike will pretty much work in most places, so that is always a good option.
Cases like the Trico Ironcase fit on the backseat of most midsized 4 door sedans (Jetta, Cavalier etc) and surely in the trunk of most hatchbacks. But you'll need a storage space for the case if you want to have the built up bike in the car. S&S couplings will allow you to get the bike in a smaller case, but the same general principles apply. You may not have to deal with bike charges, but you'll still have to deal with the box.
Hope this finds you well.
Herbert

Khai

Dec 31, 04 11:39

Post #5 of 13 (167 views)

Re: S&S Couplers? [ictheostega] [In reply to]	Can't Post

http://www.ritcheylogic.com/babmain.htm Ask SuperDave about his if you question the ride. It's on my list...

<If you're gonna be dumb, you gotta be tough>
Get Fitter!
Proud member of the Smartasscrew, MONSTER CLUB
Get your FIX today?

SuperDave

Jan 2, 05 18:40

Post #6 of 13 (129 views)

Re: S&S Couplers? [ictheostega] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I'd look at the Ritchey in the 'cross version. It is the go anywhere, go anywhere bike. At $2500 it is a great value in Ultegra priced premium chrome-moly frames. It comes ready to fly w/ case, etc. I've raced on it for a year with no problems and love the ride.

http://feltbicycles.blogspot.com/

SuperDave

Jan 2, 05 19:06

Post #7 of 13 (121 views)

Re: S&S Couplers? [Khai] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Do you ride a 56cm?

-SD

http://feltbicycles.blogspot.com/

Mike Green

Jan 2, 05 19:47

Post #8 of 13 (109 views)

Re: S&S Couplers? [ictheostega] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Calfee offers S & S couplers for the Luna and Tetra models. Cost is an extra $550.

More expensive than the Ritchey and I probably wouldn't want couplers in such a good bike. Maybe the couplers don't degrade the bike. You can call them to see how couplers affect the ride.

www.calfeedesign.com

Rode the other day with a guy who was riding his Ritchey for the first time. Except for some shifting problems, which have nothing to do with the frame, he liked the bike.

Khai

Jan 2, 05 21:50

Post #9 of 13 (94 views)

Re: S&S Couplers? [SuperDave] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I typically ride a 49, sometimes a 51 depending on the frame. From the sounds of it though, I wish I rode a 56. You looking to unload?

<If you're gonna be dumb, you gotta be tough>
Get Fitter!
Proud member of the Smartasscrew, MONSTER CLUB
Get your FIX today?

SuperDave

Jan 2, 05 22:05

Post #10 of 13 (90 views)

Re: S&S Couplers? [Khai] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Oh, you'd be a 50 in the Ritchey geometry most likely.

I ride a 60cm, but I have a couple of shops that are looking to unload their 56cm sizes for "year end" deals.

Regards,
-SD

http://feltbicycles.blogspot.com/

Ironman Bangkok

Jan 3, 05 0:56

Post #11 of 13 (80 views)

Re: S&S Couplers? [ictheostega] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I've got two sets. Both on steel bikes. One is on a Tandem and the other is on my Triathlon / Road Bike. The tri / road bike breaks down into a Samsonite Case. Both bikes are from Thorn in the UK. www.sjscycles.co.uk

Ross

Ironman Bangkok

Jan 3, 05 1:09

Post #12 of 13 (77 views)

Re: S&S Couplers? [ictheostega] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Also.....where are you going ? I manage to use my Road Bike with S+S couplings in Lebanon / Syria and Asia. Never had any big problems. Ross.

Ironman Bangkok

Jan 3, 05 1:11

Post #13 of 13 (76 views)

Re: S&S Couplers? [trimike92] [In reply to]	Can't Post

30-40 minutes !!!! Are you joking ??? Mine takes about 5 minutes Maximum. Ross.