Why Cycles R+ Build (TRP Hylex RS, XTR Di2)

Thought I would post up some information about my bike build (FYI, lots of photo's).  

***Full disclosure:  In late 2014 I hurt my back, I decided I really needed to get in better shape, and lose some weight - so I started cycling and I have since lost about 60 lbs.  I began with a Specialized Crosstrail flatbar/hybrid bike, which led to a GT Grade Alloy bike, which led to an On-One Bish Bash Bosh carbon build, which has led me to my current build, a Why Cycles R+ titanium build.  My 3+ years of cycling on 4 bikes does not make me an expert.  Can I feel the difference between the carbon fiber Bish Bash Bosh (BBB) and the Titanium R+? Of course I can.   Can I tell if the Rodeo Adv. Labs Spork fork is more stiff or less compliant than the fork on my Bish Bash Bosh, not so much...

So, with that - here are some of details of the build along with my opinions...

• R+ Frameset (XL, 1942 grams with seatpost, maxle, headset)

• Rodeo Adv. Labs Spork Fork (622g, uncut)

• TRP Hylex RS hydro brakes and levers (329g Rear Post mount w/Di2 climbing switch, 408g  Front Post Mount - not sure why the front is so much heavier maybe my scale was wrong)

• XTR Di2 Rear Derailleur (288g)

• Easton EC90 SL 1x 42T Crankset (543g w/Bottom Bracket)

• Easton EC70 AX bars (220g), EC70 seatpost (139g), EC90 SL Stem (121g)

• HED Ardennes + 650B Wheelset (1392g, no tubes/tape) / SRAM XD 10-42T Cassette (395g)

• Panaracer GK 650B x 48mm tires (573 g/each)
  
  I haven't weighed it yet, but it should be around 19 lbs based on the weights of the components.

So far I have only put about 150 miles of gravel riding on this bike, but I am really enjoying it.  I am still trying to get the fit dialed in, the R+ has a lot lower stack compared to my BBB so I have left the steer tube pretty long pretty long for now and will slowly start to trim it down.  

   

Since I still have the BBB I am able to ride it side by side with the R+ to compare and contrast the qualities.  The ride quality of titanium really is amazing compared to the carbon BBB.   The tires certainly have a lot to do with that, the 650B x 48 mm tires on the R+ are massive compared to the 700c x 35 mm tires on the BBB.  The R+ Frame easily clears the 48mm GK's (they measure 50mm on the Ardennes + Rims).  Clearance is a bit tighter at the fork, but I still have ~5 mm of clearance on either side of the tire.

   

The TRP Hylex RS brakes/hoods are phenomenal - I absolutely love them.  The hoods are superior to the Shimano R685 hoods that are on my BBB, they feel like they were custom molded from the palm of my hand, plus I think they just plain look cool.  

This is my first experience with electronic shifting.  I wanted to build a really simple system, and TRP had the answer.  They sell an adapter that allows you to mount a Di2 Climbing switch to the side of their brakes.  It is very clever and works well.  For the Di2 setup, all you need are a derailleur, climbing switch, battery, two cables, and a 3 port A-junction box - then it is simply plug and play.  I thought the Di2 climbing switch would be bulky/awkward but it is in a perfect spot on the side of the right hood.  From the drops you are more limited in shifting options, but I can still easily hit the rear button to shift into a taller gear while in the drops.  Plus, when you need to shift - its just a quick tap of the button.

     

Transitioning from 2x on my BBB to 1x has been pretty seamless for me as well.  I thought the larger jumps between gears would be more noticeable, but for me it really hasn't been a problem.  With the 42T chainring and 10-42T cassette I have plenty of range.  The lowest gear is slightly lower than what I have on my BBB (50/34 by 11-32), and the tallest gear still allows me to hit 30mph at a comfortable cadence (something I rarely do anyways).

The inaugural ride was a 50 mile gravel road/atv trail ride along the Woodtick Trail in Northern Minnesota and it performed very well. There were areas of soft sand, mud and lots of gravel.  It was a blast, the bike and tires gobbled it up with ease.  I had 25/28 psi front and rear but could have gone a little lower based on the conditions.  I can't wait to get back to this area and do some more exploring - there are several ATV trails in this area that are perfect for this bike.