xjoex
06-07-2007, 11:03 AM
16342
I have been commuting on the Planet X Kaffenback for almost a year now and wanted to share some observations since my first post about it back in October (http://robonza.blogspot.com/2006/11/review-planet-x-kaffenback-great.html).
Overall I am very pleased with it. It has a few drawbacks but its a great commuter at a great price.
First let me tell you my setup, I am riding 8speed dura ace sti, 105 speed rear der, ultegra 9speed cranks with a 38/42 chain ring ( no front der, less to have to adjust, its a commuter), 11/32 rear IRD 8 speed cassette, tektro canti's, blackburn metro rear rack, cane creek cross lever, SKS fenders, some mix matched wheels with cross tires, and pinhead anti-theft skewers for the wheels.
16343
Positives:
- The frame is very well built
- Soaks up the bumps on my mixed trail/road commute to work.
- It flexes very little under load (i.e. out of saddle on an uphill with two panniers full of groceries)
- It has plenty of points to attach racks and fenders.
- Cool paint job, plus its a tought paint job, been locking it up for a year without any scratches.
Negatives:
- Lots of toe overlap with the front tire.
- Can't fit a studded kenda ice tire in the rear
- Weird cable stops on the head tube that make brake interference a big issue in tight turns, the cables hit and the brake starts tightening. Never happens on the trail, but it happens...
I'd recommend this bike to most anyone who wants a commuter bike on a budget. It's a nice ride and now that I look back I spend a good deal of time riding this bike every day, in the rain, mud, sun and everything else with very few complaints.
I purchased mine from Redstone Cyclery in Lyons, CO.
I have been commuting on the Planet X Kaffenback for almost a year now and wanted to share some observations since my first post about it back in October (http://robonza.blogspot.com/2006/11/review-planet-x-kaffenback-great.html).
Overall I am very pleased with it. It has a few drawbacks but its a great commuter at a great price.
First let me tell you my setup, I am riding 8speed dura ace sti, 105 speed rear der, ultegra 9speed cranks with a 38/42 chain ring ( no front der, less to have to adjust, its a commuter), 11/32 rear IRD 8 speed cassette, tektro canti's, blackburn metro rear rack, cane creek cross lever, SKS fenders, some mix matched wheels with cross tires, and pinhead anti-theft skewers for the wheels.
16343
Positives:
- The frame is very well built
- Soaks up the bumps on my mixed trail/road commute to work.
- It flexes very little under load (i.e. out of saddle on an uphill with two panniers full of groceries)
- It has plenty of points to attach racks and fenders.
- Cool paint job, plus its a tought paint job, been locking it up for a year without any scratches.
Negatives:
- Lots of toe overlap with the front tire.
- Can't fit a studded kenda ice tire in the rear
- Weird cable stops on the head tube that make brake interference a big issue in tight turns, the cables hit and the brake starts tightening. Never happens on the trail, but it happens...
I'd recommend this bike to most anyone who wants a commuter bike on a budget. It's a nice ride and now that I look back I spend a good deal of time riding this bike every day, in the rain, mud, sun and everything else with very few complaints.
I purchased mine from Redstone Cyclery in Lyons, CO.