Modifications List

[ksd]

Can we create a list here of the many modifications that people have done to their A-bikes. Pictures would be great too. so far i have seen, new seat posts and saddles, brakes, odometers..............[/url]

[newcross]

It reminds of that I have to update the topic shortcut ( http://www.abikecentral.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=226 )... hee.

Alright, here is my mod. at the moment (July 2007)

Brake Lever: Dia-Compe 189 (out of production)
Brake cables: Clarks Premium Brake cable kit
Bar-tape: Decathron brand Thick bar tape with gel

Saddle: Specialized Rival 2005 version
Seatpost: Cane Creek Thudbuster LT (25.4mm)

Pedals: Crank Brothers Egg-beater S (old All silver version)

Other: Some bolts replaced with button head machine bolts.

[ksd]

Not bad, does it make it any better though?

[newcross]

Not bad, does it make it any better though?

A lot better. Saddle&seatpost I guess I don't need to comment on. Clipless pedals & button head screws secures my feet to stay in position at high speed, and the classic brake levers being much closer to the handle bar and its bar-end position provide quick action and stability. The brake levers fitted in angle also eliminate awkward strain of wrists. oh, and thick bartapes reduce good amount of vibration I get from road.

[Binch Shin]

I will introduce your modification to Korean A-bikers.

[newcross]

I will introduce your modification to Korean A-bikers.

I'm honored. (Please feel free to use my A-bike mod photo.)

[ksd]

Keeps those modifications coming in. I'm starting off slowly. New seat post and saddle first, then some bar tape. Decided not to buy a suspension one due to the price and diameter size of some. But you never know, if i want to improve on what i have i could always try something new and improved. Tyre pressure also helps a great deal.

[Oleg]

Pedals: Crank Brothers Egg-beater S (old All silver version)

if i understand well this pedals are not folding?

[newcross]

if i understand well this pedals are not folding?

It isn't folding pedal nor detachable (needs 6mm Hex ke to remove). It's just tiny.

[ksd]

I got my new saddle today and seatpost. Had to cut the seatpost down to size then adjust the quick release a little bit. Makes a massive difference to comfortability. I still have not taken it out on a major ride yet. In relation to folding, yes it is not as compact as before and the saddle does stick out a bit. Luckily the saddle i bought has a similar shape to the original with a bit carved out the end, which kind of snugly fits, the main nose does stick out and prevents the bag from zipping completely. But again i have compensated for that by rotating the seat sidewards in the A-bikes closed state. All good, waiting for the bar tape now, possibly some reflectors as well? Anyone know of any sticker reflectors like the red one on the back of the A-bike?[/img]

[ired2much]

which saddle did you get? I'm looking to replace mine, but don't know which ones will fit the a-bike better.

[jkevinwolfe]

I opted for a gel seat cover instead of a new seat and tube. I have been very happy with it. I've done 10 km on it and find it as or more comfortable than my last long-distance racing seat on my big-wheeled bike. The trouble was finding a gel cover that fit the unique A-bike seat and didn't slip around.

I finally came across the Bontrager Road Sport cover. There's a tongue of the cover leftover once you get it on, but this tucks in the front of the seat. I think I paid about $16 for it, which was substantially less than all the other racing seat/shock tube options I looked into.

The downside is that the seat doesn't fold completely anymore with the cover on. But the cover is attached with only a drawstring and cord lock, so it can be removed and put back on in a few seconds if you really need the A-bike completely folded.

Kevin

[ksd]

This is the saddle i brought, like i said before it doe fold relatively well back onto the bike, the groove fits snugly into the back wheel. But to make the bike even more compact you can twist the saddle.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/ProductDetail.a ... t%20Saddle

[newcross]

The gel saddle cover is a good solution, I have never opened up one of those, but it seems we can open it up and cut the gel sheet to fit the shape of A-bike saddle. That's what the Japanese guy did and we can see it here.

A-bike tips photo album
http://www.abikecentral.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=346

I think I also saw somebody bought just a gel sheet, then put it into original A-bike saddle! mm... I wonder where I got the image from...

Here is other saddle related topic.
http://www.abikecentral.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=213