As I mentioned earlier, I was eagerly awaiting some new components. They came yesterday, but the installation was not without its setbacks. I am apparently 0 for 2 when it comes to choosing pieces that fit my bike, and here’s why:
The Stem
So sue me. I didn’t realize there were two different diameters for handlebars, and that Titec makes both sizes. So while the stem attached to the steerer tube just fine, the bars themselves weren’t clamped in place when the front part of the stem was put on. A quick trip to my favorite bike shop (not an easy feat, considering both cars were in the shop at the time and my bike was in pieces; I ended up taking Abe’s scooter) solved my problem by giving me a shim to equalize the size of the bars. Unfortunately, the shim is intended to slide onto the handlebars. Since I didn’t feel like taking all my components off my bars, I instead bent the shim open and stuck it on that way. Success!
The Seatpost
Okay, this one was not my fault. I ordered a 27.2mm post, a common size. I specifically checked Giant’s site before ordering to confirm it would fit.
It didn’t. Checking the numbers on the posts (something I wasn’t aware of previously) revealed that the Giant post is actually 30.8mm, which I believe to be a non-standard size. Fortunately this doesn’t seem to be a non-standard problem and Rib Mountain Cycles pulled through again with yet another shim.
The result? My project that should’ve taken half an hour took most of my evening. Whatevs though, the bike is done (for now), looks better, and is more comfortable to ride.