Bye Bye Scattante RLX CX. Next up, Redline Conquest Pro

So a little about the great deal of $225 for Aluminum frame, Carbon fork and Cane Creek headset... It really was a GREAT DEAL, but I just can't enjoy riding it. Even with a full Ultegra kit and brand new Mavic Aksiums (which are the value KING MOFO of CX wheels for their weight), I just don't like it.
- Sloping top tube screws up the entire geometry. Looks bad, rides weird
- Fork is wiggly and vibrates like hell whenever the brake pads start to grab
- I have to cut the steer-tube on the fork. It's just too long.
- Most of all, I'm just damn peculiar and always itching for something new and juicy.

So I was looking at Jake the Snake by Kona ($399 frame fork combo), Soma Doublecross ($425 combo), Surly Crosscheck ($410 combo) and the Redline Conquest ($325 combo). I really like the Surly's beefiness, but the frame and fork for a 60cm was like 8 lbs. The Soma is probably just as tough, and a little lighter, but just above my budget after taxes and shipping. The Jake was backordered (#1 selling CX bike ever), so value or not, I can't wait.

Redline reviews look solid and the aluminum fork should be stiff and light enough. It's a real value as I see it, plus they have gone all out with great looking graphics and thoughtful design characteristics.

I'll be building up with:

Ultegra group, shifters, derailers
FSA Gossamer Mega Exo compact cranks
Ritchey bars and stem
MAVIC Aksium wheels or Open Pros with Ultegra hubs
WTB saddle
Egg Beaters pedals
Kenda Kwick 700X32 tires, kevlar bead

PHAT

Soma Smoothie gets some new BLING BLING

The Soma Smoothie is one fine piece of bike. It's exceptionally lightweight and steady (thanks 831 chromo steel). It was previously outfitted with Shimano WH-550 wheels (sold), and then brand new MAVIC Open Pros/Ultegra hubs. I got an offer to buy some MAVIC Ksyrium Elites for $200, and couldn't resist. I hated the celeste bar tape, so swapped for black Specialized Body Geometry tae (Highly Recommended). I also swapped the Ritchey Pro stem for an Easton EA70 to better match the rest of the group (and the red and yellow decals on the Ksyriums).

It's just beautiful, balanced, and integrated- Most importantly, fun to ride.