After about a week in customs, my new Pedal Force QS3 frame showed up. I bought this back in February through a group buy at an incredible price. I have yet to ride it, but I think it’s worth the wait. The frame weighed in at 930 g with the derailleur hanger, while the fork was a hair under 400 g.

The frame features a new BB30 bottom bracket, but I won’t have a crank until July. Thus, I’m probably going to get an adapter to use standard external BB shells (and my current crankset) from our new XXX Racing shop sponsor, Get-A-Grip Cycles.

If you haven’t been into their shop or fit studio, go check them out, The service is amazing. I got some Rudy Project Rx sunglasses through them a couple of years ago before they were a sponsor. Despite some issues with the FDA and Rudy, their service was incredible and I never hesitated to recommend them. Not cheap, but definitely with the price!

Another challenge while putting this new kid together was the headset. I normally use old PVC pipe to set the crown race, but that’s for 1.125″ steerers. My new QS3 frame features a 1.5″ tapered steerer. I could either have gone to the hardware store to get some bigger PVC, or find something else to use. Walking through the basement, I discovered a pile of scrap 2x4s. Yep, that’s the solution. I grabbed a 1.5″ bit and drilled a hole big enough to set the crown race. It’s amazing what you can do for free without needing a $55 tool.

I’ve started moving parts from Kuota Kredo. I’ll post updates once I get more of the bike together.