Mekk 2g Poggio owners

rickeverett

964Cup wrote:

I may be going Dura-Ace on my R3; in which case I'll have a set of Ultegras for sale. I'll let you know if I do.

Thanks PM me or let me know when you have them on sale.

Jester27

After nearly a year of ownership, finally got a few decent pics of the bike together. Here's one from the side

rickeverett

Jester27 wrote:

After nearly a year of ownership, finally got a few decent pics of the bike together. Here's one from the side

wow cant believe your bartape and saddle are still as white . I went all black and 105 (my pics a couple of posts above)

Are the wheels CCCF's ? Where did you get them and whats it like in a sidewind ?

Jester27

I know! After 2,500mls in 11 months the bar tape got pretty grubby, but depends on what brand of gloves you wear and I usually avoid the rain. I just gave the bike a really good clean up before the pics. I used alloy wheel cleaning wipes on the bar tape and it came up sparkling, and the seat was pretty clean already. I do plan to replace the tape soon though as one of the shifters is coming loose, plus they could do with being a little higher up on the bars. Will go for black tape.

Details of the wheels are in earlier posts on this thread, but they're eBay Chinese full carbon clinchers, 50mm. I do get knocked around in the wind quite a bit, but I think it's only the front that is affected.

Nice looking bike Rick! They're a beautiful bike up close, here's a more arty pic. I know my name on the frame is a little egotistical, however I get quite a few people praising and asking about it in work while it's parked outside. They wouldn't know it was mine if it wasn't personalised. :-)

mlgt

So 6 months on.

Whats changed? Well Ive really enjoyed cycling this bike rain or shine.
Ive upgraded brake pads, bought second hand wheels - Mavic Ksyrium SL, but since then bought some Rolf Alfa Vigor wheels.

Tried a few different tyres ranging from specialised tyres, gatorskins, scwalbe ultremo and vittoria. Find the Gators are great for being bullet proof, but prefer the vitorria.

Would like to upgrade the groupset and brakeset, stem and other components over time. Should money allow, but now the bike requires even less effort to get going. Hill climbing is less hard work compared to when I first picked up the Mekk.

The new range is still quite tempting. Have thought about waiting for the 2014 models to come out

rickeverett

mlgt wrote:

So 6 months on.

Whats changed? Well Ive really enjoyed cycling this bike rain or shine.
Ive upgraded brake pads, bought second hand wheels - Mavic Ksyrium SL, but since then bought some Rolf Alfa Vigor wheels.

Tried a few different tyres ranging from specialised tyres, gatorskins, scwalbe ultremo and vittoria. Find the Gators are great for being bullet proof, but prefer the vitorria.

Would like to upgrade the groupset and brakeset, stem and other components over time. Should money allow, but now the bike requires even less effort to get going. Hill climbing is less hard work compared to when I first picked up the Mekk.

The new range is still quite tempting. Have thought about waiting for the 2014 models to come out

Got any pics? It is a owners thread after all !

Really love my MEKK - Excellent frame.
Mine is virtually unrecognisable to the original purchase. It now has the Full 105 groupset (shifter upgrade, chainset upgrade, front derailleur upgrade) White SHRAM Apex Brakes + Swisstop Pads. Fulcrum Racing 5 Wheelset + Continental GP4000 Limited Edition tyres. Selle Itallia Saddle. Black Bar Tape.


uploading images

MEKKs are frame first kit second which is good, but my only criticism is I'm sure they could go full groupset or atleast groupset brakes and better standard wheels. They use R500 Wheels on £1500+ bikes which is a bit low. I removed and sold them on mine to put a pair of Racing 5's on from another bike.

Only the Primo has full groupset spec. The cost cutting doesn't really reflect much in the prices so im sure they can.

If the 2014 range had groupset specs and a wheel upgrade they will have a killer range of bikes.

mlgt

Sorry. Workplace blocks pics and imageshack.

I tried to upload via phone -

Does the link work?

How much did the upgrades set you back? Im hoping to come across a cheapy ultegra groupset upgrade , but actually working it out will probably be around £450 mark + fitting will cost around £550 with a service give or take.

With that price. I am tempted to just sell the current bike to and buy the 2013 model on credit card with 0% interest rate for a year. Dunno.

Agree on the wheels, but there are other brands which sell good bikes with setups only for a few hundred more. Budget for next bike would be around £1500. So alot can be had for that price range. But of course sensible spending would be limiting to £1k

rickeverett

mlgt wrote:

Sorry. Workplace blocks pics and imageshack.

I tried to upload via phone - http://img823.imageshack.us/img823/986/ ... %5d%5b/URL

Does the link work?

How much did the upgrades set you back? Im hoping to come across a cheapy ultegra groupset upgrade , but actually working it out will probably be around £450 mark + fitting will cost around £550 with a service give or take.

With that price. I am tempted to just sell the current bike to and buy the 2013 model on credit card with 0% interest rate for a year. Dunno.

Agree on the wheels, but there are other brands which sell good bikes with setups only for a few hundred more. Budget for next bike would be around £1500. So alot can be had for that price range. But of course sensible spending would be limiting to £1k

No it must be blocked.

Upgrades were around £500-600. The most expensive things were Chinset and Shifters. Ultegra will be around £600-700 for the older 6700 groupset alone. Its also very easy to fit yourself BTW.

The 2013 version of the Poggio has a full carbon fork which sheds nearly 300g straight away. The 2012 Poggio has a 600g carbon/alu fork. Again the 2013 version has cheapo wheels and brakes. The R500s are good but they are heavy and pretty basic.

I do think that if the frame is good - then its better to upgrade over time than buy a new bike and start from scratch.

mlgt

Reloaded the pic now. It works.

rickeverett

mlgt wrote:

Reloaded the pic now. It works.

oh yeah.

Those are nice wheels!

Noticed the pothole incident pics! My god thats bad. Did you check over the MEKK frame- esp the forks where they meet the alu shaft? I guess the wheels took the full force?

mlgt

Yes checked the frame and seemed it was ok. No cracks but I guess prob some stress involved.
The wheels took the full force and it shook my whole body. My wrists are still not 100% but they only hurt after a long cycle.

General rule of thumb. Take things easy! I wont push myself unless really needed. I want to enjoy the cycle now.
But it was a reason why I wanted an upgraded bike. Seems I just had bad luck with the bike/wheels ever since.

After reindexing the gears and placing the mavic ksyriums and about to head to regents park for a few laps a stone gets caught in the rear spoke and I break a spoke.
Then to add more insult I swop the scwalbe over to gators and somehow get pinches on both tubes and I was 3 tubes getting it sorted LOL!

Am saving up for the groupset, but I think I have my mind set on a 2013 model with full ultegra setup, but I wonder how much I can sell my current (with original wheels) bike for ??

rickeverett

mlgt wrote:

Yes checked the frame and seemed it was ok. No cracks but I guess prob some stress involved.
The wheels took the full force and it shook my whole body. My wrists are still not 100% but they only hurt after a long cycle.

General rule of thumb. Take things easy! I wont push myself unless really needed. I want to enjoy the cycle now.
But it was a reason why I wanted an upgraded bike. Seems I just had bad luck with the bike/wheels ever since.

After reindexing the gears and placing the mavic ksyriums and about to head to regents park for a few laps a stone gets caught in the rear spoke and I break a spoke.
Then to add more insult I swop the scwalbe over to gators and somehow get pinches on both tubes and I was 3 tubes getting it sorted LOL!

Am saving up for the groupset, but I think I have my mind set on a 2013 model with full ultegra setup, but I wonder how much I can sell my current (with original wheels) bike for ??

Well it could have bee a whole lot worse i suppose!

I dont think they do them with Full Groupsets - unless you go for the Primo.

The Ultegra Poggio 2013 hasnt got Ultegra Brakes or Chainset. http://www.mekkbicycles.com/Mekk-Poggio-30.aspx

The Primo has full Ultegra and its expensive: http://www.mekkbicycles.com/Mekk-Primo-65.aspx

mlgt

Thanks for the clarification.

Thoughts on the Potenza vs the Poggio?

These come to mind - http://www.wiggle.co.uk/mekk-2g-poggio- ... egra-2013/
Vs- http://www.wiggle.co.uk/mekk-3g-potenza ... egra-2013/

Although as you said not full components, but brakes are a given that these will be changed over (£40 upgrade) as with the wheels (Mavic Ksyrium SL or Rolf Alfa). But how much of a difference will a chainset make? This is only £30 to change.

Seeing that the current model we have resells on ebay for £1k brand new and around £700-£800 second hand I would be happy selling it for around £650 mark.

Basing on the fact that self upgrades to ultegra or above will set me back around £600 (older version) - http://www.merlincycles.com/bike-shop/r ... tAod3FQABw

For a brand new bike with most of the Ultegra kit kinda balances out.

rickeverett

mlgt wrote:

Thanks for the clarification.

Thoughts on the Potenza vs the Poggio?

These come to mind - http://www.wiggle.co.uk/mekk-2g-poggio- ... egra-2013/
Vs- http://www.wiggle.co.uk/mekk-3g-potenza ... egra-2013/

Although as you said not full components, but brakes are a given that these will be changed over (£40 upgrade) as with the wheels (Mavic Ksyrium SL or Rolf Alfa). But how much of a difference will a chainset make? This is only £30 to change.

Seeing that the current model we have resells on ebay for £1k brand new and around £700-£800 second hand I would be happy selling it for around £650 mark.

Basing on the fact that self upgrades to ultegra or above will set me back around £600 (older version) - http://www.merlincycles.com/bike-shop/r ... tAod3FQABw

For a brand new bike with most of the Ultegra kit kinda balances out.

Potenza is a odd bike really. Its a kind of super sportive - the geometry is more relaxed than the Poggio.

The latest 2013 Poggio has had excellent reviews recently - the 2012 Potenza didn't fair as well.

Chainsets on MEKKs seem to be FSA re-brands. The 105 Chainset I upgraded to was a tad lighter and stiffer mind.

mlgt

Agreed on that. But a relexed geometry is not a bad thing I guess especially as my bike is used mainly for work commutes and longer weekend rides.

2013 Poggio is the way forward depending if they have colour and size required. I dont know where I can actually go and try and Potenza to get a justification on a purchase next year

I dont think I will detract too much from the FSA re brands. My old Bianchi had FSA which were brilliant.

rickeverett

mlgt wrote:

Agreed on that. But a relexed geometry is not a bad thing I guess especially as my bike is used mainly for work commutes and longer weekend rides.

2013 Poggio is the way forward depending if they have colour and size required. I dont know where I can actually go and try and Potenza to get a justification on a purchase next year

I dont think I will detract too much from the FSA re brands. My old Bianchi had FSA which were brilliant.

The Wiggle Prices are best around for those Mekks - look out for some discount codes too.

The Potenza SL5.5 Has RS30's not RS500s as I presumed so I suppose thats a bit better. Mind you I have R500's on my winter bike at the moment and they roll pretty well.

The 2012 model had a good review here - http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/tech/bik ... sl5-5.html
Dont think you can go wrong. They are really good bikes.

mlgt

Anyone fitted mudguards on the poggio?

rickeverett

mlgt wrote:

Anyone fitted mudguards on the poggio?

Nope. Only crud road racers mudguards for racing bikes come close but are very very tight. I tried to fit them on mine but the clearance is so tight that only small 23c tyres can be used and there's 1-2mm clearance between tyre and guard.
The frame tolerances are tiny on the poggio.

mlgt

Agreed. Intend to join a few club rides and during wet season they require mudguards. So looking for compatible ones.
Failing that I guess I will ride on dry days.

In regards to upgrading brakes how simple was this process? Im looking at getting Ultegra, am I correct in assuming I need the 6700 brake sets instead of the 6800?

Been offered the 6700 set from a friend for £50. Throwing in brand new swiss top brakes for the front and back as hes selling his bike.

Thoughts?

rickeverett

mlgt wrote:

Agreed. Intend to join a few club rides and during wet season they require mudguards. So looking for compatible ones.
Failing that I guess I will ride on dry days.

In regards to upgrading brakes how simple was this process? Im looking at getting Ultegra, am I correct in assuming I need the 6700 brake sets instead of the 6800?

Been offered the 6700 set from a friend for £50. Throwing in brand new swiss top brakes for the front and back as hes selling his bike. Many others have mixed brakes and leavers.. No noticeable issues.

Thoughts?

Upgrades are easy to do. I put SRAM brakes on because they are light better value and braking for you money and good looking in white!.
Shimano warn of not using certain brakes with leavers however this is marketing BS. My shram brakes on new 105 leavers are 100% fine.

mlgt

Which SRAM brakes did you get out of curiosity? Just thinking for £50 its not a big price. But if the difference is light and day I will decline and find myself some SRAM upgrades.

rickeverett

mlgt wrote:

Which SRAM brakes did you get out of curiosity? Just thinking for £50 its not a big price. But if the difference is light and day I will decline and find myself some SRAM upgrades.

I was looking at Ultegra first but decided against after reading and reading. Looked at advice and reviews on-line that pointed out the SRAM Rival Brakes performed just as good as 105 and Ultegra 6700. Then found out SRAM Apex were exactly the same as Rival in terms of stopping power but were basically a couple of grams heavy because they have a centring screw! (which can be handy)

What finally made the decision was I found white Apex Calipers + swisstop pads for such a good price at Chain Reaction so the deal was done.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/sram ... tAodhCgAtg


look nice and perform nice even with 105 leavers ...

vespario

How do you find the SRAM brakes? Want to upgrade my 105 brakes.

rickeverett

vespario wrote:

How do you find the SRAM brakes? Want to upgrade my 105 brakes.

I can only reference from tiagra and sora I had on winter bikes. The Apex ones I have are better than them and the stock ones that came with the mekk. I had the old 105 on a old "summer" bike and the apex is better than those but that's a fair few years now.

Apex and Rival have been compared to 105 and Ultegra. If your going from 105 I would think SRAM force would be more of a difference.

For me the Apex brakes are great. They work fine with shimano leavers and they are also lighter through the whole range compared to Shimano. My Apex upgrade lost 50g alone.

mlgt

Well I believe in recommendations and have purchased SRAM Apex set online. Shame I couldnt find UK companies that stocked in so went online to get it. For £40 its a no brainer. Now to go online and see how to install.

Your bike is so clean! My chain and gears are caked in crap after this weeks cycle. Gave it a good degrease and power wash today. Wiped it down and relube.

Cant wait for the new toys. Next bits to get is to finally buy some shoes :P

mlgt

Brakes are installed and yes they are definatley a big change to the standard brakes.
I opted for the black version as I use my bike as a daily chariot and therefore white would be a pain to keep clean.

My brother installed it for me and took 15 minutes. All in all a great value for money purchase!

Im trying some road shoes this week and then deciding which one suits best before purchasing on payday. Cant wait

mlgt

Any update from the owners? Still with it or moved to another bike since?

I bought road shoes over the xmas period and still on my honeymoon period. Fallen over 3 time so far but amazed the difference it makes to climbing.

Since then I have had a bike fitting and moved my seat height down and saddle more backwards. Flipped stem and now engaging more muscle groups.

Didnt realise I had my seat up too high, but I guess my body gotten used to it. But a new seat is something on the radar.

Have been told to change the stem and maybe the shifters as we have tiagra and the 105 seems to be fluid in changing.

I think for the long run I will stick with it as I am getting enough mileage from the bike and its doing what I need it to do.

rickeverett

mlgt wrote:

Any update from the owners? Still with it or moved to another bike since?

I bought road shoes over the xmas period and still on my honeymoon period. Fallen over 3 time so far but amazed the difference it makes to climbing.

Since then I have had a bike fitting and moved my seat height down and saddle more backwards. Flipped stem and now engaging more muscle groups.

Didnt realise I had my seat up too high, but I guess my body gotten used to it. But a new seat is something on the radar.

Have been told to change the stem and maybe the shifters as we have tiagra and the 105 seems to be fluid in changing.

I think for the long run I will stick with it as I am getting enough mileage from the bike and its doing what I need it to do.

Mines doing well over winter. Zero issues apart from its tight fitting the Crud Roadrace Mudgruards.
Dont think I will bother with any other upgrades now apart from a new wheel set for summer. The 2yo Fulcrums on it are wearing away at the back rim. even with cleaning. The 2 winters have not been kind to them.

Only issue is it gets a tad uncomfortable after about 80 miles. The alu Ritchey 31.6 seatpost and saddle might not help. The stiffness in the frame starts to backfire a bit in the comfort department, as does the race/sportif geometry down front although I don't get any road buzz or annoyances like that.

The new 2014 range of MEKKs are all going to have full groupsets. This is a great improvement and looks better all round.

mlgt

I havent looked much into the new specs of Mekks. Was toying to get a Ti bike for later in the year.
Then my friend said hes going to buy a canyon for the summer which made me look back into carbon bikes.

Unsure if I will upgrade bits or just sell the bike and get a brand new one.
I agree after decent mileage it can start to be a little uncomfortable. But a new seat/post and padding might make it easier. I have yet to do my first 100 miles.

Im off to Hong Kong next month and possibly China. Unsure if I will get the chance to view some of the factories that the forum and others talk about.

However been cycling everyday and enjoying it more with the shoe upgrade. Although I did fall over very slowly yesterday when a lorry decided to swerve left and I slammed on the brakes and stood up. But as it was wet the bike carried on skidding and I tried to unclip quickly. The weight shift coming to a stand still... well I got a bloody knee and bruised elbow and ego...

Later that evening on the cycle home I decided to take my anger out at some hills

rickeverett

mlgt wrote:

I havent looked much into the new specs of Mekks. Was toying to get a Ti bike for later in the year.
Then my friend said hes going to buy a canyon for the summer which made me look back into carbon bikes.

Unsure if I will upgrade bits or just sell the bike and get a brand new one.
I agree after decent mileage it can start to be a little uncomfortable. But a new seat/post and padding might make it easier. I have yet to do my first 100 miles.

Im off to Hong Kong next month and possibly China. Unsure if I will get the chance to view some of the factories that the forum and others talk about.

However been cycling everyday and enjoying it more with the shoe upgrade. Although I did fall over very slowly yesterday when a lorry decided to swerve left and I slammed on the brakes and stood up. But as it was wet the bike carried on skidding and I tried to unclip quickly. The weight shift coming to a stand still... well I got a bloody knee and bruised elbow and ego...

Later that evening on the cycle home I decided to take my anger out at some hills

Best upgrade comfort wise has been the Continental 4000 tyres i put on. They are a god send.

I have also been looking at other bikes for summer - especially ROSE, but many like Canyon and Rose also say they are stiff and a little hard.