Would a non boost 6mm offset chainring help, or will I run into problems with the chain hitting the smaller cogs. I've got plenty of frame clearance to play around with, so not worried about that
Noise in the biggest cog is pretty normal, especially in 1x with big cassettes. Just make sure the chainline is bang on in the middle and go from there
Most of the criticism for the GKs comes from users of the old version without puncture protection, myself included. On the plus side they were supple and fast.
Can't say with these pictures but the FD needs a stop somewhere. Probably that's what that missing part did. Normally in a frame that old cables would be routed under the BB.
You'll have an easier time if you remove the BB to fish cables
Almost every current gen model that came with a rim brake option is very HH. Giant TCR, BMC teammachine, Ridley Noah, Cannondale Supersix to name a few. Hard to get hold of one of these anymore, sadly.
I've worked with a fair number of neat freaks in the bike industry, probably one of those. Good manners to have the bike clean if someone gonna be handling it anyways.
I have tried the old model, as every basso wasn't very light but handling was quick and racey even though it's supposed to be more relaxed. I love the new, non SV diamante, can't afford.
Noise in the biggest cog is pretty normal, especially in 1x with big cassettes. Just make sure the chainline is bang on in the middle and go from there