Show us your gravel/cross bike...
#5176
Sunshine
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Des Moines, IA
Posts: 17,037
Bikes: '18 class built steel roadbike, '19 Fairlight Secan, '88 Schwinn Premis , Black Mountain Cycles Monstercross V4, '89 Novara Trionfo
Liked 8,064 Times
in
4,472 Posts
a rare dry and not windy day.
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#5178
#5179
Sunshine
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Des Moines, IA
Posts: 17,037
Bikes: '18 class built steel roadbike, '19 Fairlight Secan, '88 Schwinn Premis , Black Mountain Cycles Monstercross V4, '89 Novara Trionfo
Liked 8,064 Times
in
4,472 Posts
I love the frame. The design elements are very well thought out and the newer version is only better than mine in terms of thought and design. I bought the frame in part due to how I nerded out on the design plan that was written by the company owner, but more importantly the geometry fit exactly what I wanted out of a new frame. The stack and reach were great(I am taller), the trail and bb drop worked for how I like a bike to feel when riding, and I really liked the simplicity of the build(27.2 seatpost, external cables, etc). Its an 853 main triangle and basic 4130 rear triangle due to how much manipulation they put into the stays. The front half is welded and the rear half is brazed. Kinda cool. It is not super light due to having to pass fatigue testing, but it is incredibly dent resistant as a result.
The fork is the stock Cempa fork that comes with Fairlight Secan frames. It has an internal route for the brake hose and thru axle, so pretty standard stuff. The new version Cempa fork has mounts for Anything cages, which I think is an improvement. The steerer is longer than most forks which I really liked since its needed due to the taller headtube and frame size.
The tires are 43mm. The frame can handle up to 700x47, I believe.
#5180
mstateglfr Wow, didn't realize the unique design of the frame. I also really liked my Gravel King SS's. They are in 32c and I have beaten them up.
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#5182
Originally found this Bianchi Piaggio (circa 1985 i think) in the trash in 2008. Rode it as a fixed gear, couriering for a few years (before upgrading to actual track bikes) then it sat rusty in storage for over 10 years. Recently brought it back to life as a budget cross/light gravel bike. All in, it cost about $60 to build back up with a combination of new parts and things laying around in my parts bin. The only upgrade left is a 40t narrow wide chainring to better take advantage of the small range 7-speed cassette (which will cost more than I've spent so far altogether).
#5183
Port
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Boston
Posts: 6,844
Bikes: 2022 Soma Fog Cutter, 2021 Calfee Draqonfly 44, 1984 Peter Mooney, 2017 Soma Stanyan, 1990 Fuji Ace, 1990 Bridgestone RB-1, 1995 Independent Fabrications Track, 2003 Calfee Dragonfly Pro
Liked 2,220 Times
in
1,209 Posts
In progress, my first gravel(ish) build:
Currently on hold because after 30+ years, my paint-can sized vat of marine bearing grease has finally run out. And I like to use a lot of grease when assembling bikes. I hate creeks, squeaks, clicks etc.
Soma Fog Cutter 61cm
IRD MCX fork
Thomson Elite seatpost
Brooks C13 Carbon saddle
Uno 110mm stem (de-badged)
Soma Junebug bars
Tange Terious headset
Origin8 seatpost binder
Origin8 downtube housing stops
Wheelset (built by me to be as cheap and strong as possible. And all black ): DT Swiss R470db rims, DT Swiss Competition spokes + brass nipples. Tiagra hubs. 160mm Shimano rotors.
WTB Riddlers
The rest of the build is all 105. 48/34 cranks. 11-32 cassette. Shimano PD M530 pedals.
Hopefully a new 30 year supply of grease will arrive today or tomorrow (shipping tracking is vague) so I can get it all dirty this weekend.
Currently on hold because after 30+ years, my paint-can sized vat of marine bearing grease has finally run out. And I like to use a lot of grease when assembling bikes. I hate creeks, squeaks, clicks etc.
Soma Fog Cutter 61cm
IRD MCX fork
Thomson Elite seatpost
Brooks C13 Carbon saddle
Uno 110mm stem (de-badged)
Soma Junebug bars
Tange Terious headset
Origin8 seatpost binder
Origin8 downtube housing stops
Wheelset (built by me to be as cheap and strong as possible. And all black ): DT Swiss R470db rims, DT Swiss Competition spokes + brass nipples. Tiagra hubs. 160mm Shimano rotors.
WTB Riddlers
The rest of the build is all 105. 48/34 cranks. 11-32 cassette. Shimano PD M530 pedals.
Hopefully a new 30 year supply of grease will arrive today or tomorrow (shipping tracking is vague) so I can get it all dirty this weekend.
__________________
https://rowdml.tripod.com/panmass
https://rowdml.tripod.com/panmass
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#5184
Port
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Boston
Posts: 6,844
Bikes: 2022 Soma Fog Cutter, 2021 Calfee Draqonfly 44, 1984 Peter Mooney, 2017 Soma Stanyan, 1990 Fuji Ace, 1990 Bridgestone RB-1, 1995 Independent Fabrications Track, 2003 Calfee Dragonfly Pro
Liked 2,220 Times
in
1,209 Posts
By the way, I went with the IRD fork because Soma is sold out of the matching carbon fork, and the steel version is a qr, not a thru axle.
HOWEVER, the IRD came with 15mm thru axle, while my hubs were 12mm!! Thankfully, there is a solution
https://forkmods.com
Available on eBay and Amazon -make sure to reach out to Joe first to ensure you get the correct kit!!
I have used Joe's Innicycle headsets and was super impressed with the clever design, and quality. So I used the conversion axles. Works perfectly and looks factory -you would never know this is not how the fork left the factory.
HOWEVER, the IRD came with 15mm thru axle, while my hubs were 12mm!! Thankfully, there is a solution
https://forkmods.com
Available on eBay and Amazon -make sure to reach out to Joe first to ensure you get the correct kit!!
I have used Joe's Innicycle headsets and was super impressed with the clever design, and quality. So I used the conversion axles. Works perfectly and looks factory -you would never know this is not how the fork left the factory.
__________________
https://rowdml.tripod.com/panmass
https://rowdml.tripod.com/panmass
Last edited by Rocket-Sauce; 05-12-22 at 05:32 PM.
#5185
Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Seattle
Posts: 153
Bikes: BMC TeamMachine, Surly Pacer, All City Big Block
Liked 62 Times
in
30 Posts
In progress, my first gravel(ish) build:
Currently on hold because after 30+ years, my paint-can sized vat of marine bearing grease has finally run out. And I like to use a lot of grease when assembling bikes. I hate creeks, squeaks, clicks etc.
Soma Fog Cutter 61cm
IRD MCX fork
Thomson Elite seatpost
Brooks C13 Carbon saddle
Uno 110mm stem (de-badged)
Soma Junebug bars
Tange Terious headset
Origin8 seatpost binder
Origin8 downtube housing stops
Wheelset (built by me to be as cheap and strong as possible. And all black ): DT Swiss R470db rims, DT Swiss Competition spokes + brass nipples. Tiagra hubs. 160mm Shimano rotors.
WTB Riddlers
The rest of the build is all 105. 48/34 cranks. 11-32 cassette. Shimano PD M530 pedals.
Hopefully a new 30 year supply of grease will arrive today or tomorrow (shipping tracking is vague) so I can get it all dirty this weekend.
Currently on hold because after 30+ years, my paint-can sized vat of marine bearing grease has finally run out. And I like to use a lot of grease when assembling bikes. I hate creeks, squeaks, clicks etc.
Soma Fog Cutter 61cm
IRD MCX fork
Thomson Elite seatpost
Brooks C13 Carbon saddle
Uno 110mm stem (de-badged)
Soma Junebug bars
Tange Terious headset
Origin8 seatpost binder
Origin8 downtube housing stops
Wheelset (built by me to be as cheap and strong as possible. And all black ): DT Swiss R470db rims, DT Swiss Competition spokes + brass nipples. Tiagra hubs. 160mm Shimano rotors.
WTB Riddlers
The rest of the build is all 105. 48/34 cranks. 11-32 cassette. Shimano PD M530 pedals.
Hopefully a new 30 year supply of grease will arrive today or tomorrow (shipping tracking is vague) so I can get it all dirty this weekend.
#5186
Port
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Boston
Posts: 6,844
Bikes: 2022 Soma Fog Cutter, 2021 Calfee Draqonfly 44, 1984 Peter Mooney, 2017 Soma Stanyan, 1990 Fuji Ace, 1990 Bridgestone RB-1, 1995 Independent Fabrications Track, 2003 Calfee Dragonfly Pro
Liked 2,220 Times
in
1,209 Posts
Finished!
Swapped the Soma Junebug bars for Salsa Cowchips because the Junebug had crazy long reach to the hoods.
I've only taken it around the block and was surprised at how quick it felt. I was expecting something more tractor-like similar to 80s hard tails. But it is quite nimble. And comfortable.
Now I need to get it dirty.
Swapped the Soma Junebug bars for Salsa Cowchips because the Junebug had crazy long reach to the hoods.
I've only taken it around the block and was surprised at how quick it felt. I was expecting something more tractor-like similar to 80s hard tails. But it is quite nimble. And comfortable.
Now I need to get it dirty.
__________________
https://rowdml.tripod.com/panmass
https://rowdml.tripod.com/panmass
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#5187
Senior Member
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#5188
Sunshine
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Des Moines, IA
Posts: 17,037
Bikes: '18 class built steel roadbike, '19 Fairlight Secan, '88 Schwinn Premis , Black Mountain Cycles Monstercross V4, '89 Novara Trionfo
Liked 8,064 Times
in
4,472 Posts
Finished!
Swapped the Soma Junebug bars for Salsa Cowchips because the Junebug had crazy long reach to the hoods.
I've only taken it around the block and was surprised at how quick it felt. I was expecting something more tractor-like similar to 80s hard tails. But it is quite nimble. And comfortable.
Now I need to get it dirty.
Swapped the Soma Junebug bars for Salsa Cowchips because the Junebug had crazy long reach to the hoods.
I've only taken it around the block and was surprised at how quick it felt. I was expecting something more tractor-like similar to 80s hard tails. But it is quite nimble. And comfortable.
Now I need to get it dirty.
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#5189
Member
I bought this as a small celebration for a promotion at work. It's going to be my all-weather bike. Assembly was easy enough, had to tighten the headset and adjust both front and back hub tension. I used ample amounts of marine axle grease everywhere. 50 miles on it so far and rides really nice.
#5190
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: midwest
Posts: 2,528
Bikes: 2018 Roubaix Expert Di2, 2016 Diverge Expert X1
Liked 151 Times
in
105 Posts
I bought this as a small celebration for a promotion at work. It's going to be my all-weather bike. Assembly was easy enough, had to tighten the headset and adjust both front and back hub tension. I used ample amounts of marine axle grease everywhere. 50 miles on it so far and rides really nice.
Last edited by GeneO; 05-26-22 at 09:56 PM.
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#5191
Member
#5192
Newbie
I've got two choices now, depending on where I plan on going and the terrain.
2016 Salsa Fargo
2022 Trek Checkpoint
2016 Salsa Fargo
2022 Trek Checkpoint
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#5195
Sunshine
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Des Moines, IA
Posts: 17,037
Bikes: '18 class built steel roadbike, '19 Fairlight Secan, '88 Schwinn Premis , Black Mountain Cycles Monstercross V4, '89 Novara Trionfo
Liked 8,064 Times
in
4,472 Posts
Wow that is quite the stout headtube with and steerer!
Neat build, it should be able to o get you anywhere. I like the stem charger- had one on my dream build touring bike a handful of years ago, but didn't figure it would be used enough. Unfortunately I was right. Hope yours is used a lot more!
Neat build, it should be able to o get you anywhere. I like the stem charger- had one on my dream build touring bike a handful of years ago, but didn't figure it would be used enough. Unfortunately I was right. Hope yours is used a lot more!
#5196
Wow that is quite the stout headtube with and steerer!
Neat build, it should be able to o get you anywhere. I like the stem charger- had one on my dream build touring bike a handful of years ago, but didn't figure it would be used enough. Unfortunately I was right. Hope yours is used a lot more!
Neat build, it should be able to o get you anywhere. I like the stem charger- had one on my dream build touring bike a handful of years ago, but didn't figure it would be used enough. Unfortunately I was right. Hope yours is used a lot more!
#5197
Full Member
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: Sacramento, CA
Posts: 455
Bikes: 2017 Sage Skyline, 2015 Co-Motion Periscope Tandem, 2006 Kona Jake, 1978 Richard Sachs, 1977 Peugeot PRN10, 1974 Allegro Schweitzermeister Model 76, 1972 Hugo Rickert Spezial, 1971 Fuji Finest
Liked 756 Times
in
225 Posts
2007 Kona Jake
This brown Kona started as my son’s beater bicycle for going to school. Always liked the frame and thought it would build into a good gravel adventure bike. Put on a full Shimano Ultegra drivetrain and some Mavic Allroads set up tubeless. First paint job I did was a blue rattle can effort that did not come out so great. Was going for an old suitcase look and missed the mark. The bike rode beautifully, so I decided to have a friend who paints motorcycles repaint it more professionally. He had some extra Harley Davidson Midnight Blue left over from a project so I ordered the decals in a powder blue to contrast. I get positive comments all the time with people asking about it. The picture doesn’t really capture the metallic sparkles in the paint. Great riding cyclocross bike with rack eyelets that allow me to set it up for light touring adventures.
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#5198
I’m a little Surly
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Near the district
Posts: 2,434
Bikes: Two Cross Checks, Karate Monkey, Disc Trucker, and a VO Randonneur
Liked 1,314 Times
in
655 Posts
I rarely have my two Cross Checks together since one lives at my home and the other at my work apartment.
pretty much everything about them is the same except the rear hub, crank, and BB and soon the cranks will match
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#5199
Newbie
Beautiful bikes! I especially love the one on the left with the long fenders and mudflaps. I see you've got a lot of spacers to get your bars up. Is this common to get the bars up to a comfortable level for bikepacking/touring? I actually just came across a Cross Check on the local classifieds and am tempted to reach out given the popularity of the bike, but have seen they can be difficult to get a more relaxed position. I also currently have a drop-bar 90's MTB conversion with a similar challenge so I wonder if the bikes would be pretty similar in that regard.
#5200
I’m a little Surly
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Near the district
Posts: 2,434
Bikes: Two Cross Checks, Karate Monkey, Disc Trucker, and a VO Randonneur
Liked 1,314 Times
in
655 Posts
Beautiful bikes! I especially love the one on the left with the long fenders and mudflaps. I see you've got a lot of spacers to get your bars up. Is this common to get the bars up to a comfortable level for bikepacking/touring? I actually just came across a Cross Check on the local classifieds and am tempted to reach out given the popularity of the bike, but have seen they can be difficult to get a more relaxed position. I also currently have a drop-bar 90's MTB conversion with a similar challenge so I wonder if the bikes would be pretty similar in that regard.
The bikes are flexible so if you can pick one up at a decent price it’s worth it.
I do have a drop bar mountain bike
the bars on it are higher because I mostly use it in the winter or off road, in both of those instances I want to be more upright so if relaxed is a concern I’d go there not with a Cross Check
Last edited by Germany_chris; 06-13-22 at 07:24 AM.
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