I thought this deserved it’s own post. I had the frame powder coated and I couldn’t be happier with how it came out! 

I run a shim in the seat tube because my son’s trailer bike has a 27.2mm clamp.

Green headsets are cool. 

Now, onto riding it! The fit seems right on! Really comfortable. Steering is responsive but calm on the road and seems to be razor precise off road without reacting to every imperfection. The 425mm chain stay length makes for quick response and a “light” front end when it comes to lifting the front wheel over bumps/ruts/rocks….

These WTB Nano tires are AMAZING! They are smooth and fast when going straight on the road but they absorb a LOT of road noise and bumps. Even at their max pressure of 65psi. But off road is where they shine! I’ve ridden it on packed dirt, sandy dirt, rough crushed stone (larger stuff too, 3-6 inch stones) and rocky/rooty trails and the Nano’s have handled it all! 

While I’m talking about WTB, the Volt saddle is probably the nicest fit for me I’ve ever found. 
I went with a SRAM X7 10 speed derailleur because they are silent and cheap! Paired with an Apex group shift lever the shifting is really effortless. After going over 500 miles on a 1994 Bridgestone RB2 with DT shifters I only reached for the DT a few times. Surprised myself!

The Rival1 crankset with 42t Narrow/wide chainring is silent! I was wondering if the narrow/wide tooth profile would make for a grindy sound like a fixed gear bike but it is dead quiet! 

Disc brakes are new to me and DAMN do they work! The BB7 caliers are like a vice to the 160mm Avid rotors! I still have to completely bed the pads in however. 

Basically, a total blast to ride! And all with fairly low cost components. I have under $1200 total into this bike! Way WAY more satisfying than going to the LBC and paying $1200 for an off the shelf Trekalized! 
If you aren’t the type of person who needs the latest iPhone or the biggest TV available, then using 10 speed drivetrain and mechanical disc brakes with a custom steel frame or a frame off of Craigslist may be a great way to get an amazing new bike without spending a ton. If you build a bike piece by piece from the ground up you will learn SO much about cycling. 

I built this frame to closely resemble the geometry of a Cannondale SuperX. Slightly lower TT, steeper HT angle and slightly lower stack height than their 61cm frame. So I get a custom fit, and saved $7300! Some would think “But you’d get better parts on the Cannondale.” Well, I find it hard to believe that you’ll be $7300 faster on an 11 speed bike with hydro brakes! 

Well, if you’ve made it this far, THANK YOU! I really do appreciate it! Let me know what you think. Leave me a comment. 

Go find a trail and ride it! (and wear your helmet!)

Allan Varcoe

My first YouTube edit.