2011 SOMA Double Cross Disc

I got stuck in this project last fall, and never really got out of it. My goal was basically a Long Haul Trucker, but with disc brakes so I'd be especially confident braking with my daughter on the bike on the giant hill by our house.

The parts were all selected with a lot of thought, and I should love this bike, but I just don't. And I don't know why.

The Soma frame is very light, with excellent workmanship, and was the best steel frame I could find with disc brake tabs.

The generator hub works great, lighting up almost as soon as the bike starts rolling.

The SRAM X7 drivetrain shifts reliably and has an extremely wide range - allowing my to tow my daughter up steep hills and still pass spandex guys with her on the bike once we get to the flats...

This bike usually has a Brooks B17 Flyer - things are swapped around on my bikes right now.

Anyways, I think if it had drop bars and bar end shifters I'd like it alot more. Right now, it's basically just a very expensive bike that sounded great on paper, works well, but visually just doesn't work for me.



 

1984 Stumpjumper Sport Photos

Well, the Stumpjumper is finished - it went quicker than my last build.

I used an aluminum road drop bar, old suntour 6 speed friction barends, an adjustable stem and some old brake levers with suicide levers. I know these are a no-no for bike builders in the know, but the heart wants what it wants!

For the drivetrain, I used the early 90's Shimano Altus groupset I had sitting around since I stripped down my old undergrad bike, with the addition of a SRAM X7 front derailler.

Rims are no-name aluminum 36h 26 inch, with no-name hubs. The goal is to attract as little attention as possible so this bike can be used for errands and surf trips. Nashbar slicks pump up to 100psi and really make this bike go fast considering it's weight! The difference in ride between the 26" rim from 27" or 700c rims is obvious - much faster acceleration, quicker turning, more sturdy feeling over bumps and up curbs, with a tradeoff in top speed. Definitely a good bike for hills and stop/go urban riding.

My trusty Brooks flyer got swapped onto this bike too - it's remarkable how comfortable these saddles are. I've got a b17 too, and couldn't really say which I like more.

Triple A powder coating out of El Monte again did the color job. They are consistently excellent with their detail work around lugs and threaded braze ons.

Anyways, a very fun, sturdy feeling bike that rides alot better than I was expecting!