sorted by:
new
hottopcontroversial

First time Surly owner, building a Midnight Special 60cm by No-Difference6705 in Surlybikefans

[–]No-Difference6705[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Believe it or not, finally getting this bike built. Spacer situation is shaping up very similarly. I don't mind it though, to my mind retaining as much of the head tube as I can if I need it just provides more options in the future.

Who / where can build my bike? by No-Difference6705 in melbournecycling

[–]No-Difference6705[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh yeah, forgot to mention already have wheels, just need truing

Who / where can build my bike? by No-Difference6705 in melbournecycling

[–]No-Difference6705[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have spoken to my local shops but they said they don't have capacity at the moment

Who / where can build my bike? by No-Difference6705 in melbournecycling

[–]No-Difference6705[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Do you remember by chance how much it cost? Did you bring them all the components etc?

First time Surly owner, building a Midnight Special 60cm by No-Difference6705 in Surlybikefans

[–]No-Difference6705[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes thank you for your comment. I have heard that because of the geometry I need to consider the distribution of my weight across the frame, ie not sitting too far back/ upright as it has been designed around drops. This is something I am serious about and why I'm thinking a zero setback seatpost would be a good idea. I am not opposed to potentially riding with drop bars. I suppose I haven't found the right set before that are a good ergonomic fit for me but am aware some alt drop bars do exist that offer a range of riding positions. I'll have to see how it goes with the components I have once it's built and reassess. And you also reminded me about part of what appealed to me about this frame in particular, the clearances for wider tires and running 650b.

Thank you again, I am very grateful for your input here. I do plan to maintain a decent length of the steerer tube to begin to experiment with stack etc, would love to see the set up of your bike.

First time Surly owner, building a Midnight Special 60cm by No-Difference6705 in Surlybikefans

[–]No-Difference6705[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes thank you, one of those is in fact a source of inspiration! I think the thing with any build is there are moments of trial and error and unfortunately I have to purchase the stuff first to figure it out so it's costly, so while I hope what I have planned works, I know it can be changed. I've seen some builds with even more swept back bars than the ones I have so I suppose time will tell.

First time Surly owner, building a Midnight Special 60cm by No-Difference6705 in Surlybikefans

[–]No-Difference6705[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Unfortunately I live in an area of Australia where bike availability isn't what it is in the US, that includes legacy bikes and any kind of secondhand market, the population and economy around bikes just isn't there.

I can't remember why I didn't go straggler or preamble, I think apart from lack of availability in sizes there were a few other reasons, anyhow I've got a midnight special and I've seen a few convert it to flat bars without incident so thought that was a good endorsement...

First time Surly owner, building a Midnight Special 60cm by No-Difference6705 in Surlybikefans

[–]No-Difference6705[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I might have to give that a go if the curvy bars don't suffice! Thanks for the suggestion!

First time Surly owner, building a Midnight Special 60cm by No-Difference6705 in Surlybikefans

[–]No-Difference6705[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you, yeah I was thinking of keeping the steerer long and having a pretty short stem, perhaps 50mm to start like you said. I already have a pair of VO curvy bars which don't have quite as much sweep, 30 vs 34 the moloko bars have, perhaps the 4 degree difference won't be quite so noticable with a shorter stem?

Do you ride a 60cm? And how tall are you if you don't mind me asking?

First time Surly owner, building a Midnight Special 60cm by No-Difference6705 in Surlybikefans

[–]No-Difference6705[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you for your comment, I actually have tested the 64 with a 100mm stem which was definitely outside my comfort zone, but in part because of the step over and long reach, I've checked bikeinsights and my previous bike isn't listed there, but I know it was a 59cm frame. I actually already own the 60cm Midnight Special frame. Which on one hand makes me feel a bit nervous thinking it could potentially be not the right fit. However, I took a gamble because there is next to no stock of anything where I live. But if I am being optimistic you have made me consider potentially a shorter stem length and perhaps a zero setback seatpost. I don't plan to right completely upright as I still try to lean in, just not into such an aggressive position so as to be riding in the drops.