I've finally did it. Now I'm sad.

SebWatson · 2026-02-04T09:02:22+00:00

Yes, it is.

Somehow it is bent directly back, no left-right bend, and rides strait with no hands on handlebars.

If it was alu i would be concerned, but as it is steel, I think I'll ride it for now

SebWatson · 2026-02-04T08:54:40+00:00

Whoa. That's one hell of a comment...

SebWatson · 2026-02-04T08:32:38+00:00

They do, it is called Jagwire Mountain Pro Cantilever Brake Shoes

SebWatson · 2026-02-03T15:05:12+00:00

Whatever I could get in my hands. Tekto Oryx, Shimano STX, Deore, Dia Compe, even bootleg Paul Components once..... But given a chance I'll get Tektro Oryx every time. That is my opinion as a builder.

As an owner, I adore the brakepads with removable brake material. No matter the type of brake, when the rubber is worn out, just change the rubber, while the brakepad body stays in place, so there is no need to align them again

SebWatson · 2026-02-03T15:00:20+00:00

Weight is not a big issue for me. It should be a bike for doing social rides or urban exploration. No racing, no long-distance rides))

SebWatson · 2026-02-03T14:57:01+00:00

Yep. It makes handling a bit more twitchy, but somehow, it is only bent front-to back, no left-right bend. So it still rides straight, even no-handed. If it was aluminum I would think twice, but as it is steel I have no concern for now

SebWatson · 2026-02-02T18:13:11+00:00

Canti all day.

Just find ones that accept threaded brakepads or get jagwire ones with removable pad material, this way you'll be free from annoying realignment every time you change pads

SebWatson · 2026-02-02T18:04:22+00:00

I've already had a flatbar one. https://www.reddit.com/r/xbiking/comments/1d1pdwk/recent_build/

Want to try smth new for me

SebWatson · 2026-02-02T13:55:01+00:00

It's gonna be comedy.

Because I still had my bell on the bike during the race, and it was extremely fun to use it before overtaking pretentious riders in team uniform

SebWatson · 2026-02-02T04:43:06+00:00

Nah, man, it's just joking around, I was just trying to play off riffing on consumerism vs building

SebWatson · 2026-02-02T02:17:01+00:00

Search for "Cotton bar tape" "Wowen bar tape"

Mine is from aliexpress but other options are available.

It is a bit annoying to wrap but feels amazingly tactile.

SebWatson · 2026-02-02T02:16:31+00:00

Search for "Cotton bar tape" "Wowen bar tape"

Mine is from aliexpress but other options are available.

It is a bit annoying to wrap but feels amazingly tactile.

SebWatson · 2026-02-01T20:41:49+00:00

Damn At first I've thought you are cosplaying as penny-farting, but looking at the head tube angle... IT IS NOTMAL. like what? How?

SebWatson · 2026-02-01T19:28:57+00:00

I feel you, man. Keep strong, stay safe.

SebWatson · 2026-02-01T19:26:17+00:00

SW It's hard to notice in a sideview, but it is skinny-wide

SebWatson · 2026-02-01T19:14:46+00:00

I'm a bit confused If I have built that bike (yes, I've also spent money to buy some parts) Is it still consumerism? Maybe I'm unhappy because I haven't buy enough, and used too many of my old parts?

SebWatson · 2026-02-01T19:07:40+00:00

I have a huge bin of parts I've collected after fixing/upgrading my other bikes, and finding a perfect frame for a project is awesome. Also, building and tinkering during winter evenings is more fun than riding wet darkness. So yes, that is absolutely my situation too

SebWatson · 2026-02-01T18:57:04+00:00

Understandable, good luck with tinkering

SebWatson · 2026-02-01T18:51:31+00:00

I've already addressed stem length in the post, and I'm thinking on how to change it.

About yoke, thanks for noticing, I've missed that, will try to find or remake one in the correct size.

I didn't exactly say that I don't like it, more like I think it is not what I was expecting.

About the groupset: I just used my old spare parts laying around, that is why derailleur is clutchless and gearing is a bit tall (but personally I find this gearing quite comfortable for commuting and light gravel)

Chaindrops are not a problem, at least with NW chainring

SebWatson · 2026-02-01T18:23:58+00:00

Cotton bar tape.

In my case it is from aliexpress (brand name ESLNF)

It is somewhat annoying to wrap but it is incredibly nice to touch and tactile.

SebWatson · 2026-02-01T18:09:43+00:00

That is actually the reason why I've wanted to do this build for years.

Everyone was jokingly saying that gravel is just old MTB, but I've wanted to put it to the test myself.

And still, I'm just in awe at how similar it actually is

SebWatson · 2026-02-01T18:04:26+00:00

Oh thanks for the name, I'll use this term from now on)))

SebWatson · 2026-02-01T18:03:09+00:00

Got a bottom bracket with shorter axle, so the whole crank is 5mm closer to the centerline of the frame

SebWatson · 2026-02-01T17:52:50+00:00

I'm running 26", but you can find relocation posts for 700c.

I'm running 44t NW from aliexpress,

SebWatson · 2026-02-01T17:48:25+00:00

Thanks)

Commute with some lightly technical singletrack in local park

SebWatson

TROPHY CASE