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Steel (is real)
Gravel (well, bridleways)
Flared Bars (hmmm, not sure about those just yet)
Full House!
I sold everything except one 'do-it-all' bike last year and whilst I haven't missed my mountain bikes, I have missed riding off road and bumbling around. So, hopefully this is the answer.
It's a Mk 1 Fairlight Secan. Fairlight had one left in my size and it avoided a lengthy wait too so I snaffled it up! Been waiting on a pair of AXS shifters which have taken months to track down and in the end I had to buy the left and right separately from the US, but finally built it up today.
In my (biased) opinion slightly nicer than current Mk 2.5 with less holes on the forks (I won't be bike-packing and prefer the clean looks) and simpler dropouts (although the current ones are nice too). I also like the way that the unpainted forks compliment the Enve bits. Wouldn't say no to one of the new purple ones, but there's something quite timeless about black.
It's a 58T geometry which enables me to find my usual position without the need for a massive spacer stock and the build is quite eclectic based on some spares and some new parts but it turned out nice.
Quick shake down ride today before something a little longer tomorrow morning. So far so smooth. Not a featherweight, but that doesn't matter as the ride quality is brilliant. Much smoother than I was expecting, and I still have some 43mm tyres to fit in order to smooth things even more (the ones fitted are 38mm).
I have a gold chain to match the cassette and hub logos for the full JPS look, but I need to degrease and wax it before it is ready to go. I chucked a spare silver one on there for the moment that was already waxed and ready to go.
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Nice.
I need to remember there is really nothing wrong with my Arkrose.....
That's bloody lovely!!
Are they Arundel cages?
Are they Arundel cages?
King Cage Stainless. I have the ti version on my other bike and for half the price they are almost as nice. Just a bit heavier, but we are talking tiny margins.
That is very nice indeed, I’m a big fan of those Fairlight forks with the nice subtle detail towards the top.
If I’m not mistaken those are Panaracer Gravelking EXTs fitted? I have a pair on my Bokeh to deal with the delightful Hertfordshire mud, but I wouldn’t mind something wider. What 43mm tires are you going for?
That looks very nice.
Like it! Although mixing blacks is a bit like mixing denims - ie it flies for some but not for others, which is exactly how it should be!
Wishing you both many happy miles 🚴♂️
If I’m not mistaken those are Panaracer Gravelking EXTs fitted? I have a pair on my Bokeh to deal with the delightful Hertfordshire mud, but I wouldn’t mind something wider. What 43mm tires are you going for?
Yep, great in the mud.
I am switching them for Gravel King SK for the summer. More volume for harder trails and no need for as much knobbly grip. I have variants of Gravel Kings on all of my bikes including on the road. They are great tyres and remarkable value compared to some.
As for the black on black. I think you can’t go wrong. Maybe the gold chain might add a much needed splash of bling!
That's purdy looking. 👌
Really nice bike 👍
Enjoy 😎
I’ve got the Putty version with purple bits. Lovely bikes!
Amen to that, got a blue one. Ridden a few steel and Ti bikes of a similar ilk and this is far and away the most sorted yet.
Nice, I have one of the original batch - it's a great bike that I'm sure you will enjoy. Remember to keep the seatpost greased!