I've moaned about it on the forum enough but back in September 2023 I was knocked off my bike [url= https://singletrackmag.com/forum/bike-forum/crashed-into-an-out-of-control-dog-what-next/paged/1/ ]by an out of control dog.[/url] I landed on my head and what followed was a concussion, which led to depression, almost a year of not being able to do my job full time, a total loss of fitness, a loss of enjoyment riding the bike and an all round massive strain on my life, marriage and employment.
Well, back in April I decided I was better and deserved a treat. On environmental grounds I've not had a brand new mountain bike for over a decade and this seemed like a good excuse to get something I've always fancied, and something special. I've got a Sour Purple Haze gravel bike and had always lusted after a hardtail to go with it. It needed to be able to do everything - stand in for my XC race bike if that broke, go touring (sometimes with a trailer) and be able to get down trails at Innerleithen and the Golfie in winter when it's too horrible to ride my full suspension bike. Having swithered between the lighter Pasta Party, which has the same geometry as my XC race bike, and the heavier Crumble, with a 65 degree head angle and 475mm reach, I opted for the Crumble.
I got it from [url= https://rootscycles.co.uk ]Roots Cycles in Doune[/url] in a custom wet-painted colour. This was picked to match the sea on the south coast of Cornwall, where I spent several weeks in the early part of my recovery for a much-needed change of scene. I asked a science illustrator friend of mine, [url= https://www.holly-draws.com/contact ]Holly[/url], to design me some waves in the style of the Sour logo to go along the top tube to complete the maritime theme. She drew me some straightforward waves to go on one side of the top tube and a representation of waves hitting Hutton's Unconformity at Siccar Point on the Scottish East Coast ("the most important geological location in the world"), since she and I studied geology together.
I'm really pleased with the result. It's got an XTR groupset, Raceface wheels, BikeYoke dropper, Unite stem and Formula Cura brakes with a Rockshox SID that I've modified to 130mm travel (more on that in another post). I'll find out how it rides soon..
That looks lovely. Great frame details, lush colour, looks rocketship fast and perfectly themed custom artwork. 10/10!
Your lawn needs some work. Grass maybe, but the crag look is strong. 😉
Nice bit of steel and a classy build 👍
Now get it on the scales.
😉
I know it's been a rough year, but that's a dreamy build. Hope you have great fun riding it.
Tough year...
I bet Marty enjoyed building that...
Gert nice bike.
Tough year...
I bet Marty enjoyed building that...
Gert nice bike.
@matt_outandabout - Marty loves it. He's going to get himself one of their XC bikes.
@chakaping - 26lbs, which isn't totally awful but heavier than almost any main brand aluminium or carbon fibre frame that'd do the same job.
REALLY nice, like that a lot. Enjoy!
Very,very nice build,enjoy.
Can't believe you spoiled the photo shoot with that shitty old bottle mind . 😉 🤣
That's class, a beautiful bike.
You deserve that.
Very classy-looking bike. Love the colour; not showing my wife, as she'll demand that I repaint the bathroom to match. No doubt, you'll do it justice; look forward to hearing all about it.
26lbs, which isn't totally awful but heavier than almost any main brand aluminium or carbon fibre frame that'd do the same job.
Very respectable for a 29er trail bike with a dropper.
Lovely bike and your choice of components and how it all looks together is first class. Very light too considering it is steel. Hope this goes some way to making up for such an awful year. Enjoy!
Ps what are the cranks?
Very nice indeed. Hope it's as fun to ride as it looks!
That looks awesome and I hope you enjoy riding it.
Have been idly looking at Sour when my elderly El Mar needs replacing. Did you say Roots Cycles brought the frame in?
Very nice 🙂
That looks brilliant, big fan. Enjoy
@ratherbeintobago - yeah, Roots are their dealer in Scotland. Completely painless process and they kept me informed of all the build stages.
Well done on your recovery
bike looks epic
Looks great, I love that colour!
Stunner! How nice is that colour?? Enjoy riding it, well deserved.
Patio looks uneven and dangerous, however.
Good to hear you're feeling better. And that's a beautiful looking bike.
Their Double Choc is my current dream bike but I can't bring myself to spend that much on a frame.
That’s extremely nice, so classy. V light for a steel 29er too!
Looks lovely! Enjoy, and hope it speeds your recovery. All the best.
Get used to kids shouting "Nice bike!" as you pass.
Any rocks used during the build process?
That looks great, congrats!
Oh my word that's a lovely looking bike! Have fun on it!!
Er, well, first week of owning the bike I got as a reward for recovering from a head injury and I had my first crash on it - straight onto the face 🤦♂️
Fortunately it's not too bad but it looks pretty dramatic. Otherwise, though, the first week has included the biggest climb and biggest descent I've ever done and it's eaten it all up. It's significantly more capable than hardtails I've had in the past - I was riding some properly scary stuff on it in the Swiss Alps and was able to keep up with my guide just fine. I love it.
Baptism of fire! Glad you're (relatively) OK and the bike lived up to expectations though!
