In the morning I'm out the door at 6.30am, head down, burning up the 17 miles of asphalt to Portsmouth. However on the way home what I really want to do is hit the bridleways onto the South Downs and explore. So I've built up a bike that I think offers the best of both worlds. Speed and efficiency to get me to work on time, and still capable of handling some off-road abuse in the evening.
To say it is built up from a selection of cast off's would slightly under sell it. The S-Works Stumpjumper frame was the love of my life, and my mtb race rig until a few weeks ago. Fitted with Specialized lightweight carbon cranks, and a 32t Rotor Q-Ring to keep me pedaling efficiently. Stans Crest wheels were gracing my race bike a year ago and keep the rotating mass low. My favourite Phenom saddle is showing its age, torn leather perched on a Syntace carbon post. Admittedly the non-oversized Easton bar does look a little spindly by todays standards.
Two anolmalies; items not stripped off my race bike in recent years but raided from the spares bin. An old 105 road rear mech moves the chain across a 9 speed 11-25 road cassette.
A few new parts were needed to complete the build. Most obvious is the carbon fork. An Ebay purchase, I don't know much about its origins, but it appears to be one of the many unbranded parts you can pick-up direct from China these days. A length of 480mm leaves the geometry unchanged. In need of a rear brake the cheapest hydraulic brakes available were Deore. Although stunningly cheap I love everything about this brake; a great shaped stubby little lever, provides a bundle of controllable power.
Possibly the most critical part of a bike like this is the tyre choice. I can't fault the Continental 32mm touring tyres, which I picked up for £20 at my local shop. Rolling well they also provide confidence on the road, hidden under mudguards they should do me good service this winter. Dropping a few psi they take chalky bridleways in their stride, getting me up onto the Downs. Bigs hits from rocks and roots can be unsettling, a little more volume, especially up front, would help.
I'm really enjoying riding this bike just now, and giving it a second lease of life as a commuter. Lightweight, quick and nimble I can't wait to grab it from the shed in the morning and head off to work.
