Out on its first test run, here’s my latest custom build. My customer – who commissioned a stylish commuter up to the task of 75 miles on tow paths in all weathers plus her weekly shop and some light touring duties – gave me a budget, helped chose the colour scheme for powder-coating (RAL 5018 with sparkle lacquer) and supplied some components for me to recondition (handlebars & stem, pedals, security skewers, luggage rack, some of the drivetrain) then I did the rest, taking the rest of her old bike in part exchange. I took note of her old bike’s riding position (which she was very happy with) and have replicated it exactly on the new build. Originally I spec’d the bike with Panaracer Pasela tyres but went with Schwalbes in the end, slightly heavier but in my experience far superior in terms of puncture resistance. The superbly named Humbert Space Bugle handlebars may look odd but their 34 degree sweep feels super comfortable, plus the central bar offer lots of space for multiple headlights and other devices.
If you’re looking at mundane off-the-peg bikes and are starting to think you might fancy something hand-built and unique, drop me a line for a custom build quote…
Frame: Dawes Discovery (powdercoated, new decals)
Fork: On-One Pompino (powdercoated)
Headset: Cane Creek
Stem: System EX
Handlebar: Humpert Space Bugle Ergotec
Grips: Ergon GP1 (new)
Brakes: Avid Single Digit 3 (new)
Brake Levers / Shifters: Shimano Deore
Front Derailleur: Shimano Deore
Rear Derailleur: Shimao Deore
Cables: Jagwire (new)
Cassette: Shimano HG50
Chain: SRAM PC951
Cranks: Shimano Alivio
Chainrings: 48/36/26
Bottom Bracket: Shimano UN26
Pedals: DMR V8
Hub Skewers: unknown security type
Rims: Mavic A119
Hubs: Shimano Parallax
Tyres: Schwalbe Delta Cruiser 700x32c (new)
Tubes: Specialized
Saddle: Specialized Sonoma 155
Seatpost: Kalin 27.2mm
Seatpost Binder:CNC 31.8mm
Mudguards: SKS Chromoplastic, upgraded fitting hardware
Rack: Topeak Explorer
Bottle Cage: Tranz-X