The Monkey Lab

Riding the Divide is one of the most awe-inspiring and grueling cycling challenges in the world. The 2,700 mile, 200,000 foot elevation gain ride goes from Banff, Canada to Antelope Wells, New Mexico, traversing the whole length of the United States along the Continental Divide. The Divide is also the route of the annual Tour Divide, a famous unsupported endurance race. The record for the race is 15 days, but the ride is also done at a more leisurely pace by non-competitive riders who want to enjoy the beautiful Rocky Mountain scenery along the way. We built this Rohloff SPEEDHUB-equipped Ventana El Comandante for a customer who is planning to ride and train around his home near Columbus, OH with the goal of eventually gearing up for a Divide ride of his own.

To start this build we called our friends at Ventana to order an El Comandante frame. This model is a versatile 29er aluminum hardtail with balanced geometry that works well general trail riding as well as off road touring. Another one of our customers rode an El Comandante to victory (and a new course record) during the 2012 Tour Divide race, so the capabilities of this frame for the TD event have been proven. Like all of Ventana’s frames, the El Comandante is handmade in Northern California and built to last. It features rocking dropouts for chain or belt tension with an integrated belt drive split point. Rohloff cable routing and extra water bottle mounts on the seat stays were added through Ventana's semi-custom program, and their popular eye-popping Mango Tango color finished things off.

With the frame in hand, we set to work selecting the other parts. On a ride like the Tour Divide, a rider’s bike must be both durable and light to get to the finish with no mechanicals and a decent time. We started with Niner’s carbon RDO fork, which is exceptionally light but is also designed to be compliant enough to be comfortable on rough trails and long rides. While a ride like Tour Divide might seem like it would necessitate a suspension fork, the terrain is predominantly gravel roads and pavement, so many competitors opt for a rigid fork. The length of the ride and the intense weather conditions that are often encountered can cause accelerated wear on a suspension fork and lead to malfunction unless a rider stops along the way to get their fork serviced. A suspension fork also adds additional weight to the bike, which this customer wanted to avoid.

We also used carbon for a few of the bike’s other main components, including Thomson handlebars and Race Face Next SL cranks. A Chris King headset and bottom bracket, Thomson aluminum stem and seatpost, and TRP ML930 brake levers paired with Avid BB7 mechanical disc brakes round out the build kit with reliable components.

When considering strength, the wheels are perhaps the most important components to focus on. On a long tour, a folded rim or a few broken spokes in the middle of the wilderness could leave you completely stranded. Wheels and drivetrains are not an area to skimp on when building a lightweight touring bike. For this bike, we used NoTubes' ZTR Flow EX 29er rims, which are wider and thicker than most lightweight XC rims and have held up well in a variety of conditions. We laced up the rims to a Chris King ISO disc hub in the front and a Rohloff SPEEDHUB in the rear using Sapim Race spokes and brass nipples.

While a touring wheelset must be strong and durable to keep a rider from being stranded by mechanical problems, the same goes for the drivetrain. The Rohloff SPEEDHUB offers the most durable drivetrain on the market, and paired with the Gates Carbon Drive system, you have nearly zero maintenance. You also get assurance against snapped chains, bent derailleurs, broken derailleur hangers, and other problems that plague long distance riders. This gear hub offers 14 evenly spaced gears protected within the hubshell and shielded from the elements. The gears span a range of 526% – the same as a three by nine mountain bike derailleur system – making it versatile enough for the many different types of terrain encountered on a long tour. Dirt, water, mud, and road grit do not affect the shifting, and the hub only needs an annual oil change to keep it running smoothly. To top it off, the Gates Belt Drive belt lasts at least twice as long as a chain and does not stretch over time, again reducing the possibility of mechanical problems on a long trip.

When our customer received this bike, he contacted us to say how pleased he was with the build and how excited he was to start riding and training for the Tour Divide. If you are considering a long ride of your own and need a durable and lightweight bike of your own to get your through the tour safely and comfortably, get in touch with us to see what we can put together for you!

Build Details:

• Frame: Ventana El Comandante
• Fork: Niner RDO Carbon Fork
• Headset: Chris King InSet
• Stem: Thomson X4
• Handlebar: Thompson Carbon
• Shifter: Rohloff
• Grips: Ergon GP3
• Seat post: Thomson Elite X4
• Saddle: WTB Valcon
• Seat Clamp: Ventana
• Front Hub: Chris King ISO Disc
• Rear hub: Rohloff SPEEDHUB 500/14
• Spokes: Sapim Race
• Nipples: Sapim Brass
• Rims: Stan’s NoTubes FlowEX
• Tires: Maxxis Ikon 29x2.2”
• Cranks: RaceFace Next SL
• Pedals: Shimano SPD
• Bottom Bracket: Chris King
• Chain ring: Gates Carbon Drive
• Rear Sprocket: Gates Carbon Drive
• Chain: Gates Carbon Drive
• Brakes & Levers: Avid BB7 brakes, TRP ML930 levers
• Rotors: Magura Storm

R&E Cycles is a legendary bicycle maker in Seattle, WA. With two brands under their roof - Rodriguez Cycles and Erickson Cycles - they have been hand-building dream bikes for customers around the world since 1973 from their workshop in Seattle’s University District. They build a wide range of frames from classic road bikes to more unique - and often technically demanding - projects such as tandems, S&S coupled travel bikes, and frames with intricate design details. They also build a large number of Rohloff-equipped bikes like this Erickson commuter and are one of our biggest Rohloff SPEEDHUB customers. As their specialty brand, the Erickson line represents their most sophisticated body of work and is focused on one-of-a-kind custom bicycle designs, many of which include complex hand carved lugs. These frames are truly rideable works of art.

This bike was built to fulfill one of their customers' vision for the ideal Rohloff equipped bike. This bike was designed around a swift, yet comfortable randonneur-style frame, ideal for daily commuting around Seattle. The frame’s geometry is precisely tailored to the customer's physical dimensions and preferred handling characteristics. Intricate custom paint work highlights the unique hand-cut lugs.

This frame is a great example of Erickson’s attention to detail and eye for refined custom features. You are immediately drawn to the intricate lattice design of the bilaminate fillet brazed head tube lugs. The contrasting red and black color theme is carried over to the cut-out logos on the custom Rodriguez dropouts. The frame also offers a number of special Rohloff-friendly touches, including internal twin cable routing through the downtube, SPEEDHUB-specific dual cable guides along the chainstay, a mounting tab on the dropout for the Rohloff OEM2 axle plate, and the revered Bushnell eccentric bottom bracket - which Rodrigez fabricates in house - that provides simple chain tensioning. The frame geometry is optimized for the customer’s needs, with an Audax-style configuration that strikes a balance between a nimble road bike and a loaded touring bike. The result is comfortable and stable handling for everyday riding that is still responsive enough for maneuvering quickly through Seattle’s challenging city streets.

The frame also features appropriate fittings for full-coverage fenders to make commutes a bit more enjoyable in wet-weather. Front and rear racks allow plenty of cargo carrying capacity, while a German made dynamo hub generator provides constant power to the integrated light system for unlimited, battery-free night riding. The lighting system consists of a high-power Supernova E3 Pro headlight and taillight, connected to a Schmidt generator hub, which are widely considered the best dynamo hubs on the market today. As an added bonus, the wire for the headlight is run through the left fork blade and the taillight is run through the top tube, which protects it from accidental damage and gives a clean aesthetic.

Erickson selected a rock solid wheel build designed to stand up against all the abuse the rough roads of Seattle have to offer. They began with a pair of heavy duty Alex Adventurer rims, which boast a robust double wall profile while remaining relatively lightweight. The rims were paired with the black anodised Rohloff SPEEDHUB in the rear and a Schmidt SON 28 hub up front. Puncture-resistant Michelin City tires were chosen for their durability and fast rolling tread pattern. Together, they make for a wheel set which is both strong and efficient; ready for the rigors of daily commuting year round.

Erickson’s customer requested the all-weather stopping power of an Avid mechanical disc brake in front. For the rear wheel he preferred the streamlined look of the SPEEDHUB’s internal shift mechanism instead of an external shift box which hangs to the side of the hub. This configuration necessitates the use of a rim brake, so the Trillium Big Squeeze cantilever brake was used in the rear. Machined in house by Rodrigez, these cantilever brakes were originally designed for use on tandems, and offer exceptional adjustability and modulation. This combination provides ample stopping power and makes the cable routing simple and clean.

Erickson reports that their customer was very pleased with the SPEEDHUB’s minimal maintenance requirements and user friendly design. Once installed, the SPEEDHUB requires virtually no service apart from an annual oil change. Because the Rohloff system uses a sealed internal shifting mechanism, water, dirt, and road grime cannot contaminate the gears, which keeps the hub running smoothly even in extreme weather. Commuters in particular depend on the SPEEDHUB because of its day-in, day-out reliability. A Rohloff-equipped bike will be ready to go at any time. Just hop on and ride.

Both Erickson and Rodriguez frames are built-to-order and fabricated and assembled entirely in the USA. Their decades of experience often make them a great choice for customers looking for a top quality custom frame. Contact us if you’re interested in creating a custom Erickson or Rodriguez of your own!

Build Details:

• Frame: Erickson custom randonneur
• Fork: Erickson
• Headset: FSA sealed
• Stem: Origin 8
• Handlebar: FSA
• Shifter: Rohloff
• Grips: Black cork bartape
• Seatpost: Thompson Elite Layback
• Saddle: WTB Speed V
• Seat Clamp: Integrated
• Front Hub: Schmidt SON28
• Rear hub: Rohloff SPEEDHUB 500/14
• Spokes: Sapim
• Nipples: Sapim
• Rims: Alex Adventurer 26"
• Tires: Michelin City
• Cranks: Origin 8
• Pedals: N/A
• Bottom Bracket: Bushnell eccentric
• Chain ring: Origin 8
• Rear Sprocket: Rohloff
• Chain: SRAM PC 850
• Brakes & Levers: Tektro Ergo levers, Avid BB7 Road front, Trillium Big Squeeze rear
• Front Rotor: Shimano Centerlock
• Extras: Racktime Top-it front rack, Jandd Expedition rear rack, front and rear fenders, Supernova E3 pro headlight and taillight

Vassago’s Optimus Ti is a great example of a high-end titanium hardtail that is optimized for the Rohloff SPEEDHUB 500/14. It features cross country inspired geometry that also works well for more technical trail rides. Its titanium construction provides a comfortable ride quality that reduces vibrations yet remains stiff when you push it hard. The frame is hand built in Vassago’s Phoenix Arizona factory, and represents one of the best values on the market for a U.S.-made titanium frame. It's also one of the lightest Rohloff-equipped mountain bikes we've built, making it a favorite of racers or anyone who appreciates a lightweight, nimble ride.

The Optimus Ti is built using Vassago’s “Fast Cat” geometry, which is the name they've given to their more compact, new school frames that feature a shorter rear end for more maneuverability around tight, technical single track. The frame features over-sized titanium tubing to keep the frame stiff and prevent flexing around the bottom bracket and headtube. It also incorporates replaceable sliding dropouts that allow for Rohloff-specific dropout inserts and provide an easy method for adjusting chain tension. One of the benefits of Vassago's in-house manufacturing is that they can customize their frames with features such as Rohloff-specific cable routing. The Optimus Ti is part of Vassago’s “Black Label” U.S.-made frame series, along with the steelVerhauen. The Arizona company also offers more affordable imported frames, including the Fisticuff and Jabberwocky.

For this Optimus Ti’s wheelset, we went with Stan’s NoTubes ZTR Flow rims laced to a Toxaholics front thru-axle hub and a rear Rohloff SPEEDHUB in anodized black. The Flow rims have a sturdy, trail riding-oriented design that comes in a wider-than-average profile and provides more traction and cornering grip. We laced up both wheels with Sapim Race spokes and brass nipples, which are both strong and light. We mounted them up with the Schwalbe Smart Sam tires, which have a tight center knob pattern and shallower tread depth that work well on pavement, hardpacked dirt, and moderately muddy conditions.

The SPEEDHUB is known as the best drivetrain for touring and long distance riding, but it also has a number of advantages for mountain biking. Because it rarely needs any maintenance, it allows riders to stay out on the trail as much as possible. Many mountain bike components are race-oriented and designed for low weight rather than durability. As a result, they frequently have to be tuned up or replaced. With the SPEEDHUB drivetrain, no time is wasted leaving the bike at the bike shop. There is no worse feeling than having to end a ride early because of a damaged derailleur, and the SPEEDHUB virtually eliminates the risk of mechanical failures. We even equipped racers with SPEEDHUBs, including this recent Optimus Ti we put together for an adventure racer.

We equipped this build with other components that are race-capable but stayed true to the theme of durability. Rockshox’s SID fork makes an excellent low maintenance XC specific fork. Magura’s MT8 brakes, equipped with carbon levers, provide a very lightweight brake system with excellent stopping power. Naturally the Thompson stem and seatpost were chosen for their best-in-class durablity and strength to weight ratio. Finally, Salsa’s Bend 2 bars place a rider’s hands in a comfortably natural position.

If you’re a mountain biker looking for a more durable drivetrain or a Rohloff fan looking for a lighter hardtail bike, Vassago’s Optimus Ti frame may be just the ticket. Contact us to start talking about the right bike for your riding style.

Build Details:

• Frame: Vassago Optimus Ti
• Fork: Rockshox SID
• Headset: Cane Creek Forty
• Stem: Thomson Elite X4
• Handlebar: Salsa Bend 2
• Shifter: Rohloff
• Grips: ESI foam
• Seat post: Thompson
• Saddle: WTB Valcon
• Seat Clamp: Vassago
• Front Hub: Toxaholics
• Rear hub: Rohloff SPEEDHUB 500/14
• Spokes: Sapim Race
• Nipples: Sapim Brass
• Rims: Stan’s NoTubes ZTR Flow
• Tires: Schwalbe Smart Sam
• Cranks: Race Face Turbine
• Pedals: Shimano XTR SPD
• Bottom Bracket: Race Face
• Chain ring: Race Face Single
• Rear Sprocket: Rohloff
• Chain: Wipperman Connex
• Brakes & Levers: Magura MT8
• Rotors: Magura Storm

Bamboo is an unconventional material to build a bike from, but it has become an increasingly popular option as more and more riders discover the unique ride quality that it offers. We built this bamboo Calfee Design frame for a customer who enjoys long organized rides like the Seattle to Portland event along with exploring back roads around his home near Seattle. He also planned to use the bike for his daily transportation needs, so it was designed as a sturdy road bike/light duty touring bike. All the components needed to stand up to heavy mileage, rough roads, and the Pacific Northwest’s infamously damp climate. The Rohloff SPEEDHUB 500/14 internal gear hub combined with a Gates Carbon Drive belt system provides a drivetrain that is nearly impervious to the elements, and the Schmidt dynamo hub-powered lights provide worry-free night time vision.

When this customer first came across the idea of a bamboo bike, he was drawn to the natural look of the organic frame material. After doing more research, he learned about bamboo’s inherent compliance and vibration damping capabilities. Bamboo does a great job of taking the harshness out of rougher roads to reduce rider fatigue and give an incredibly smooth ride. As one of the first builders to begin experimenting with Bamboo for a frame tubing material, Calfee has developed techniques to keep the bike stiff at the bottom bracket, head tube, and other tube joints for efficient power transfer and to preserve frame alignment. The bamboo tubes are joined using resin-soaked hemp fiber which is wrapped around the tube junctions. Tightly winding many layers of the fiber creates a joint strong enough to withstand the demands of long, rough roads and even trails. Although bamboo frames typically end up weighing more than metal frames, the unique aesthetic and ride quality make them perfect choice for certain riders.

While the frame was being hand crafted in Santa Cruz, we worked on assembling a superb collection of components that would fit perfectly with this customer’s needs. We began by building up a set of custom wheels. Since this bike was intended to be ridden primarily on the road, this customer wanted a fairly light wheelset to maintain the feel of a traditional road bike. We chose Velocity’s A23 rims, which were one of the first offerings in the now popular wide & light road rim category. Using Sapim Race spokes and brass nipples, we laced the A23s to a Schmidt SON28 dynamo front hub and a Rohloff 14 speed internal gear hub in the rear. Once they were complete, both wheels were mounted with 25mm Continental Grand Prix 4 Season tires.

Behind the frame, the Rohloff SPEEDHUB was the next most important detail for this project due its reliability and all-weather capability. In Seattle's extremely wet climate, dealing with derailleurs that frequently become clogged with grit from dirty road water requires ongoing maintenance. Damp conditions also reduce the lifespan of conventional drivetrain parts because the moisture pulls chain lubricant off the chain faster and road contaminants provide an abrasive that accelerates wear. Rust is also a common consern. The SPEEDHUB, addresses these issues by putting the bearings and shifting components inside the sealed hub shell where they are lubricated by an oil bath. Shifting performance remains consistent, regardless of road conditions. The Gates Belt Drive system further addresses these issues with its metal-free construction, no internal moving parts, and rust-free sprockets (stainless steel rear/anodized aluminum front). The lifespan of the belt is at least twice as long as a conventional chain, with the difference in lifespan increasing in wet and dirty conditions. This frame offers Rohloff-specific cable routing and an eccentric bottom bracket to provide tension for a Gates Belt Drive.

The dynamo front hub powers front and rear lights and a (future) USB charging device, allowing our customer to get home safely from his rides if he stays out past sunset and/or keep a phone or gps device running. With a dynamo providing power, you eliminate the worry of batteries running out of juice.

Comfort was another important consideration for this customer, so we hand picked a variety of components that would provide a pain-free ride: the Salsa Cowbell handlebars flare out slightly at the ends of the drops, Lizard Skins DSP bar tape is far thicker than standard cork bar tape to provide additional dampening, and the Selle Anatomica Titanico X saddle provides a pre-softened ride quality out of the box thanks to the multi-layered leather design with a perineum cut-out.

Final details include mounting the Rohloff twist shifter on the bar end using a Hubbub adapter, a removable kickstand to provide additional bike parking options, and removable fenders.

Our customer was quite satisfied with the result when the bike arrived at his doorstep. He told us he was looking forward to years of maintenance-free rides year round. If this type of bike would work well for your riding style, please contact us to talk about building a similar bike of your own.

Build Details:

• Frame: Calfee Design custom bamboo
• Fork: Independent Fabrication custom carbon
• Headset: Hope threadless
• Stem: Thompson X4
• Handlebar: Salsa Cowbell
• Shifter: Rohloff with hubbub adapter
• Grips/tape: Lizard Skins DSP
• Seat post: Thompson Elite
• Saddle: Selle Anatomica Titanico X
• Seat Clamp: Calfee
• Front Hub: Schmidt SON28
• Rear hub: Rohloff SPEEDHUB 500/14
• Spokes: Sapim Race
• Nipples: Sapim Brass
• Rims: Velocity A23
• Tires: Continental Grand Prix
• Cranks: Middleburn RS7
• Pedals: Shimano A530 SPD
• Bottom Bracket: SKF Square Taper
• Chain ring: Gates Carbon Drive
• Rear Sprocket: Gates Carbon Drive
• Chain: Gates Carbon Drive
• Brakes & Levers: Avid BB7 brakes, Can Creek Drop-V Levers
• Rotors: Magura Storm
• Extras: Schmidt Edelux II head light, Busch and Mueller Secula tail light, SKS Race Blade Long Fenders

This Merlin Roots came in to the Monkey Lab for routine service, and we were excited to check it out. Offered as a limited edition, the frame is modeled after the original west coast "Klunkers," the home-made dirt cruiser bikes that were ridden at breakneck speeds by the pioneers of mountain biking on the dirt roads and hiking trails of Marin County's Mount Tamalpais. Although the aesthetic of the bike is similar to early Klunkers, it's equipped with modern geometry, materials, and technology that didn't exist in the early days of mountain biking, including a Rohloff SPEEDHUB 500/14 and hydraulic disc brakes. This bike's owner was initially drawn to the bike because of its form, but his first few rides confirmed it is also an extremely functional ride.

The frame was built by Merlin Metalworks, one of the most respected of the early East Coast mountain bike frame builders, who is know primarily for their work in titanium. Merlin’s pioneering craftsmanship set the standard for high-end titanium mountain bikes in the 1980s and 90s and created a niche for titanium enthusiasts that continues to this day. This frame, named Roots, was styled after their classic Newsboy model, which debuted in 1994 and became a cult classic due to its striking retro looks. The Roots model was introduced in 2005 with a limited run of 50 bikes. Each of the these 50 bikes was built with a Rohloff SPEEDHUB, Rohloff-specific cable routing, and an eccentric bottom bracket to accommodate chain tension.

The original Klunkers were re-purposed Schwinn cruiser frames. These bikes were generally single speed and equipped with coaster brakes, wide swept back riser bars, springer saddles, and over-sized 26 inch balloon tires. Compared to most "high end" bikes of the time, they did an adequate job of getting down the mountain, but the downhills were often nerve racking due to frequently over-heating coaster brakes and a complete lack of front brakes. They also lacked lower gears for pedaling back uphill, so they were often pushed up the hills. With the Roots project, Merlin set out to preserve the simple, playful feeling that made the Klunkers so much fun to ride but add more functionality to handle longer, more technically challenging rides.

Beyond the frame, the Rohloff SPEEDHUB is the highlight of this bike, giving it the gear range of a modern mountain bike derailleur system with the durability to keep rolling year after year with minimal upkeep. The Roots also features Avid Juicy Seven hydraulic disc brakes, which are immeasurably more powerful and responsive compared to the Morrow and New Departures coaster brakes found on many of the original Klunkers. It includes a range of top shelf components to keep the weight low, including Truvativ Stylo carbon cranks, Seven Cycles 2 piece titanium riser bars, and a Thomson Elite seatpost. It was outfitted with a bombproof Chris King headset, double-wall Sun Ringle rims, and a well worn leather Brooks B17 for comfort.

The owner of this bike is very proud to own one of only 50 beautifully crafted Merlin Roots in existence, and we were glad to be able to showcase it here on the Monkey Lab. If you’re considering a similar retro-styled mountain bike of your own, contact us to see what we can put together for you!

Build Details:

• Frame: Merlin Roots Titanium
• Fork: Viscious Cycles Mountain Steel
• Headset: Chris King NoThreadset
• Stem: Truvativ Team
• Handlebar: Seven Cycles Titanium Mountain Riser Handlebar
• Shifter: Rohloff
• Grips: OURY
• Seat post: Thomson Elite X4
• Saddle: Brooks B17
• Seat Clamp: Salsa Flip Lock
• Front Hub: Paul Components Engineering
• Rear hub: Rohloff SPEEDHUB 500/14
• Spokes: Sapim Race
• Nipples: Sapim Brass
• Rims: Sun Ringle 0 Degree XC 2000
• Tires: WTB Velociraptor
• Cranks: Truvativ Rouleur Carbon
• Pedals: Shimano SPD
• Bottom Bracket: Truvativ
• Chain ring: Surly Stainless Steel
• Rear Sprocket: Rohloff
• Chain: SRAM PC 971
• Brakes & Levers: Avid Juicy Seven
• Rotors: Avid Cleansweep front, Galfer rear

Black Sheep looking south from Albany Hill Park

This beautiful titanium bike from Black Sheep Bikes in Ft. Collins, CO came into the Monkey Lab for a Gates Carbon Drive belt conversion. While we are known best for our Rohloff Internal Gear Hub builds, we're big proponents of the Gates belt drive system, which is a fantastic option for single speed bikes as well as internal gear hub bikes. With Black Sheep's signature curved tubes, this bike is an exquisite example of the kind of creative fabrications that can be achieved by small custom frame builders. The whole bike weighs in at only 21 pounds but feels even lighter due to it's super light EDGE (now ENVE) carbon rims.

Gates Belt Drive with XTR cranks and Chris King single speed hub

The Gates CenterTrack belt conversion involved replacing the front and rear sprockets along with the belt itself. The belt system offers superior durability, lube free functionality, and quieter operation compared to the metal chain it replaced.

Removable seat stay yoke with Cane Creek top cap allows the rear triangle to be removed for travel

No modification was required to install the belt drive system due to the unique travel-friendly rear triangle design found on this frame. The seat stay yoke separates where it meets the seat tube and the telescoping chain stays slide apart from each other a few inches behind the bottom bracket to allow the frame to pack into a smaller case. As a knock on benefit, the belt can be installed while the rear triangle is removed and tensioned by adjusting the length of the chain stays. Once it's adjusted, the wheel can be easily removed just by undoing the quick release.

Telescoping chain stays adjust to set belt tension

Driving the belt system is a pair of Shimano's XTR cranks. These cranks make a great choice for a single speed drivetrain with a lightweight yet stiff hollow spindle design that provides an excellent pedaling platform. The polished outer face is a nice design touch that keeps these cranks looking clean and scuff free.

Titanium Truss fork with Chris King Thru Axle front hub in anodized Pewter

Up front, Black Sheep's Faith double bladed truss fork handles the steering duties with a thru axle front hub to hold the wheel securely in place. The twin blades allow the fork to flex, providing some passive suspension while remaining stiff enough to maintain steering precision.

Black Sheep Custom Titanium Truss fork with dual steerer clamps and an integrated Chris King sealed bearing headset

The truss fork accommodates a 2.4" Schwalbe Racing Ralph tire with ample room to spare. Steerer tube clamps above and below the head tube ensure a stiff connection between the frame and front wheel.

Eriksen Ti "Sweetpost" seatpost

Adding another touch of titanium is a Kent Eriksen "Sweatpost" titanium seatpost. These posts are a popular choice for riders choosing titanium frames due to their simple design, wide selection of colors, and availability of various sizes and offset options. A single bolt tightens the clamp once the saddle is adjusted making it easy to re-position it with a single wrench.

The top shelf custom-built wheelset on this bike is hard to beat. A Chris King single speed hub engages quickly and precisely thanks to it's 72 engagement teeth built into the patented RingDrive system. Since the Chris King single speed hub uses a cassette style interface, it's ideal for the Gates Belt Drive system as it allows the belt alignment to be adjusted for improved crank and tire clearance. This is especially important for alignment with Hollowtech and other 2 piece crank interfaces that have an integrated bottom bracket spindle whose size cannot be changed. The EDGE (now ENVE) carbon All Mountain rims are amazingly light, and help the bike accelerate like a champ. One of the purported disadvantages of larger 29 inch wheels is their greater rotating mass, but with these featherweight wheels the difference is trivial. The advantages of reduced rotational weight are even more pronounced on a single speed since you're frequently taking off in a higher gear than you might otherwise ride on a geared drivetrain. Even from a dead stop pedaling uphill this bike accelerates like it's floating on air.

Matching Blue Anodized Hope Disc Brakes and Quick Release Seat Collar and Rear Skewer

This bike would be an excellent candidate for a Rohloff conversion should the rider ever desire a wider range of gears than the single speed drivetrain offers. Functionally, the SPEEDHUB 500/14 system sets up similarly to a single speed drivetrain and maintains the clean, functional aesthetic of a single front and rear sprocket configuration. We've built many 3-wheel custom wheel sets for customers wanting to switch between single speed for shorter local rides and geared for longer back country adventures or serious touring.

If you have a single speed that you want to retrofit with a belt drive, or an idea for a custom dream bike that hasn't been built yet, get in touch and we can work with you to make it happen. If you have a bike that you'd like to equip with a Rohloff SPEEDHUB but you're not sure if it will be compatible, just send us a few pictures, and we'll let you know if it can be done. Most single speed frames are compatible, and we have years of experience equipping bikes originally equipped with a single speed drivetrain to work with SPEEDHUBs, so consider going to a 14 speed internal gear hub if you decide that one speed is no longer enough.

Build Details:

• Frame: Black Sheep High Light Titanium 29er
• Fork: Black Sheep Faith Titanium Truss
• Headset: Chris King Inset
• Stem: Moots Titanium
• Handlebar: Groovy Luv Handle Titanium
• Grips: ESI Chunky
• Seat post: Eriksen Sweetpost
• Saddle: WTB Rocket V
• Seat Clamp: Hope QR
• Front Hub: Chris King ISO Disc 15mm Thru Axle
• Rear hub: Chris King ISO Disc Single Speed
• Spokes: DT Swiss Aero Light
• Nipples: EDGE (ENVE) Internal
• Rims: EDGE Carbon All Mountain (ENVE)
• Tires: Schwalbe Racing Ralph/Specialized Fast Trak LK
• Cranks: Shimano XTR
• Pedals: Shimano SPD
• Bottom Bracket: Enduro Sealed X-Type
• Chain ring: Gates CenterTrack
• Rear Sprocket: Gates CenterTrack
• Belt: Gates CenterTrack
• Brakes & Levers: Hope
• Rotors: Hope Floating

When a local customer contacted us about building a belt drive-equipped fixed gear for him, we were excited to execute his vision. He wanted a bike that would be simple, lightweight, and durable for commuting around town quickly. He gave us a few general guidelines for the build but asked us to make our own recommendations for parts that would fulfill his requirements. His primary requests were that the frame be chrome colored and that he could use a belt drive system. He planned to use the bike to zip around Oakland and commute across town to work - primarily short, fast rides without much climbing.

After some research, we decided the SOMA Rush frame would be a perfect fit. SOMA is based in San Francisco and offers a wide range of affordable heat treated chromoly steel frames that are resilient and versatile. SOMA has a reputation for making strong, no nonsense bikes, which matched our customer’s criteria perfectly. The Rush frame has a few features which make it unique compared to many track bikes on the market. It has nimble track-style geometry, with a steep headtube angle and short rear end to keep it nimble while retaining generous tire clearance. It also has the looks of a classic road bike and weighs only four pounds including the frame and fork set. The stock chrome color is especially eye-catching and scratch resistant. Investment cast horizontal dropouts and a one inch diameter headtube add to its vintage appeal.

As soon as we received the frame we sent it to a local framebuilder to have a belt drive splitter installed, and before long we had the freshly modified frame in hand ready to build up. While we waited for the frame to come back, we started putting the build kit together. The customer wanted bullhorn style bars, a comfortable, light-weight saddle, durable toe straps, and tires that would hold up to rough roads and stop skids. For handlebars, he chose Profile Design’s T2 Wing Base Bar, which has a time trial oriented design with a flattened aero grip area closer to the stem for a more ergonomic secondary riding position. For the saddle he chose a slate colored Brooks Cambium saddle, made of cotton canvas and vulcanized rubber. The Cambium is Brooks’ first non-leather saddle, and its rubber construction requires no break-in time, unlike their traditional leather saddles – it’s comfortable to ride right out of the box

He chose toe straps over flat or clip-in pedals so that he could use his regular shoes for commuting, yet maintain a high degree of pedaling efficiency. Fixed gear bikes ride better with foot retention like toe straps or clipless shoes, so the rider can control the speed of the rear wheel by applying backward pressure to the cranks as they rotate. Because the cranks are moving at all times, it’s important for a rider’s feet to stay securely connected to the pedals. In this case, a pair of Power Grips were used, which attach diagonally across the pedal and allow the rider to easily get out of the pedal with a twist of their foot. Lastly, we installed Schwalbe's puncture resistant Durano tires, with a thicker version in the rear for longer tire life when performing skids.

For the wheels, the customer wanted deep section, aero-style rims in white. Also, since he requested a front brake only because he planned to control the fixed rear wheel with his feet and legs, we hoped to find a matching set of rims with a machined brake surface for the front wheel and a non-machined rim for the rear wheel. H PLUS SON offered a solution in the form of the 42mm tall SL42 (front) and Formation Face (rear) rims. These rims are mated to track hubs made by Phil Wood, another local company that has gained a sterling reputation over the years for high quality machined bicycle parts, made right down the road in San Jose. We laced the front wheel with a radial lacing pattern for a racier look and the rear wheel three cross for greater strength. Both wheels used silver Sapim race spokes and brass nipples.

The Gates Carbon Drive belt system was a high priority for this customer. He loved the fact that belt drives are quieter than chains and won't leave messy grease stains on your legs – a realistic consideration for commuters who are riding in their regular work clothes. Chain wear is especially noticeable on fixed gear bikes when riders change from pushing forward on the pedals to drive the bike to pushing backwards to slow down. Wear or looseness in a chain results in an undesirable knocking noise and feel. As the drivetrain wears, chain tension needs to be adjusted regularly to prevent this knocking. Belt systems are ideal for fixed gear use because they not only wear slower, but they are also set up with pre-tension, so there is never any play in the drivetrain. You get instant power transfer in both directions.

If at some point he decides that having just a single gear ratio is too limiting, there is the option of adding the Schlumpf 2 speed crankset to the existing drivetrain. The Schlumpf cranks are the only way of adding multiple speeds to a fixed gear without removing the wheel. The Schlumpf cranks do no require an external shift lever, since the crank arm has a built in shift button that can be actuated by tapping it with your heel. We carry several different gearing options to accommodate different gearing requirements, including the Mountain Drive version which offers a 250% easier climbing gear. We posted previously about this Cinelli we built using the Schlumpf Mountain Drive crankset.

When our customer came to pick up his bike, he was thrilled with the way it looked and said it was exactly like he had pictured it in his head. He was very excited to take it out on it's maiden voyage around the East Bay streets. If you’re interested in building up a similar bike of your own, contact us to see what we can put together for you.

Build Details:

• Frame: SOMA Rush 59cm

• Fork: SOMA Rush

• Headset: Chris King

• Stem: Thomson Elite X4

• Handlebar: Profile Design T2 Wing Base Bar

• Shifter: Not Available

• Grips: Brooks Leather

• Seat post: Thomson Elite X4

• Saddle: Brooks Cambium

• Seat Clamp: SOMA Rush integrated

• Front Hub: Phil Wood Track

• Rear hub: Phil Wood Track

• Spokes: Sapim Race

• Nipples: Sapim Brass

• Rims: H PLUS SON SL42 front, H PLUS SON Formation Face rear

• Tires: Schwalbe Durano front, Schwalbe Durano Skid rear

• Cranks: Sugino Messenger

• Pedals: MKS Promenade EZY with PowerGrips toe straps

• Bottom Bracket: Sugino

• Chain ring: Gates Carbon Drive

• Rear Sprocket: Gates Carbon Drive

• Chain: Gates Carbon Drive

• Brakes & Levers: Paul Components Cross Lever, IRD B49 Dual Pivot Caliper

This Co-Motion Americano was displayed in our booth at the North American Handmade Bicycle Show (NAHBS) last March in Charlotte, North Carolina. It is equipped with a Rohloff SPEEDHUB 500/14 and Gates belt drive, as well as a full compliment of racks and panniers for loaded touring. Co-Motion Cycles – a company who specializes in building bikes for touring, commuting, tandems, and other unique bikes at their factory in Eugene, Oregon – lent us this bike to showcase an example of a fully loaded touring bike equipped with a SPEEDHUB. It attracted plenty of attention among show attendees; a crowd made up of handmade bike aficionados, many of whom travel from all over the world for a chance to see these bikes in person.

Co-Motion’s Americano model is designed primarily for long distance touring and is made from custom Reynolds steel tubing. The frameset is designed to be extremely robust, with large diameter tubing ensuring that the frame won’t feel soft or flexy when heavily loaded. The geometry is fairly typical for a touring bike, with medium-long chainstays for a more stable ride and improved heel to pannier clearance. The seated riding position is somewhat more upright compared to a typical drop bar road racing bike for increased comfort during long days in the saddle.

This is the Rohloff-version of the Americano, which is built specifically to accommodate the Rohloff SPEEDHUB and Gates belt drive system. It features a Rohloff OEM left side dropout, Rohloff-specific cable routing, and an eccentric bottom bracket. Co-Motion also offers the frame in a more travel friendly version with S&S couplers for packing into a smaller case, dubbed “Co-Pilot”.

The wheels feature Velocity Dyad rims, a versatile option which is popular for commuting and touring applications. Velocity rims are a favorite at Cycle Monkey because they are made in the USA, are high quality, and offer a wide range of options. These Dyad rims were laced to a DT Swiss 540 front disc hub and a Rohloff SPEEDHUB in the rear. Sapim Race spokes and Brass nipples were chosen for their quality and strength. Once the wheels were trued, tensioned, and stress relieved, we mounted Schwalbe’s Kojak slick tread tires.

The Rohloff hub and belt drive configuration was a hit among the visitors at the hand-built show. Many of the NAHBS guests are early adopters for new and unique components like the SPEEDHUB and belt drive system. The SPEEDHUB and Gates combo has earned a reputation as the most favorable drivetrain solution among adventure and trekking tourists. On a long trip, a robust drivetrain is paramount, since a rider may be far from the nearest bike shop for long periods of time. Racking up miles day after day can put a lot of wear and tear on a drivetrain and cause it to fail much sooner than it would under more typical riding conditions. The SPEEDHUB uses a series of hardened steel gearwheels that can easily withstand such high volume use. Likewise, theGates Carbon Drive belt system offers a noticeable improvement in lifespan over a metal chain, making it a great compliment for unsupported trips.

Since this bike is designed for long days in the saddle, many of the components were chosen for their ergonomics and durability. Selle Anatomica’s Titanico X leather saddle has a cutout that creates a flexible “hammock” design which flexes to conform to a rider’s body and is comfortable to sit on with or without padded shorts. Co-Motion's own Rohloff-specific twist shifter, mounted on the flat section of the drop bars, allows for shifting from a more upright position. Co-Motion created this shifter specifically to fit the top section of drop bars, since Rohloff's shifter must use an adapter to fit on the ends of drop bars and requires the rider to reach down to shift. Shimano’s SPD Trekking pedals, which have one flat side and one clipless side, ensure that the bike can be pedaled comfortably with or without clipless riding shoes.

As a touring bike, the Co-Motion is also equipped with Tubus front and rear racks and Ortlieb handlebar bag and panniers. These bags are all made from high quality, tear resistant fabric and are water proof in case of wet roads or rain. The racks position the weight in a balanced orientation that won’t negatively affect the bike’s handling – especially on the front, where mounting the weight low improves stability. Together, the bags’ capacity is large enough to carry all your gear for a multi-week trip.

This eye-catching Co-Motion was a hit at NAHBS, and we fielded many questions from show-goers. If you are considering a touring bike of your own, contact us to see what we can build up for you.

Build Details:

• Frame: Co-Motion Americano
• Fork: Co-Motion Americano
• Headset: Chris King
• Stem: FSA OS 150
• Handlebar: FSA Omega Compact
• Shifter: Co-Motion
• Grips: Black Bartape
• Seat post: Co-Motion
• Saddle: Selle Anatomica Titanico X
• Seat Clamp: Co-Motion
• Front Hub: DT 540
• Rear hub: Rohloff SPEEDHUB 500/14
• Spokes: Sapim Race
• Nipples: Sapim Brass
• Rims: Velocity Dyad
• Tires: Schwalbe Kojak
• Cranks: FSA V-Drive
• Pedals: Shimano XT Touring
• Bottom Bracket: FSA
• Chain ring: Gates Carbon Drive
• Rear Sprocket: Gates Carbon Drive
• Chain: Gates Carbon Drive
• Brakes & Levers: Cane Creek SCR-5 levers, Avid BB_7 Road calipers
• Rotors: Magura Storm rear, Avid front
• Extras: Tubus Logo Evo rear rack, Tubus Tara front rack, Ortlieb Back-Roller Classic panniers, Ortlieb Barit handlebar bag

We built this Budnitz NO. 3 titanium bike for a customer in Southern California who was looking for the perfect all-purpose bike to get around town and to potentially do some long distance rides. He wanted a bike for exploring his neighborhood, riding nearby trails and bike paths, taking out on fitness rides, and eventually working his way up to a self supported transcontinental tour. Most of all, he wanted a bike that would be comfortable, lightweight, and stylish - an all-arounder that would last him a lifetime and rarely need service. His goal was to simply take off on a ride whenever he felt like it, so the build focuses around the Rohloff SPEEDHUB 500/14 internal gear hub and Gates Carbon Drive belt system.

With the request for a bike that was stylish, lightweight, and could handle a variety of riding, our first thought was Budnitz Bicycles. Budnitz is a Vermont-based company started by designer Paul Budnitz, who is probably best known as the creator of Kid Robot vinyl toys. When starting his bike company, he pledged to stay true to the ideals of simplicity, minimalism, and functionality in the products he produces and strives to create elegant bikes without superfluous ornamentation. This minimal sensibility is evident across Budnitz’s belt drive bike line, which includes city bikes, cruisers, mountain bikes, and fatbikes that have won numerous awards and accolades from the bike media and riders alike. Since the company started in 2010, they have always offered a Rohloff SPEEDHUB option due to the hub’s compatibility with the Gates belt system and unsurpassed durability.

Based on what this customer wanted to do with his new bike, the No. 3 model seemed like the best fit. It is billed as a city bike but has plenty of features that make it versatile for many kinds of riding. Like all of Budnitz's models, the No. 3 frame is offered in titanium and steel versions, with the titanium version weighing in at only 3.6 pounds. With it's distinct curved-tube design, it offers a stylish urban aesthetic that doubles as a suspension system to smooth out bumps on gravel roads.

The No.3 frame geometry is neutral and balanced, making for a bike that can be ridden fast yet upright enough to stay comfortable on all day rides. Internal cable routing through the downtube hides the cables and keeps them out of the way. The frame is also belt drive compatible thanks to a joint built into the drive side dropout to install the belt and an eccentric bottom bracket to provide tension. Rack and fender mounts cover daily commuting or touring needs, and clearance is provided for tires up to 2" wide.

For the wheels, we started with Stan’s NoTubes Flow EX rims. The Flow EX is Stan's flagship mountain bike offering for trail oriented wheels: wide for traction, with a strong profile and effortless tubeless compatibility. We laced these rims to a Hope Pro II EVO hub in front and a Rohloff SPEEDHUB 500/14 in the rear. Both wheels were built up with Sapim Race spokes and brass nipples. After we trued and tensioned the wheels, we mounted Schwalbe Big Apple tires - an excellent, smooth-rolling, street-oriented tire with an anti-puncture liner embedded in the casing.

The Rohloff SPEEDHUB is renowned as a hard wearing, practically maintenance-free shifting option. No other drivetrain solution is as resilient and long lasting. While most other options require frequent tuning and replacement parts, the only maintenance a SPEEDHUB needs is an annual change of the oil bath that lubricates the shifting components and hubshell bearings. Conventional drivetrains have many moving parts exposed to the elements, which require frequent cleaning and adjusting. The SPEEDHUB, however, has few external shifting components that are exposed.

The Gates Carbon Drive belt extends the service life of the drivetrain even further. The Gates belt is a continuous loop and contains no moving links. Many of our customers have reported their belt drive systems lasting two to five times longer than a traditional chain with no cleaning or other maintenance needed along the way.

For the remaining components, we opted for long-lasting, top-of-the-line parts that would match the quality and aesthetics of the titanium frame. At the cockpit, we used Budnitz’ titanium riser bars, which feature a comfortable amount of rise and backsweep. We equipped the bars with Ergon’s ergonomic GP1 grips. Silver Thomson stem and seatpost pair well with the raw titanium frame. Selle Anatomica's Titanico X saddle feels broken in right out of the box, thanks to its multiple laminated layers of leather, and it's “hammock” shaped design. Finally, we installed Magura’s MT2 hydraulic disc brakes and Shimano’s SPD Trekking pedals.

When our customer got his new bike, he said it turned out just the way he'd imagined it in his head and was excited to make this bike a part of his daily rides for years to come. If you’re considering a similar bike of your own, contact usto start discussing a build kit for your personal riding style.

Build Details:

• Frame: Budnitz No. 3 Titanium

• Fork: Budnitz No. 3 Titanium

• Headset: Hope Threadless

• Stem: Thomson Elite X4

• Handlebar: Budnitz Riser Titanium

• Shifter: Rohloff

• Grips: Ergon GP1

• Seat post: Thomson

• Saddle: Selle Anatomica Titanico X

• Seat Clamp: Salsa Liplock

• Front Hub: Hope Pro II EVO

• Rear hub: Rohloff SPEEDHUB 500/14

• Spokes: Sapim Race

• Nipples: Sapim Brass

• Rims: Stan’s NoTubes ZTR Flow EX

• Tires: Schwalbe Big Apple 29x2.15”

• Cranks: Shimano Deore XT

• Pedals: Shimano XT SPD Trekking

• Bottom Bracket: Hope

• Chain ring: Gates Carbon Drive

• Rear Sprocket: Gates Carbon Drive

• Chain/Belt: Gates Carbon Drive

• Brakes & Levers: Magura MT2

We built this eye-catching purple Surly Troll for a local customer who wanted a bike for daily commuting and long-distance touring. He asked us to build it up with versatility and ergonomics being the primary concern. With Surly's nearly indestructible steel frame, a worry-free Rohloff SPEEDHUB 500/14, Schmidt dynamo front hub, dynamo-powered head light with USB charger, and a pair of steel Tubus racks, this bike is ready to serve as a reliable transporter for many years.

The Surly Troll frames are a trusted choice proven on many different kinds of terrain. From commuting to mountain biking to mixed terrain touring – the Troll is an easy choice for versatile builds based around 26 inch wheels. Like all of Surly’s frames, it features sturdy 4130 chromoly steel tubing to ensure longevity even under the harshest of conditions. It includes gussets on the key tube junctions where frames tend to fail - where the seat tube meets the top tube and where the top and down tubes meet the headtube. Troll frames also offers a full array of threaded mounts for racks, water bottle cages, fenders, and Surly's trailer, making them adaptable to satisfy any rider's needs, no matter how they intend to use it.

For the wheels, we used Sun Ringle’s MTX33 rims, which are rated for downhill mountain biking, making them plenty strong enough to handle just about anything thrown at them. The 33mm width also helps spread out the tire casing for better traction. We laced up the rims using Sapim Race spokes and brass nipples for an appropriate blend of weight and durability in mind. Naturally, we chose a black Rohloff SPEEDHUB in the rear and a matching black Schmidt SON28 in the front. Finally, we mounted the Schwalbe Marathon Mondial tires, which have a thick, flat-resistant liner embedded in the rubber so they won't be susceptible to unexpected punctures on the road.

For the varied type of riding this customer is planning to do, a SPEEDHUB was the best choice to serve his needs. Rohloff's hubs are widely recognized as the most suitable drivetrain choice for long distance touring, which this customer plans to embark on in the future. On an unsupported tour that can lead you into remote and unknown areas, you don't want to risk being stranded far from a bike shop with drivetrain problems. The hardened steel gear wheels within the SPEEDHUBs are well protected and far more durable than any derailleur system. The Rohloff hubs are also the ideal choice for our customer’s other intended application: reliable daily commuting. To make it across town quickly at a moment’s notice, the commuter cyclist needs a drivetrain that remains in tune and performs consistently every time they get on their bike.

The Schmidt SON28 dynamo hub powers a Busch and Mueller Luxos U headlight with built-in USB charger. The highly efficient Schmidt hub provides reliable battery-free power to illuminate the road or charge electronic devices with an undetectable amount of resistance. We routed the headlight power wire through the inside of the fork leg for a clean look, a trick which also protects the wires better than wrapping the cable around the fork blade. A second wire from the headlight running to the handlebar terminates at an on/off switch that doubles are a plug for charging a phone, gps, or other USB device.

To fulfill the requirement of comfort, we used our standard choices for ergonomic cockpit and seating components. Ergon’s GP1 grips are shaped to distribute pressure evenly across the palms and feature an extended rest to support the rider’s wrists. The Selle Anatomica’s Titanico X leather saddle features an opening down the middle which allows the saddle to flex with a rider’s pedal stroke and removes pressure on the perineum. The leather breaks in over time to conform to the rider’s unique body shape but feels comfortable right out of the box.

Final touches include Shimano’s XT dual-purpose touring pedals with a platform on one side and an SPD interface on the other to allow them to be used both with clipless shoes for longer rides and flat soled shoes for around town rides. Race Face’s Turbine cranks, made from forged 7050 aluminum, make an extremely strong and hard wearing pedaling platform. Cromoly steel Tubus racks are light and strong.

If you’re looking for a durable touring or all-arounder of your own, contact us to start a conversation about what we can build for you.

Build details

• Frame: Surly Troll

• Fork: Surly Troll

• Headset: Cane Creek Forty

• Stem: Dimension Four Bolt

• Handlebar: Ritchey WCS 2X

• Shifter: Rohloff

• Grips: Ergon GP1

• Seat post: Kalloy Uno Seatpost

• Saddle: Selle Anatomica Titanico X

• Seat Clamp: Surly

• Front Hub: Schmidt Son28

• Rear hub: Rohloff SPEEDHUB 500/14

• Spokes: Sapim Race

• Nipples: Sapim Brass

• Rims: Sun Ringle MTX 33

• Tires: Schwalbe Marathon Mondial

• Cranks: Race Face Turbine

• Pedals: Shimano XT Touring

• Bottom Bracket: Race Face

• Chain ring: Race Face

• Rear Sprocket: Rohloff

• Chain: Wipperman 7R8

• Brakes & Levers: Avid BB7

• Rotors: Magura Storm

• Extras: Busch and Mueller Luxos U front light, Tubus Logo Evo rear rack, Tubus Tara front rack

We assembled this striking commuter bike for a local customer named Paul, who runs a bike fitting business called Fits by Paul in Marin County. He is an accomplished road rider and works with his customers to fine tune the fit of their road bikes for comfort and to prevent injuries while riding. For the times when he’s not riding his road bike, he wanted something more casual that was also trouble-free for riding around town. As a first for us, the customer built the frame himself while attending a bicycle frame building course. After the frame came back from the painter, he brought it to us with some of the parts, and wehelped him plan out the rest of the build centered around a Rohloff SPEEDHUB 500/14 internal gear hub. We supplied the missing parts, built the wheels, and assembled everything into a complete bicycle.

Paul attended the United Bicycle Institute (UBI) frame-building coursein Ashland, Oregon, where he learned to miter and braze steel tubes to create a complete frame.He designed the frame to be both comfortable yet lively for speedy trips around town. It was modeled after classic steel city bikes with a threaded one inch headset standard and brazed lugs instead of welds. Paul also built the frame with a few special touches, including Rohloff-specific cable routing and Paragon sliding dropouts to adjust chain tension. After learning the methodology of building a lugged frame and putting his dream build together, he had the frame painted by Keith Anderson Cycles with decals to help promote his business.

We started the wheels with Velocity Dyad rims, which have are reasonably wide for a road-oriented rim (24mm) and laced them up with Sapim Laser spokes and brass nipples. Paul chose a silver Rohloff SPEEDHUB for the rear hub and a Phil Wood road hub for the front. The wheels came together perfectly and afford a nice blend of light weight and strength for daily commuting. To top it off, we mounted some eye-catching cream-colored Schwalbe Fat Frank ballon tires, which push the limits of clearance under the down tube but will provide a nice, comfortable ride.

The Rohloff SPEEDHUB 500/14 is ideally suited for commuter and city bikes. As bikes that typically lead a hard life but must be reliable to be of service, the SPEEDHUB is a natural choice for the drivetrain. The only maintenance this drivetrain typically needs is an annual oil change, which can easily be done by the rider at home. This helps you avoid time consuming service visits, downtime while the bike is at the shop, and most of the frequently needed replacement parts and adjustments. The SPEEDHUB remains reliable for years and years and rarely requires serious maintenance. Rohloff's hubs take most of the interruptions out of the equation of owning a transportation bike.

Paul wanted the majority of his build to feature top quality, mostly American-made components. We were happy to accommodate this request and turned to a few local Northern California companies that we often utilize for custom builds.White Industries, based in Petaluma, provided the cranks and chain ring. Paul Components of Chico, supplied the brakes. Their wide touring cantilevers allow plenty of clearance for the fat balloon tires. Phil Wood in San Jose supplied the front hub.Rim supplier Velocity also manufactures in the in US.

This build came out great, and Paul was very pleased when he came to pick it up. If you’re looking for a new commuter or city bike of your own, contact us to start a conversation about what we can put together for you!

Build Details:

• Frame: "Fits by Paul" custom-made
• Fork: "Fits by Paul" custom-made
• Headset: 1” Threaded
• Stem: Nitto quill
• Handlebar: Nitto Promenade
• Shifter: Gilles Berthoud
• Saddle: Brooks B15 Swallow
• Front Hub: Phil Wood Road
• Rear hub: Rohloff SPEEDHUB 500/14
• Spokes: SapimLaser
• Nipples: Sapim Brass
• Rims: Velocity Dyad
• Tires: Schwalbe Fat Frank
• Cranks: White Industries VBC
• Pedals: MKS Promenade EZ
• Bottom Bracket: Shimano UN55
• Chain ring: White Industries
• Rear Sprocket: Rohloff
• Chain: Wippermann 7R8
• Brakes & Levers: Paul Components Touring Canti

We built this custom painted Jones Titanium Diamond frame with steel Unicrown fork for a customer in Silver City, NM. He already had a steel Jones bike, set up predominantly for on-road touring, so for this build he was interested in building up the Ti version into a hassle-free mixed terrain touring bike. He came to us because he was interested in using a Rohloff SPEEDHUB 500/14 for an unstoppable adventure touring drivetrain. We worked with him to select a build kit that would be comfortable, reliable, and keep the weight down as much as possible.

Jeff Jones designs rigid-specific bikes with unique geometry that is optimized to deliver a comfortable and responsive ride. The Diamond model borrows heavily from his Spaceframe geometry but uses a more traditional tube set to keep the cost within reach for more riders. Both frames share heavily manipulated seat and chainstays that are flattened through the center to provide a bit of vertical flex for improved comfort over rough terrain.

Jones is an avid single speed rider, so he uses an eccentric bottom bracket on his bikes to provide chain tension. This makes his frames friendly to internally geared drivetrains such as the Rohloff 14-speed gearhub, allowing the rear wheel to go in and out of the vertical dropouts easily without having to readjust chain tension or rear brake position.

Jones also dislikes the change in attitude that occurs on bikes with suspension when the brakes are applied or the slope of the terrain changes. He therefor prefers rigid designs to keep the handling of the bike consistent in all conditions. The rear end is built as short as possible to tuck the rear wheel in behind the curved seat tube and keep the steering quick and maneuverable. His forks are designed to clear a 29+ or 26" fat bike tire to provide some front end squish in lieu of a suspension fork. The forks also include eyelets for a low mount front rack should the rider want to carry more than bike packing bags will allow.

The Jones frame features combine to create bikes that are well suited for a wide variety of terrain and make excellent choices for bike packing.

For the front wheel, we laced a Schmidt SON 28 135mm dynamo hub to a Velocity Dually 45mm wide rim and wrapped it with a Surly Knard 29 x 3" tire. For the rear wheel, we laced the Rohloff Speedhub to a 35mm Velocity Blunt 35 rim and wrapped it with a 29 x 2.4" Maxxis Ardent tire, which made the best use of the available tire clearance in the frame. This combination gave the bike as much cushion as possible while still remaining relatively fast rolling.

The Rohloff SPEEDHUB 500/14 offers a full range of planetary gears equivalent to a triple-chainring mountain derailleur drivetrain but uses a single ring and cog. Being sealed inside the rear hub, the gears are protected from the elements and run in an oil bath for a nearly maintenance-free setup that is a great choice for bike packing and touring.

We customized the build kit around the customers intended use, including installing a seat collar with threaded eyelets so a rear rack can also be mounted to the frame should he ever want to use one. This customer decided to go with Avid mechanical disc brakes since they are easy to set up and maintain. The Jones Loop bars are great for riders who want more space to mount lights, bells, GPS and other accessories along with the multiple hand positions that the long swept-back handles provide. The Brooks B-17 has long been one of the most popular choices for anyone putting in long miles, since it's suspended leather design allows it to flex, and the leather will form to the rider's unique sit bone profile over time. Cane Creek's Thudbuster suspension seat post provides a finishing touch for comfort.

Jones now offers a number of stock models that are priced to be more accessible for the average rider. Both the Diamond and Space frame models and Truss forks are available in titanium and steel. If you're interested in building up a bike around a Jones frameset, get in touch, and we'll be happy to walk you through the process.

Build Details:

• Frame: Jones Diamond Titanium (Custom Painted)
• Fork: Jones Unicrown Steel
• Headset: Chris King 1 1/8" NoThreadset
• Stem: Thomson Elite X4
• Handlebar: Jones Loop H-Bar
• Shifter: Rohloff Twist Shifter
• Grips: Ergon GC1
• Seat post: Cane Creek Thudbuster Suspension
• Saddle: Brooks B17
• Seat Clamp: Salsa Rack Lock
• Front Hub: Schmidt SON 28 135mm
• Rear hub: Rohloff SPEEDHUB 500/14
• Spokes: Sapim Race
• Nipples: Sapim Brass
• Rims: Velocity Dually front/Blunt 35 rear
• Tires: Surly Knard 29 x 3" front/Maxxis Ardent 29 x 2.4" rear
• Cranks: Race Face Turbine
• Pedals: MKS/Rivendell Grip King
• Bottom Bracket: Race Face X-type
• Chain ring: Profile Racing
• Rear Sprocket: Rohloff
• Chain: Wipperman Connex 7R8
• Brakes & Levers: Avid BB-7 MTN
• Rotors: Magura Storm

El Gordo hardtail build in Orange

This sharp looking orange Ventana El Gordo went to a happy customer in Delafield, WI. He had been running a Gates Carbon Drive belt system on a Trek Sawyer set up single speed and loved the low maintenance aspects of the belt but wanted additional gears. He had considered putting a Rohloff SPEEDHUB 500/14 on the Sawyer to get more gears, but he really wanted to run wider tires than the Sawyer would allow. He was excited when Rohloff introduced the SPEEDHUB XL - the fat bike version of their gear hub - last fall and contacted us to put together a no-fuss fat bike for year round trail riding including his snowy Midwest winters.

Ventana's rocking dropouts provide solid wheel positioning for tensioning the belt

Ventana's US-made El Gordo frame is a great starting point for a fat bike, and our Cycle Monkey edition offers clean integration with Rohloff's SPEEDHUB, Gates' belt system, and dropper seatposts. This build is very similar to the bike we built for in-house use with the exception of a dropper seat post.

With huge tires and a suspension fork, this bike inspires a lot of confidence, especially on steep or loose terrain. The 4.8" tires absorb many of the impacts that you would usually want a full suspension frame for. Adding the suspension fork makes you feel like you can hit pretty much any line you come across. Fatbikes have really entered a new phase in their development with the introduction of the Bluto fork, and the Rohloff SPEEDHUB and Gates belt drive are a great compliment. With a Rohloff/Gates drivetrain, you don't have to think about the weather report before taking off on an offroad adventure!

Halo Tundra Alloy fatbike rims, Vee Rubber Snowshoe XL tire

For this wheelset, we used Halo's Tundra 80mm rims with weight saving cut outs like many other fat bike rims. These were laced to the SPEEDHUB XL in the back and a Hope Pro2 Fatsno up front. Vee Rubber's Snowshoe XL 4.8" tires finish the wheels off, fit great, and provide lots of traction on a variety of trail conditions.

Rohloff SPEEDHUB XL, Belt Drive

The drivetrain on this El Gordo gives you the same effective gear range as a conventional MTB drivetrain without any duplicate gears. The shifting mechanism is sealed inside the rear hub shell, so you don't have to think about cross chain shifting, unexpected chain drops, lubrication, or worn cassettes. An annual oil change is the only suggested routine maintenance, and with the Gates Carbon Drive belt system, you can ride upwards of 7,000 miles (20,000 on the road) before you need to replace the belt and sprockets.

Ventana El Gordo with Rock Shox Bluto

If you are interested in an El Gordo, get in touch to discuss the options for building one up to meet your needs. We have several pre-selected parts kits available as well as offering full custom build options.

Build Details:

• Frame: Ventana El Gordo
• Fork: Rock Shox Bluto
• Headset: Hope Tapered
• Stem: Thompson X4
• Handlebar: Thomson Alloy Riser
• Shifter: Rohloff Twist Shifter
• Grips: ESI Chunky Silicone
• Seat post: Thomson Elite Setback
• Saddle: SQ-Lab 611 Active
• Seat Clamp: Ventana
• Front Hub: Hope Pro 2 EVO FatSno
• Rear hub: Rohloff SPEEDHUB XL 500/14
• Spokes: Sapim
• Nipples: Sapim Brass
• Rims: Halo Tundra Alloy 80mm
• Tires: Vee Rubber Snowshoe XL 4.8
• Cranks: Race Face Turbine
• Pedals: Acros A-Flat
• Bottom Bracket: Race Face X-type
• Chain ring: Gates Carbon Drive
• Rear Sprocket: Gates Carbon Drive
• Chain: Gates Carbon Drive CDX
• Brakes & Levers: Magura MT
• Rotors: Magura rear, Magura Front
• Extras: Rock Shox lockout remote

We built this Rohloff SPEEDHUB 500/14-equipped mountain bike to showcase Vassago’s Jabberwocky frame - an affordable, versatile, steel 29er hardtail. Vassago is a small bike brand based in Phoenix Arizona, who produces quality steel and titanium frames. The Jabberwocky is an ideal choice for riders who are looking for a value-oriented hardtail that climbs efficiently, handles predictably, and is durable. Paired with a Rohloff SPEEDHUB, the Jabberwocky becomes a no-nonsense adventure bike that will perform reliably for years and years.

The Jabberwocky frame is made from butted steel tubes to smooth out choppy trails but still take a hit without breaking. Unlike many newer mountain frames which put the rider's weight further back over the rear hub, the Jabberwocky's geometry places the rider in a more neutral position between the wheels, giving it a more stable feel. Vassago calls this their “wetcat” geometry, and claims better climbing traction, stability, and comfort.

The Jabberwocky was designed primarily for single speed setup, so it has no derailleur hanger and horizontal dropouts with integrated axle adjustment screws. These features, combined with our Monkey Bone, make the frame especially well suited for the SPEEDHUB, which sets up much like a single speed hub. The only functional difference is that the Rohloff includes 14 planetary gears enclosed within the hub shell. The Jabberwocky, along with the Fisticuff monster crosser, are Vassago's most affordable models, while the Verhauen, Optimus Ti, and TKO are their premium, American-made models.

For this wheel build, we laced a Toxaholics quick release front hub and Rohloff 14-speed internal gear hub to Stan’s NoTubes ZTR Flow rims. The ZTRs are a lightweight, yet tough rim option for XC to aggressive trail riding. Sapim’s Race spokes and brass nipples rounded out the build. Finally, we mounted a pair of Schwalbe’s Smart Sam tires, which have just enough bite to perform well in either hardpack dirt or damp mud. The result was a versatile wheelset that can handle many different trail riding styles.

The SPEEDHUB is favored by many mountain bikers because of its extreme durability. Rough trails can wreak havoc on derailleur shifting systems, which hang far off the side of the bike and can easily be knocked out of alignment or caught on a branch. All of the shifting components of the SPEEDHUB are protected inside the hubshell, and as such they are not susceptible to these problems. The only regular maintenance the Rohloff system will require is an annual oil change; somthing that can easily be done at home by a novice mechanic. The integrated design of the SPEEDHUB will keep you on the trail and away of the bike shop as much as possible.

If you are interested in a tough hardtail trail bike, Vassago’s Jabberwocky is worth considering. Most of Vassago’s stock frames work well with the SPEEDHUB; however, some of their higher end models are also customization with optional Rohloff-specific fittings. Contact us to start a conversation about putting together a Vassago frame for you.

Build Details:

• Frame: Vassago Jabberwocky

• Fork: Rockshox Reba

• Headset: Cane Creek Forty

• Stem: Thomson Elite X4

• Handlebar: Salsa Bend 2

• Shifter: Rohloff

• Grips: ESI Foam

• Seat post: Thompson

• Saddle: WTB Valcon

• Seat Clamp: Vassago

• Front Hub: Toxaholics

• Rear hub: Rohloff SPEEDHUB 500/14

• Spokes: Sapim Race

• Nipples: Sapim Brass

• Rims: Stan’s NoTubes ZTR Flow

• Tires: Schwalbe Smart Sam

• Cranks: Race Face Turbine

• Pedals: Shimano XTR

• Bottom Bracket: Race Face

• Chain ring: Race Face Single

• Rear Sprocket: Rohloff

• Chain: Wipperman Connex

• Brakes & Levers: Magura MT4

• Rotors: Magura Storm

When a customer told us he was planning to tour through Europe on a cargo bike, we knew we were in for a fun and unique project. Cargo bikes are perfect for hauling plenty of gear, but can be cumbersome on long distance rides or hilly terrain - not to mention a challenge to get through an airport. While our customer was not concerned with riding fast, he said he wanted a cargo bike that was comfortable, durable, and versatile enough to get him and his gear across a continent. The whole bike needed to easily pack up to fit on planes and trains, and would also serve as his daily commute vehicle when he returned from his trip. After a few conversations with our customer about his needs, we set to work planning out a build that would meet his criteria. His unique riding needs were a natural fit for a Rohloff SPEEDHUB 500/14 internal gear hub and Schlumpf Innovations Speed Drive two speed internal crankset, which together provide a reliable, wide gear range drivetrain that is perfect for hauling heavy loads across long distances.

Taking into account the longer distances and larger loads our customer would see on his tour, a strong steel-framed cargo bike that felt stable under load seemed like the best choice. We ruled out a front loading cargo bike because the smaller diameter front wheels are less comfortable on bumpy roads and less stable at higher speeds. Instead, we chose Surly’s Big Dummy"long tail" cargo bike. Long tail designs place the rear wheel farther back behind the rider to allow more room for cargo. They typically use the same size wheels on both ends and handle much like a standard bike. Like all of Surly's frames, the Big Dummy is strong, affordable, and well-designed. It has a large deck over the back wheel and roomy bags hanging from the sides that can carry many items a standard bike cannot. An optional center-stand is also available to keep the extra weight from tipping the bike over. Optional add-ons like side rails, a third wheel side car, cushions for the back deck, foot rests, and child seats allow the Big Dummy to haul all manner of people, lumber, camping gear, building supplies, furniture, or even other bikes.

Once the Big Dummy frame arrived, we sent it to a local framebuilder to have S&S couplers installed on the top tube and down tube. Our customer was concerned that the extra-long bike would not easily fit on the plane to Europe or onto trains during his trek. With travel couplers about halfway through the length of the bike, it packs into roughly the same volume as a normal-sized bike. After the couplers were installed, we took the frame and kickstand body to a powder coater for a slick matte gray finish. We also sent nearly all the silver aluminum parts to a local anodizer for a stealthy black finish, including the cargo rails on the frame and kickstand legs.

When a rider is hauling a heavy load even moderate hills are challenging, so cargo bikes need to be equipped with very low gears. Most cargo bikes are outfitted with a triple-chainring mountain bike derailleur system and wide range cassette to allow for the easiest hill climbing gear. Although these bikes can reach the low gears needed, a rider still has to pedal very hard because of the extra weight. With this amount of load being put into the drivetrain, it is not uncommon for a rider to snap a chain or bend a derailleur when cranking hard up a steep hill on a fully loaded cargo bike. The SPEEDHUB is strong enough to handle exceptional amounts of load while still offering the same low gear as a mountain bike derailleur system. This makes it an ideal drivetrain option for the demands of cargo bikes.

Perhaps just as importantly, the SPEEDHUB can shift into any gear at any time, meaning a rider doesn’t have to be pedaling to change gears. This is an advantage on cargo bikes that take a while to get up to speed. A rider can downshift at a stoplight, for example, and be ready to accelerate when the light changes. Or, if the rider runs out of steam on a hill and takes a break, they can easily shift and resume pedaling. On a derailleur-equipped bike, riders must anticipate a stop and downshift before they come to a full stop in order to be able to easily accelerate again.

In addition to the SPEEDHUB, we also installed a Schlumpf Speed Drive two speed internal crankset to make the gear range even wider. The Schlumpf crankset features buttons on either side of the crank spindle to switch between the high and low gears. The two gear options are made possible by a planetary gear unit within the crankset. A rider simply taps the button on the right side with their heel to switch to a higher gear, then taps the button on the left side to switch back to a lower gear.

Although the SPEEDHUB offers enough gear range on its own for most cargo bikes, pairing it with a Schlumpf Speed Drive offers the range needed for the type of varied riding our customer would be doing. The Speed Drive features a 1.65 overdrive ratio, which effectively allows for four additional gears on top of the SPEEDHUB's 14. When combined, the SPEEDHUB and Schlumpf system offer an incredible 868 percent change across the entire range of gears.

To keep the chain tensioned properly, we installed a chain idler kit from Terracycle. Mounted on the diagonal tube of the frame, the chain tension changes as the idler slides up or down the tube. We prefer this setup over a chain tensioner because the long chain on these bikes tends to bounce around on rough surfaces and hit the frame, causing paint damage and noise.

To make the bike as durable as possible and ensure our customer wouldn’t be stranded on his tour, we built up a sturdy wheelset that would be nearly impossible break in normal riding conditions. We selected Velocity's Cliffhangers, which have 15 percent thicker walls than most other rims, and laced them to a black SPEEDHUB in the rear and a black Schmidt SON 28 dynamo hub up front using Sapim Force spokes and brass nipples.Lastly, we mounted Schwalbe’s flat resistant Big Apple Plus tires to the rims with Slime's self-sealing tubes.

The dynamo hub will provide battery-free lighting for long riding days that stretch into the night. The generator hub was paired with a Busch & Mueller Luxos U front light and Seculite rear light. The Luxos U light has a handlebar-mounted on/off button with a USB plug for charging phones, GPS units, and other electronic devices.

A variety of comfort-oriented components for the seating and cockpit areas ensure the bike will not become painful during long days in the saddle. Jeff Jones H Bars have plenty of backsweep and multiple hand position options, road bike bar wrap on the handlebars improves grip and comfort, Ergon GC1 grips feature an ergonomic palm rest, and Selle Anatomica’s Titanico leather saddle flexes with a rider’s pedal stroke and breaks in to become more comfortable over time.

This bike had many extras to handle its unique intended uses. An Ortlieb handlebar bag, Surly framebag, and front rack allow even more gear than the longtail deck and side bags alone. Full coverage fenders will keep our customer clean and dry on wet days, and rear-view mirrors will keep him safe on the road. An Abus Bordo Granit X-Plus lock is mounted on the frame to keep the bike secure when it’s parked.

When our customer received the bike after we shipped it to him, he was very pleased with the finished product and is now looking forward to his tour even more. If you’re considering a Rohloff-equipped cargo bike of your own, contact us to see what we can put together for you.

Build Details:

• Frame: Surly Big Dummy with custom S&S couplers
• Fork: Surly Big Dummy
• Headset: Chris King
• Stem: Thomson Elite X4
• Handlebar: Jeff Jones H-Bar
• Shifter: Rohloff
• Grips: Ergon GC1
• Seat post: Thomson Elite
• Saddle: Selle Anatomica Titanico X
• Seat Clamp: Surly
• Front Hub: Schmidt SON28 disc
• Rear hub: Rohloff SPEEDHUB 500/14
• Spokes: Sapim Strong
• Nipples: Sapim Brass
• Rims: Velocity Cliff Hanger
• Tires: Schwalbe Big Apple Plus 26x2.0
• Cranks: Schlumpf Innovations 175mm
• Pedals: Time ATAC DH4
• Bottom Bracket: Schlumpf Innovations Speed Drive
• Chain ring: Schlumpf Innovations 34 tooth splined
• Rear Sprocket: Rohloff
• Chain: Wipperman 9sB
• Brakes & Levers: Avid BB7
• Rotors: Avid front, Rohloff rear
• Extras: Revelate Designs/Surly Frame Bag, Xtracycle bags, Xtracycle wide loaders Ortlieb Ultimate 6e handlebar bag, Abus Bordo Granit X-Plus lock, Planet Bike Cascadia fenders, Terra Cycle Dummy idler, Surly front rack, Mirrycle mirrors, Busch & Muller Luxos U front light, Busch & Muller Seculite rear light.

Vassago’s Fisticuff is billed as a “monster cross” bike that can handle everything from rough gravel roads to singletrack to daily commuting. Some people may look at it as a cyclocross bike with wider tires and others may look at it as a drop bar mountain bike. Whatever you call it, the Fisticuff is an "all arounder" that feels just as at home on mountain bike trails as it does on long road rides. It makes you want to take off on an adventure, and pairing it with the Rohloff SPEEDHUB 500/14 gives you the drivetrain to do so without any maintenance issues.

The Fisticuff is built from a high quality heat treated steel tubeset, offering a resilient ride that takes the edge off of rough roads and trails. Compared to most cyclocross frames, the Fisticuff is reinforced in high stress areas to handle rougher trail use, making it nearly indestructible in normal road and 'cross riding conditions. Like most cyclocross bikes, the frame geometry offers a blend of road and mountain bike qualities. The front end and cockpit provide a body position similar to a road bike, and the rear end has a higher bottom bracket for trail clearance like a mountain bike. Chainstays are in between a road and a mountain bike, with a fairly short wheel base that can maneuver through twisty singletrack easily. It has both disc and cantilever brake mounts, clearance for 1.8" tires, and
horizontal dropouts with adjustable chain tensioners, which make SPEEDHUB installation easier. The Fisticuff is one Vassago's more affordable imported models, along with the Jabberwocky, but they also offer Rohloff-friendly U.S.-made frames called the Optimus Ti, TKO, and Verhauen.

We built up this Fisticuff with a sturdy wheelset that is capable of rougher off road riding. Stan’s NoTubes ZTR Flow mountain bike rims are strong and allow for wider tires than most other rims used on cyclocross frames. Sapim Race spokes offer a blend of strength and light weight, and brass nipples offer strength and corrosion resistance. We used a black Toxaholics front hub and a black Rohloff SPEEDHUB in the rear. Schwalbe’s versatile and flat-resistant Marathon Mondial tires offer good mixed surface traction.

As a heavy duty adventure-style bike designed for many different trails and roads, the Fisticuff is well suited for the Rohloff SPEEDHUB. The SPEEDHUB’s shift system is entirely protected within the hubshell, so it is not exposed to road grit, rocks, sticks or anything else that may damage or affect a derailleur system’s shifting on long rides or rough trails. By combining the SPEEDHUB with the solid steel frame, this build offers a nearly bombproof ride that rarely needs to be tuned up even after the roughest rides.

We used a range top shelf components to round out the build. Raceface’s Turbine cranks, WTB Valcon saddle, and Thomson stem and seatpost are very strong with a fairly light overall weight, and Avid’s BB_7 road brakes and Cane Creek Drop V levers provide plenty of stopping power.

If you are interested in a “monster cross” bike of your own, contact us to talk about a Vassago Fisticuff build.

Build Details:

• Frame: Vassago Fisticuff

• Fork: Vassago Fisticuff

• Headset: Cane Creek Forty

• Stem: Thomson Elite X4

• Handlebar: Salsa Cowbell

• Shifter: Rohloff

• Grips: Profile Design cork bar tape

• Seat post: Thomson Elite

• Saddle: WTB Valcon

• Seat Clamp: Vassago

• Front Hub: Toxaholics

• Rear hub: Rohloff SPEEDHUB 500/14

• Spokes: Sapim Race

• Nipples: Sapim Brass

• Rims: Stan’s NoTubes ZTR Flow

• Tires: Schwalbe Marathon Mondial

• Cranks: Race Face Turbine

• Pedals: Shimano XT Touring

• Bottom Bracket: Race Face Turbine

• Chain ring: Race Face Wide/Narrow

• Rear Sprocket: Rohloff

• Chain: Wipperman Connex 808

• Brakes & Levers: Cane Creek SCR-5 levers, Avid BB_7 Road

• Rotors: Magura Storm 4-bolt

We built this Surly ECR for a customer in Mount Pleasant, SC who is bikepacking through the backcountry of Colorado this summer and planning a future tour along the Rhine River in Germany. He has toured extensively through Europe in the past but was considering a new Rohloff SPEEDHUB-equipped touring rig to make his future adventures as enjoyable as possible. He had been comparing a number of 29er frames before the ECR was released last year, including Surly's Ogre model. He was drawn to the larger volume tires of the 29+ platform, but the Krampus frame didn't have the right geometry and mounting points he wanted. Once the ECR became available his decision was pretty easy, and he contacted us to put together this bikepacking-specific ECR with some unique modifications and a custom paint job.

Surly’s ECR is designed specifically for bike camping and offroad touring. Like its counterpart the Krampus, the ECR is based on the 29+ platform, which uses three inch wide tires on 50mm wide rims. The wide tires ensure plenty of traction and provide some shock absorbing qualities without having to run a suspension fork - which adds cost, weight, and a need for routine maintenance that most people try to avoid on touring bikes. Unlike the trail-riding specific Krampus, the ECR has a shorter fork, lower bottom bracket and longer rear end for stability. It also has plenty of mounts for racks, fenders, and bottle cages as well as dropouts with a Rohloff mounting feature and special bolt holes to haul Surly's trailers. It is essentially the big tire sibling of Surly's touring-focused Troll and Ogre frames. With these features, the ECR is ideal for loading up and taking off for a rugged adventure, which is exactly what our customer plans to do.

Since our customer wanted a Gates Carbon Drive belt system, we sent the frame off to a local frame builder to have a tube splitter installed in the right side seatstay. Our customer also asked for a downtube-mounted Rohloff shifter to keep the shift cables away from the handlebar bag he planned to carry. For this unique request, we asked the framebuilder to weld a small section of tube on the upper part of the downtube for the twist shifter to mount onto. When the frame came back from the framebuilder, we sent it with the fork and rims to a powder coater for a light beige color our customer wanted in order to make his bike one-of-a-kind. When paired up with the rest of the black components on the bike, the beige color creates the eye-catching quality he was looking for.

For the wheelbuild we started with Surly’s Rabbit Hole rims, which were powder coated beige to match the frame. We laced the rims to a black Chris King ISO disc hub in the front and a black Rohloff SPEEDHUB 500/14 in the rear. We used Sapim Race spokes and Brass nipples for both wheels, providing a balance of strength, stiffness, and comfort.

Touring bikes are built with strength and durability as top priorities. These qualities are even more important on offroad adventure touring bikes. When trekking through the backcountry, a broken component could leave you completely stranded with no hope of being able to hitch a ride or coast to the nearest bike shop. With these considerations in mind, many offroad tourists have adopted the SPEEDHUB and belt drive as their drivetrain of choice. The SPEEDHUB’s hardened steel gearwheels never break and need no maintenance other than an annual change of the oil bath they sit in. All shifting components are protected within the hubshell, meaning they cannot be damaged by rough trail conditions or intense daily use on a tour. Additionally, the Gates Carbon Drive belt has no moving parts like a chain, so it doesn't stretch and lasts significantly longer.

Comfort is also a priority on touring bikes because of the long days spent in the saddle riding over potentially rough trail conditions. We worked with our customer to select handlebars, grips, and a saddle that would not become painful on his ride. Salsa’s Bend 2 bars have enough backsweep to put his hands in a natural position, while ESI foam grips provide plenty of cushioning. Selle Anatomica’s Titanico X saddle is made of supple leather that flexes to provide comfortable hammock-style support. To round out the build kit, we added an array of durable components including Magura’s MT2 Brakes, a Thomson stem and seatpost, and Race Face Turbine cranks and Atlas pedals.

When we took the bike out for a test ride, we found the downtube mounted shifter very easy to reach and twist. The shifter placement and paint job made for the unique-looking ride that our customer had imagined. If you’re interested in a similar adventure touring bike of your own, please contact us to start a conversation about what kind of build will suit your needs.

Build Details:

• Frame: Surly ECR

• Fork: Surly ECR

• Headset: Chris King

• Stem: Thomson Elite X4

• Handlebar: Salsa Bend 2

• Shifter: Rohloff

• Grips: ESI Foam

• Seat post: Thomson Layback Seatpost

• Saddle: Selle Anatomica Titanico X

• Seat Clamp: Surly

• Front Hub: Chris King ISO Disc

• Rear hub: Rohloff SPEEDHUB 500/14

• Spokes: Sapim Race

• Nipples: Sapim Brass

• Rims: Surly Rabbit Hole

• Tires: Surly Knard

• Cranks: Race Face Turbine

• Pedals: Race Face Atlas

• Bottom Bracket: Race Face

• Chain ring: Gates Carbon Drive Center Track sprocket

• Rear Sprocket: Gates Carbon Drive Center Track sprocket

• Chain: Gates Carbon Drive belt

• Brakes & Levers: Magura MT2

• Rotors: Magura Storm

We put together this Vassago Verhauen with a Rohloff SPEEDHUB 500/14 to showcase a 29er hardtail made in the U.S. from premium True Temper steel. With a butted, heat treated tubeset that is light and strong, this frame offers the lively ride that steel bikes are known for. Traditional cross country geometry makes the Verhauen right at home on tight, twisty singletrack, and paired with a SPEEDHUB, it is sure to satisfy riders looking for a fun, minimal maintenance mountain bike.

Vassago is based in Phoenix, Arizona, and hand builds their Black Label frame models right here in the United States, including the Verhauen. By using True Temper's OX Platinum tubing and frame parts from Paragon Machine Works, Vassago is able to offer a completely US-made frame. The inclusion of Paragon's sliding dropouts makes the frame compatible with a wide variety of drivetrains and axle interfaces, including a clean SPEEDHUB installation. True Temper's OX Platinum tubing is made from high strength modern steel that is shaped to provide more material in high stress areas and less material in low stress areas to save weight.

The Verhauen frame offers the same quality as meticulously built frames from the most renowned small frame builders, but at a price that is much more approachable than these artisan frames. Along with the Verhauen, Vassago also offers the titanium Optimus Ti and TKO models as part their Black Label series. Additionally, the company offers imported frames for those looking for a much lower pricepoint, including the Jabberwocky and Fisticuff. All of these frames are well suited for use with a Rohloff SPEEDHUB.

For the wheels, we started with Stan’s NoTubes ZTR Flow rims, which are a light, trail-oriented option with a medium width. We then added Sapim Race spokes and brass nipples to lace up a black Rohloff SPEEDHUB rear hub and Toxaholics front hub. After the wheels were built, we mounted Schwalbe’s Smart Sam tires, which have low center knobs that roll fast in hard-packed dirt as well as taller side knobs to grip in loose conditions.

While many cross country-oriented bikes prioritize light weight, they often do so at the expense of being delicate. Light components can be desirable for racing, but they are often not designed to last more than one season and typically need regular maintenance to keep running smoothly. The combination of the Rohloff SPEEDHUB and lightweight steel Verhauen frame gives this bike the responsive feel of a lightweight race bike, yet does not need a mechanic's special touch after each ride. Quality steel frames are known to last for more than a decade, and the SPEEDHUB has an undefined lifespan with the only routine maintenance being a recommended annual oil change.

To finish off the build, we used a selection of high performance, yet durable components including a Rockshox SID fork, Magura MT8 hydraulic disc brakes, Salsa Bend 2 handlebars, ESI latex foam grips, Thomson stem and seatpost, and Race Face Turbine cranks. With these race-worthy yet reliable parts, this Verhauen is a fast and fun build for nearly any trail style.

If you are looking a trail bike in the same style as this Verhauen, contact us to start a conversation about a Vassago bike of your own.

Build Details:

• Frame: Vassago Verhauen

• Fork: Rockshox SID

• Headset: Cane Creek Forty

• Stem: Thomson Elite X4

• Handlebar: Salsa Bend 2

• Shifter: Rohloff

• Grips: ESI foam

• Seat post: Thomson

• Saddle: WTB Valcon

• Seat Clamp: Vassago

• Front Hub: Toxaholics

• Rear hub: Rohloff SPEEDHUB 500/14

• Spokes: Sapim Race

• Nipples: Sapim Brass

• Rims: Stan’s NoTubes ZTR Flow

• Tires: Schwalbe Smart Sam

• Cranks: Race Face Turbine

• Pedals: Shimano XTR SPD

• Bottom Bracket: Race Face

• Chain ring: Race Face Single

• Rear Sprocket: Rohloff

• Chain: Wipperman Connex

• Brakes & Levers: Magura MT8

• Rotors: Magura Storm

Belt drive on a modified Surly Pugsley

Chain drive on a stock Vassago Verhauen

Belt drives are one of the most exciting innovations in bicycle technology in recent years, as they have helped expose more cyclists to the advantages of internally geared drivetrains. A belt drive paired with a Rohloff SPEEDHUB 500/14 or Schlumpf Drive creates one of the most reliable and low maintenance drivetrains available.

The entire belt drive system consisting of a belt and front and rear
sprockets weighs nearly half of a standard chain

The main advantages of belt drive systems are their long wear life and zero maintenance. Belts are manufactured as one continuous loop - an inner carbon fiber tensile cord layered with polyurethane teeth and a nylon outer coating. They do not have any moving components like the links and pins of a chain.

Chains "stretch" as the pins, pin holes, and rollers in the links wear over time. This causes the inner and outer links to wear unevenly and the chain to lengthen overall. Eventually, a chain will wear enough that it no longer meshes with the sprocket teeth. Continued use will cause uneven wear to the sprockets and eventual loss of efficiency.

(Source: UCI)

(Source: Sheldon Brown)

On the other hand, a belt wears slowly and evenly, and the only wear that occurs is between the belt teeth and sprocket teeth. As a result, belt drive systems last at least twice as long as the longest-lasting chain systems and often five to ten times as long. Few of our customers have needed to replace their belt systems in the past 5 years, and some have ridden over 20,000 miles on a single belt drive setup.

Anatomy of Gates Carbon Drive Belt.
(Source: Gates)

Another advantage of belts is that they will not rust and do not require any lubrication. This eliminates maintenance associated with chain up-keep as well as the greasy mess that chains are known for, putting an end to grease marks on pant legs. Additionally, a belt is much lighter. A complete belt drive system of two sprockets and a belt weighs about half as much as a typical chain alone.

Although there are many advantages to belt drives, their main limitation is that they are only compatible with single speed or internally geared bikes. Unlike chains, belts can not run properly when flexed sideways and therefore cannot be shifted onto different tracks for different gear ratios. This makes them incompatible with derailleur systems but perfect for internal gearing systems.

Co-Motion Klatch Road bike with separation point at dropout/seatstay interface

Belts cannot be opened like a chain, so the frame itself must open to install the belt. This separation point must be located somewhere within the drive side rear triangle. More and more production frames are coming with split points designed into the seatstay or dropout, but these are still relatively uncommon.

As a result of increasing interest and demand, custom builders are seeing an increase in orders for belt-compatible frames. Many of these builders are on the leading edge of belt drive innovations by developing new options for splitting frames. Paragon Machine Works also offers an easy to use production tube splitter, which was used on this 29er from Independent Fabrication.

Custom Rohloff-equipped 29er+ from Independent Fabrication with splitter integrated in seatstay

Some production steel or titanium frames can be also be modified by welding in a tube splitter, as shown on this Surly Moonlander.

Surly Moonlander frame modified for belt drive use with tube splitter welded above dropout

Frames used with belt drives must also have a belt tension feature such as horizontal dropouts, adjustable dropouts, or an eccentric bottom bracket, because belts are not compatible with spring loaded tensioners, such as those commonly used on chain-equipped bikes.

Rocker dropout on a custom Twenty 2 Cycles

Belt-compatible sliding dropout on Vassago Verhauen.

Eccentric Bottom Bracket on a Co-Motion Klatch

Horizontal dropout on a Surly Krampus

Since belts and belt sprockets are wider than chains, maximum tire and/or sprocket size may be limited unless the frame is designed to clear the extra thickness of the sprockets.

Gates Carbon Drive with Center Track

When initially setting up the system, the front and rear sprockets must be well aligned so that the system runs smoothly and the belt does not hop off either of the sprockets. Gates Carbon Drive's Center Track design features a spine through the middle of the sprocket teeth and a groove through the middle of the belt. This setup keeps the belt on track and helps eliminate any potential misalignment issues.

Despite the advantages of belts, chains continue to dominate the market because they are compatible with more bikes. Chains fit any bike frame, unlike belts which need frames with special features. Additionally, their length can be easily modified by adding or removing links to accommodate various sprocket sizes. Belt drives are offered in set sizes, limiting a specific belt size to a few sprocket combinations and making it more difficult for bike shops to carry replacements. For some riders, chains still offer greater piece of mind - such as long distance cycle tourists who ride through third world countries and may choose a chain because they are easier to find and replace in these areas of the world.

Belt Drive

Advantages

No moving parts to wear (belt itself)
Lasts at least twice as long as a chain
Lighter than a chain
Does not stretch
Quieter than a chain
Does not require lubrication
Continuous loop cannot separate - no pins to pop out
Cleaner, no messy oil

Disadvantages

Only works on internally geared or single speed bikes
Only works on frames with built-in tensioning method
Only compatible with frames that have a belt splitter
Carbon tensile cords can be damaged by mishandling or trail impacts
Newer technology is harder to source in some areas
Limited belt sizes means not all bike types are covered, especially bikes with long chainlines like cargo bikes and recumbents
Not compatible with most suspension frame designs - belts cannot tolerate changes in effective chainstay lengths

Chain Drive

Advantages

Does not require frame with a belt splitter
Length is adjustable
Easier to replace and service, more commonplace
Does not require frame with built-in tension method
Metal links are resistant to trail impacts
Can be used with a tensioner
Compatible with suspension frames
Repairable on the road/trail

Disadvantages

Susceptible to rust
Chain wears over time
System wears faster than belt system
Pins can back out unexpectedly and links can separate
Must be lubricated & cleaned regularly
Efficiency decreases overtime due to dirt and wear

Because of the low maintenance and high reliability that belts offer, we see more riders adopting belt drives for all riding styles.

While belts and chains have their own distinct advantages, the choice often comes down to a rider’s intended use and riding style. If you are trying to decide between a chain or belt drive system, contact usto start a conversation about which is best for the way you ride.

This bike was built for a local customer who came to us looking for a unique frame that was comfortable and versatile enough for the different types of trails near his home in Oakland, CA. He had his eye on a Jeff Jones Titanium Space frame, which has long been recognized as one of the most distinctive titanium mountain frames.

Our customer planned to explore the Bay Area on various trail rides and weekend trips. From long rides on hilly doubletrack to weekend bike camping trips on paved and dirt roads to quick twisty singletrack, he wanted a bike that would do it all. After talking with him about his riding style, we put together a collection of top-notch components – including a Rohloff SPEEDHUB 500/14 – that would match the aesthetics of the titanium frame and last him for years.

Jeff Jones is a renowned framebuilder who designs distinctive frames, forks, and handlebars in Medford, Oregon. He has gained a devoted following for his designs that are innovative in both their functionality and their looks.

The Space Frame is his flagship design – a lightweight titanium frame that is quick-handling and good at absorbing bumps, even as a fully rigid bike. The frame’s main innovation is in the top tube area, which consists of three tubes – two of which transition to serve as the seatstays. Both seatstays extend from the rear wheel all the way to the headtube, with a smaller curved tube that connects from the seat tube to the head tube. This design is meant to increase lateral stiffness – because the seat stays remain wide and extend across the length of the frame – and also allows the seatstays to flex vertically, creating some minimal suspension in the frame itself. The wide seatstays also allow for larger tire clearance, while heavily manipulated chain stays also add to the suspension effect.

The frame’s low top tube provides plenty of stand over clearance for confidence on rocky, rooty trails, while the short rear end puts the rider’s weight over the back wheel to keep the front wheel lighter and more maneuverable in technical sections. An eccentric bottom bracket comes standard, which offers simple chain tension adjustments and makes this frame a good match for the Rohloff SPEEDHUB. The truss fork is designed to minimize the front-to-rear flex that occurs on most rigid forks in response to braking, which can negatively affect handling.

Once we had the frame in hand, we set to work on the wheel build. We started with a set of Surly’s Rabbit Hole rims, which are 50-mm wide to spread out the tires and provide more traction and cushion. We laced the rims to a black Rohloff SPEEDHUB in the rear and a black Schmidt SON28 dynamo hub in the front.

While this wheelset is built around 29+ rims, the frame was designed before Surly created the 29+ standard, and the frame won't clear a 3" wide tire. As a result, the rear tire size was limited to a standard 29'er tire - a Geax Saguaro 29x2.2” in this case - while the front got a Surly Knard 29x3.0” tire.

The Jones truss fork cleared the large front tire easily, but its 135mm dropout spacing rules out most dynamo hubs, which are typically only available with 100mm spacing. Fortunately, Schmidt offers a fatbike-specific version of their popular dynamo hub with a 10mm axle and 135-mm spacing to fit the most common fat bike fork standard. However, since the dropouts on the Jones fork are 9mm wide, we were faced with trying to modify the fork to fit the 10mm hub axle or modifying the axle to fit the fork. The prospect of fixturing the fork and machining the dropouts proved to be too complicated, so we took the front hub to a local machine shop and had them turn the axle down to 9mm to fit into the fork.

Our customer was first interested in the Rohloff SPEEDHUB because he wanted his bike to be as simple and worry-free as possible. The SPEEDHUB has the gear range of a typical mountain bike derailleur system with the simplicity of a single-speed set-up. The gear unit offers fourteen evenly-spaced speeds by utilizingplanetary gears that revolve around the axle. Its shifting components are sealed within the hubshell and protected from the elements, making the hub much more durable than any cassette and derailleur setup. There are no external shifting components to bend or break, and no cable tension adjustment required to get the hub shifting correctly. It simply works reliably, time and time again.

Our customer stressed the importance of shifting reliability. With the SPEEDHUB, the gears can be changed at any time whether a rider is pedaling or not, making it easier to keep a constant cadence, navigate technical singletrack, or tackle sudden changes in a hill’s grade.

To compliment the frame, we selected a unique set of components with a focus on comfort, ergonomics, and durability. We installed Jeff Jones H Bars, which have an ergonomic swept back grip position as well as a complete loop on the front of the bars for additional hand placement or accessory mounting options. On the handlebars, we installed Ergon’s GC1 grips, which feature a palm rest to combat hand numbness. Rounding out the bike’s cockpit, we also installed Magura’s lightweight MT6 hydraulic brakes. The Selle Anatomica Titanico X leather saddle has an already-broken-in feel right out of the box due to its cutout and split hammock design. VP's Vice platform pedals, Raceface's Turbine cranks, and a Thomson stem and seat post rounded out the build.

When our customer came to pick up his bike he was thrilled. His new ride inspired him to plan some weekend camping trips, singletrack epics, and fireroad grinds in the East Bay and Marin hills in the near future. If you’re looking for a similar bike of your own, please contact us to talk about what we can build for you.

Build Details:

• Frame: Jeff Jones Titanium Space Frame
• Fork: Jeff Jones Truss Fork
• Headset: Chris King
• Stem: Thomson Elite X4
• Handlebar: Jeff Jones Loop H-Bars
• Shifter: Rohloff Twist Shifter
• Grips: Ergon GC1, Deda Logo Bar Tape
• Seat post: Thomson Elite
• Saddle: Selle Anatomica Titanico
• Seat Clamp: N/A
• Front Hub: Schmidt SON28 135mm
• Rear hub: Rohloff SPEEDHUB 500/14
• Spokes: Sapim Race
• Nipples: Sapim Brass
• Rims: Surly Rabbit Hole
• Tires: Surly Knard 29x3” front, Geax Saguaro 29x2.2” rear
• Cranks: Race Face Turbine
• Pedals: VP Vice
• Bottom Bracket: Race Face
• Chain ring: Race Face Single
• Rear Sprocket: Rohloff
• Chain: Wipperman Connex 8sX
• Brakes & Levers: Magura MT6
• Rotors: Magura Storm

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