Bike Build Story: The seating area, saddle, seatpost, and clamp. As explained in Part One, we're trying to build a bike "Made in Europe." Our penultimate Bike Build Story is all about the seating area. From the Fizik Monte saddle and the Crankbrothers Highline dropper post to the ultralight Tune screw-on seat clamp. Tune... read more
Bike Build Story: The cockpit, headset, stem, handlebars, and grips. As explained in Part One, we're trying to build a bike "Made in Europe." The "Made in Europe" concept is embodied by the Haero H.175 ED SL carbon handlebar, the Acros headset, the Renthal Apex stem, and the Renthal Lock-On Traction grips. Stiffness, performance, and... were also important to us. read more
Bike Build Story: The drivetrain, shifters, rear derailleur, cassette. As explained in Part One, we're trying to build a bike "Made in Europe." I'm not really succeeding with the gear system. Rohloff and Pinion don't fit the bike or the concept. To keep things interesting, I opted for parts from Box Components. The Box parts also come... read more
Bike Build Story: The drivetrain, the chain. As explained in Part One, we're trying to build a bike "Made in Europe." The Connex 11SB achieves this. An article just about the chain? Yes, because the part is important: no chain, no propulsion. Connex 11SB, Made in Germany, Made by Wippermann. A successful French downhiller and freerider once said something like this: ... read more
Bike Build Story: Part Five, the Crank. As explained in Part One, we're trying to build a bike "Made in Europe." Typically, the drivetrain components come from the Far East. There are a few exceptions when it comes to cranks. We opted for a Tune Smart Foot. If you search the Tune website for the Smart Foot crank today, you'll be frustrated. That's what happened to me... read more
