Soulcraft In The House!
I just got my new singlespeed – 29er Soulcraft. Almost a year to the day since I went down to Petaluma (CA) for a fitting. Why a year? Understand – I was the one driving the timeline, with the help of Sean at Soulcraft. This was not one of those quirky frame builder loose timeline situations. Had to say that in Sean’s defense. Quirky frame buyer? Maybe. For me there were two key cutting edge “must have” details that slowed the project:
1) Sliding rear drops.
2) Suspension corrected rigid front fork.
Why sliding rear drops? Why not plain old horizontals? Mainly because I didn’t want to deal with disc brake adjustments, related to chain tension maintenance. Nor did I want to deal with chain-tensioners. Why then not an Eccentric Bottom Bracket (EBB)? Mainly because I didn’t like the look and function of it. I began seeing rear sliders that intrigued me. Sean at Soulcraft had one when I was down there and Wily was using a nice looking set. I was after structural durability and a production product. Sean was able to get Mark at Paragon Machine Works to create a production drop that Soulcraft now uses exclusively for all their singlespeeds. Sold! One other thing I should add, I also wanted to run gears on this bike for the occasional CT trip or the like. Utilitarian being the theme. The Paragon rear drop also comes in a hanger version that’s easily and affordably swappable.
The fork issue proved to be a challenging one. I wanted a suspension corrected (85/100mm travel) rigid fork. According to Sean’s math the only fork out there that seemed to nail it was the Surly Karate Monkey fork. But what a beast of burden. Where to get lighter, more compliant blades? This is interesting. There are plenty of rigid 29er forks out there, but all fall below (some well below) Surly’s 468mm axle to crown measurement - clearance issues aside, this is fine if you don't ever plan on running a suspension fork. But if you do? The crux of it? Up until now, no tubing manufacturers were making “performance” blades long enough to fit the bill. Sean started making calls. Eventually True Temper agreed to create the blades. Only thing is, once Sean got them and built up a proto, he didn’t like the new fork’s aesthetic - too “head-shock” looking. He found another supplier, but after finally getting the blades, found that they were of unacceptable quality. He finally got some new front drops that were longer and would work with the True Temper blades – a happy compromise.
The sliding drop issue was resolved way back when, but the fork issue dragged on for months and months and months – we were at the mercy of the tubing guys. I was willing to wait and I trusted Sean’s judgment. Throw in a few other timing issues and here we are now, as I said at the outset - almost a year to the day since I went down to Petaluma (CA) for a fitting.
I get really nervous about these things – putting a lot of money and time and thought into something – I feared I would get it and something wouldn’t be right. I’ve been let down before. So much was riding on this frame. This is my first custom frame. I bought my first mtn. bike in 1986. I started racing shortly thereafter and continue to this day. 20 years of lifestyle and passion. It’s in my blood. And I’ve never had a bike that’s fit ME. I’m a lanky dude. The other thing is I feel like I’ve paid my dues. I deserve a custom frame damn it! I’ve had my current bike, through its many forms, since I bought it new in 1993. 1993 folks! Over the last 12 years I’ve watched friends buy and sell and trade and give away 100s of bikes – always wanting or needing the latest and greatest. All the while I sit on their wheel with my antiquated sled, waiting for the opportunity to overtake them, dishing out an old-school lesson plan. And how to pay for the rig? What to leverage? I begrudgingly sold my Kelly geared bike for well below what I felt it was worth. I also sold my 1989 Ford F150. Combined I was able to pick and choose parts over the last few months and afford the purchase of the frame/fork. Well, the frame looks BEAUTIFUL! The rear drops are right, the fork is right, the color is right . . . all the little details that I spelled out along the way . . . they’re all right. Thanks Sean! I’ll be building it up tomorrow night. Riding it this weekend. YEE-HAA!!! I’ll post some built pics along with first impressions next week. Here are a few photos I took Monday evening after I got it:
Cranky on 11.10.05 @ 01:46 PM PST [link]
