SSSSCX (Simple Shitter Singlespeed Cyclocross)

Representing the underdogs, tight gits, custom fettlers and the rest.

Don't get me wrong, I can fully appreciate quality, shiny, boutiquey components; but I also like to be creative and love to repurpose what a lot of people would think is junk/ scrap.

Here we have my latest build, comprised of free stuff, budget bits, lucky finds and parts that I had in the 'bin'.

I think the frame set is a low end Dutch road/touring bike from 80's (Union, Sakai), she's portly- frame alone = 2.7kg. OG headset was ok, so rebuilt with full complement loose balls. Rear triangle cold set to ~126mm, this way I can spread a little for a 130 OLD or squeeze for the 3s S.A. wheel. Thankfully it has a pretty sweet BB drop of ~60mm, about Goldilocks for how I want to use it.

2 wheelsets; nicer ones are XTR on Velocity Quill w' D-light spokes + Mud Wrestler for front, Specialized Axis (stock) + Maxxis All terrain on rear; both setup tubeless. …The more budget set is S.A. AW 3s built 3L3T on crappy Rigida single wall rim, front is hub from a Charge fixie laced 4L4T on generic X2 wall rim; both dressed with 120TPI 38mm Maxxis Ramblers and tubes with sealant in.

Brakes are Weinmann dual pivot centre pull and old skool Tourney caliper; actuated by some shitty interrupter levers. I definitely need to increase power- unsafe in wet! Maybe new levers with shorter cable pull, and or salmon/ soft compound pads.

Cheapo ST carty BB, w' old skool 105 cranks, surly SS ring and new style DMR V12 pedals.

Other than the brakes, only thing I want/need to switch out, is the stem. I like the aesthetic of OG quills, but have ordered an adapter, as I have waay more ahead stems laying around, and need to raise an inch or two, and lengthen about an inch. It's relatively easy to bunny hop up curbs, but would feel better still with proposed mod.

Not forgetting cable oilers for full length rear brake and IGH cable runs- this is Britain after all 🌧️

I like that this bike looks drab, janky, unappealing; the city where I live is pretty bad for bike theft, so gives a little peace of mind, that most all bikes I'm locked up next to, will look shinier.