Despite some false starts, 5 months after I started biking as a hobby, I've finally assembled my dream bike!
I've put almost 300 miles on this one, conquered hills I'd never thought possible, used it for groceries and errands, and even commuted to and from work (20 miles roundtrip) — something I didn't dare imagine was realistic when I first started on this adventure.
The bike is a Priority 600 small frame with the Pinion C1.12 gearbox and Gates Carbon Drive CDX. Out of the box, this gets me the 600% gear range which I absolutely require, both allowing me to conquer the Seattle hills and go as fast as I find practical. I get a reliable quiet efficient belt drive, eliminating the hassle of frequent chain maintenance, and allowing me to ride in the mud and all weather conditions with impunity!
This techno marvel on wheels empowers me with all the mechanical advantage I could ever hope for.
I like the stock WTB Horizon 650B Plus 47 mm more than I thought I would on mixed terrain and there's ample clearance for the stock fenders. However, I upgraded the lousy Presta valves to Clik Valves, replacing the otherwise functional butyl tubes with RideNow TPU tubes in the process.
The Clik Valves are a nice luxury upgrade and my tires are pretty much always at the desired pressure now that the inflation process is a no-brainer.
While the bike itself is primarily acoustic, the hub dynamo on the front wheel generates ample electricity 🎸 to power the front and rear lights. I really enjoy the privilege of always-on lights much more than I expected, having previously used rechargeable lights. I've got a Topeak Aero Wedge Pack, Pro Bike Tool pump, and AirTags, fitted on the bike.
I couldn't get along with the terrible WTB Volt saddle and replaced it with a basic Ergon ST Gel which is cheaper, and in my opinion, better than the upscale Ergon ST Core Evo. I also installed a rear rack for panniers and a side-load bottle cage, all from Priority.
The super-light aluminum Move MyPlanet bottle is from SIGG and spares me from microplastic contamination.
For the bike computer, I use the Karoo 3 with map plus essential metrics like speed + grade + ride time + clock on the first page, and plenty of secondary metrics + environmental data on the second and third pages. After trying hard to make my phone work for this purpose, only to have it fail miserably in the rain, the physical buttons on the Karoo are a huge relief!
Finally, I’m absolutely convinced that Jeff Jones is a genius. His mastery of bike design is irrefutable. If you're considering a transformative upgrade to an existing bike, I can highly recommend the leap to an H-Bar.
The Jones H-Bar Butted Aluminum Loop 710 mm provides me with an unmatched level of comfort and allows me to endure longer rides. It's really hard to fully grasp the difference these bars will make before experiencing them, but they've truly been a tremendous upgrade. The bars are fantastic in every situation, whether I'm trying to go fast or relax, maneuvering, descending or ascending hills. It's plain fun to have all the possible hand positions available and they are all useful at various times. The H-Bar is decked out with Jones EVA H-Grips and Jones H-Bar Tape and paired with the Comfort High Rise Stem from Priority for ultimate comfort.
Of course, your mileage may vary. A bike is always going to be a set of compromises. There are so many things that can be improved. For one, this system does not have the incredible shifting experience of the Enviolo. For two, this is no ultralight carbon fiber speed monster. Even with all that in mind, these wheels feel like my own tailor-made dream bike. It's undeniably fun, powerful, functional, and useful for my day-to-day activities.
What an absolute joy it is to ride this beast! 🙂
by PrimateCoder