Is this the definition of affordable practicality?

I live in Copenhagen, commute 35 min cycling (almost) every day, like medium-distance bikepacking and live on a budget.

This results in a weird mix or requirements, which resulted in this bike.

– Nishiki frame – whatever I could get for free. It is still tripple butted Alu, just has max 40mm (back) 45mm (front) tire clearance

– Wheels – again – whatever I could get for free. I even had to true them.

– 2×11 speed 105 shifter R7025 ~200€ (for small hands)

– Rear derailleur RX-400 – 28€ (2nd hand)

– 11-36 ZTTO 11 speed casette – 26€

– GRX RX-810 Front derailleur – 26€ – with mounting adaptor

– Cues cranks – U6030 – 46/30 – 32€

– Bottom bracket BB-MT501 – 13€

– 2x BR-MT410 brakes and hydraulic houses – ~ 80€

– Swisstop brake pads for the front – ~ 23€

– SRAM 1110 chain – 16€

– Gravel Thundero 44 (Front tire) – ~ 50€

– Specialized Pathfinder TLR 40 – ~ 50€

– SKS Bluemels Basics mudguards – 30€

– SKS Chainboard chainguard – 22€

– Panniers – ~ 30€

– BBB saddle – ~ 25€

– BBB pedals – ~ 20€

And of course some tubeless components and chain wax.

For some reason, all gravel bikes come without a chainguard. And I get it, it might seem like a useless piece of plastic. But damn it is nice to not have to care about having your pants torn or oiled!

So, yes, I happily mixed road bike, mountain bike and gravel bike parts – 10 and 11 speed – and it somehow… Works? Ahaha.

It is not the lightest bike. Far from that. But it is still fast and practicle. And that's what matters.