Hi community,
as I am getting older (36) I am more and more craving for a more casual style or riding.
I am coming from a road biking background, switched to gravel 5 years ago and currently doing everything with a diverge on 42mm tires.
It’s fast enough to catch up with the roadie friends as long as I can save some watts in the slipstream on the fast full power passages.
I like pushing watts but more and more do not see the necessities to get fully dressed for a 1-2 hour ride in my own.
The plan is to build a second bike, neo vintage style for commuting, bike packing and my non group rides. I will still keep the diverge for 2 times a week group rides.
I am a 6‘3“ male with a 88cm 34“ step length.
As I am searching for a classic steel frame with tire clearance for 29“ tires my best bet seems to import a crust nor easter frame.
I like the canti version – because why not and i like the paint job a lot.
The bike will get a mullet setup with modern bb and 12x shifter. XT v brakes and a simworks getaround bar with all components in silver (nitto etc).
As I planned all components now I am running into 3 questions here:
1. Frame size: Crust is offering a 58cm version as L and a 62cm version as Xl.
I do not what extensive Seatpost visible and a roadish feel on the bike. My plan is to have little to no spacer plus 100cm stem with getaround bar at the front to have a toury but efficient setup for commuting and personal fun in the suburbs.
Reach and stack of the XL frame fits my measurements but standover height is 88-90cm.
As my step length is 88cm – does any one have experience here if this would be a deal breaker?
2. V Brakes and fenders.
I would like to have the opportunity to mount full metal fender set to it – would the v brakes then be a problem or is it possible to adjust them accordingly ( silver full fenders for 29“ tires)
3. Is there a good value crank set besides white industries etc in silver?
I am considering white industries or simply just deanodizing an old xtr crank set.
Really appreciate your help
Best,
Sebastian
by goldenretrieving66
3 Comments
IME standover height is a really inconsequential measurement. It says nothing about the fit and handling of the bike, unlike reach and stack which are the only two important things here especially considering your intended use for this bike. If you can’t stand over you bike when you stop then lean it to the side until you can, it’s really not a big deal and comes naturally after a time. I rode a (what’s now called) “french-fit” 62 cm road frame for years and I’m 1,76m tall.
As for fenders, you can very likely find fenders that work for v brakes or adjust your brakes to make them work. It may require some metal bending / cutting, done carefully with the proper tools it can end up quite clean. But any modifications to metal fenders at or near the brake bridge will call for an extra set of fender stays, mounted vertically to reinforce the area and prevent any flex which would result in a fatigue failure. Ask me how I know…
+ Deanodizing is all the rage at the moment, if you’ve got time to spare it can be pretty rewarding.