Endgame

Took me 3 years of riding single-speed to achieve this ripper.

Although I started cycling with a geared bicycle, treating it as a single-speed fascinated me. That experiment lead me to build a State Bicycle Co. 6061 Black Label v2 with a freewheel…
From Free to Fixed… : r/FixedGearBicycle

Nitto RB-021 were the first handlebars I rode my Black Label v2 with. Even though I appreciate the aggressive style of pursuit handlebars, the reach was excessive – even with a short stem.

After a couple of months riding with a freewheel, I noticed that I only ever coasted when braking or cornering. Watching several fixed-gear alleycat races piqued my interest in riding a fixed drivetrain. Once I gave that a shot, I exclusively rode fixed-gear without brakes for over 2 years.

Throughout that period, I discovered that my bike fit was all over the place. Furthermore, the frameset was too big! Sizing down from the 52cm Black Label v2 to a 46cm All-City Big Block was the proper thing to do. Henceforth, it took thousands of miles to truly calibrate my riding posture.
Finally corrected my fit. Albeit not as clean, brake hoods are awesome! : r/FixedGearBicycle
New Frame Day! All City Big Block : r/FixedGearBicycle

8 months ago, I installed a front brake on the fixed-gear configuration for safety reasons. Unfortunately, resisting the pedals and skidding to an immediate stop when riding at high speeds took a toll on my knees; I'd feel a sharp hotspot on my patella when riding and my knees would buckle at times off the bike. The winter storm that transpired in January allowed me to take some time off; I also caught various severe respiratory illnesses in February… Despite misery, it was enough time to recover, reflect, and make a comeback.

Fixed-gear taught me cadence, proactivity, and tenacity. Nevertheless, I'm moving on with a freewheel for longevity.

Standing at 5'4" with a short inseam… I didn't consider the fact that 165mm cranks arms weren't cutting it. I experimented shorter cranks with the Promax SQ-1 at 150mm. Describing it as a game changer is an understatement. I was able to rebound from the two-month hiatus thanks to Weighted Calisthenics, Bulgarian Split Squats, and Zercher Hyperextensions; I regained peak performance within a week after all that shit.

150mm crank arms were the final piece of the puzzle for my bike fit. Additionally, they spin to win! I consistently maintain 100RPM+ on varying terrain (flats, climbs, short steep hills, and deceiving gradients). Ditching the square taper for a direct mount crankset is a welcomed upgrade for my aggressive approach nowadays. Moreover, a carbon fork is substantially spirited compared to the preceding steel fork.

Components:

• All-City Big Block Frame (46cm)
• Alpina Carbon Track Fork
• IRD Techno-Glide Headset
• MSW Dimension Seatpost (Zero Offset)
• Fi'zi:k Arione R3 Saddle (126mm)
• KalloyUNO Stem (12°, 80mm)
• Specialized Short Reach Handlebars (36cm)
• Tektro RL340 Brake Levers
• Cinelli Cork Ribbon Handlebar Tape
• Jagwire Road Pro Cable Kit
• Dia-Compe Cable Housing Clips
• TRP RG957 Front Brake Caliper
• Shimano BR-R451 Rear Brake Caliper
• Kool Stop Brake Pads
• Wabi Sub-15 Wheelset
• Continental Race 28 WIDE Inner Tubes
• Continental Grand Prix 5000 (28mm)
• ROTOR ALDHU Track Crankset (150mm Crank Arms)
• ROTOR BSA30 Bottom Bracket
• Affinity Pro Track Chainring (47T)
• Shimano PD-ES600 SPD Pedals
• Izumi 410 ECO Chain (Black/Silver)
• ACS PAWS 4.1 Freewheel (17T)

The build has a deliberate mix of high-end, mid-range, and economical components.
It's not meant to turn heads. However, I am exceedingly content with how everything turned out.

🙂