Bike With No Name - The Details
Wednesday, February 24, 2010 at 4:00AM 17 Comments I held off showing my bike with no name last week for a number of reasons. Well, today is the day. Sit back and enjoy the photos and the story that goes along with it.
*NOTE* - It is important to understand that I built this bike for MY needs. This is not a Salsa project even though the down tube says "Salsa" on it. I put Salsa on the DT because I am employed by Salsa. So....Here goes.
I started this bike as my Dirty Kanza bike. I ended up with something capable of the DK, but also a bit more than just a gravel bike. Funny how things evolve. Maybe it ended up this way because I already have my Fargo, a perfect bike for the DK. Maybe it ended up this way because I have other aspirations for this bike? I don't really know why, but I know I ended up with a bike that meets my initial criteria and just a bit more.
Due to my shoulder injury last August, I set out to build a bike that allowed me to carry as much as I could "on the bike" as opposed to "on me". I need to get the weight off of me as I still struggle and feel pain when riding with a back pack. As such, I put 3 water bottle mounts on the main frame, 2 of which have what I expect to be a new standard someday, 3 mounting points. This isn't a new idea and I take no credit for this idea. Nope. Many have done this before me, but the 3 mounts give you versatility to mount standard water bottle cages in different positions, but also will allow future cages/racks of sorts for larger water bottles and/or gear.
Some of you may notice immediately that the brake routing, disc routing and rack mounting are very different than my current Salsa Fargo. That is correct. I never have the intention of running a traditional rack system on this bike. This bike is intended for the new mini rack prototypes showed by Salsa this past weekend at Frostbike. I positioned mounting points specifically for the mini racks. I also will run frame and seatpost bags when and where appropriate.
This bike is built with a cockpit and geometry for drop bars and front suspension. Notice the longish head tube and the curved downtube (to clear a suspension fork crown) I have two forks for this, 3 if you count the prototype Enabler. All 3 forks swap back and forth seamlessly. I did this because at some point, I want to tackle more than just the rough gravel of Kansas with this bike. My initial set up is with a suspension corrected rigid 29er fork.
Note, every one of those 11 braze ons for racks and water bottles is welded in place. No rivnuts. That kind of detail costs a bit more, but is worth it to me in piece of mind.
Here is a built up shot taken last week on a morning ride. I wanted to reveal the bike with the mini rack set up, but I've just been too busy.
It rides amazingly well. It's quick and agile. By quick I mean it's shorter and snappier than my Fargo. It's almost cross bike quick but fits 2.1's. Right now, I think it is the perfect compliment to my rock solid Fargo.
I don't really plan to go into details of my geometry. I'm sorry folks. I know some of you tech folks want to know. Maybe someday.
Hope you enjoyed this post as much as I did writing and sharing it. I'm heading out for a ride.
Enjoy your day!
Titanium in A bike with no name
Reader Comments (17)
Gnat... Very, very nice. I can't wait to see it in person at DK.
Jim C.
ps: In one of your earlier posts, you promised a detailed description of your bar-wrapping technique. I, for one, would stll like to see that sometime.
It looks fantastic, well done and congratulations – there’s nothing like a bike built for your needs and does what you want. I like your thinking with the forks part, and Gnat are you able to fit thinner cross and road slicks as well the 2.1’s. I’ve always love the way you set up your Fargo and this Bike With No Name looks like it could be the one that really does it all.
J;
I like it. Its even better than described. Yeah, we have to talk....I would like to know a tiny bit more about it but so far I really like what you have done. Very very nice.
That "looks" to be the ti creature I have been talking to people about building. Uncanny.
When you have time could you post some geometry numbers for..........oh wait. I missed the part about you not posting geometry! :-)
Very nice looking rig Gnat! Can't wait to see it in person someday too. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks guys. It is a nice bike, one of which I plan to ride in just a few minutes.
Wally - We'll talk soon.
CB - You'll have to give it a ride to feel the geometry.
JC - I will do a bar wrap post. I'm not finished yet, as I need to dial in the fit just a bit more and then I'll give it a permanent wrap.
Amazing! Both the bike AND the pics. The B&W, look just amazing.You'll have to give me some tips on that, when I get my Ti EM built! :)
Love it! A suspension corrected drop bar bike, what a great bike and I like all the small details. Great photos as usual, loving the B&W. Hope you're having a great ride.
I have to admit that i would love to see some more "industrial" close up pictures of the bike, but after following your site for a while I know thats not the kind of photography you like to shoot. Thanks for sharing your philosophy and reasoning regarding the build of your bike.
Sorry had to ask a question, what tires are you running on TBWNN? They seem narrower than a standard 29er.
Awesome! I like the triple bottle cage mounts as well, Charlie Cunningham would approve.
Nice bike! I love that last photo, too.
Thanks folks for all the kind words. I promise to take lots of shots of bike with no name.
Kevin, I am running Bontrager 1.9's and you are right, they are pretty darn narrow. The bike will fit 2.1's for most brands, possibly a bit bigger depending on tread pattern.
Mmmmmm Titanium. Beautiful bike Gnat. Great photos. More photos.
I am dying for information on the rear rack you mentioned!! I have been dreaming of a M-12esque rack for the back of my bike - just something small to strap stuff too....
Looks like a cool bike - very versatile.
Beautiful... Gnat, my brother, we've been discussing this project for months now and now, seeing it in all its splendor proves your passion and commitment to the project has been well-founded. You had a vision in mind for what you wanted and you followed it through to its completion. Very nice work, and my hat's off to your builder, as his experienced hand is clearly evident in this project as well.
Congratulations once again on a job well done.
Thanks again, my Brother.
Cheers,
MG