Bike Build: The Beginning

Bikes ‘n Pints
Jul 27, 2017 · 2 min read

A few years back I sold some unused equipment with the goal of reinvesting in a dedicated touring bike. At the time I was extremely committed to single-speeding (still am, although less so) and wanted a low-geared tourer for longer rides, freeing up my daily rider for faster gearing and less cruft.

I was ready to pull the trigger on a Surly Crosscheck when I came across the Pake C’Mute. The Pake had better geometry for my needs and I preferred the sloping top tube aesthetic. The price was maybe $200 less than the Crosscheck, so I pulled the trigger and ordered.

The frame is amazing, with more braze-ons than I will ever need, clean-enough welds, and the Soma fork compliments it beautifully. I am no Taiwanese bike factory expert, but the details of the build suggest this bike may come from the same place that the Surlys do. Just a hunch.

Anyhoo, the project stalled. And stalled. And stalled. But today marks a new beginning. Frame and fork have emerged from their bubble-wrapped cocoon and will be dropped at the superlative Long Beach Custom Fabrications for powdercoating. Parts will be amassed in the coming weeks and the process will be documented here as work progresses.

UPDATE:

For those discovering the C’Mute now, only to find out it has been discontinued, fear not: The Soma Double Cross is the same bike with vertical dropouts. That precludes single-speed use, but is perfect for the very smart 1x8/9/10 builds that are popping up everywhere these days. There is even a Double Cross that accepts disc brakes. Not too shabby.

NEWER UPDATE:

The New Albion Privateer at the Somafab store IS the Pake C’Mute. Order away!!!

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Tales of riding and drinking, frequently combined.

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