Bike Build: The End

Bikes ‘n Pints
Jul 27, 2017 · 3 min read

At long last, the bike build is finally complete and was well worth the wait. It took about 3 months including its stint at the paint shop and cost about $1200. A comperable Appaloosa would be more than double that and would still not have the elite wheelset and tires (although you would get the lugs and Riv badge). The fit is perfect, long and tall, with a little extra wiggle room for future tweaks. The parts, while not always the most expensive, are all top-of-the-line. In particular, the 1x8 drivetrain, my first multispeed in 12 years (and the first I’ve ever built), is smooth and silent. The process was not without a few speedbumps and roadblocks, but the end result is a bike that has exceeded expectations in every regard.

Build Notes:

  • The KMC X8.93 chain has peened pins which gave me a hell of a time removing a couple links. Once rejoined, the links were sticky and moved through the cassette and derailer poorly. I figured it would break-in, but I was wrong. On the very first test ride, one of the weak links failed. Luckily I had an extra chain laying around that I was able to install without issue. I CANNOT recommend the X8 chain.
  • With a 107mm bottom bracket spindle, I still needed to move the chainring to the inside for proper chainline. I could have easily used a 103mm bottom bracket. Also, the 11 tooth sprocket provided 84 gear inches, too high for my needs. I adjusted the derailleur to start on the 2nd sprocket (effectively a 7-speed), a 13 tooth that provides 71 gear inches.
  • I installed the star nut using a screwdriver and hammer. Went in like a charm and tightened the stack perfectly. However, upon a subsequent loosening for some stem adjustments the tines lost their grip. Now I have a spinning star nut bolt stuck in the steerer. I will have to hammer it out from the bottom of the fork and replace with a Hope Head Doctor if and when I need further adjustments.
  • The paint job is fantastic but the paint shop had some issues and needed to apply multiple coats. The bad news was that the dropouts, bottom bracket shell, seat tube and a couple other small braze-ons needed some sanding/scraping to remove unwanted paint. The good news: the thick paint makes the tig welds look almost fillet brazed.
  • I couldn’t for the life of me understand why the Sunrace friction shifter cost 40% more than its indexed sibling. Now I know: Rivendell had them custom made by Sunrace, and they are worth every penny. The shifting is smooth, fast, and silent. The bike is actually quieter than most of my recent single speed builds. It’s such a joy to ride.

Parts List:

  • Pake C’Mute frame, 58cm, with Soma Tange fork
  • Velocity Dyad/Shimano XT wheelset with Schwalbe Marathon Mondial rubber
  • Sunlite Northroad bars on a VO stem
  • Sugino XD cranks, 34t Surly chainwheel, Riv-approved Altus deraller and Shimano 11–28t cassette
  • Terry Liberator saddle

Shoutouts (in no particular order):

  • Harris Cyclery, Newton, MA
  • Ray’s Bikes, Maynard, MA
  • Rivendell Bicycle Works, Walnut Creek, CA
  • Ben’s Cycle, Milwaukee, WI
  • Tree Fort Bikes, Ypsilanti, MI
  • Rocky Mountain Cyclery, Loveland, CO
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