What feels like an eternity is finally coming to a close: My Momsen STR29 Single speed is ready to ride in all it’s Gulf Oil racing colors glory. Looking back at all the installments and browsing through the pictures I’ve taken along the way it’s hard to believe where it all started and where we are now.
If you only knew what was in wait for you.
The saddle was an old, used Selle Italia Shiver in Troy Lee Designs colours that belonged to my riding buddy. It’s been on 3 builds before this one and has seen it’s fair share of action. The brothers at www.velobrien.com took it into their care and set about recovering it and in doing so restoring it to it’s former glory – only better. They also gave a set of Momsen lock-on grips I had the full leather treatment.
The stitching (by hand) and finishing touches on the saddle and grips are of the highest quality and gives it a premium look and feel.
Final Build
Frame: Momsen STR29 with custom spray job by fellow Hubber, BogusOne
Crank: SRAM X5 33T
Wheels: American Classic Tubeless 29
Tires: Momsen Mount Graham 2.20 120tpi Tubeless
Handlebar: Momsen Design Up / Down Carbon
Stem: Momsen Design Downer
Saddle: Selle Italia Shiver re-covered by velobrien.com
Grips: Momsen Design Lock-On grips re-covered by velobrien.com
Brakes: Avid Elixer 7 Trail with 160mm rotors
Single Speed Conversion: Gusset Double Six
Chain: SRAM 9spd
Fork: Rapide Pitchfork
Weight: 10.07kg
Finally built and looking pretty in all its glory
I would still like to replace the presta valves with black ones, either change the wheels to something with a flat black rim or remove the decals from these. I also want to change the crank bolts with black ones, remove the decals from the seat post, swap the headset for a less ridiculous looking one, replace the top cap and add the wooden pedals that have been in the works for some time now. Front brake hose also needs a trim. It may be built, but still a little way from completely finished.
A bit of carbon fibre in the cockpit to match the fork, and a touch of old-school class with leather grips.
First ride on it was a hoot. No other way to describe it. No gears and no suspension takes some getting used to, but once you’ve covered a couple of km’s and realise it’s just you and the bike, and there’s little that can compare to just being out on a bike. Riding a new bike and realising that you don’t need to do any additional set up or suspension tweaks is a special feeling. It will be some time before I’m able to pedal a single speed bike to the top of anything, but the journey there will at least be heaps of fun.
All in all I am very happy with how it’s come out. It’s been the most fun I’ve had with a build and definitely worth the extra effort. Big thanks to BogusOne and the brothers from velobrien.com. Working with them was not only effortless, but also inspiring as they added their own creative touches to the project. It’s always nice to work with creatives who can take your idea or suggestion to the next level.
Check out the previous installations: The idea, The build kit, The frame part 1, The frame part 2.
Some more pics