After building Christine a really cool, a bit radical, mountain bike, XC Death Project Nukeproof Scout, I had toyed around with the idea of ridding her of the aluminum hell that is her Cannondale Quick. Something SMOOTH, fast, supple yet that handles like a champ!
A few months went by as I mulled over how to bring it up to her. Drop some hints "so, if there was one thing you could change about either of your bikes, what would it be..." But nothing really worked "they're fine" she would say.
Fine wasn't good enough though. I wanted AMAZING! So then I just dropped the bomb: "So, I was thinking about getting you a steel frame bike, a COTIC"....
And the snowball started! She was excited. I was too...I love building bikes! So after some thought, some sizing issues to work out, the spreadsheets came out and the build has begun! the frame is on order, a small COTIC Escapade in Ano Gray. Super cool even though she wanted purple. But I'll do some purple bits, just for her.
Sleek. Light. Fast! Super cool! This one will be really cool when it's done. Lots of steel and carbon! Nice wide tires. Go over anything frame! Just a great all arounder that will put the Cannondale 'off the shelf' bike to shame. Let the build begin!
Quick update: After sitting for MANY long months waiting to move, the larger frame rebuild is DONE! 9/1/2021! New drivetrain, TRP/e13 12 speed of course, lighter cranks (e13), bigger ring, e*13, and better wheels...mine!
SECOND update: NEW Frame, again! Same size, but in a matte purple...only the best for the wife! Also a good cleaning and maintenance and some updated routing of wires for the lights.
Steel! It's real! The frame is going to be smooth and supple to ride! Carbon fork to save some weight and provide more positive steering. And of course, a Jones bar...because drop bars suck!
The old Pirelli tires were hard to come by, but nice! But...time to replace them, so my go to? Vittoria!
lightest. Strongest. All new! Just added these on the larger frame to go 12 speed. And lightweight! Actually the lightest in the world! Along with the new HelixR cassette. Epic!
Lightweight and fast! Custom one off graphics in purple work fantastic! Along with White rear hub and SON deluxe dynamo front. Only the best.
This is a new one. Never used WT headsets, but if they are like the rest of the line? I'm not worried. And besides...purple!
Every build gets one. For good reason. They are the best!
Just some fun purple bits!
Awesome Dynamo powered lights front and rear!
I love TRP! These are a great all around brake for anything from trails to tarmac!
Ordered: 7/1/2020
Start Date: 8/7/2020
End Date: 9/16/2020
First ride: 9/16/2020
Larger Frame Rebuild: 9/1/2021
New color frame rebuild: 12/8/2022
COTIC Escapade steel frame: Med
COTIC Carbon Mk5 fork
Vittoria Urbano 700x45 tires
The Death Projects custom carbon gravel wheelset
White Industries rear hub (purple)
SON Schmidt dynamo front hub
TRP Slate T4 brakes
TRP Slate Levers
AVID Front/rear Centerlock rotors
TRP adapters
Wolftooth Premium headset
Wolftooth headset spacers
Wolftooth Seatpost clamp
e*thirteen HelixR 9-50 12 speed cassette
e*thirteen UL 40t Chainring
e*thirteen 12 speed shifter
YBN titanium 12 speed chain
TRP TR12 Derailleur
e*thirteen XCX Carbon race cranks - 170mm
Wolftooth purple ring bolts
Jones Hbar
Cane Creek suspension seat post
Selle Royal saddle
Magped Pedals
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