EBH

That's a nice bike indeed

Barrettscv 

1997 Simoncini Cyclocross Special: Columbus CROMAR, lugged construction, ovalized top tube, cable guides on the top of the top-tube for the rear brake and deralleur.

Build items;

Drivetrain: Sugino 48, 36 & 26 triple & a Suntour Winner seven speed 13-24 freewheel
Wheelset: 36 hole Campagnolo Record high flange hubs rebuilt with Sun CR18 rims
Tires: Challenge Parigi Roubaix open-tubulars
Derailleurs & Shifters: Shimano Deore XT derailleurs and Suntour ratcheting bar-end shifters
Brakes: Planet X Cantilevers with NOS Shimano 600 levers

WNG

Love the bikes in this thread. Classic to contemporary. I just finish this one a few days ago, and falls into the contemporary area. My desert rat gravel grinder. It's has a pair of 2.10" Vee Rubber Flying Vs to soften the rocky stuff that I've started riding on.


Giant Smurf-001 by WNG555, on Flickr

gomango

Love it!

You and Chrome Molly are on the right track with these monstercrossers.

I'll be joining you guys this spring with my Park Pre.

Also, please give us your impressions of the Vee Rubber tires when you get a chance.

cyclotoine

be careful what you call a monstercross as the monstercross police might come after you.

shoota 

Liking that blue ride WNG!

gomango

Yeah, I know. Semantics 101.

I follow that doctrine as closely as Velominati.

WNG

Thanks Grady! Spot anything familiar? Those are the Trek bottle cages you sent me last Christmas!

After seeing some of the creations in the Drop Bar MTB thread, I was curious...one ride, I was hooked. Like yourself, I've discovered there's a venue of fun riding out there I've not done. I wanted to see what I could build to tackle the rocks out here. I needed a beefier bike that wouldn't be overwhelmed like my lamented Schwinn Crosscut.

The Flying V's is a CX tread, not too knobby so it's still good on pavement. They are really light, and supple. I elected to go 2.1" so I can take the bike on some single track near me. For the time being, it has to be my do-it-all terrain bike.

I got sick right after taking these pics, and have been in bed all weekend. Lucky me, there's an outbreak of flu/Valley Fever in PHX. So, I haven't yet rode it.
I can't wait to take her out and test it on the singletrack and another trek across the desert to Scottsdale. I will definitely review how these tires work out. I also picked up a set in 700x45 for my next project.

Funny, I learned of the term here, when Sixty-Fiver posted his creation. I've been using it since.

Thanks shoota! I'm digging it too. It's so loud in the sunlight, it makes me chuckle.

There will be more specs on her in the drop bar mtb thread.

Sixty Fiver

One of my favourite bikes and can say that it is also a really nice ride having ridden it in Bellingham on the trails.

I think I am drawn to dirt like a magnet...

My '54 Raleigh is a really nice bike to ride on the many gravel trails and paths we have here... she will make you work on the climbs as the gearing is a little steeper.



The Garlatti is also a great bike on less than perfect roads, the 630 Continentals roll out on gravel really well and it has a nice gear range.

jiangshi

WNG,
Gas grill? What in god's name is wrong with you?

gomango

At the moment though, it looks very, very nice.

It's snowing here and it's about 400 degrees below zero.

I'm not sure we are gonna make it.

jiangshi

That is not a reason to have a gas grill in AZ.
I just checked, it's 65* and sunny in PHX at 4PM on 12/30/2013.

WNG, get a Weber kettle, for the love of cooking!

ColonelJLloyd 

A large Weber and a chimney are excellent investments.

Chrome Molly

Ha, the gas grill won't build up enough pressure below 5 degrees F. Makes the case for both a warm climate and a charcoal grill.

gomango

We set up the Weber in our living room.

I hope this works out.

cyclotoine

hmm,, mine worked okay very close to that temperature.

ColonelJLloyd 

Famous last words.

WNG

LOL!

It's not mine! It belongs to the property owner. I'm just a rentee. Believe me!

You don't have to tell me the virtues of proper BBQing. Gas == flavorless. Even electric elements cook better than gas.
If I ever get another place of my own, I will build an outdoor kitchen, with BBQ pit, smoker, and a dedicated burner for a big wok.

For you folks at ~<5 degrees F, I guess you can wrap a heating pad around the tank.

gomango

The ribs were delicious.

I suppose I should put this out before I go to bed.......

Hudson308 

On this side of the river I did some Kielbasa at 3 below for my spaghetti on the grill. Seriously... over charcoal, of course.
Some beautiful, versatile bikes here!

Kobe 

What is the difference between a gravel grinder and a monster cross? I am sure the definition of both are rather loose but is there a line somewhere

I was calling this a gravel grinder when I had 35mm tires on it, but when I went to 44mm's it feels more like it is getting closer to a 29er\monster cross. Is it as simple as tire size or is there something else?

[IMG][/IMG]

gomango

Cool bike.

Here is some info that helps.

https://twentynineinches.com/2009/01/...cross-defined/

https://twentynineinches.com/2009/01/...fined-part-ii/

Drillium Dude 

Will, I like this one a lot, too. Since it looks as though I may be making a trip to MN in May for an off-road 100-miler, what do you think about this one for a long day in the saddle?

Nice job - love the details, just like the Bianchi. You certainly have an eye for the details, my friend!

DD

gomango

You brave soul.

I am grilling tonight for company.

Steaks, shrimp and maybe a lobster tail or two.

...and yes, I am using apple wood, mesquite and other natural combustibles.

Might even plank some Salmon if it's on special at the fish market this morning.

Man, it's going to be cold though.

It's -8 degrees atm.

That's w/o the wind chill.

gomango

I really like this bike. Very classy indeed.

Would work well for the event, as long as it fits.

This is an all day ride and comfort is critical.