Tale of Two Expeditions
 

I recently spotted a big Specialized touring frame in the classifieds here, a few weeks ago. It was priced pretty good, but it was pretty damn big. I watched it for a few days, and the seller dropped the price on it it enough that I decided to risk the size factor.

The bikes that I have range from 63-65cm. There's a fair amount of seatpost showing on all of them. This Expedition is a 68cm... I plan to build it up and ride it. I think I will have close to a fistful of post when all is said and done.

I'll start with a few photos. It arrived well packaged this afternoon.

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...db80d48125.jpg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...0265dbaf60.jpg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...1229181cfb.jpg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...ab8008040d.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...eb64541eff.jpg
The standover with 25c tires is just over 36 3/4\".

The second Expedition came from a Goodwill auction, about eight or nine years ago. It was cheap enough that I had to buy it. It's a 54cm, and other than giving it a quick bath way back when, it is exactly how I acquired it.

This bike has been hanging in my basement since I brought it home.
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...c6d9e4d192.jpg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...0c19b5d963.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...3025158c65.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...8e70ece393.jpg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...764b7bbd5b.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...0ecde1fae8.jpg

No way. Nobody could ride that!
Are you going to swap the parts over?

I thought that dog looked familiar.

Hey Roger- if you decide to pillage the 54 for parts and unload the little frame... you could think of me and Hobbiano .

Nudge nudge, wink wink...

Heck of a packaging job on that newly added expedition :thumb:

Yes indeed!

Yes malcala622, thank you for taking the time and effort to properly package that frame.

On a side note, by chance would you have the cable stop for the headset? If so and you want to part with it, please pm me.

My son is going to help me with getting these on the road again. We are hoping to go on a few overnight(& hopefully multi day)trips this summer.

I’m guessing that Specialized Flag crank alone is worth more than you likely paid for the bike. Those Mathauser pads probably ain’t cheap either.

Can’t wait to see the build!

PS - that’s a bada$$ DIY copper bike stand!

Thanks Dave

That crankset is unique, in that it's a 167.5mm.

That copper stand has been used more than my Park or Feedback. It's nice to just throw a bike up on the hangers, vs clamping down( especially for simple tasks like cleaning and adjustments).

Super unique! And those 48/44 half-step rings would pair nicely with a 12-28 6s cassette (12-14-17-20-24-28). Not sure why I know these things...

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...81f408a49b.jpg
I started digging through some bins, and found a few pieces for the big frame. Not much, but it's a start.
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...f0eb9af6b5.jpg
These showed up in the mail today. I hope they fit..

pretty sure I have a set of specialized-branded drop bars to go with that stem, if you get the hankering.

46 or 48cm? If so, please send a pm.

Glad you can fit that massive 68cm Expedition! I wish my former 63.5cm version was a 65cm with the same top tube length. One of the best riding bikes out there, period. The 54cm has that Flag triple in beautiful shape! Enjoy!

Dang! I like your parts bin!!

Speechless. Tall guys should get to experience French fit, too, right? Awesome project and looking forward to seeing how this turns out, but I’m honestly surprised one could buy a bike that large without going the custom route. The canti studs look ridiculously low on this seat stays. I feel like I’m looking at a frame through a funhouse mirror.

+1 on the righteous packing job.

Looks like you have a great start just from the parts bin. Have you decided if you are going with a double or triple crankset?

Yeah RoS, the 65cm Expedition is probably less frightening... The top tube is a scosche long for me, but a shorter stem will cure that. I am looking forward to riding a longer wheelbase.

Well gaucho777, I'm not really sure joining the French fit club is a good thing(for me). The headtube is over 10 inches long.

.

Yes Kobe, I do have a few parts to get the ball rolling. I found a Sugino AT in the basement(180mm even), but somewhere along the line I removed the small ring. We'll see...

I found a few more parts in the basement...

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...9ba20bb0ab.jpg
I've had these fenders for almost 10 years. Time to put them to use.
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...c7abcda497.jpg
The bb is 115mm. I am not sure if that's long enough? The crankset is missing the small ring. I think I have it somewhere 🤔?

if that's a set of 170mm ATs, and you prefer 175, I have a trade to propose... :) Edit: oops, i just saw 180mm...

Subscribe. Love it so far.

Which fenders are those?

polymorphself, they are some Civia fenders. I recently read that these fenders have been recalled do to the brackets coming loose and folks getting hurt. I will take my chances and check all attachment points carefully.

They are pretty long and look good, on some bikes.