Pics of My New Commuter Build
 

Hey Everyone.. You might or might not remember me asking questions about brakes and wheels a few months ago related to my new commuter build. I finally got all the parts and got everything put together. I built it out of a Gunnar Fast Lane frame in the hopes of creating a do-all bike. I use it primarily for commuting, but hope to expand that to some light and medium touring in the summer. I definitely wanted a bit more of a sporty bike than say a Surly LHT, so went with STI shifters and a road triple group. The great steel frame and strong wheels make it really strong and durable. The bike is amazing to say the least! I am so happy with it! The specs and before / after pics are below:

Frame : Gunnar Fast Lane
Groupset : Shimano 105 Triple
Pedals : Shimano M520
Brakes : Avid BB7 Road
Headset : Chris King
Rims : Mavic TN719 Disc 36 hole
Hubs: Shimano XT
Spokes : DT Swiss Double Butted with Brass Nipples
Tires : Continental Top Contact
Stem : Ritchey WCS
Bars : FSA Wing
Seatpost : Thomson Elite
Seat : Brooks B17
Cables : Gore Ride On
Bar Tape : Cinelli Cork
Rack : Tubus Cargo
Panniers : Ortlieb Back Roller

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=186664
http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=186663

That is nearly what I got for my commuter. I wish I had done 36 hole hubs, I got 32. I haven't had any problems yet, but I should've just gone 36 just in case. I looked a long time at the Fastlane, and nearly got it. But I decided against it because I hate scratching the paint on steel frames.

You getting any fenders?

love the before and after pics

Yea, the fastlane has been great. I definitely know what you mean about scratching the paint... I definitely had to sacrifice the durability on that point. Now I have a commuter that I dont ever want to lock up in the city. The paint is actually a really pretty blue with subtle hints of pink in it.

I plan on getting some hammered aluminum fenders to go on it real soon.

Hammered fenders would look great. I'm like you; I want my bikes to be practical, but still a lot of fun to ride. That looks like it'll do the job. Disc brakes are such a great touch and leave you so much room for larger tires (if you'd want them) and fenders. If that was a double (or single) crankset, it would be my ideal build.

Great job. Put some miles on it!

Niiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiice!!!

Wow, nice bike!! Very well done! :thumb:

Thanks for the positive response guys!!! None of my friends are really into bikes so i end up quietly admiring it by myself.

Very nice build. Was the frame new? What do those things go for? ($). My vote would be for black fenders, but it is your call.

Pretty bike! +1 on the fenders -- man, I rarely think about mine but on days when the roads are wet they're fantastic. I'd encourage you to attach extremely long (almost dragging the ground) mud flaps on them too, whichever kind you get.

I probably would have gone with bar end shifters -- but I'm lazy and despise working on my own bikes ;). Brifters are nice.

That is a sweet looking machine you built there!
congrats, well done :thumb:

That is one sweet ride. Very nice build.

I really look forward to your impressions of that frame - it is on my shortlist, though custom build with eccentric BB and split seatstay for belt drive/IGH setup.

well done! :thumb:

Yea, I have some hesitations about the silver hammered fenders on the bike.. I really want the hammered ones though, and if i dont like em silver I found a place that can powdercoat them black for $20..

To those asking about the frame; I believe the frameset new is like $1100. I was crazy lucky and got it for like half that in like new condition (it had been built up and taken apart). When I was shopping for frames, it was definitely at the top [and out of reach part] of my list so i was very glad i could get one. as for its quality, Gunnar makes amazing bikes. I also have a roadie which i have had for several years and still love it as well. The quality of the frame construction is great and the paint is amazing. My only grievance is that it does not have stainless steel dropouts (which the roadie does). I do think it should come with those, but i guess you really cant have everything.

As for the ride, its still relatively new, but I really enjoy it. Not quite as sporty as my road bike (and obviously heavier), but much more exciting than a typical tourer. Their geometry also just seems to fit me really well (I ride a 56cm). Its quick and corners nicely with understandably strong braking. With the study frame and thicker tires it is very smooth and comfortable. I would definitely recommended this frame for anyone looking for a do-all road bike as I am very very happy with it.

I like it! Sweet build. Light blue frame and all black components :) My fav color scheme... besides all-black. Although, I'd use black handlebar tape. No, to silver fenders too! Enjoy!

Gorgeous bike, very nice and I love the colour, looks a bit similar to my new Kona Jake the Snake 2010. Thanks for posting details of the components, especially the rack, as I'm looking for a rack for my bike and your post has set me on the right trail. :)

Looks great - I love it!

This is awesome! Almost exactly the bike that I'm going to build for my wife's commuter for her 30th B-day. Just ordered the Shimano black 105 groupset today for $421!

Even your rack, panniers, brakes, and wheels are the same, except I was going to run an alfine dynamo in the front for lighting.

What was the final cost for this?

Nice color.

Nice choices of components , the silver fenders will give it a total different look (classic as opposed to black =stealth) I have both . The power coat sounds interesting but I could not do it.
Nice bike!

Sweet!