Got the frame Thursday. Started building today. Couldn't find an LBS that would put the headset in while I waited so I scrounged some parts from a car wheel bearing press and the hardware store and put it in myself. I did have to take the fork to them to bang on the crown race. Nothing I had would put it on straight. After screwing with it for an hour I took it in. I also had to get them to chase the BB threads. After installing the external BB it looks to me like the BB needs faced too. I will have to call around to find someone that can do it. Most of them around here don't have the tool. As I read on line, the seatpost that Soma spec's won't tighten in the frame with their seatpost bolt. At least not this one. 27.2 is a bit small, 27.4 is probably big. They spec 27.2 They should ream it to the bigger size IMO. All that is left is derailleurs, cabling, taping. I need to get a tap to chase the RD hanger to get the paint out of the threads. Maybe I will have the LBS do that if I find one that has a facing tool. I weighed the bike as it is and then weighed all the parts that are left to put on. 60cm frame with a touring seat, A520 touring pedals, and 25mm tires is right at 21lbs. If you put one of those thong seats and racy pedals on it it would be 20. If you are short and ride a smaller frame, probably 19.5 or so.

fresh out of the box


starting to look like a bike. Sweat equity. Yeah I know that's a lot of spacers. The Stanyan has a short head tube and I want comfort for the long haul. Those that think I bike doesn't look right without a 6 inch drop from the seat to the bars and hide their eyes because these old bones ain't comfy like that.

That is one neat Bike stand you have there But the bench needs clearing (Says me that spent all day thursday tidying up the bike shed)

Take it this is a new frame so I am surprised at how much work required to get it ready to fit parts but the BB facing I can understand when fitting an external Bearing set up.

Worry to me is that seat post size. I had a Bike like that many years ago and I cured it by going undersize on the Post and shimming out to the right size. I Think it was 25.4mm shimmed out to 27mm and it then fitted. Then found out that the original seat post was fractionally undersize.

Looks like a good built and I did not think of the bar height- What i did notice were the silver spacers- Black may be better.

But get it finished- Ride report required next

The silver spacers look dull in the picture but they are actually pretty shiny and match my nice polished AL stem. I was looking for a modern version of the classic polished "7" stem. After further inspection, it is not the face of the BB that is off. The threads are crooked and the bearing cups are not going in straight. The LBS used a hand tap to chase the threads so either they were bad from the factory or they mucked them up. I suspect they got the tap in crooked. I got to find someone who has one of those thread chasers that aligns to the BB shell. Either that or someone who wants to lend me one.

The receiver on the bench is another project that I am waiting for parts for.

Good news. I found a guy that works part time out of a shop behind his house that had a tapping and facing tool and knew how to use it. I put on the derailleurs and cranks. All that is left now is tape the bars.

All done. Rode it this morning. I should have had breakfast first because I had no energy. I did like the way it sat and rode. Handling is between my twitchy AL bike and my vintage CCM. Agile but not "sneeze and your off the road". It rides smoother than either one. I am not sure I like the ergo bars. I decide to try them because they were such a good deal. Easton's top of the line AL bar for $28 because 26mm bars are out of fashion. I will wait and see if it grows on me. I also n need to get used to the big step on the compact crankset. It just feels different when it shifts. I am going to put many miles (for me) on this one as I get into shape this summer.

Pix here: https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...1#post10920338

Silver stem and the silver spacers do not look out of place.

The compact may take a bit of getting used to--Took me about 5 minutes after a triple.

Nice build but why are you reading this- You ouight to be out riding to get used to it and adjust out the few points that don't seem natural yet.