hot

Thanks for the feedback fellas. I see your point about the tops but that doesn't quite work with these vintage Modolo bars. They were one of the first ergo bars, before STIs & Ergos, so weren't designed to tilted up flat on top like modern bars. So, a nod to modernity with a foot still in the past.

Thanks. Still too early to tell re the ride. I haven't yet glued up the tires, and need to fiddle a bit with the RD. However, the geometry and set up is basically the same as my steel Look, a fantastic ride, so I have high hopes.

http://i850.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps3dbzebjo.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e2...psdzssyljp.jpg
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e2...psdlmtlipo.jpg
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e2...pstbpanjyy.jpg
Update.

What makes the bars not work when level?

Long ago I was told that the drops should be level with the top tube for riding in the drops. Is that the case here? Or the way the hoods interface?

Not trying to challenge. Sincerely trying to learn.

So hot, it melted the snow.

Far too serious for my taste. Looks like it wants to be a Fixie. And I don't mean merely a fixed gear bicycle.

I've seen better, but if you like it...

Not "Hot", but not bad by any means.

Hmm, this is an interesting bike... I certainly see what you're looking at there, and feel the purposeful expression and sportiness of the bike. However, I feel the bike is also expressing a conflict between its modern and retro sensibilities one which isn't fully resolved in the whole. The wheels, the cages, and the handlebar have this practical, throwback quality to them, while the forward facing seat clamp, zero setback post, a**-hatchet saddle, and thin stays on fat frame tubes, and industrial style lack of adornment, suggest a detail oriented, aesthetics-to-the-back, pragmatic approach to getting a job done right.

So not hot, but a good looking, interesting bike...which is probably more of a compliment than saying it's hot, although if you wanted to take it there, I think you could, easily.

I hope it rides great!

http://i.imgur.com/PPfSQWC.jpg?1

6.1kg as pictured.

What about it makes it look like it wants to be a fixie? Just curious.

I personally find it hot.

Thank you for the thorough critique, Chaadster. You figured me out in a second. The nu-retro meets industrial design is definitely all Sean Walling (the guy who makes Soulcraft frames). He's been quoted as saying bikes are tools, and his bikes are beautiful to me in the way that a well fashioned tool is beautiful. I just wanted to highlight those qualities - or at the very least, not interfere with them.
(The ride is an absolute dream, by the way :p).

Would be hot with black tires. :)

Much of what [MENTION=138487]chaadster[/MENTION] said. The straightforward purposefulness in general, and something about the proportions in the first photo, too - compare the angle between the chain and the chainstay with that on the Colnago, which is in a similar gear. Also from that angle those look like track bars. Combine all that with the color, finish, that industrial nameplate (and that name) make it look very Brooklyn.

Thanks. I appreciate the reply.

Nice bike, but it looks too small for the owner. I wonder how much time is spent in the drops.

Pretty warm, but not hot.

Gumwall/yellow sidewall tires were never my thing either. Never cared for it. Black tires were the only thing I found acceptable. Then all of a sudden, one day it just became appealing to me on the right bike. For me, a simple frame with gumwall looks really good. A busy frame with logos or colors, black tires look best. I totally get where you are coming from though.

That Colnago is just right.

I like the idea and the execution of the Soulcraft, but I don't find it hot. I think it's mostly the extended head tube - it makes perfect sense, but I can't come to terms with how it looks.


I wonder what the impressions will be for this. It's the initial build, most parts just transferred from the old frame and it will evolve from here.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4..._7748-Edit.jpg

Thanks! The head tube is the one thing I dislike about the bike - but with the steerer angle (which is more important, functionally) a shorter head tube would mean a shorter stem.

I really like the dims of the frame. The wield between the down tube and the head tube is, well, puffy, but I haven't seen an aluminum (it's aluminum, no?) wield that was smooth without finishing. The build says "workhorse" - solid wheels, no frills seatpost, solid frame. It doesn't scream "Dad", which to me, is very hot. But, something was niggling me about the dimensions of the overall rig and I think I figured it out:
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e2...ps7abeh2pe.jpg
That little difference in angle between the top tube and the stem. Take it for what its worth - this is a completely subjective and irrelevant opinion - but it just drives my OCD insane. The difference is such that a stem inline with the top tub (at least) shouldn't dramatically affect your comfort, and I feel like it would look 10x better right after tightening the last screw. If you're looking to swap parts, I would start here.
Overall, a really nice rig that doesn't look hesitant to take a beating or two.

I'm not a fan of silver hoops on modern bikes with black components, but the silver chainrings help. I like the colorway and font used. (edit) on second look, the black crank + brake levers look out of place.

BTW, the levers look a tad high on the bars. Not way off, but I would lower them(and rotate the bars up) a little, next time the tape gets replaced.

It would be hotter if you hadn't cropped the cat out of the photo.

Monstrous.
I don't mind the pastiche, and in concept, it could be hot. I'd dig it if the chain rings were shiny silver (or drilled out!) and the branding wasn't oversized.

I'll try this again. Still trying to figure out how to remove some of the decals (seems more like paint over the clear coat). Kind of scared to use a heat gun on the CF.

Came out to be 7.35 Kg as it sits there. I wasn't even going for a "light" build either.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...a.jpg~original

Sweet ride. I'd prefer silver bar tape, but that's just me.

I like the orange tape, has nice contrast to the neutral color tones

I'm not sure I understand the part about the shorter head tube meaning a shorter stem.

Thanks for the compliments, you've got the intention behind my build exactly right - no frills functionality as the top priority, but trying to make it look as good as I can. I intend to change or upgrade parts of it only under the following conditions:
1. The old part is worn out/broken.
2. The new part is a significant improvement at a reasonable price.
3. The new part is cheap/free and is a slight improvement or simply looks better.

Regarding the stem vs top tube angle, I can see it, but I've grown to accept the look as a rule rather than exception on modern bikes. It used to bug me on the bike I had before, where it was more obvious, but over time I just got used to it. In any case, a new stem with a different angle would not satisfy any of the three conditions above :)

I agree about the wheels. At some point they will be replaced with a set that has wider rims, is at least a little lighter, and is black. Not sure yet what will they be, but those are the requirements.

The bar and levers are set up so all hand positions are usable and comfortable. If anything, the levers could go a bit higher, but then they might be just a little too high to reach comfortably from the drops. I think the angle makes sense visually as well, since the top tube is sloped, the stem is sloped, even the nose of the saddle is pointing up due to the hammock shape. Not trying to change your opinion, of course, but I would like to know why you think they should be lower.

I'm not sure how to interpret "monstrous" :)