I can't recall what length I'm using. My LBS just called Soma and asked them what they recommended for my crankset. I'm probably going to switch to 48/16 gearing one of these days which will probably make any tolerance issues go away. I found it a little bit surprising they didn't crimp the chainstays.

soma fab chose the name because south of market fabrications was too long, and somas used to be pretty good handbuilt japanese steel bikes.
https://pilderwasser.com/images/basket_of_potential.jpg (not a SomaFab.)

and they have more prestige than pake, that's for sure.

well yeah, that's why I made the Pake branding comment, because I liked it

anyway, i always thought soma was named after the hipster district in SF.

the more you know

The hipster district in SF is the mission.

SoMa is not really well defined in culture. For example, the SFMOMA and Yerba Buena Center for the Arts are there, so at time it seems like the art district...but the Moscone convention center is also there, so it seems very business oriented as well.

How do you like my venndiagram?
/-----------------/-------\---------\
| south of market | hipsters | Mission |
\-----------------\--------/--------/

I like it but I don't understand it.

Kinda like how I feel about Hopf Algebra.

Soma is more prestigious? Perhaps. That is very much a matter of opinion and also subject to change. I care more about value and performance. I challenge anyone to show me a new aluminum track racing framset of similar quality that costs less. I paid 299 plus some tax.

I don't think Charlie was trying to say anything about the quality of Pake.

Somafab is just more well known for its quality (i.e. prestige).

Where did you get it for that? MSRP was $499.99. For $60 more one could get a Dodici Gara with an Alpina carbon fork. When it comes down to it, if both were at MSRP I'd buy the Gara.

there were a few sales for black friday, i think city grounds had it for less. the gara also costs tons in shipping...

but yeah... i wasn't meaning prestige like quality, i meant prestige like "people like and trust the brand." and a portion of that is quality, but it's more that people like and trust the brand and associate it with steel road-going bikes.

When is Leader going to start hooking up the dodicis?

I bought it directly from the distribution company that my bike shop works with, ACS. I realize many will not be able to get such a good deal, but it worked for me.

am i missing something?

https://leaderbikeusa.com/?p=1121

Not sure if it ever happened though...

Real world pricing is around $400-425. I really love their blue. Thanks for the pics & info

Last I checked it didn't... They obviously make great bikes but aren't anything to call home about.

semi related, some rep at soma liked my picture of it sitting in a bulldozer and offered to send me an anniversary poster for nothing

So I built it up with a 3/32" drivetrain for the rollers and street use. I modified the brake lever as well as the crankset. Ratio is 42/16. no handed trackstands are easy if you unicycle...

^^^ Very clean.

From one Charlie to another, that looks pretty damn good!

I'm wondering how spinny 42x16 is going to be on the rollers. I'm considering switching from 53x19 to 48x16 (a common ratio on the track) when I get my rollers.

Thanks man. I've now ridden this thing on the road and rollers a bit and I have some impressions. Primarily, it is stiff. By far the least yielding bike I've ever ridden. Even when sprinting up a short slope I can detect very little lateral or vertical movement in the front or rear triangle. The fork and headtube also transmit a great deal of road vibration as well as jolts from large bumps. I suspect these sensations are normal for someone who is used to riding road bikes. Once on the track with clipless pedals and a larger ratio I am certain that the performance of this bike will shine through.

The handling is impressive. I had heard that track geometry is designed to allow good handling at speeds roughly between 50 and 70 km/h. I can't say I have ridden at that speed on the road with this ratio yet. Easy to ride no hands above 20 km/h. short wheelbase and reasonably high BB mean some quick corners. The GP 4000s don't hurt either.

Removing the decals on the frame was easy. just peel and wipe with a mild solvent. BB shell and headtube did not require any facing during assembly.

Thanks!

Beautifullll. I love that color too.

Looks infinitely better with the drops on it.
Bet it rides better too.

I also think the drops look better on it, but for running around town and stuff i really enjoy the flat bar with the MTB ends. they are surprisingly comfy to ride on, though they may not be the most elegant